tech community Archives

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Yusuf Mehdi to Reimagine Windows 11 in Final Year

Yusuf Mehdi, executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer at Microsoft, has announced his intention to leave the company at the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year after 35 years with the organization. He plans to work through the next fiscal year to help reimagine Windows, grow services, and implement the One Copilot vision. Mehdi is collaborating with CEO Satya Nadella and CMO Takeshi Numoto for a smooth transition, but Microsoft has not yet named a successor.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Android 17’s Live Updates will be a boon for workout and travel apps

Android 17 will introduce a new "Metric Style" notification template for Live Updates, enhancing user experience by allowing health, fitness, timers, and travel applications to present vital information more accessibly. The Metric Style template can showcase up to three distinct data points simultaneously on the Always-On Display, lock screen, and status bar, focusing on real-time raw data rather than milestones. It features three display modes: a glanceable view prioritizing the most relevant metric, an expanded view showing all metrics side-by-side, and a collapsed view condensing information into a single line. This standardization provides app developers with a reliable framework for delivering critical information directly on the lock screen and status bar. Google has not confirmed whether this feature will be included in the first stable Android 17 update or a subsequent QPR release.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google expands AI Studio to generate Android apps

Google has introduced a new "Build" mode in its web-based AI Studio, allowing users to generate complete native Android projects using plain-English prompts, resulting in importable source files and installable APKs in minutes. This feature is powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 3 Pro, and the generated projects are compatible with Android Studio. The tools support third-party APIs and Web3 SDKs for wallet functionalities and token transactions. YouTube tutorials are available to help developers build functional apps in real time. While this feature reduces prototyping friction, it raises considerations regarding code quality, security, and maintainability for developers.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

MiniPlasma zero-day gives SYSTEM access on fully patched Windows 11

GitHub has introduced enhancements aimed at improving security and user experience on its platform. Key features include a more robust authentication process to protect user accounts, improved monitoring tools for tracking changes and vulnerabilities in repositories, a streamlined interface for easier navigation, and new collaboration features such as integrated chat options and real-time updates. Additionally, GitHub has launched initiatives to encourage user feedback to ensure the enhancements meet the needs of its user base.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

I didn’t think the desktop cursor needed reinventing — Googlebooks are proving me wrong

Google has announced plans for Aluminum OS, a desktop version of Android that may replace ChromeOS, alongside a new category of Android-powered laptops called Googlebooks, developed in partnership with Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. The operating system will utilize the Android technology stack and focus on integrating artificial intelligence to create a unified experience across devices. A key feature is the Gemini Intelligence software suite, which includes the Magic Pointer cursor designed to provide real-time suggestions based on user actions. This AI integration allows for both on-device and cloud-based processing, enhancing performance while keeping costs low.

Winsage

May 8, 2026

Microsoft CTO confesses that 30-year-old code from the mid-90s still forms the bedrock of Windows 11 — ancient Win32 API still the backbone, but CTO says it’s ‘more relevant than ever in 2026’

Mark Russinovich, the Chief Technical Officer of Microsoft Azure, revealed that Windows 11 relies on a significant amount of legacy code from the 1990s, particularly the Win32 framework. He acknowledged the challenges posed by this legacy software while noting its continued relevance as we approach 2026. Russinovich reflected on past attempts to update the Windows API, such as WinRT, which did not meet expectations. He also highlighted that Win32 has been crucial in developing tools like Sysmon and ZoomIt, created in 1996, which remain relevant in the context of Windows 11 and PowerToys.

Winsage

May 7, 2026

Microsoft vows to make Windows 11’s File Explorer much faster — and it’s about time

Microsoft is enhancing the performance of File Explorer in Windows 11, moving beyond the initial preloading feature introduced last year. Tali Roth, Microsoft's Head of Product for Windows Shell, stated that the company is committed to implementing targeted optimizations to improve the speed and responsiveness of File Explorer. The preloading adjustment improved the app's launch time but did not resolve performance issues during subsequent uses, as users reported sluggishness when navigating folders. Microsoft's new strategy involves deeper foundational engineering to reduce unnecessary disk reads and application hangs. The ongoing "fix Windows 11" campaign indicates progress, though questions remain about the initial performance issues.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Linux running on a PS5 turns it into a Steam Machine that plays PC games

Researcher Andy Nguyen has developed a method to convert a PlayStation 5 into a Linux-based device, similar to a Steam Machine. This modification is only possible on launch-era PS5 consoles running system software version 4.5 or earlier, which dates back to December 2021. The process involves using a specific exploit to boot the operating system from a USB stick or the console's M.2 SSD expansion slot. The setup allows access to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, utilizing 15GB of memory, all eight cores of the Zen 2 processor at 3.5 GHz, and all 36 compute units of the RDNA 2 GPU at 2.23 GHz. Users can control cooling by increasing fan speeds for overclocking. The output resolution is limited to 1080p, with performance tests showing comparable frame rates to the native PS5 environment for games like Black Myth Wukong, Crimson Desert, and Pragmata. However, issues such as stuttering and artifacting may occur due to the Proton compatibility layer and memory management challenges. This experiment suggests potential for emulation and playing PlayStation 3 games at enhanced settings.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

“Mysterious Update” from Microsoft Sparks Alarm: Windows Users on Edge Ahead of June 2026

Users of the Windows operating system are expressing concern over a new security update announced by Microsoft, described as "mysterious and unclear." Experts warn that the update may not only address existing vulnerabilities but could also lead to performance issues, conflicts with device drivers, and compatibility problems with current security software. Potential consequences include system slowdowns, instability, hardware malfunctions, and vulnerabilities in security solutions. Users are advised to stay informed and prepare for necessary adjustments to their systems.

TrendTechie

May 3, 2026

Обзор корпуса Fractal Design Torrent Compact

Fractal Design has launched the Torrent series of cases, including the Torrent Compact, designed for maximum efficiency and airflow. The Torrent Compact supports various motherboard sizes (E-ATX, ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX) and features a top-mounted power supply, seven expansion slots, and multiple fan and radiator mounting options. It includes two 180 mm Dynamic X2 fans, capable of moving 153 CFM of air, and has a net weight of 7.7 kg with dimensions of 450 x 222 x 467 mm. The case offers three 2.5" drive bays and one 3.5" drive bay, along with front panel ports including USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and USB 3.0. The design emphasizes unobstructed airflow and includes a removable dust filter. The case is equipped with a PWM-controlled hub for up to nine fans and features a dedicated mounting hole for custom cooling loops. The assembly process is standard, though the top-mounted power supply and limited cable management space may pose challenges. The case's performance was tested with high-end components, demonstrating effective cooling capabilities, although the fans can produce noticeable noise at maximum speeds.