Category: Software

  • WhatsApp Desktop May Get New Colorful Design Soon

    WhatsApp Desktop May Get New Colorful Design Soon

    Key Takeaway

    1. Meta is planning to introduce customizable themes to WhatsApp’s web app, similar to the mobile app, with potentially up to 49 themes.
    2. The new themes will allow per-chat customization and dynamic backgrounds, remaining private to each user.
    3. The update aims to enhance the web app’s interface, making it more engaging and feature-rich, aligning it with other Meta messaging platforms.
    4. WhatsApp is also developing a username feature, expected to be in advanced stages and possibly launching later this year.

    Meta is Enhancing Its Web App Experience

    Meta is now working on a new features to boost its web application, especially adding themes for user customization. According to recent reports, they are planning to bring the same themes available on mobile to the web version, which could include up to 49 different themes for users to choose from. This development aims at making the web experience more lively and personalized.

    Theme Customization Coming to the Web

    Currently, WhatsApp’s mobile apps on iOS and Android support themes, allowing users to change background images and chat bubble colours, but the web and desktop version do not have these options. Very soon, users will see these nifty features expanded to their web interfaces, making it easier to adapt the app’s look to their personal taste. The new themes are expected to include various shades of a single colour, possibly to test which themes will be popular before full release.

    Additional Customization and Privacy Options

    WhatsApp is also planning to add per-chat customization, enabling different themes for individual conversations. Users may also get a dynamic background that adapts to match the current theme. Unlike Messenger or Instagram Messenger, where shared themes are visible across contacts, WhatsApp will keep themes private for each user, enhancing personal privacy.

    Web App Updates and Future Features

    While WhatsApp has offered a web app for some years now, updates have traditionally rolled out first on mobile devices, considering the mobile app is its main focus. However, the interface’s dull look could benefit from a refresh with a complete themes system. Meta has demonstrated how they can create appealing desktop messaging clients, as seen with Messenger and Instagram, so this upcoming update could make the web app much more engaging.

    Upcoming Usernames and Other Enhancements

    In addition to themes, WhatsApp is supposedly working on a username feature, which would allow users to connect via unique handles instead of phone numbers. Although official details are pending, this change would align WhatsApp more closely with other Meta platforms and competitors like Telegram. Both the username feature and themes are in mature development stages and might be launched later this year, though no formal announcements have yet been made.

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  • Netrunner 26 Launches with XLibre X11 and Enhanced Security

    Netrunner 26 Launches with XLibre X11 and Enhanced Security

    Key Takeaway

    1. Netrunner has transitioned from a Debian 12 Bookworm base to Debian 13 Trixie, maintaining its Debian-based heritage.
    2. The latest version, Netrunner 26 Twilight, features the 6.16 kernel, updated software, enhanced security, and a focus on modern aesthetics.
    3. It includes updated applications such as Qt 6.8.2, KDE Apps 25.04.3, Thunderbird ESR 140.6.0, and VirtualBox 7.2.6.

    Netrunner is a well known Linux distributions with a long history spanning over 15 years. This distro initially started based on Kubuntu but has since switched to Debian, making it quite robust and reliable. They just recently updated their core to Debian 13 Trixie from the previous Debian 12 Bookworm, with version 26 arriving a little over a year after the last update. The latest ISO is a 64-bit release, boasting the 6.16 kernel, aiming to offer users a modern aesthetic with latest software, security patches, and stability all in one package.

    Recent Updates and Features

    The official notes highlight some key improvements and recent features included in this release. For example, newer versions of core components ensure the system is fresh and secure. The inclusion of software like Qt 6.8.2 and KDE Apps 25.04.3 demonstrates their commitment to up-to-date desktop environments and utilities. Additionally, Thunderbird ESR 140.6.0, Inkscape 1.4, and VirtualBox 7.2.6 are some of the highlighted applications that enhance the user experience.

