Category: Software Development

• Windows Control Panel replacement reasons include Microsoft’s gradual shift towards the newer Settings app, which offers a modern and streamlined experience.
• Microsoft has been signaling the deprecation of Control Panel since Windows 8, yet it remains available for compatibility and access to settings that haven’t migrated.
• Despite the push for using the Settings app, many users still rely on Control Panel for specific features and troubleshooting tasks.
• The transition from Control Panel to Settings has been slow over the past 12 years, with no specific timeline for the complete removal of Control Panel.
• While the Settings app is perceived as sleeker, users find familiarity and comfort in using Control Panel for certain operations, indicating a cautious approach to its eventual retirement.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-says-its-killing-windows-control-panel-heres-why-im-not-holding-my-breath/…

• Founders have been building software wrong for the last 20 years, according to Parker Conrad, who criticizes the conventional wisdom of focusing narrowly on single pain points in B2B software.
• Conrad argues that this narrow focus leads to inefficiencies, forcing businesses to manage multiple separate software applications instead of an integrated solution.
• He advocates for a horizontal approach where multiple business applications are built on a single system, allowing for a standardized user experience and flexible pricing options.
• The crowded software market makes it challenging for single-feature startups to compete, especially as companies prefer comprehensive solutions during economic downturns.
• Rippling’s strategy aims to combine various capabilities into one system, which Conrad believes will attract and retain customers amidst increasing competition.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/14/parker-conrad-says-founders-have-been-building-software-wrong-for-the-last-20-years/…

• Microsoft Windows app removal is set to affect Paint 3D, which will be discontinued and removed from the Microsoft Store by November 4, 2024.
• The decision follows the earlier deprecation of WordPad, indicating Microsoft’s intent to phase out legacy applications.
• Paint 3D, introduced in 2016, was designed to enhance the original Paint app with 3D capabilities but failed to gain significant user traction.
• Users have expressed disappointment as they may need to transition to more complex software like Blender for similar 3D features.
• Despite its beginner-friendly interface, Paint 3D will no longer receive updates, leaving users with limited options for 3D image editing.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2424597/surprising-end-microsoft-to-discontinue-support-for-popular-programme-in-a-few-months.html…

• Nova Launcher future updates are uncertain following the layoffs of over 100 employees, including the entire development team except for founder Kevin Barry.
• Kevin Barry released a statement addressing the layoffs and emphasizing his ongoing role as the lead and primary contributor to the app.
• Nova Launcher is a third-party home screen launcher that offers extensive customization options for users.
• Despite the layoffs, Barry reassured fans that he will continue to control the direction and development of Nova Launcher.
• The upcoming 8.1 patch is still expected to be released, though it will have a reduced scope compared to previous updates.

https://www.androidauthority.com/nova-launcher-status-after-layoffs-3470026/…

• Open source productivity tools serve as alternatives to proprietary software, gaining popularity amidst recent tech controversies and shifts in user preferences.
• Users may choose open source options for reasons like transparency, security, customizability, and support for collaborative software development ethics.
• Notable open source alternatives include Penpot for design, Cal.com for scheduling, Screenity for video communication, and Jitsi for video conferencing.
• Additional options like Nextcloud for file storage, Ghost for publishing, and Bitwarden for password management emphasize privacy and self-hosting capabilities.
• The rise of open source tools reflects a growing demand for solutions that allow users to maintain control over their data and avoid vendor lock-in.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/11/a-not-quite-definitive-guide-to-open-source-alternative-software/…

• Anysphere, a GitHub Copilot rival, has successfully raised over $60 million in Series A funding, achieving a $400 million valuation, co-led by a16z and Thrive Capital.
• The startup, founded by MIT students, has developed an AI-powered coding assistant named Cursor, aimed at enhancing software development efficiency.
• Patrick Collison, CEO of Stripe, participated in the funding round, highlighting the interest from prominent investors in the AI coding sector.
• Anysphere’s revenue and usage have reportedly been growing rapidly, indicating strong market demand for AI coding assistants.
• The competitive landscape for AI coding tools is intensifying, with several startups, including Cognition and Magic, vying for attention in this emerging market.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/09/anysphere-a-github-copilot-rival-has-raised-60m-series-a-at-400m-valuation-from-a16z-thrive-sources-say/…

• One UI 7 Beta delay is reportedly due to the slow rollout of One UI 6.1.1 rather than bugs or quality issues.
• The expected release for the One UI 7.0 beta update has been pushed back from late July to an indefinite timeframe, with low chances of a release this month.
• The One UI 7.0 beta was initially anticipated for the Galaxy S24 series but has faced setbacks in multiple countries.
• Samsung is working on rolling out both the One UI 6.1.1 update and the Android 15-based One UI 7.0 for a range of devices.
• Despite the delays, there is hope that the stable One UI 7.0 update will reach eligible devices by the end of the year.

