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Microsoft gears up to ship major Taskbar and Start menu updates for Windows 11
Winsage
August 15, 2026

Microsoft gears up to ship major Taskbar and Start menu updates for Windows 11

Microsoft is set to roll out significant updates for the Start menu and Taskbar in Windows 11 next month, which include the ability to move and resize the Taskbar and customize the Start menu. These features have recently transitioned to the Windows 11 Release Preview Channel, indicating they will be available to all users soon. Typically, features in this channel are released within two to three weeks. Users who have the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" toggle enabled can expect the updates to begin rolling out later this month. Microsoft aims to make the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 easier by incorporating familiar functionalities. Additional quality of life improvements for Windows 11 are planned for release towards the end of this year and into 2027.
DS Emulator MelonDualDS Just Got A Rebrand & A Lighter Sibling "For Android Handhelds With Limited Performance"
BetaBeacon
August 14, 2026

DS Emulator MelonDualDS Just Got A Rebrand & A Lighter Sibling “For Android Handhelds With Limited Performance”

Recent developments in the DS emulation space include a significant update to the melonDualDS emulator, which has been rebranded to WatermelonDS. The new version features a revamped user interface, RetroArch shader presets, and an experimental Vulkan FastPath. Additionally, a lighter alternative called Seedless has been introduced, based on the DraStic r2.6.0.4a core and designed for modern Android handhelds with physical controls and dual-screen functionality. Sapphire Rhodonite, the developer, also plans to release a Linux version of Seedless in the future.
Google Play will make rival Android app stores easier to find after judge says it is ‘not acceptable’ yet
AppWizard
August 14, 2026

Google Play will make rival Android app stores easier to find after judge says it is ‘not acceptable’ yet

A judge has expressed dissatisfaction with the accessibility of third-party Android app stores on Google Play, particularly criticizing the search functionality that makes it difficult for users to find these stores. The launch of Aptoide Games, the first third-party app store on the platform, has highlighted these issues. Google has committed to redesigning the user interface for third-party app stores, changing the “View” button to an “Install” button. Judge Donato has given Google a one-week deadline to address these concerns and has criticized the existing “are you looking for” banner as unnecessary friction in the user experience.
Microsoft expands CPU-boosting feature to all Windows 11 apps
Winsage
August 14, 2026

Microsoft expands CPU-boosting feature to all Windows 11 apps

Microsoft has rolled out its Low Latency Profile (LLP) technology to all Windows 11 users as part of the KB5121003 update, aimed at enhancing performance across the Windows graphical user interface, native OS applications, and third-party software using Win32 APIs. The LLP utilizes a "race to sleep" mechanism that temporarily elevates CPU frequency to expedite app launches. Following the update, users reported reduced loading times for applications like Notepad, Calculator, Chrome, and the Epic Games Store. The feature is being distributed through the Controlled Feature Rollout system, and can be force-enabled using the ViveTool program. While some critics view it as a superficial enhancement, Microsoft defends it by comparing it to similar strategies used by Apple in macOS and noting its commonality in Arm chips.
"I'm not interested in bypassing DRM" - Preservationist brings back physical PC games using discs and even mechanical HDD "cartridges"
AppWizard
August 13, 2026

“I’m not interested in bypassing DRM” – Preservationist brings back physical PC games using discs and even mechanical HDD “cartridges”

Preservationists are finding innovative ways to keep physical media alive, including modern PC games. Archades Games, led by Ryan Enstrom, offers options to transfer new titles onto discs and cartridges. At the Utah Retro GameXpo, Enstrom showcased discs compatible with platforms like Steam, GOG, and the Xbox app. He uses GOG's DRM-free installers, emphasizing adherence to licensing agreements. Enstrom notes that most games released before 2020 can run from mechanical drives, and the Xbox app can dynamically detect drive changes, unlike Steam. He has developed a custom user interface for multi-carts and created custom Blu-rays for retro games. While these products are not for sale, there is potential for publishers to adopt this idea, promoting physical PC games. Archades Games provides video tutorials and resources for those interested in converting digital collections into physical formats.
Smart PC users are upgrading to Windows 11 Pro while it’s only $10
Winsage
August 12, 2026

Smart PC users are upgrading to Windows 11 Pro while it’s only $10

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, until August 20. The operating system features a modern user interface, enhanced multitasking, improved security with BitLocker, virtualization capabilities with Hyper-V, integration with Azure AD, and an AI-powered Copilot.
Microsoft Releases August 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates
Winsage
August 11, 2026

Microsoft Releases August 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the August 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 11, including the KB5121000 update for version 26H1, which introduces a new Screen tint accessibility option, a subdued Widgets experience, and the ability to pause Windows Updates for up to 35 days. The KB5121003 update for versions 25H2 and 24H2 includes new gesture controls for precision touchpads, enhanced Windows Hello security for peripheral fingerprint sensors, taskbar notification badges reflecting the Windows accent color, improved app search functionality, upgraded Voice Access with Voice Isolation, better Windows Update settings, and the ability to set a threshold for energy saver activation. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed 398 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) this month, with 62 classified as ‘Critical’ and one ‘Important’ flaw currently being exploited by attackers.
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.
ARMSX3 is here: PS3 emulation on Android just got more exciting
BetaBeacon
August 10, 2026

ARMSX3 is here: PS3 emulation on Android just got more exciting

ARMSX3 is a new PS3 emulator specifically tailored for Arm-based devices, offering improved performance and compatibility in games. Users can download the emulator from GitHub and obtain the necessary PS3 firmware from Sony's PlayStation website. However, most games may not run smoothly due to the experimental nature of the project, and users should expect high device temperatures. Despite some bugs, ARMSX3 supports virtual and physical controllers, resolution scaling, custom GPU driver support, and virtual controller configurations.
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