    Technical Specifications and Download Info

    The Netrunner 26 Twilight iso file weighs in at approximately 3.4 GB. Interested users can access the download through their official page, ensuring they get the latest and most secure version. This latest iteration continues to focus on providing a stable, secure, and visually appealing desktop environment, catering to both new and experienced Linux users. All these updates solidify Netrunner’s reputation for delivering a dependable and modern Debian-based distro for a broad user base.

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  • Windows 11 KB5086672 Fix for KB5079391 Install Failures Released

    Windows 11 KB5086672 Fix for KB5079391 Install Failures Released

    Key Takeaway

    1. KB5086672 is an out-of-band cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, addressing installation issues and including previous updates.
    2. It resolves the installation error 0x80073712 related to the earlier preview update KB5079391, which is no longer offered.
    3. The update incorporates improvements from KB5079391, such as enhanced Smart App Control, Windows Hello reliability, and error message removal during sfc /scannow.
    4. KB5086672 is available via Windows Update and the Microsoft Update Catalog, recommended for users who missed or encountered issues with previous updates.
    5. This release aligns with Microsoft’s broader focus on improving Windows quality, responsiveness, and native experience using WinUI 3.

    Latest Windows 11 Update From Microsoft

    Microsoft just dropped an out-of-band update named KB5086672 for Windows 11, specifically for versions 24H2 and 25H2. The update, dated March 31, upgrades the system to OS Builds 26100.8117 and 26200.8117 respectively. This package is pretty notable because it didn’t just include features from the recent optional preview update KB5079391, but it also squashed a nasty installation bug that was causing problems for some devices trying to install that update.

    What Makes KB5086672 Important

    Now, here’s why this update is so crucial; KB5079391 was temporarily not available for new devices because of a troublesome installation error. Some users reported error 0x80073712, which basically means some update files were missing or damaged. That was a big problem, especially because KB5079391 wasn’t just a test build—it came with real improvements like smarter app control options that could be toggled without a clean install, tweaks to error messages, and better fingerprint recognition on Windows Hello. Microsoft made sure these improvements are now baked into KB5086672, making it an all-in-one fix that replaces the earlier pending update and fixes installation issues at the same time.

    Content and Compatibility Details

    This cumulative update basically bundles previous March releases such as KB5079473 and KB5085516, giving Microsoft an effective way to deliver all these fixes in one go. It’s like they’re streamlining their update process for Windows 11 users. If your device already has KB5079473 or newer, then automatic updates via Windows Update should bring this new patch automatically. For manual updates, or if you prefer to get things directly, it’s available through the Microsoft Update Catalog.

    Known Issues and Future Outlook

    At this moment, Microsoft has said they aren’t aware of any issues lurking with KB5086672—that makes it a pretty safe update for users, especially those who missed the previous KB5079391 due to various reasons. Whether you skipped the optional update or had trouble installing it, this patch offers a straightforward fix without complications. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to focus on improving core Windows stability and responsiveness. As reports from sources like Notebookcheck highlight, there’s a bigger push toward more native experiences and greater use of WinUI 3 in different parts of Windows 11, with updates like KB5086672 being part of that broader effort to make the OS more reliable and smoother to use.

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  • Microsoft WinUI 3 Launch Supports Native Windows Team Reports

    Microsoft WinUI 3 Launch Supports Native Windows Team Reports

    Key Takeaway

    1. Microsoft is reportedly forming a dedicated team to develop more native Windows 11 apps using WinUI 3 to improve consistency and responsiveness.
    2. The move toward WinUI 3 aims to create more fluid, responsive, and platform-native user experiences across Windows 11.
    3. This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s broader efforts to enhance Windows OS performance, reliability, and user interface consistency.

    New Native App Focus for Windows 11

    Recent reports from Windows Central indicate that Microsoft is working on something big for Windows 11, they are creating a new team that focuses very much on native apps and experiences on the OS. Although the company did not make any formal slients about this team, it’s align with what they having discussed publicly about shifting more of Windows crucial experiences to WinUI 3. This means more of their core features will be faster and smoother.