https://www.sammobile.com/news/one-ui-7-beta-update-delay-one-ui-6-1-1-rumor/…

• Real, actual Markdown support is now available in Google Docs
• Google Docs was created from software company acquisitions and Google Wave
• Markdown had been solidified for about eight years before being integrated into Google Docs
• Initial support in Google Docs expanded to include headlines, italics, bold, strikethrough, and links
• Google Docs can now convert Markdown text to its equivalent Docs formatting and export to Markdown

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/07/real-actual-markdown-support-is-arriving-in-google-docs-not-a-moment-too-soon/…

• Anthropic released the Claude Android app to expand access to its AI chatbot, aiming to compete with ChatGPT by offering real-time language translation and image analysis features.
• The app includes free access to Anthropic’s top AI model, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, with upgrade options available through Pro and Team subscriptions.
• Users can sync conversations across devices and upload photos or files for analysis within the app.
• Despite technical parity with OpenAI and Google, Anthropic has struggled to gain consumer traction, with the iOS app receiving a lukewarm reception.
• The app targets enterprise customers, offering mobile access to Claude accounts and aiming to enhance user experience with innovative features.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/16/anthropic-releases-claude-app-for-android/…

• Quora’s Poe now allows users to create and share web apps through a feature called Previews
• Previews enables users to build interactive apps within chat conversations with AI chatbots
• Users can create data visualizations, games, and other apps by interacting with chatbots like Claude and GPT-4o
• Previews supports HTML output and functionality like CSS and Javascript, expanding beyond Anthropic’s Artifacts
• Previews is recommended for chatbots proficient in programming, available with Poe’s premium plan at $20 per month

https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/08/quoras-poe-now-lets-users-create-and-share-web-apps/…

• Microsoft’s Notepad app in Windows 11 finally receives spellcheck and autocorrect features, over 40 years after its initial launch in 1983.
• Spellcheck in Notepad functions similarly to Word or Edge, highlighting misspelled words with a red underline, but requires an additional click to view correction options.
• Notepad was originally created as a simplified version of Word in 1983, and now allows users to enable or disable spellcheck on a file type basis.
• Autocorrect has also been added to Notepad, automatically fixing typos when spellcheck is enabled, with the option to disable it in the settings.
• Microsoft continues to enhance Notepad with features such as character count, dark mode, tabs, Copilot integration, and a virtual fidget spinner, coinciding with the removal of the WordPad app from Windows 11.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/8/24194047/microsoft-notepad-spellcheck-autocorrect-features-available…

• Gemini 1.5 Pro introduces a 2M token context window for developers, allowing processing of large amounts of data such as video, audio, code, and text
• Google announced the expansion at I/O 2024, enabling developers to access the enhanced capabilities previously in private preview
• Gemini 1.5 Pro is already being utilized by various industries for tasks like bug detection, research analysis, and sports performance evaluation
• Gemini 1.5 Flash, with a 1M token context window, is now available for retail chat agents, document processing, and research synthesis
• Google’s Gemma 2 model and Imagen 3 are also introduced, offering advanced features and parameter sizes for various applications

https://9to5google.com/2024/06/27/gemini-1-5-pro-2-million/…

• The X Window System, despite being 40 years old, remains relevant in the realm of computer technology.
• A document titled “An Introduction to the X Window System” by Robert Lupton was found on a university website.
• Lupton, a member of Princeton’s AstroPhysical Sciences Department, played a significant role in the development and usage of X in the early 1980s.
• X Window System provided cross-platform compatibility and tools for graphical user interfaces.
• Lupton attributes the survival of X to its functionality and portability compared to other options available at the time.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/06/the-x-window-system-is-40-archaic-as-heck-and-still-relevant/…

• Developers can now create toggles for Control Center in iOS 18, allowing for integration of third-party apps
• iOS 18 introduces a customizable Control Center with multiple pages for different functions
• The new Control Center in iOS 18 is divided into three pages: standard controls, media controls, and connectivity toggles
• Users can now better reorganize and resize toggles in the Control Center, in addition to adding or removing specific ones
• The Controls API in iOS 18 enables developers to create quick actions for their apps accessible from Control Center and Lock Screen

https://9to5mac.com/2024/06/10/developers-toggles-control-center-ios-18/…

• Microsoft releases the MS-DOS 4.00 source code, binaries, disk images, and documentation on GitHub under the MIT license.
• MS-DOS 4.00 was a unique version written in partnership with IBM, known as Multitasking DOS (MT-DOS), with limited release.
• The release was influenced by correspondence between Ray Ozzie and Connor ‘Starfrost’ Hyde, who preserved the code for open-source.
• MS-DOS 4.00 features multitasking abilities, including a session manager for hot-key switching between applications.
• The MS-DOS 4.00 Intel 8086 assembly code, binaries, disk images, and documentation are available on GitHub for enthusiasts to run on emulators or compatible hardware.

https://www.tomshardware.com/software/operating-systems/microsoft-releases-ms-dos-4-source-code-on-github-45-year-old-code-now-open-source…

