tech giant Archives

Winsage

June 7, 2026

RetroPad is a ‘full-feature-parity version of Notepad from XP’ in just 2,749 bytes — x86 assembly coded apps comes from Windows legend Dave W Plummer

Dave W. Plummer has developed a full-feature-parity version of Notepad called RetroPad, written in x86 assembly language, which is 2,749 bytes in size. RetroPad replicates the functionality of the original Notepad from Windows XP and is available on Plummer's GitHub under the Apache 2.0 license. Initially, he managed to reduce RetroPad to 2,686 bytes before adding features like keyboard shortcuts, which increased the size to 2,794 bytes. The original Notepad from Windows XP was approximately 65KB, while later versions of Notepad in Windows 7 to 10 reached sizes of around 190KB to 200KB.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Google Wallet just fixed the most annoying part of online checkout

Google is expanding digital ID support to select European Union member states this summer, following successful launches in Brazil, India, Singapore, and Taiwan. The company is introducing age verification features that require minimal information sharing, allowing users to confirm their age without disclosing sensitive personal details. This is done in collaboration with European banking partner Sparkasse. Additionally, Google Pay Direct Checkout will enable consumers to use payment methods saved in Google Wallet directly on merchant checkout pages, streamlining the process. Security enhancements have been made to authentication systems to ensure fast online checkouts while protecting payment credentials and personal information.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Apple removed messenger “Max” from the App Store due to sanctions

Apple has removed the messaging application "Max" from its App Store, citing legal obligations but not specifying the reasons. The app, developed by VK, is no longer available for new downloads, but existing users can still use it without interruption. VK has advised users to manually open the app to receive notifications and noted that "Max" can still be accessed through other app stores. The app was launched in 2025 and had over 100 million registered users by 2026.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Microsoft wants AI to customize your Windows 11 entirely with one sentence, shows off a demo

At Build 2026, Microsoft announced plans to enhance Windows 11 personalization through AI agents, with API endpoints available for developers to create tailored experiences. Product Manager Samantha Song highlighted the need for a more user-friendly interface that reflects individual preferences, noting current customization options can be cumbersome. Microsoft introduced "WinUI skills," enabling developers to use AI agents like Copilot to create native applications that interact with Windows APIs. Users could instruct AI to modify themes, such as creating a cherry blossom theme, which would adjust wallpapers and accent colors automatically. AI skills could also apply accent colors to File Explorer and download themed wallpapers. The theme module can orchestrate multiple actions, allowing users to change their entire Windows theme with a single command. Microsoft is exploring a themes agent for generating new themes. While currently an open-source project, there is potential for these features to be integrated into Windows 11, enhancing user experience through personalized customization.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Microsoft resumes forced Copilot app installation on some Windows PCs

Microsoft has resumed the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on select Windows PCs that already have Microsoft 365 applications installed. This rollout, which had been paused in March 2026 due to technical issues, is now moving forward, with users expected to see the Copilot app in their Installed Apps section if they have an active Microsoft 365 license. IT administrators can manage this rollout and opt out if desired. The phased rollout began on June 4 and is projected to conclude by the end of June, with specific timelines for various feature flags. Users who already have the Copilot app or are located in the European Economic Area will not be affected by this initiative.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

A guide to agentic AI: How Windows is now going to do more things for you

Microsoft is advancing in the field of artificial intelligence with the introduction of agentic AI, which aims to perform tasks on behalf of users rather than just responding to queries. A key feature is 'autoagents,' starting with Scout, which will integrate into Microsoft 365 applications and autonomously manage tasks like monitoring communications and summarizing documents. Scout is currently being rolled out to select users and is designed with safety measures, including Execution Containers to control resource access and mitigate risks. Additionally, Microsoft has launched Discovery, a tool for enhancing scientific research, and Rayfin, which simplifies application development for individual creators.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Russia’s state-backed messenger ‘Max’ removed from App Store

Apple has removed the Russian messaging application Max from its App Store, allowing existing users to access the service but preventing new downloads and updates. This decision was made to comply with sanctions requirements, although specific sanctions were not disclosed. Max, developed by VK, has been promoted by Russian authorities and is pre-installed on devices sold in Russia, but is not accessible in the European Union. The CEO of VK, Vladimir Kiriyenko, has faced sanctions from the U.S., U.K., and EU since 2022.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Apple removes Russia’s state-backed messenger from App Store

Apple has removed the state-backed Russian messaging app Max from its App Store, as confirmed by the app's developers. This action is part of a broader initiative by the Russian government to promote Max, which lacks encryption and has raised concerns regarding user tracking. The app had become a mandatory communication tool for civil servants and state entities in Russia, especially as access to popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram was restricted. Max acknowledged its removal from the App Store and noted that while existing users can still use the app, new users cannot download it or access updates. The app was introduced in 2025 by VK and is compared to China's WeChat, integrating messaging with government services and banking. It has been pre-installed on devices sold in Russia since September but is not available in the EU. Max does not use end-to-end encryption, and its user data is stored on servers in Russia.

Winsage

June 4, 2026

Microsoft drives developers toward native Windows apps at Build 2026

Microsoft is focusing on increasing native applications and components in Windows 11 to improve performance and user experiences. At the Build 2026 conference, Microsoft encouraged third-party developers to create native applications through a series of sessions and provided tools and resources for this purpose. The Windows K2 initiative aims to transform key elements like the Start menu into native components. A session titled "Use agents to build WinUI 3 apps" discussed strategies for developing native applications, including the use of AI tools like the WinUI agent plugin for GitHub Copilot. Microsoft also introduced WinUI 3 templates to streamline native app creation and emphasized the modernization of applications beyond just code rewriting. The Surface Laptop Ultra, announced at Computex, is designed for AI workloads, featuring up to 128GB of RAM and built on the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform, which includes a 20-core Arm N1x CPU and an RTX GPU with up to 6,144 cores, delivering 1 petaflop of AI computing power. This device aims to attract developers to Microsoft's ecosystem.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Google is reportedly buying Android app code from Play Store devs to train AI models

Google is initiating a program to acquire code from Android app developers, referred to as a “confidential content offer pilot,” to enhance its AI capabilities and improve developer tools. The program aims to compensate developers for sharing their code, including active and archived projects, creating additional revenue opportunities. Selected developers are being contacted via email, which highlights the potential benefits of participating in the program, such as influencing future collaborations with Google.