    Building Native Experiences

    Apparently, Rudy Huyn, who is a big shot in Microsoft partner architecture, has shared some insights. He mention that he is building a brand new team, which is entirely dedication to native Windows apps, emphasizing user thinking and better experiences. This new team’s apps are expected to be “100% native” to Windows, a change from the current hybrid approach which mixes native code with web components. This shift could significantly impact how consistent and snappy Windows feels in future updates.

    Performance and Responsiveness Improvements

    In an official post, Microsoft said they’re working on making app interactions more fluid and responsive. They plan to do this by migrating key features to WinUI 3, which is their modern user interface framework. Features like the start menu are already seeing improvements in responsiveness, with faster animations and less lag, as more parts of Windows adopt WinUI 3.

    Focus on Reliability and Efficiency

    They also talking about a broader plan to enhance Windows 11’s stability, speed, and overall reliability. Microsoft targets lower resource use and quicker app responsiveness, especially in applications like File Explorer, which many users find slow at times. This aligns with that native-first approach discussed earlier which aims to unify Windows look and feel across all its parts, despite no public name given to this particular development team.

    WinUI 3 as the Future

    WinUI 3 is described by Microsoft as the cutting-edge framework for desktop apps on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It’s part of the Windows App SDK, supporting more modern and polished interface design. Parts of Windows itself, including the shell and some apps, already use WinUI — illustrating how central this framework is becoming for Windows development.

    Challenges Facing Windows 11

    Some users complain about inconsistency across Windows 11, where some parts feel integrated while others seem out of place or weighed down. In theory, a more widespread adoption of WinUI 3 would help resolve these issues, leading to a cleaner look and more uniform behavior, which would help improve the overall user experience even if it doesn’t address every problem.

    Moving Forward

    While Microsoft officially confirmed that they are moving more experiences to WinUI 3, they haven’t officially announced a dedicated “100% native” app team. Everything still mostly based on what Rudy Huyn said, which makes this a bit of an open secret. The only clear fact is that they are pushing hard to make core Windows features faster, more reliable, and more consistent — which could result in big improvements in future updates.

    What Might Be Coming Next

    • More unified, fluid native Windows experiences
    • A potential increase in app responsiveness and speed
    • Better consistency across Windows user interface design

    If the rumored native apps team is true and working as described, Windows 11 might soon see a more cohesive, intuitive look and feel, making daily use more delightful for users.

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  • Windows 11 KB5079391 Update Rollback Due to Installation Errors

    Windows 11 KB5079391 Update Rollback Due to Installation Errors

    Key Takeaway

    1. Microsoft temporarily paused the rollout of the Windows 11 preview update KB5079391 due to installation errors and missing files.
    2. The update aimed to improve features like File Explorer, monitor display support, Windows Hello, Safe Mode, audio, and Remote Desktop.
    3. No workaround or revised version has been released yet, and affected users must wait for Microsoft to resume distribution or provide a fix.

    Microsoft Temporarily Stops Windows 11 Update KB5079391 Deployment

    Microsoft’s latest update for Windows 11, KB5079391, has been temporarily halted due to problems encountered during installation. This update, meant for versions 24H2 and 25H2, was supposed to bring several improvements, but many users are now unable to install it because of error 0x80073712. The error reports indicate missing or corrupt files that prevent the update from completing successfully.

    Details About The Update and Its Issues

    The update was released on March 26, offering new OS Builds 26100.8116 and 26200.8116. Microsoft quickly responded to reports of installation failures, updating its support document on March 27th to acknowledge the known problems. They’ve temporarily limited its availability while they work on fixes, thus affecting many users trying to improve their system or access new features.

