updates

AppWizard
July 24, 2026
Microsoft is reviving the Xbox Backward Compatibility program by allowing classic Xbox games to be played on Windows PCs. The initiative, originally launched in 2015 for Xbox 360 games on Xbox One, had been effectively concluded in 2019. The new PC offering includes four original Xbox titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy, which can be played at no extra cost by owners of digital copies and are available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. The PC versions feature enhancements such as customizable graphics settings, higher rendering resolutions, V-Sync support, fullscreen and windowed display modes, anisotropic filtering, improved anti-aliasing, and additional visual upgrades. Minimum system requirements include a GPU like Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550, a CPU with at least 4 cores, 8GB RAM, and Windows 11. Recommended specifications include a GPU like Radeon RX 68005 or Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti, a 6-core CPU, DirectX12 API, 8GB VRAM, and Windows 11. Microsoft plans to add more backward-compatible titles and features, including Xbox achievement support, in the future.
Winsage
July 24, 2026
Microsoft is retiring several outdated user interface elements from Windows 11, some dating back to Windows 95. The latest preview builds show a new File Explorer properties dialog box, part of Microsoft's initiative to replace antiquated dialog boxes with modern versions using WinUI 3. This modernization aims to enhance user experience but poses challenges due to the legacy nature of Windows 11, which may affect performance and third-party applications. Additionally, Microsoft is updating the Windows Run dialog to include a visual refresh and improved functionality, accessible via the Windows key + R shortcut. Users of Windows 11 Home may miss features available in Windows 11 Pro, with a special upgrade offer available.
AppWizard
July 23, 2026
On July 23, 2026, the stock Android Clock app on Google Pixel devices was updated to version v9.0, which includes a new feature called "Live Updates" that provides time-sensitive notifications in the status bar and lock screen. This feature is enabled by default upon updating.
AppWizard
July 23, 2026
The stock Android Clock app version 9.0 began rolling out on July 23, 2026, primarily for Google Pixel devices. The update introduces the “Timer Starter” widget, allowing users to start a timer directly from their home screen. The widget features default time options like “10 minutes” and “5 minutes” and dynamically updates to show recently set timers.
AppWizard
July 23, 2026
In Chrome's multi-process pipeline, delays can disrupt visual fluidity, leading to missed deadlines and stuttering scrolls. The complexity of the input-rendering pipeline makes it challenging to identify the causes of scroll jank. Comprehensive instrumentation has been implemented to analyze the pipeline from input generation to GPU buffer presentation. Perfetto trace events are used to visually analyze each stage during scroll updates to identify irregularities contributing to scroll jank, with the goal of enhancing performance and reliability for a seamless browsing experience.
AppWizard
July 23, 2026
Microsoft will release a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved on July 28, 2026, priced at £40. The game is being developed by Halo Studios and will feature cooperative multiplayer for up to four players, but will not include player-versus-player options or a theater mode. It will offer the original campaign along with three bonus missions. The visual style has changed from the original, leading to mixed reactions regarding its aesthetics and audio updates. The remake has a file size of 70GB and may have performance issues on less powerful hardware. Comparatively, The Master Chief Collection offers more content for a lower price.
Winsage
July 23, 2026
Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Windows operating system security, including an update to Entra ID authentication with default passkeys and AI-enhanced security updates. A key advancement is the KMS Hardware-Secured initiative, which uses Trusted Platform Module (TPM)-based attestation to ensure KMS hosts operate on trusted hardware for Windows volume activation. This aims to combat risks from counterfeit KMS servers. Under the new model, KMS hosts will confirm their hardware identity using TPM before activating Windows devices. Starting in August 2026, Windows Server 2025 will provide readiness messaging for KMS host compliance with new security requirements. TPM attestation will be mandatory for KMS Hardware-Secured activation with the upcoming Windows Server 2028 LTSC release. Organizations are advised to prepare for this transition.
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