Along the Canary update, Insiders on the Beta channel are also getting a new release. Build 22635.5025 brings with it thumbnails/carousel view for Recommended files in File Explorer. It is available for everyone except Insiders in EEA. Also, the Recommended section of the Start menu can now show a new kind of recommendations - to open and/or pin frequently snapped apps.
Windows 11 Build 27808 (Canary) changes how Task Manager calculates CPU usage
Microsoft today released Windows 11 Build 27808 to Insiders in the Canary Channel. Besides a good set of fixes, it makes the Task Manager calculate CPU usage more accurate. The new method also makes it show the same value as third party apps usually show. Finally, there is an updated Store app.
Mozilla will retain ManifestV2 support in Firefox, so ad blockers will survive
Google is pushing developers to adopt Manifest V3, phasing out older extensions. While other browsers are discontinuing support for Manifest V2 entirely, Firefox maintains compatibility with both Manifest V2 and V3.
Chrome 134 released with quick settings pane and various improvements
Google has released Chrome 134 to the stable branch. The update adds quick settings with several options that open in the sidebar. Also, the ManifestV3 enforcement has become active for more users. Finally, Chrome is actively using AI in its various components. This release uses it for detecting fraud pages, autofil forms.
Thunderbird 136.0 released, represents a new type of app updates
Thunderbird 136.0, a community-driven email client based on Mozilla technologies, has been officially released. This version is built on the Firefox 136 codebase and represents an intermediate release, with updates scheduled to be delivered prior to the next major version. Additionally, Thunderbird 128.8.0 has become available in the Extended Support Release (ESR) branch, which offers long-term support and receives updates throughout the year.
Firefox 136 Released with Vertical Tabs
Firefox 136.0 stable version released with improvements and updates, including Vertical Tabs, improved sidebar, hardware video decoding for AMD GPUs enabled by default on Linux, and much more. Mozilla has published installers and binary files for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Windows Copilot is now a native WinUI3 app
Microsoft introduces a truly native Copilot App for Windows. Version 1.25023.106.0 features a modern, Windows 11-style user interface built using the XAML markup language, offering a more integrated and polished design.
Microsoft has announced Dragon Copilot, a new AI assistant
Microsoft has introduced Dragon Copilot, an AI-powered assistant designed for medical environments. The tool leverages technology from Nuance Communications, which Microsoft acquired in 2021, combining the speech recognition capabilities of Dragon Medical One and the conversational AI capabilities of DAX Copilot.
Mozilla has removed the “do not sell user data” promise from Firefox’s user agreement
Mozilla has removed multiple sections from its license agreement and FAQs that previously addressed user privacy. Specifically, statements asserting that Mozilla or Firefox does not sell user data have been eliminated. This change has sparked significant criticism and skepticism toward the company. Users started expressing concerns that it may now share data with advertisers or use it to train AI models. As a result, Mozilla faces accusations of potentially compromising user privacy, leading to widespread distrust among its user base.
Microsoft: Skype Will Shut Down on May 5, 2025
Microsoft has officially confirmed the cessation of further development for Skype, with the service set to shut down on May 5, 2025. As a replacement, the company recommends users transition to the free consumer version of Microsoft Teams, which will offer similar functionality.
