Software

Software

Noteworthy software industry news, key players and software releases, patches, and features transforming our digital experiences.

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Microsoft plans 100% native Windows 11 apps in major shift away from web wrappers

First look: Microsoft plans to build 100% native apps for Windows 11 and launch an initiative centered on a new team focused on native experiences instead of web-based wrappers. The company has also created a new team to lead the work, following years in which many core and third-party Windows apps have relied heavily on web technologies.
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Windows 11 users are still fixing the Start menu with third-party tools

While Microsoft rethinks where they've failed with Windows 11, many users rely on tools like Open Shell, Start11, StartAllBack, and ExplorerPatcher to take back control of the UI. Open Shell remains a free favorite with a customizable Windows 7-style menu, while Start11 and StartAllBack offer more polished tweaks for modern systems. ExplorerPatcher rounds things out as another powerful free option.
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Microsoft is rethinking Windows 11 after months of complaints

Microsoft outlines a Windows overhaul focused on speed, stability, and user control
Highly anticipated: Microsoft is taking a closer look at Windows 11 after months of criticism over the operating system's uneven performance and intrusive AI features. The company has begun outlining a series of engineering fixes and user experience overhauls aimed at rebuilding confidence in its flagship product, with the first phase arriving in preview builds this spring and broader improvements planned throughout 2026.
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Nvidia "confirms" DLSS 5 relies on 2D frame data as testing reveals hallucinations

Developers at Capcom and Ubisoft found out about DLSS 5 when everyone else did
Connecting the dots: Early reactions to Nvidia's DLSS 5 were swift and skeptical, with some observers likening the technology to an Instagram-style filter applied over gameplay footage. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang refuted the allegations, but subsequent clarifications have helped outline how the system actually works – and where it can fall short.