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Someone recreated the Windows 8 Start menu in Linux for some reason
Winsage
January 9, 2026

Someone recreated the Windows 8 Start menu in Linux for some reason

A developer has recreated the Windows 8.1 tiled Start menu for Linux, which is a Python-based application that supports flatpaks, Steam, and native apps. The tiles are movable and customizable in color. The project requires PyQt6 6.10.1 and pynput 1.8.1 to run and has been shared on Pastebin. It aims to replicate about 80% of the original Windows 8 Start menu's functionality, excluding search mode and larger tiles. The menu can be activated with the "super+p" command and remains in the system tray until then. The project has received significant interest, amassing 627 upvotes on a subreddit post.
You can now try the Windows phone OS that Microsoft never released
Winsage
December 31, 2025

You can now try the Windows phone OS that Microsoft never released

Microsoft had plans for a custom operating system called Andromeda OS, designed for dual-screen devices, which was ultimately shelved. A leaked build of Andromeda OS has been ported to the original Surface Duo by developer Gustave Monce, allowing users to experience this unfinished software. Andromeda OS was based on Windows 10 and resembled Windows Phone, featuring Live Tiles and a Start Menu for dual displays. The project was abandoned in favor of Android in 2018 to avoid rebuilding a mobile app ecosystem. The ported build is not compatible with Surface Duo 2 and is available for download, but installation will erase existing Android data and may not be suitable for beginners. The device can run both Android and Windows, but booting into Windows requires a PC connection. The current version of Andromeda OS is unstable and incomplete, providing insight into Microsoft's previous mobile technology aspirations.
Microsoft's canceled dual-screen version of Windows Phone has leaked, and you can now try it on a Surface Duo
Winsage
December 29, 2025

Microsoft’s canceled dual-screen version of Windows Phone has leaked, and you can now try it on a Surface Duo

Andromeda OS, originally conceived by Microsoft in 2018 for a dual-screen phone, has been revived by developer Gustave Monce, who successfully ported a leaked build to the Surface Duo. The OS was intended to provide a new smartphone experience, featuring a home screen for note-taking and seamless navigation with gestures. Applications can open on one display and be dragged to another for multitasking. Monce has packaged the OS into a user-friendly FFU file for installation, although it is still unfinished and may have bugs. Installing Andromeda OS will erase existing Android data, but a dual-boot option is available with data loss risks. Monce has previously ported Windows 10 and 11 to the Surface Duo, highlighting Microsoft's dual-screen ambitions.
Review: LEGO 21589 Minecraft Mini Biomes
AppWizard
December 23, 2025

Review: LEGO 21589 Minecraft Mini Biomes

LEGO 21589 Mini Biomes is set to release on January 1, 2026, with a retail price of .99 and comprising 797 pieces. The set features five distinct micro-scale dioramas representing different Minecraft biomes, including a mountain landscape, forest, mushroom field, desert temple, and savanna. Each biome includes unique elements and microfigures, such as a Steve, creeper, mooshroom, husk, and pillager. The set is designed primarily from 1×1 tiles and offers a backing plate for a pixelated skybox that can be displayed in day or night mode. Pre-orders are available on LEGO.com.
Android is preparing a hub for all your satellite-connected apps
AppWizard
December 17, 2025

Android is preparing a hub for all your satellite-connected apps

Google is enhancing Android's satellite connectivity capabilities, which will allow users to stay connected in areas without cellular service. A new Quick Settings tile and menu will streamline access to these features. Initially, satellite connectivity was limited to emergency messaging, but upcoming updates will include functionalities like WhatsApp calling and live location sharing. In the latest Android Canary build, a toggle for a “Satellite” tile is available under Settings > System > Developer Options, indicating three states: On, Available, and Not available. The Pixel 9 supports satellite connectivity, but the tile is marked as “Not available” due to the user's T-Mobile plan lacking satellite access. Tapping the tile leads to a “Satellite connectivity” page listing compatible apps, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find Hub, Maps, and Settings. WhatsApp is not currently listed, despite prior announcements of its support for satellite calls. The app list varies based on device and plan support for LTE-based or Narrowband NTN. If LTE-based NTN is supported, the app list could expand to include AccuWeather, Google Weather, Snapchat, and X, suggesting future satellite support for these applications. The Satellite tile and landing page are operational in the Canary release but are currently accessible only through a developer option, indicating they may still be in testing. Future Android Canary releases will provide updates on this feature's development.
Decline of Native Windows Apps: Electron’s Rise and Hybrid Future
Winsage
December 5, 2025

Decline of Native Windows Apps: Electron’s Rise and Hybrid Future

Native Windows apps, once central to the desktop experience, are declining in favor of web-based technologies like Electron and Chromium. Developers are shifting towards web wrappers for cross-platform compatibility and efficiency, despite performance drawbacks. WhatsApp has transitioned from a native app to a web wrapper, prioritizing maintenance over performance. This trend is evident across various software categories, with applications like Spotify and Slack adopting web frameworks, leading to increased resource consumption and slower performance. Microsoft’s focus on cloud services and AI has influenced this shift, as has the demand for cross-platform solutions. Native apps are being overshadowed by web technologies, which often lack deep integration with Windows features. Performance trade-offs are significant, with web wrappers consuming more memory than native apps. The rise of progressive web apps (PWAs) and AI integration further complicates the landscape, suggesting a future where the definition of "native" may evolve. The tech community is divided on these changes, with some advocating for a balance between web and native solutions.
This new roguelike from Goldeneye 007 and Timesplitters devs is the last thing you'd expect from two FPS legends
AppWizard
November 27, 2025

This new roguelike from Goldeneye 007 and Timesplitters devs is the last thing you’d expect from two FPS legends

The creators of the roguelike game Balatro are developing a new game called Beyond Words, which reinvents Scrabble by introducing multipliers and modifiers. The game will feature familiar mechanics, such as forming words with letter tiles, but will reward players for using obscure letters and longer words. It will have unconventional board layouts and over 300 gameplay modifiers. Beyond Words is set to be released in early 2026 on Steam and consoles, and a demo is currently available on Steam. The game is being developed by MindFuel Games, founded by David Doak and Stephen Ellis, known for their work on FPS games like Timesplitters and GoldenEye.
While Slay the Spire 2 is still brewing, grab eight great deckbuilders for a huge 88% off
AppWizard
November 26, 2025

While Slay the Spire 2 is still brewing, grab eight great deckbuilders for a huge 88% off

Slay the Spire is anticipated to have a sequel released in late 2026. The Decious Deckbuilders 2 Humble Bundle features several games that incorporate roguelike and deck-building mechanics, including Demonic Mahjong and Breach Wanderers. Demonic Mahjong combines tile-matching with roguelike elements and has a unique aesthetic, while Breach Wanderers shares core gameplay elements with Slay the Spire. The bundle includes titles such as Vault of the Void, Ring of Pain, Roguebook, Deepest Chamber: Resurrection, Heretic's Fork, and Evolings. The bundle offers customization options, starting at £3.58 for two games or £13.48 for all eight games. It is available until December 12.
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