A fancy user interface is not the number one priority for a good browser, but users do not mind when developers pay more attention to how their browsers look. Recently, Microsoft introduced a set of redesigns for the Edge browser on Windows 11 with rounded corners and the Mica effect on the tab strip and context menus. Now Google wants to follow suit.
The redesigned Paint is now available in Windows 11 Dev channel
A little more than a month ago, Microsoft revealed a redesigned Paint app coming soon to Windows insiders. At that time, the company did not say when users could expect the update to appear. If you have been waiting for Paint to receive a fresh coat of, ahem, Paint, there is some good news for you. The updated app is finally available for download from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft Edge Dev 96.0.1028.0 is out with a number of new features
Microsoft today released a new version of its Chromium-based Edge browser. It is a significant update to the Dev channel, as it comes with a number of new options. For example, the Web Widget is now customizable, and the Office viewer feature is now enabled by default.
AdDuplex reports that Windows 10 May 2021 Update is installed on 38.1% of devices
AdDuplex has published a new statistical report on the usage stats of Windows versions, which now also includes data on Insider builds of Windows 11. According to the published information, in September the share of Windows 10 May 2021 Update (version 21H1) reached 38.1%.
The Opera browser is now available on the Microsoft Store
Opera might not be the most popular browser, but developers continuously try to obtain more users by bringing interesting features. Also, Opera decided to support new policies in the Microsoft Store and release its browser to the marketplace for Windows 11. For the first time in almost a decade, users can download a Chromium-based browser from third-party from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft Store now accepts third-party stores
In June 2021, when Microsoft announced Windows 11, the Software giant revealed a major strategy shift for the Microsoft Store. The new Microsoft Store now allows third-party browsers with various rendering engines; developers can publish unpackaged apps, utilize their CDNs and payment systems, and not pay fees to Microsoft. Finally, Microsoft now invites third-party stores to its store. That is right, you can now use the Microsoft Store to download other stores, such as Epic Games or Amazon.
MediaCreationTool batch file can now create Windows 11 ISO without TPM checks
The Media Creation Tool is a well-known utility from Microsoft to download "clean" Windows 10 ISO files and create a Windows installation media (DVD or USB). Each time Microsoft releases a new Windows version, it updates the Media Creation Tool to allow users to get the necessary files for the latest version. Some people might need to create installation media for older releases. That is where custom utilities come to play. MediaCreationTool.bat (extra points for a creative name) is one of such tools. It lets users download ISO files for any Windows 10 version, down to initial release 1507. Recently, a developer behind MediaCreationTool published a new version that can download Windows 11 ISO files and even bypass TPM requirements.
Microsoft updates Edge Web Widget with Windows 11-styled UI
ease looms over the horizon, Microsoft prepares its application to look on par with the latest operating system. Office Insiders are currently testing redesigned Office apps, and many stock Windows 11 programs now offer fresh looks and new features. Microsoft Edge is also on track to get some of the Windows 11-like UIs. After introducing a new flag to enable new transparency effects in Edge, Microsoft refreshed Web Widget with the same fresh coat of paint.
Microsoft promises to support Surface Duo for three years
On September 22, 2021, Microsoft announced a second-gen Surface Duo. The smartphone with a somewhat unconventional design received plenty of much-needed improvements: the latest CPU from Qualcomm, 5G support, NFC, screens with 90Hz refresh rate, bigger batteries, etc. Surface Duo 2 runs Android 11 out of the box, and Microsoft promises to deliver Android 12 soon.
winget 1.1 release candidate for Windows 10 (1809+) is available for download
Back in 2020, Microsoft announced a new package manager for Windows 10, called Windows Package Manager or simply Winget. Recently, the app has reached its first stable version, and also comes bundled with Windows 11. Today, winget has reached version 1.1 RC, and is available for download for those who runs Windows 10 version 1809 and above.
