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My Windows 11 PC now has the iconic Windows XP taskbar, and it's weirdly perfect
Winsage
May 11, 2026

My Windows 11 PC now has the iconic Windows XP taskbar, and it’s weirdly perfect

An enthusiast with a gaming PC featuring an RTX 4070 Ti and 32GB of DDR5 RAM integrated a Windows XP taskbar into their Windows 11 setup using Windhawk, a customization tool. After installing Windhawk, they selected the "WinXP" theme from the "Windows 11 Taskbar Styler" mod, transforming the taskbar into a nostalgic XP version without compromising functionality. Core features like notifications and pinned applications remained intact, and the system tray adopted the XP theme. The user also explored various other mods, including real-time CPU and RAM usage display, a middle-click application close feature, and a volume control center on the taskbar, enhancing their personalized computing experience.
Power users can do so much more with the Windows 11 taskbar, and all they need is a single tool
Winsage
April 8, 2026

Power users can do so much more with the Windows 11 taskbar, and all they need is a single tool

Windows 11's taskbar has faced criticism for its lack of customization options, prompting the development of a tool called Windhawk. Windhawk allows users to customize the taskbar extensively, including options for translucency and styles reminiscent of Windows XP and Vista. It features a "Taskbar Clock Customization" mod that displays CPU and RAM usage on the taskbar, and a "Taskbar on top for Windows 11" mod that enables users to move the taskbar to the top of the screen. The "Taskbar Volume Control" mod turns the entire taskbar into a volume control area, while the "Middle click to close on the taskbar" mod allows users to close applications with a middle-click. Additionally, the "Click on empty taskbar space" mod lets users set custom shortcuts for various actions. Windhawk also includes mods for adjusting thumbnail sizes, adding power buttons to the Start menu, and restoring the classic context menu, enhancing the overall user experience and functionality of the Windows 11 taskbar.
I spent a week with Android 17 Beta 3 on my Pixel, and these 4 features change everything
AppWizard
April 3, 2026

I spent a week with Android 17 Beta 3 on my Pixel, and these 4 features change everything

Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta 3, introducing several new features. Key enhancements include: - App Bubbles: Floating shortcuts for easy access to applications, allowing for multitasking with multiple messaging apps. - Separate Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Toggles: Users can now toggle Wi-Fi and mobile data independently in the Quick Settings menu, improving efficiency. - Assistant Volume Control: A distinct volume level for virtual assistants can be set independently from media volume, enhancing user experience. - Hide App Names on Home Screen: Users can hide app names next to icons for a cleaner interface, allowing for greater customization. The full public release is expected around June 2026.
FRANK OS 1.0 Launches With a Retro Windows 95-Like Desktop
Winsage
March 6, 2026

FRANK OS 1.0 Launches With a Retro Windows 95-Like Desktop

FRANK OS is a newly launched open-source graphical desktop operating system specifically designed for microcontrollers, with its first official version, 1.0, now available. It is built on FreeRTOS rather than the Linux kernel, optimized for the RP2350 microcontroller, which has approximately 520 KB of SRAM and dual CPU cores. The operating system features a desktop environment reminiscent of Windows 95, including overlapping windows, a taskbar, and a start-menu-style launcher. It supports standard desktop behaviors and allows users to switch between applications using an Alt+Tab-style interface. FRANK OS comes preloaded with nine lightweight applications, such as an interactive terminal, a C compiler, classic games, and a ZX Spectrum emulator. Programs can be compiled as ARM ELF binaries and loaded from an SD card. The system is aimed at hobbyists and experimental use.
Android 17 Beta 1: Major updates for adaptive apps, performance and media are imminent
AppWizard
February 12, 2026

Android 17 Beta 1: Major updates for adaptive apps, performance and media are imminent

Android 17 Beta 1 introduces several enhancements for Pixel smartphone users, starting from the Pixel 6. Key features include mandatory adaptive app width for foldables and tablets, support for the new h.266 video codec, optimized camera APIs for smoother third-party applications, and synchronized volume control. The update requires applications to implement dynamic width adjustments to utilize screen space effectively on larger devices, addressing issues with black bars. The camera APIs have been revamped to allow third-party apps to switch modes without reinitializing the camera session, improving performance. The beta version is available for all Pixel smartphones through the Pixel 10 series, with the final release expected in the second quarter of 2026. Additionally, the setup process for wearables and health devices has been streamlined, and various performance optimizations have been made to enhance stability and efficiency.
A genuinely useful Windows 11 feature remains half‑implemented, forcing users to install new mods just to get the experience they expect
Winsage
January 17, 2026

A genuinely useful Windows 11 feature remains half‑implemented, forcing users to install new mods just to get the experience they expect

A recent enhancement to Windows 11 through the Windhawk mod allows users to manage audio settings on a per-application basis directly from the taskbar. Users can hover over any app in the taskbar and adjust its volume by scrolling. The Taskbar Volume Control Per-App mod was introduced recently and has received several updates. Additionally, there is another mod that enables users to control the overall system volume by hovering over the taskbar and scrolling.
Microsoft looks to finally nail File Explorer in Windows 11, and it's adding a 'highly requested' feature – but probably not the one you want
Winsage
October 9, 2025

Microsoft looks to finally nail File Explorer in Windows 11, and it’s adding a ‘highly requested’ feature – but probably not the one you want

Microsoft has rolled out two new preview builds for Windows 11, focusing on improving File Explorer's aesthetics and functionality, particularly for dark mode. The latest build from the Dev channel enhances performance by addressing the sluggishness of context menus and cloud file launching. A feature in the Canary channel allows users to reposition hardware indicators for brightness, volume, airplane mode, and virtual desktops. However, the taskbar in Windows 11 remains immobile, unlike in Windows 10, which has disappointed some users. Microsoft is working on performance enhancements in File Explorer, aiming to improve the responsiveness of right-click menus and cloud file syncing.
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