    Current Status and Expected Resolution

    According to Microsoft, users who look for KB5079391 in the optional updates section might not see it, which is because the rollout pause prevents its distribution via Windows Update. This isn’t a problem with individual PCs, but rather a company-wide decision to pause installation until the fault is fixed. Windows Central reported that the update has effectively been pulled back after installation issues surfaced, turning what should have been a straightforward update into a short-lived event.

    What Was Included in the Update?

    • Improvements to File Explorer, especially unblocking downloaded files
    • Support for monitors that can report refresh rates higher than 1000 Hz
    • Fixes for specific error messages during system scans (sfc /scannow)
    • Enhanced reliability of Windows Hello fingerprint recognition on some devices
    • Changes affecting Safe Mode, audio functions, Voice Access, and Group Policy in Start Menu
    • Adjustments to Remote Desktop PowerShell management

    Next Steps and Microsoft’s Guidance

    Currently, Microsoft has no workaround or updated build available for KB5079391. They are focusing on investigating the issue and have paused further distribution. Users affected by this problem will have to wait for Microsoft to resume or publish a corrected update, or incorporate fixes into subsequent cumulative updates. This situation emphasizes the importance of cautious deployment of preview patches and the need for vigilant testing.

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  • Apple Launches Business Platform for Device and App Management

    Apple Launches Business Platform for Device and App Management

    Key Takeaway

    1. Apple Business is a centralized platform for managing Apple devices, apps, and support in organizations.
    2. The platform aims to simplify device management across companies of all sizes by consolidating tools and services.
    3. Apple is positioning Apple Business as a unified, easier-to-understand solution to support and deploy Apple products in workplace environments.

    Introduction to Apple Business

    Apple has launched a new service called Apple Business which is meant to help corporations manage Apple gadgets, apps, and support through one unified platform. This service is described as an all-in-one hub designed to streamline managing Apple devices for all types of businesses, big or small. The idea is to replace the need for juggling multiple systems for hardware, software, and support with a single, centralized tool.

    Benefits for Companies

    Targeted at companies who use Apple products in their daily tasks, Apple Business simplifies how they oversee these devices. The platform combines key aspects such as device administration, application access, and end-user support into one easy-to-use solution. This makes it easier for organizations to keep track of and support their Apple ecosystems without jumping between different platforms.

    Broader Market Reach

    • Unlike traditional management systems aimed mainly at large enterprises, Apple is reaching out to smaller businesses as well.
    • It aims for a broader scope by offering a simplified management layer for companies of any size who rely on Apple hardware.
    • This moves Apple to a more visible position in the workspace market, emphasizing its tools beyond just consumer use.

    Strategic Movement

    Historically, Apple has sold hardware to workplaces, but now with Apple Business, that presence is more directly integrated as a company service. Instead of focusing only on individual devices, this new platform delivers a cohesive environment for business management and support, helping organizations better understand and deploy Apple assets.

    Missing Details & Future Plans

    While Apple’s initial announcement highlights the platform’s purpose and core benefits—device management, app handling, and support—specific details like pricing or technical features are not provided yet. These aspects will be crucial for IT teams who want to see how it matches their existing systems and workflows.

    Conclusion

    Overall, Apple’s move to present its workplace services under a unified business platform signifies a strategic shift. It consolidates parts of its ecosystem into a single point for company management, focusing on making this solution easier to understand and adopt for organizations expanding their use of Apple hardware and software.

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  • GitHub’s 2026 Actions Security Roadmap Overview

    GitHub’s 2026 Actions Security Roadmap Overview

    Key Takeaway

    1. Focus on enhancing default security, policy controls, and visibility within GitHub Actions to strengthen software supply chain security.
    2. Emphasis on centralized governance features to enable organizations to enforce usage policies across repositories and teams.
    3. Broader platform security approach, extending beyond just runners and secrets, to include defaults, oversight, and operational transparency.
    4. The roadmap is directional, prioritizing strategic improvements with gradual implementation rather than immediate product releases.

