Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-fifteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Microsoft released Windows 11, version 24H2. It is available for seekers only at this time and introduces support for Wi-Fi 7 and new AI features among other things.
It's finally time to say goodbye to Windows 11 -- Nitrux Linux 3.7.0 is the OS you've been waiting for!
Let’s be honest. Too many of us use Windows 11 out of habit and convenience, not because it’s any good. If you’ve been thinking about leaving Microsoft’s OS for a while now but aren’t sure where to go for your next step, we have the answer.
Nitrux offers a smoother, more streamlined OS experience without the bloat. This Linux OS is built on a lightweight foundation and offers a stylish system tailored for modern users. With its unique NX Desktop, the OS is fast, responsive, and provides a visually appealing interface, making it a compelling alternative for those tired of Windows’ sluggish updates and resource-heavy performance.
Microsoft confirms numerous bugs in the Windows 11 2024 Update and blocks rollout to many
It is just a few days since Microsoft unleashed Windows 11 24H2 (or the Windows 11 2024 Update). But the release of the eagerly awaited update has been more than a little problematic.
We’ve already seen various issues with the controversial Recall feature, but Microsoft has also confirmed a number of known issues with the update. So significant are some of the issues that some users are being denied the opportunity to perform the upgrade. Gamers are among those hit by the problems.
Rebound 11 fixes Windows 11's flaws -- without altering system files!
Although Microsoft has tried to improve Windows 11 with new features and updates, many users still find the operating system lacks polish and consistency. This is where Rebound 11 comes in. Created by Ivirius to address the aesthetic and usability gaps left by Microsoft, Rebound 11 provides a third-party solution that improves the overall look and feel of the OS.
Unlike other tools, such as Rectify11, which replace core files to create a more cohesive look, Rebound 11 doesn’t alter essential system components or impact Windows functionality. Instead, it focuses on enhancing the appearance and usability of classic Win32 applications while incorporating modern UI elements like WinUI 3.
Microsoft is killing off HoloLens 2 with no successor planned
Anyone who wants a HoloLens 2 will need to act fast if they are to get their hands on one. Microsoft has confirmed that production of the augmented reality headset has ended in what will be seen by many as something of a mercy killing.
After eight years and two models, Microsoft has seemingly given up on HoloLens. Once current stocks run out, the second-hand market will be the only way to get hold of one, and there are no plans for a follow-up device.
Say goodbye to Windows 11: Nitrux Linux 3.7.0 is the operating system you need!
It’s time to ditch Windows 11 and embrace Nitrux for a smoother, more streamlined experience without the bloat. Nitrux, built on a lightweight foundation, offers a sleek, efficient system tailored for modern users. With its unique NX Desktop, the OS is fast, responsive, and provides a visually appealing interface, making it a compelling alternative for those tired of Windows’ sluggish updates and resource-heavy performance.
Nitrux 3.7.0 has officially launched (download here), offering a variety of updates, bug fixes, and performance improvements, making it an ideal Linux distribution for users looking to switch from Microsoft's buggy OS. Built on the Liquorix kernel version 6.10.12-1 and the updated Debian base snapshot, this release brings several important package updates to ensure an improved user experience.
Windows 11 users hit with yet another update so problematic that Microsoft has been forced to withdraw it
Updates for Windows, at least the ones that are released on a monthly basis, are not as eagerly anticipated by users as they used to be. This could be because they are rarely packed with new and exciting features, but a more likely reason for the decreased interest is the astonishing number of problematic updates Microsoft has released.
The KB5043145 update for Windows 11 released this week is a case in point. Reports of blue screens, green screens, reboot loops and more has forced Microsoft to withdraw the update while it works out what is going wrong.
KT and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership aimed at transforming Korean industries
KT Corporation and Microsoft have entered into a five-year partnership focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), cloud technologies, and IT business development. The collaboration includes both a financial investment from KT and resource support from Microsoft, with the aim of advancing AI services and innovation in South Korea.
As part of the partnership, the two companies will focus on five key areas, including the development of customized AI solutions for Korea. This effort will involve creating tailored versions of Microsoft’s GPT-4 and small language models using KT’s data. These AI models will be used in a variety of applications, including customer service chatbots and industry-specific solutions for businesses.
Winlator 8 lets you play Windows PC games on your Android phone for free -- download it now!
Running Android games on a PC is straightforward with emulators like Bluestacks or NoxPlayer. If you want to play popular AAA Windows PC games on an Android device, things get a bit trickier.
This is where Winlator comes in. Winlator is a free Android app that allows users to run Windows (x86_64) games using Wine 9.2 (custom) and Box64 (0.3.0), and it has just received an update to version 8.0 which includes a lot of new features and improvements.
Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-fourteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Many Windows PCs will include a dedicated Copilot key in the future. Microsoft is integrating an option into Windows 11 to remap the key. Useful if you have no need for the Copilot key or AI.
Forget Windows 11 -- Windows Moon Valley reaches a major milestone, download it now!
Windows 11, much like its predecessor Windows 10, has been criticized for various design inconsistencies. From outdated interface elements to uneven system-wide aesthetics, these issues have led to the development of tools like Rectify11, which streamline and improve the visual design of the operating system.
Windows Moon Valley takes this a step further by addressing not only Windows’ design shortcomings but also enhancing its overall functionality. The project is essentially a cross between Windows 10X (a streamlined version of Windows 10 originally designed for dual-screen and foldable devices, later adapted for single-screen devices) and Windows 11.
Watch a game of Minesweeper destroy Windows in real time
Minesweeper is a classic puzzle game that has been included in Windows operating systems for decades. The objective is to clear a grid of hidden mines using numerical clues to determine how many mines are adjacent to each square, requiring strategy and logical thinking to avoid detonating them.
But what if losing a game of Minesweeper actually destroyed your PC? That’s exactly what a new video shows.
Microsoft will let Windows 11 users remap the stupid Copilot key on their keyboard
If you’ve bought a computer or a keyboard recently, you may have spotted an extra key near the spacebar. The Copilot key is Microsoft’s attempt to push, prompt and encourage use of its AI-powered digital assistant, but not everyone is convinced.
Even if you are someone who sees the value in Copilot as a tool, you may well not feel the need to have a dedicated physical key to access it. Thankfully, Microsoft understands that the latest addition to keyboards is not something that everyone needs. As such, the company is testing the ability to remap the Copilot key.
Microsoft risks public backlash by backing controversial Three Mile Island nuclear reactor reboot
Constellation has entered into a bold 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft to relaunch the infamous Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear reactor under a new name -- the Crane Clean Energy Center (CCEC). The announcement comes just five years after the plant was shut down, with concerns about the economic viability and safety of nuclear power hanging over the decision. Microsoft’s involvement, part of its effort to decarbonize the grid, raises questions about whether nuclear energy is truly the solution.
The decision to restart Unit 1 brings up long-standing fears about nuclear energy -- especially given that the reactor is located next to the infamous Unit 2, the site of the 1979 partial meltdown. While Unit 1 was not directly affected by the disaster, many are likely to question whether restarting a decades-old nuclear reactor is the right move in an age of increasing renewable energy options.
Best Windows apps this week
Six-hundred-thirteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 next year. If you do run Windows 10 devices, you may find Wayne's article on staying safe useful.
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