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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.
Fortnite for Xbox PC and Xbox Ally devices is currently broken for many — but a fix is on the way
AppWizard
November 19, 2025

Fortnite for Xbox PC and Xbox Ally devices is currently broken for many — but a fix is on the way

A recent 50% price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has prompted Microsoft and Epic Games to integrate Fortnite Crew into the service, offering in-game benefits and monthly V-Bucks. Fortnite has also joined Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing access through the Xbox app on Windows 11, but some users are facing issues due to a delayed update causing a version mismatch. Sources indicate that the problem is with Epic Games, and a resolution is expected soon. Microsoft is working on improving the Microsoft Store's user interface and addressing ongoing technical challenges. The inclusion of popular titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite suggests a positive future for Microsoft's gaming platform, although there are still hurdles to overcome for new users.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
November 14, 2025

A fan project called Windows Astria resurrects Windows Phone from Microsoft’s graveyard, showing off what the OS could have been while reminding us why it still inspires tech nostalgia today

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reflected on the company's exit from the mobile phone market, describing it as one of his most difficult decisions and expressing a sense of missed opportunity. Former CEO Steve Ballmer noted that a mix of "paranoia and confidence" may have limited Microsoft's ability to succeed in the smartphone market. The decline of Windows Phone was attributed to a weak app ecosystem, which the new concept, Windows Astria, aims to improve by running Android apps natively. Windows Astria incorporates elements from Windows 11 and features like Live Tiles, designed for modern screens. The concept also adapts to larger screens and foldable devices, showcasing potential applications like MS Word and a system-integrated Wallet app.
I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet
Winsage
November 13, 2025

I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet

In 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 to bridge traditional desktop environments and the tablet market, but it received a poor reception, leading to the release of Windows 8.1 a year later to address its shortcomings. Windows 8 aimed to compete with the iPad by transforming tablets into productivity tools. Windows 8.1 introduced features like on-demand OneDrive storage and the ability to snap apps side-by-side, marking a significant evolution in Windows. The concept of Windows RT for ARM processors faced challenges due to hardware limitations and underdeveloped applications but laid the groundwork for devices like the Microsoft Surface. The transition to touchscreen capabilities was revolutionary for users accustomed to older operating systems. The adaptation of the Windows Phone Metro UI for Windows 8 and 8.1 was innovative, despite criticism from traditional PC users. Windows 8.1 developed a dedicated fan base for its tile-based interface, leading to hopes for its return in future devices.
ON THIS DAY: Windows 10 Mobile now on nearly 6 percent of all Windows Phones
Winsage
October 29, 2025

ON THIS DAY: Windows 10 Mobile now on nearly 6 percent of all Windows Phones

Windows 10 Mobile has increased to 5.7% of all Windows Phones, up from 4.7% the previous month. In the U.S., the HTC One has outperformed the Lumia 1520, which has fallen out of the top 10 rankings, while the Lumia 635 remains the most popular Windows Phone model. A price range analysis shows that the U.S. has the highest concentration of high-end devices, whereas India has fewer premium options, with low and mid-range devices dominating globally. In the EU5, the Lumia 640 is now the fifth most popular Windows Phone, displacing the Lumia 520. In India, the Lumia 535 leads with a 22.6% market share, followed by the Lumia 540 at 7% and the Lumia 640 XL at 4.4%. In Australia, the Lumia 930 holds second place with an 8.8% share, while the Lumia 530 is at 9.7%. AdDuplex's data is sourced from their in-app advertising network, covering over 5,000 applications in the Windows Phone Store.
Microsoft Edge Canary on Android now plays YouTube in the background — no Premium, no hacks
Winsage
August 28, 2025

Microsoft Edge Canary on Android now plays YouTube in the background — no Premium, no hacks

Microsoft Edge is testing an experimental feature that allows users to play videos in the background on Android devices without a YouTube Premium subscription. To enable this feature, users must download Microsoft Edge Canary for Android, navigate to edge://flags, search for "background," and enable the "Video Background Play" setting. Additionally, users need to ensure that background playback is enabled in Edge's settings under "Site Settings." This feature allows seamless audio playback while the device is locked or the screen is off.
This is Microsoft's canceled Windows-based Surface Duo — the dual-screen Windows Phone from 2018 that we never got
Winsage
August 3, 2025

This is Microsoft’s canceled Windows-based Surface Duo — the dual-screen Windows Phone from 2018 that we never got

Recent images reveal that the Surface Duo was initially conceived as a Windows Phone codenamed Andromeda, featuring a custom-built operating system designed for its dual-screen form factor. The project was shelved in 2018 due to challenges faced during development. Prototypes from 2017 and 2018 show that Andromeda included features such as a back camera system, integrated wireless charging for the Surface Slim Pen, and a premium metal frame, which were not present in the final Surface Duo. Andromeda also had smaller hinges, which were later enlarged in the Surface Duo for added stiffness. The operating system for Andromeda was based on Windows Core OS, featuring a universal shell for dual-screen use, a home screen designed for note-taking, and a lock screen that functioned as an inking canvas.
Windows 10 turns 10: No compatibility chaos
Winsage
July 29, 2025

Windows 10 turns 10: No compatibility chaos

Windows 10 was launched as a response to the mixed reception of Windows 8, aiming to provide a stable and reliable alternative. It offered improved performance on solid-state drives compared to Windows 7, although it did not achieve the same affection. The development included the Windows Insider program for user feedback, but responsiveness to that feedback was inconsistent. The operating system faced issues, such as the problematic October 2018 Update that deleted user files. Windows 10 Mobile, launched alongside, quickly faded due to lack of interest. The desktop version thrived, aided by a free upgrade offer and hardware compatibility. Privacy concerns arose due to telemetry and data collection practices. Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with the Edge browser, which later adopted the Chromium engine. Despite challenges, Windows 10 maintained a strong presence in the desktop market, proving to be a stabilizing force for Microsoft after Windows 8.
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