    GitHub’s 2026 Roadmap For Making Actions Safer

    GitHub, in its latest shared roadmap, discussed plans for the year 2026 targeted at making GitHub Actions more secure. They focus on making default settings safer, improving policy controls, and giving better insight into continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) sites. This just isn’t about adding one new feature but rather strengthening their whole platform’s security, especially related to the software supply chain. The aim is to create a more locked-down experience, with a strong push on security-by-default and more tools for organizations to manage workflows, runners, and dependencies more effectively at higher scales.

    Shift Towards More Secure Development Processes

    Since GitHub Actions plays such a crucial role in many teams’ development processes, these security updates will impact how developers build, test, and deploy their code. The plan hints at reducing common vulnerabilities by tightening controls and offering organizations more centralized policies, helping prevent human error or malicious activities. They want to make sure each step in the automation pipeline is more safeguarded against attack and accidental misconfigurations.

    Policy and Visibility Improvements

    One of the major focus areas is policy enhancement. GitHub states they are developing stronger governance features enabling teams to clearly define rules around how Actions are used across different repositories and entire organizations. These controls are especially helpful in larger environments where total risk management is complex but crucial. Additionally, observability within CI/CD processes is being improved, giving teams better tools and insights to watch over what happens during automation, which is extremely vital given the increasing threats like supply chain hacks and credential abuse that have been in the news lately.

    Broader Platform Security Approach

    Instead of just limiting its concerns to runners or secrets, GitHub is framing Actions security as a part of a larger effort to secure the overall platform—covering defaults, oversight, and operational visibility. Although the upgrades are mainly conceptual at this time, they signify a strategic move towards more wary but productive workflows. The company is not providing specific product launch dates yet but rather indicating the priority areas for future development.

    Implications for Developers and Teams

    For developers and teams heavily using GitHub Actions, keeping an eye on this roadmap is recommended, as upcoming enhancements could influence how they configure their workflows, set organizational policies, or monitor activity. Even if the exact timelines and features aren’t set in stone, the overall direction suggests a future where security measures become more integrated and stricter, aligning with enterprise needs so that safer, more controlled development becomes the norm.

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  • One UI 9 Update: Leaked Features for Android 17 Revealed

    One UI 9 Update: Leaked Features for Android 17 Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. One UI 8.5 is in beta for the Galaxy S25 series, with a stable version expected with the Galaxy S26 series.
    2. One UI 9 is rumored to include a new compact search bar in Samsung Internet for easier access to search and AI features.
    3. A notable feature called “Ask AI” will allow users to ask questions about the current webpage without copying text.
    4. Users can choose to keep conversations from “Ask AI” for up to 6 months or not save them after the session ends.
    5. There is no confirmed release date for One UI 9, but it may launch with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 in September.

    One UI 8.5 is now in beta and can be used on the Galaxy S25 series. The stable version will likely be released alongside the Galaxy S26 series, and then it will be made available for other compatible devices. Recently, a new leak has emerged regarding the upcoming major update: One UI 9.

    New Features in One UI 9

    Reports from SammyGuru indicate that leaked versions of One UI 9 suggest fresh features for Samsung Internet. The browser is rumored to introduce a new compact search bar that floats near the bottom of the screen. This will include functionalities such as search, AI access, recent tabs, and a menu.

    Exciting Innovations

    One interesting leaked feature is called “Ask AI.” This function lets users ask questions about the webpage they are currently viewing without needing to copy text into a chat window. The source claims that this feature analyzes the content of the page and the user’s browsing history to give tailored responses. Users will also have the choice to keep conversations for up to 6 months or not save them after the current session ends.

    At the moment, there is no fixed timeline for the release of One UI 9. It might come out alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (currently priced at $1,649 on Amazon) and the Z Flip 7, which are expected to launch in September. In other news, a regulatory agency has approved the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37, indicating that their release is likely close.

