tech landscape Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 11 26H1, but it’s not for existing PCs. Windows 11 26H2 is coming for all PCs

Microsoft has confirmed the existence of Windows 11 26H1, which will roll out exclusively on new PCs equipped with Snapdragon X2 chips starting in early 2026. This version is tailored for ARM-based devices and will not be available for download or installation on current PCs. Windows 11 26H1 does not introduce new features but focuses on performance and battery life improvements. It may also be optimized for Nvidia N1X chips, which are expected to release in Q1 2026. Windows 11 26H2 is set to roll out for existing hardware in October 2026 as a normal yearly update. It will be based on the same core platform as previous versions 24H2 and 25H2, while 26H1 operates on a different core, meaning there is no upgrade path from 26H1 to 26H2. Both versions will unify under Windows 27H2 in 2027.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Nothing’s Playground lets you build the apps you need without coding — and it’s exactly what I need

Nothing's Playground tool allows users to create simple Android apps using AI without coding expertise. It generates mini apps based on user-defined text prompts in minutes. Currently in beta, it is exclusive to the Nothing Phone 3, with plans for broader availability in the future. Users can create, update, and revert apps, and the current version requests only three permissions: location, calendar, and contacts. A February update will add support for activity recognition, sensor data, and a Weather API, with plans for custom app icons, audio, and fonts. Access to the tool is available through the Nothing Playground website.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Galaxy XR Gets a Dedicated SmartThings App, But With Caveats

Galaxy XR is the first device powered by Google’s Android XR platform, launched at a premium price of ,800. Samsung has released a dedicated SmartThings app for Galaxy XR, which features a user-friendly interface and allows users to manage smart home environments while using the device. However, the app currently lacks several features found in the mobile app and on Samsung TVs, including the Map View. There is speculation that Samsung may develop a more advanced SmartThings Map View for XR in the future.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Windows 11 Reaches 1 Billion Users in 1,576 Days — Faster Than Windows 10

Microsoft reported that Windows 11 has reached one billion users worldwide in 1,576 days, surpassing the 1,706 days it took Windows 10 to achieve the same milestone. CEO Satya Nadella highlighted this as a significant milestone for the Windows brand. Windows 11 was launched on October 5, 2021, and has undergone significant evolution, despite facing challenges such as bugs and system crashes. Microsoft plans to maintain Windows 11 as a long-term version, delaying the introduction of a successor. In the latest quarterly results, Windows reported a 5% year-over-year growth, which was below Microsoft's expectations.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Windows 11 has reached 1 billion users faster than Windows 10

Windows 11 has officially surpassed 1 billion users, achieving this milestone during the recent holiday quarter. This marks a faster adoption rate than Windows 10, which took nearly six years to reach the same number. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reported a year-over-year increase of over 45 percent in Windows 11 users, partly due to the end of support for Windows 10. Windows 11 reached 1 billion users in 1,576 days, compared to 1,706 days for Windows 10.

Winsage

January 22, 2026

Someone released the Windows 7 and Vista ISOs with all their updates applied

Unofficial ISOs for Windows 7 and Vista have been released, containing all updates applied through January 2026. The Windows 7 ISO includes essential drivers like USB 3.x and NVMe support, while the Vista version has updates but lacks additional drivers. Experts caution against using these unsupported operating systems on internet-connected devices, despite their appeal to users nostalgic for older Microsoft interfaces.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

NVIDIA-powered Windows on Arm laptops may launch in 2026 — new report suggests it’s actually happening

NVIDIA's N1X laptops are expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026, shifting from an initial 2025 timeline. The NVIDIA N1 chip is currently operational in the DGX Spark AI supercomputer, showcasing performance capabilities. The N1X is anticipated to target the high-end market, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips remain aimed at budget-conscious consumers. The introduction of N1X-powered devices could enhance the Windows on Arm ecosystem and increase competition in the market.

Winsage

January 17, 2026

Microsoft Confirms First Free Windows Update For 2026

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 13, 2026. Microsoft is encouraging users to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program before this date to avoid increased vulnerability to viruses and malware. Windows 10's market share has increased from 42% to 46%, while Windows 11 remains below 50%. The first Windows 10 ESU update for 2026, KB5073724, has been released, addressing 112 security issues, including 57 Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities, 22 Information Disclosure vulnerabilities, and 5 Spoofing vulnerabilities. The January 2026 update will introduce new Secure Boot certificates to mitigate security risks. Payment options for the ESU include cash, Reward points, or a complimentary option for Microsoft account holders syncing settings via OneDrive.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.