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Whatever happened to Minesweeper and 3D Pinball on Windows?
Winsage
August 31, 2026

Whatever happened to Minesweeper and 3D Pinball on Windows?

Microsoft included the Solitaire Collection with Windows 10 and Windows 11, while many classic games required separate downloads. The company has shifted focus towards its Xbox platform, leading to the discontinuation of games like 3D Pinball: Space Cadet due to technical challenges. Raymond Chen noted that the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture caused significant issues for 3D Pinball, including a bug where the ball would pass through objects. Ultimately, the decision was made to exclude Pinball from the product lineup to avoid the complexities of porting its code.
Legendary Mac Game Celebrates 40th Anniversary With PC Port
AppWizard
August 24, 2026

Legendary Mac Game Celebrates 40th Anniversary With PC Port

Dark Castle, a classic game from 1986, is being re-released as an official port to PC to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Originally developed for Macintosh, the game was notable for its innovative use of animations and gameplay mechanics, despite the platform's limitations in graphics. The game was created by Silicon Beach Software in collaboration with artist Mark Stephen Pierce and programmer Jonathan Gay, utilizing a technique called "page flipping" to enhance performance. Dark Castle is known for its challenging gameplay and has a sequel, Beyond Dark Castle. Both games are now available on Steam, providing a modern way to experience these titles.
Windows 11 is getting a much-needed change to privacy settings — but it's something Microsoft should have sorted a long time ago
Winsage
August 20, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a much-needed change to privacy settings — but it’s something Microsoft should have sorted a long time ago

Microsoft is introducing per-app permissions for all desktop applications in Windows 11, allowing users to revoke access to the camera and microphone on a per-app basis, including for Win32 applications. This feature was previously limited to apps from the Microsoft Store. The latest Experimental Insider Build (26340.9212) includes smartphone-style permission prompts for managing app access. Additionally, Microsoft is removing the drag tray feature due to user feedback indicating it obstructed access to target folders. The company is committed to refining user experience based on real-world feedback.
BMW's weird Minecraft-like car harvests more energy than it uses
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

BMW’s weird Minecraft-like car harvests more energy than it uses

The Deep Orange 17, an experimental solar prototype developed by graduate students at Clemson University, is named 'Luminetta' and features a boxy design inspired by the boxfish. It weighs 1,212 lb (550 kg) and incorporates over 1,700 photovoltaic cells, allowing it to generate up to 5.7 kWh of energy per day. The vehicle's solar array can potentially provide an additional 31 miles (50 km) of range from sunlight. The design focuses on extreme weight reduction and employs a skeletal chassis made from 3D-printed metal joints and lightweight composite body panels. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of an energy-positive vehicle, although its performance relies on ideal conditions and raises concerns about crash safety and comfort.
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (PC) Review
AppWizard
August 13, 2026

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (PC) Review

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has officially launched after a series of open betas and a brief delay. Expression Games has adapted the 50 vs 50 first-person combat experience from World War II to the Vietnam War, featuring dynamic firefights, strategic planning, expansive maps, and historically accurate weaponry. The game combines elements of an arcade shooter and a military simulator, with gameplay that is faster and more fluid than its predecessor. Players can swim, climb ladders, and utilize helicopters, gunboats, logistics trucks, and tanks, although vehicle controls can be clunky. The game has visual and technical challenges, including texture popping and difficulty in differentiating maps due to similar appearances. Recent improvements have been made in hit detection and overall stability. The game has received positive feedback despite its challenges, offering a unique take on the franchise.
Microsoft Word 1.1a Runs Natively on Windows 11 on x64
Winsage
August 11, 2026

Microsoft Word 1.1a Runs Natively on Windows 11 on x64

A developer has adapted Microsoft Word 1.1a, originally for 16-bit x86 systems, to run natively on modern 64-bit Windows PCs through a project called “Opus.” This adaptation compiles the original source code into a genuine x64 application, avoiding the use of emulators or virtual machines. The developer translated incompatible segments of the original code, including 16-bit assembly language, into C or C++, while mapping Win16 functions to modern Win32 APIs. The project retains original resources and copyright notices, and is hosted on GitHub without a broad open-source license. Automated testing has been implemented to ensure functionality mirrors the original application. Microsoft has previously published similar historic projects, but this port is an independent effort, providing insights into early Windows software architecture.
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