• Tiny11 Builder debloats any Windows 11 build or version, creating a custom image tailored to user preferences.
• Latest Tiny11 Builder release simplifies the process of creating a lightweight Windows 11 ISO using Microsoft utilities like DISM and oscdimg.exe.
• The tool is now compatible with any Windows 11 version, language, and architecture, thanks to improved PowerShell scripting capabilities.
• Users are advised to set the PowerShell execution policy to unrestricted before using Tiny11 Builder.
• Only official Windows images from Microsoft are guaranteed to be entirely safe; users should be aware of potential risks when customizing their OS.

https://www.neowin.net/news/new-version-of-tiny11-builder-lets-you-debloat-any-windows-11-build-or-version/…

• Google has several open source projects that are lesser-known but impactful, such as Carbon, Pigweed, Draco, Blockly, LiquidFun, and AndroidX Media3.
• Carbon is a modern programming language by Google designed to replace C++, focusing on interoperability.
• Pigweed is a versatile framework by Google for developing IoT devices, providing libraries and tools for microcontrollers.
• Draco is an open source library by Google for compressing large 3D files, particularly useful in gaming and design.
• Blockly is an interactive programming system by Google aimed at teaching children coding skills through visual programming.

https://www.androidpolice.com/google-open-source-projects-youve-never-heard-of/…

• No Rest for the Wicked’s first hotfix released, with a second patch in progress
• Updates address balance, durability, stamina, loot, stability, and Quality of Life
• Changes include reducing repair costs, adjusting fall damage curve, and weapon upgrades
• Bug fixes include resolving crashes and improving inventory navigation
• Moon Studios’ CEO expresses gratitude for support during Early Access phase

https://www.eurogamer.net/no-rest-for-the-wickeds-first-hotfix-is-here-and-a-second-patch-is-on-the-way…

• Linus Torvalds emphasizes his preference for tabs over spaces in the Linux kernel, leading to a debate over coding standards.
• Torvalds rejects a commit changing a tab to a space, highlighting the importance of adhering to the kernel’s coding style.
• The issue of tabs versus spaces in coding is a longstanding debate with significant energy invested in resolving it.
• Torvalds introduces hidden tabs in response to a commit, aiming to make tab detection failures more apparent.
• The Linux kernel’s coding style mandates the use of tabs, with Torvalds making adjustments in the release candidate for Linux kernel 6.9.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/04/linus-torvalds-reiterates-his-tabs-versus-spaces-stance-with-a-kernel-trap/…

• Framework is working on improving its software and firmware updates, which have been problematic.
• New features, security updates, and Linux support are planned for Framework laptops.
• Despite hardware being repairable and upgradeable, software support has been lacking.
• CEO Nirav Patel acknowledges software issues and promises fixes, but timelines remain unclear.
• Framework has faced delays and communication challenges in releasing BIOS updates, causing frustration among users.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/04/frameworks-software-and-firmware-have-been-a-mess-but-its-working-on-them/…

• Microsoft launches Copilot Pro worldwide with a one-month free trial for consumers
• Copilot Pro includes priority access to OpenAI models and the ability to build your own Copilot GPT
• Copilot Pro is now integrated into Office web apps and will soon be available in mobile apps
• Businesses with certain Microsoft 365 subscriptions will soon be able to purchase Copilot for Microsoft 365
• Microsoft plans to showcase more improvements to Copilot, including Windows 11 changes, at the Build developer conference in May

https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/14/24100993/microsoft-copilot-pro-launch-free-trial…

• The Game Boy emulator developer, Pizza Emulators, has permanently removed its apps from the Google Play Store, citing family as the top priority.
• The decision to remove the apps comes in the same week as Nintendo’s lawsuit against the creators of the Switch emulator Yuzu.
• Nintendo offers Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance titles on its Switch Online subscription service.
• Yuzu creators have been ordered to pay Nintendo $2.4 million in damages and shut down the emulator.
• Emulation community members express mixed reactions, with some supporting game preservation efforts and others criticizing illegal profiting from emulators.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/03/game-boy-emulator-developer-permanently-removes-app-from-google-play-store…

• Microsoft default font change from Calibri to Aptos upset some users
• Users react passionately to the font change, with some expressing excitement and others resistance
• Aptos replaces Calibri after 17 years as the default font in Microsoft programs
• Font designer Steve Matteson created Aptos with a slight humanist touch, aiming for universal appeal
• Microsoft spokesperson acknowledges mixed reactions to the font change, emphasizing the evolution of font technology and changing preferences

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/22/us/microsoft-default-font-aptos-calibri-cec/index.html…

• iOS 17.4 beta 4 features include new Battery Health updates and an updated ‘Hello’ screen
• Apple introduces quantum computer protection for iMessage in iOS 17.4, upgrading encryption to thwart future attacks
• Ongoing PQ3 rekeying enhances security by automatically issuing new keys in iOS 17.4
• Update to CarPlay instrument cluster in iOS 17.4 allows for more customization, especially for vehicles like the Polestar 2
• Changes to Battery Health information in iOS 17.4 beta 4 include decoupling of Battery Health and Charging optimization, simplified battery health status, and updated battery lifespan for iPhone 15 lineup

https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/21/hands-on-ios-17-4-beta-4-changes-and-features-video/

Links to additional Resources: