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Xbox Exec Explains How Project Helix Will Bridge the Xbox/PC Game Development Gap
AppWizard
March 25, 2026

Xbox Exec Explains How Project Helix Will Bridge the Xbox/PC Game Development Gap

Microsoft has unveiled the alpha version of its new console hardware for Project Helix at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Project Helix aims to eliminate the boundaries between console and PC gaming, allowing the new Xbox consoles to support both Xbox and PC games. Chris Carla, the general manager of portfolio and programs at Xbox, explained that developers will be able to create a single game build that works across multiple platforms, including PC, Project Helix, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. This approach resembles the previous universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which allowed cross-platform functionality. Carla advised developers to focus on creating Xbox console and PC versions to prepare for the next generation. He suggested that PC developers might find it more efficient to start with the PC build before optimizing for Project Helix. There are concerns about whether developers will be incentivized to create native Project Helix games if existing PC titles run well on the new console. Microsoft has not yet clarified its online multiplayer paywall policy for Project Helix games.
How I've improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool
Winsage
March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
March 18, 2026

Microsoft appears to be dumping native Copilot for Windows 11 in favour of web wrapper yet again

The latest update for Copilot has transformed it into a WebView-based application, marking it as a hybrid app rather than fully native. The new Copilot (version 146.0.3856.63) operates as a web application, evidenced by multiple sub-processes in the Task Manager that are characteristic of Microsoft Edge. The version number of Copilot aligns closely with that of Microsoft Edge. The revamped Copilot functions as a web app within a desktop shell but loads content from copilot.microsoft.com. Despite its web-based nature, it performs comparably to its native predecessor and launches more quickly. Microsoft had previously announced a "native" version of Copilot, which was misleading as it still relied on web components. In 2025, Microsoft began distributing a truly native Copilot app, free of web components, which started in March 2025. However, the Copilot has now reverted to a web-based format for users in the Windows Insider Program, with plans to extend this change to non-Insiders soon.
Minecraft New Update 3.31/1.041 Released for Bedrock 26.1
AppWizard
February 20, 2026

Minecraft New Update 3.31/1.041 Released for Bedrock 26.1

Mojang has released Bedrock version 26.1 for Minecraft across all platforms, identified as update 3.31/1.041 (version 1.041.000) for consoles. This update includes fixes for user interface scaling values on certain devices (MCPE-234792) and resolves an issue with Xbox player data disconnection in split-screen mode (MCPE-233088). The update also features improved visibility for Bamboo Stalks, adjustments to block orientation in third-person view, command macro support with customizable key mappings, and fixes for skin display issues after upgrading from UWP to GDK. Additionally, cached appearances can now be loaded offline.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
February 20, 2026

Minecraft New Update 3.31/1.041 Released for Bedrock 26.1

Mojang has released Bedrock version 26.1 across all platforms, recognized as Minecraft update 3.31/1.041 (complete version 1.041.000), to address specific issues following a recent major patch. This update includes fixes for user interface scaling values on certain devices, resolves an issue with Xbox player data in split-screen mode, and introduces command macro support with new key mappings. Additionally, it fixes issues related to skin states and improves media permissions for the Android Photo Picker. The version numbering system has been updated to reflect the year, starting with '26' for future releases. Further adjustments are expected in the near future.
Why Windows 11 feels slower than Windows 10—and why it's not just in your head
Winsage
January 30, 2026

Why Windows 11 feels slower than Windows 10—and why it’s not just in your head

Windows 11 features a modern architecture with advanced schedulers and SSD support, but many users experience sluggishness, with delays in menus and dialog boxes. This perception of reduced responsiveness compared to Windows 10 has been linked to the use of XAML, which modernizes traditional desktop components but introduces performance issues due to added abstraction layers. Disabling animations does not resolve the delays, which are attributed to XAML's reliance on GPU acceleration for simple tasks, leading to inefficiencies. The cumulative effect of these micro-delays, measured in milliseconds, contributes to an overall feeling of sluggishness, regardless of high-end hardware. Microsoft's design choices prioritize visual consistency and modern UI technology, resulting in trade-offs in everyday responsiveness. The slower perception of Windows 11 compared to Windows 10 is rooted in these deliberate technical decisions.
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.
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.
Microsoft Teams Update Will Soon Fix Its Biggest Windows Problem
Winsage
November 29, 2025

Microsoft Teams Update Will Soon Fix Its Biggest Windows Problem

Microsoft is implementing a solution to address performance issues in Microsoft Teams on Windows, specifically targeting crashes and slowdowns. A new background process, ms-teams_modulehost.exe, will be added to the desktop version of Teams to manage call-related functions separately from the main application. This change aims to reduce system strain, decrease crash rates during meetings, and improve startup times. The strategy builds on the existing architecture of Teams, which uses WebView2, and seeks to offload complex features to enhance performance. Users have reported frequent freezes, delays, and high RAM usage with Teams. While this modular approach is intended to provide immediate improvements, some experts suggest that a complete redesign as a native Windows application would be a more effective long-term solution.
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