Windows app

AppWizard
April 29, 2026
Google has released an updated version of its Quick Share application for Windows, version 1.0.2555.1. The update features a redesigned home screen with a more intuitive interface, the ability to modify file selections during an ongoing transfer, and refreshed visual elements that align with Android's aesthetic.
Winsage
April 26, 2026
Users have reported an inconsistent scrolling experience in Microsoft’s File Explorer, with smooth scrolling in the Gallery and Home views but jagged scrolling in standard folders. This discrepancy is due to the Gallery and Home views utilizing the WinUI 3 framework, while standard folders rely on legacy Win32 code. Microsoft is modernizing aspects of File Explorer but has not yet rewritten its foundational elements, leading to different rendering paths. The traditional folder views retain essential functionalities but sacrifice some modern UI features. Touch support issues are acknowledged, with current interactions prioritizing mouse and keyboard over touch gestures. Microsoft is addressing performance and reliability issues, with improvements in folder view consistency and reduced crashes noted in recent preview builds. These updates are expected in the May 2026 update, while smooth scrolling enhancements are planned for the future.
AppWizard
April 25, 2026
The user expanded their Samsung ecosystem with a Galaxy Book 4 Edge and tested the Galaxy Connect application, which includes four features: Continue on other devices, Storage Share, Multi Control, and Second Screen. Multi Control allows users to connect their Samsung phone or tablet as a secondary display, enabling seamless control of the mobile device from the primary display. The Second Screen feature lets users utilize a Galaxy tablet as a wireless display for their Windows computer, reducing lag by connecting directly. Storage Share provides access to files on Samsung devices from the PC's File Explorer, and the Continue on other devices feature syncs the clipboard for easier two-factor authentication. Users with ARM-based PCs may face limitations, and some without Intel network adapters have reported issues with Galaxy Connect's functionality.
AppWizard
April 25, 2026
Microsoft is retiring the term "Microsoft Gaming," which was introduced in 2022, and will revert to using the Xbox brand as the primary identifier for all gaming-related endeavors. A memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty, released on April 23, acknowledges that the company's presence in the PC gaming market is lacking. The memo outlines a strategy focused on "flexible pricing," being "open to all creators," and increasing "daily active players," but lacks specific commitments or timelines. It highlights Windows as a crucial battleground for gaming, noting that it now represents more players and hours, amidst competition from platforms like Steam. The memo also reflects on Microsoft's historical challenges in executing a competitive PC gaming ecosystem and coincides with an announcement of an early-retirement buyout program for employees as the company reallocates resources toward AI initiatives.
BetaBeacon
April 17, 2026
Valve has released Proton 11 beta, allowing for the emulation of Windows apps and games on Linux, including popular titles like Resident Evil, now playable on Android devices. The update is based on Wine and includes support for NTSync to enhance performance. Valve has also introduced a Proton 11 profile for ARM64 devices, enabling games designed for x86 hardware to be emulated on devices with Arm chips, such as Android phones and tablets. Additionally, the update has enabled Steam to run on unofficially supported devices like the Nintendo Switch, expanding gaming possibilities for Windows gaming on various devices.
Winsage
April 7, 2026
Microsoft is forming a team to enhance native Windows applications, coinciding with the launch of Speechify in the Microsoft Store. Speechify offers text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities, and has been noted for its effective dictation features. It is compatible with various chip architectures, including AMD, Intel, and Snapdragon X, and utilizes WinUI 3 for a native experience. Collaboration with Microsoft has optimized Speechify's functionality, allowing for integration across applications, real-time text input, and OCR-based text capture while ensuring local data security. The app can run in the cloud or locally, leveraging NPU or GPU acceleration. However, it has limitations, such as the inability to manually resize its window. Microsoft is encouraged to adopt Speechify's approach by supporting all chip architectures, ensuring availability in the Microsoft Store, and prioritizing native application development using WinUI 3.
Winsage
April 6, 2026
AI PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) are becoming common in technology, enabling innovative applications that utilize on-device AI. Microsoft's Windows AI APIs facilitate easy integration of AI into applications, requiring only a Copilot+ PC with a capable NPU. Lance McCarthy, a Microsoft MVP, highlights tools available for developers, including Phi Silica for local language modeling, AI Text Recognition for OCR, and AI Imaging tools for image processing. McCarthy's Xkcd Viewer app exemplifies these tools, featuring AI-powered image descriptions for visually impaired users, which enhance the experience beyond simple text readouts. The modification of the app took ten minutes and significantly improved user accessibility.
Winsage
April 6, 2026
A significant portion of users in India and South Asia still rely on older devices, including laptops with 2GB to 4GB of RAM and entry-level Android phones. Many mainstream Android emulators require 4–8 GB of RAM, VT support, and a dedicated GPU, but there are options designed for lower-end machines. 1. MuMu Nebula: Best for ultra-low-end PCs, requires 2GB RAM, dual-core CPU, no GPU needed, supports Android 12, and has a startup time of around three seconds. 2. LDPlayer 9: Best for gaming on budget hardware, requires 2GB RAM (4GB recommended), dual-core processor, supports Android 9/11, and features a game booster mode. 3. NoxPlayer Lite: Supports multiple Android versions (5, 7, and 9), requires 2GB RAM, basic GPU, and has a startup time of about six seconds. 4. BlueStacks 5 (Eco Mode): Requires 4GB RAM (2GB works but barely), VT required, supports Android 11, and has extensive app compatibility. 5. GameLoop: Best for Tencent games, requires 4GB RAM, no VT needed, supports Android 7.1. 6. MEmu Play: Requires 2GB RAM, recommended for multitasking and developers, supports Android 7, 9, 11. For running Windows apps on Android, tools include: 1. ExaGear: A Windows emulator for Android that supports 32-bit applications and games, requires a specific setup process. 2. Winlator: A newer emulator that supports both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, particularly good for 3D games, with a simpler installation process. Tips for improving emulator performance include closing background apps, enabling virtualization in BIOS, lowering resolution and FPS caps, setting process priority to high, disabling Windows visual effects, and using an SSD for faster load times.
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