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  • Windows 11 Update: Exciting New Features Coming Soon

    Windows 11 Update: Exciting New Features Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. New options for measuring connection speeds via network icon or Quick Settings.
    2. Windows 11 uses the built-in Bing browser with Ookla’s speed test for diagnostics.
    3. Enhancements to Quick Machine Recovery for automated user settings recovery in organizations.
    4. Improved performance in searching for temporary files in storage settings.
    5. Faster response time on the Windows Update page for a better user experience.

    Microsoft has recently rolled out the latest Windows 11 Insider Builds 26100.7918 (version 24H2) and 26200.7918 (version 25H2) through the Release Preview Channel. These updates are quite compelling as they include a variety of helpful features, especially focused on the Control Panel and managing networks. A lot of these enhancements will be introduced slowly over time.

    New Connection Speed Measurements

    After installing the updates, users have new options for measuring their connection speeds: they can either right-click on the network icon located in the taskbar or use a button in the Quick Settings for Wi-Fi and mobile data. When activated, Windows 11 will launch the default browser to check the speed of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or mobile connections. The default browser used for this is the built-in Bing browser, which employs Ookla’s speed test for the measurement. This feature aims to make it easier for users to diagnose connection issues. Besides network diagnostics, these builds also come with additional features and tweaks.

    Enhancements for Organizations

    For businesses, Microsoft is enhancing the Quick Machine Recovery feature, which automates the recovery of user settings and applications. Moreover, the performance of searching for temporary files in storage settings has been improved, and the response time on the Windows Update page has been quickened.

    Microsoft’s ongoing updates are geared towards making the experience better for both individual users and organizations alike, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the latest technology advancements.

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  • Windows 10 ESU Update KB5075912 Upgrades 22H2 to Build 19045.6937

    Windows 10 ESU Update KB5075912 Upgrades 22H2 to Build 19045.6937

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft released security update KB5075912 for Windows 10 ESU on February 10, 2026, upgrading versions 22H2 and 21H2.
    2. The update resolves shutdown and hibernation issues for PCs with Secure Launch and Virtual Secure Mode after previous updates.
    3. KB5075912 introduces changes to Secure Boot, including targeting data for issuing new Secure Boot certificates.
    4. Devices may still function without the update, but could enter a “degraded security state” over time if they miss it.
    5. Unsupported versions of Windows won’t receive new Secure Boot certificates unless part of the ESU program, and some may need OEM firmware updates.

    Microsoft has released a security update for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) on February 10, 2026. This update, known as KB5075912, upgrades Windows 10 version 22H2 to OS Build 19045.6937, while version 21H2 is updated to 19044.6937.

    Issues Resolved

    According to Microsoft, KB5075912 addresses a problem that affects some PCs capable of Secure Launch with Virtual Secure Mode (VSM) turned on. After installing a Windows security update from January 13, 2026, or later, certain systems might experience issues where they are unable to shut down or hibernate, instead restarting unexpectedly.

    Secure Boot Changes

    Additionally, KB5075912 introduces a change related to Secure Boot. Microsoft has stated that Windows “quality updates” now include targeting data that helps determine if a device is eligible for new Secure Boot certificates. These certificates will only be issued after the devices demonstrate “sufficient successful update signals” to ensure a proper phased rollout.

    Important Information

    In a related post on the Windows Experience Blog released the same day, Microsoft explained that the replacement of the Secure Boot certificates is a comprehensive initiative involving both Windows servicing and OEM firmware. They emphasized that devices will keep functioning even if they miss the update, however, they might enter a “degraded security state” over time. It is also noted that unsupported versions of Windows, such as Windows 10, won’t receive the new certificates unless they are part of the ESU program. Some devices may require an OEM firmware update before they can utilize the certificate changes sent through Windows Update.

    Users are directed to the Microsoft Update Catalog for standalone packages, with KB5075912 entries for Windows 10 (including 22H2) marked on February 10, 2026.

    Lastly, Microsoft’s release notes mention that they are not aware of any current issues related to this update.

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