Winlator is an orchestration layer that combines four open-source projects to run Windows games on Android phones. The projects involved are Wine, Box86, Box64, DXVK, and VKD3D-Proton.
The May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 introduced "XBOX mode," replacing the previous "Xbox mode" as part of Microsoft's rebranding effort to align its gaming identity with the original console. This change was influenced by community feedback, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma noting user preference for the all-caps version. XBOX mode is designed to optimize gaming performance by prioritizing gaming processes and can free up to 2GB of memory on a PC. Future iterations of XBOX mode are expected in the next generation of Xbox, referred to as Project Helix. Microsoft is also working on enhancements to Windows 11 through its K2 initiative to improve the gaming experience.
Microsoft has extended the availability of Windows Server 2022 hotpatching until 2027, specifically for the Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition. Mainstream support for Windows Server 2022 will end on October 13, 2026, while extended support will last until October 14, 2031. Hotpatching allows administrators to apply security updates without server downtime, although quarterly cumulative updates requiring a reboot will still occur. This feature is exclusive to Azure Edition users, with no similar support for on-premises users of Windows Server 2022. Additionally, hotpatch updates are being introduced for Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise clients and are now the default for Windows Autopatch.
Microsoft's latest preview update for Windows 11, KB5095093, significantly upgrades File Explorer, improving its speed and performance, particularly for mounting disk images, which previously could take up to five minutes. This update aims to enhance user experience by addressing long-standing performance issues.
Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 to potentially surpass Windows 10, including the introduction of a feature that allows users to restore a smaller taskbar, addressing user requests. The new Taskbar size setting enables users to adjust the taskbar's overall size, with options for "Small" resulting in a thinner taskbar and smaller icons. Additionally, Windows 11 will receive at least ten new features, including a movable taskbar that allows positioning on any side of the screen. The Start menu is also being improved, allowing size adjustments and the removal of ads, with changes such as renaming the “Recommended” section to “Recent.”
Major PC manufacturers, including HP, Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung, LG, and Microsoft’s Surface division, have provided guidance on transitioning to new Secure Boot certificates as the expiration of Microsoft’s 2011 certificates approaches. The expiration will occur in three phases: Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 expired on June 24, 2026; Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 expired on June 27, 2026; and Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 is set to expire on October 19, 2026. Microsoft has begun rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, contingent on OEMs providing compatible BIOS updates.
ASUS offers detailed documentation for both consumer and commercial devices, confirming that most users will receive updates automatically. Lenovo provides direct download links for BIOS updates organized by product family and specifies which products will not receive updates. Dell's support article covers its entire product lineup, noting that devices with an End of Service Life before January 1, 2026, will not receive updates. HP outlines a dual-track approach for updates, with specific timelines for commercial PCs.
Microsoft's Surface devices receive updates directly from Microsoft, while MSI categorizes guidance based on processor generation for its laptops. Acer emphasizes backing up the BitLocker recovery key and provides a model table for confirmed BIOS release dates. Samsung confirms that all PCs running Windows 10 or 11 will function normally post-expiration, but security updates will cease. LG has released a guide for checking BIOS updates for its PCs.
To verify if a PC has the 2023 certificates, users can check the Secure Boot section in Windows Security. A green checkmark indicates successful application, while yellow or red icons indicate pending updates or incompatibility. Microsoft has pushed the certificates to all eligible devices as of June 2026.
The keyboard is a frequently used application on Android devices, with Gboard being a popular choice, but alternatives exist for users with different preferences.
Microsoft SwiftKey offers robust customization, unique layouts like split mode, and integrates an AI assistant for message refinement. It also excels in clipboard syncing with Windows when logged into the same Microsoft account.
HeliBoard is a free, open-source keyboard that operates offline, prioritizing privacy and offering features like autocorrect and gesture typing. It requires downloading from GitHub or F-Droid, as it is not available on the Play Store.
FUTO Keyboard is a free, open-source, offline option that includes offline voice typing but lacks cloud-synced personal dictionaries and AI writing tools.
Samsung Keyboard, pre-installed on Galaxy phones, integrates with One UI and Galaxy AI’s writing tools, offering extensive customization options through the Good Lock app and KeysCafe module.
Simple Keyboard is a lightweight application that provides a standard keyboard layout with minimal features, focusing on simplicity and requiring less than 1MB of storage.
A sealed copy of the game Half-Life sold for 2,725 at a Goldin auction, receiving 70 bids and starting at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: A remarkable event unfolded recently at a Goldin auction, where a sealed copy of the iconic game Half-Life fetched an impressive ,725. This particular copy, which garnered a total of 70 bids, began its journey at a modest starting price of 0 last month. The auction not only highlighted the enduring popularity of this classic title but also set a new benchmark in the realm of PC gaming collectibles.
Record-Breaking Sale
This sale marks a significant milestone, as Half-Life has now become the highest-priced PC game ever sold at auction. The sealed copy received an impressive "85+" rating from the Video Game Authority, underscoring its pristine condition and collectible value. According to the lot description on the Goldin website:
VGA registry reports confirm only one copy of this edition with a higher grade. Released in 1998 by Sierra On-Line, this sealed copy of Half-Life is a first-person shooter for PC (for Windows 95/98/NT) and the first game in the series.
Before this auction, the record for a PC game was held by Akalabeth: World of Doom (1979), which sold for ,211 several years ago. The achievement of Half-Life is a testament to its lasting impact on the gaming community.
However, the ,725 price tag, while impressive, still pales in comparison to the staggering amounts commanded by some titles from the Nintendo Entertainment System. Earlier this month, a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. made headlines by selling for an astonishing million at a Heritage Auctions event, illustrating the vast differences in collectible values across gaming platforms." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"]. This sale makes Half-Life the highest-priced PC game ever sold at auction. The copy received an "85+" rating from the Video Game Authority and is one of only two copies of this edition with a higher grade. Released in 1998 by Sierra On-Line, it is a first-person shooter for PC. The previous record for a PC game was held by Akalabeth: World of Doom, which sold for ,211.
The PC is a popular platform for gamers, and Windows 11 enhances this experience with features tailored for gaming. It includes an integrated Xbox app that connects with third-party game stores and Microsoft's gaming ecosystem. The Game Bar allows users to capture screenshots, record video clips, and interact with friends on Xbox Live. Xbox Mode optimizes resource usage for gaming but is not enabled by default. Windows 11 comes with pre-installed gaming features, including the Xbox app and Game Bar, which can be customized through the Settings app. Users can configure display settings, connect an Xbox Wireless Controller, and customize the Game Bar and its widgets. The Xbox app allows users to manage their game libraries, access Game Pass subscriptions, and stream games via Cloud Gaming. Microsoft offers various Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers for access to a library of games. Xbox Mode provides a full-screen, controller-optimized interface that enhances gaming performance.
Microsoft released a preview update identified as C-release under KB5095093, along with new dynamic updates to enhance the Windows experience. Dynamic updates refine the Windows Recovery process and improve the setup experience by updating the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and Setup file binaries. These updates ensure a smoother transition during upgrades and preserve Language Pack (LP) and Features on Demand (FODs) content. The updates include:
- KB5095186: Safe OS Dynamic Update for Windows 11, version 26H1, enhancing WinRE to version 10.0.28000.2335.
- KB5102558: Setup Dynamic Update for Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2, improving setup binaries and files for feature updates.
- KB5095615: Safe OS Dynamic Update for Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2, enhancing WinRE to version 10.0.26100.8737.
These updates will be automatically downloaded and installed through the Windows Update channel.
