Operating Systems
Ongoing coverage on Operating Systems.
Latest coverage
Xbox Mode Is About To Be On Every Windows 11 PC | Console Creatures
Xbox Mode, previously exclusive to the ROG Ally handheld, is coming to Windows 11 PCs in select markets next month. This feature provides a controller-optimized experience for launching games, browsing libraries, and using Game Bar. Microsoft aims to create a consistent Xbox experience across devices and simplify development for creators.
Xbox Mode, Formerly Xbox Full Screen Experience, Finally Launches On Windows 11 In April
Microsoft is launching Xbox Mode, formerly known as Xbox Full Screen Experience, on Windows 11 in April. This gaming-optimized mode improves controller navigation, enhances performance by reducing background tasks, and unifies game libraries from various PC storefronts. The interface is also seen as a precursor to Microsoft's upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, expected to ship developer kits in 2027.
Fedora 44 Beta is out with KDE improvements, better live media and more
The Fedora team has released Fedora 44 Beta, featuring improvements to the KDE Plasma desktop, including a unified setup application and the Plasma Login Manager. The release also modernizes the Games Lab for a better gaming and development experience and enhances live media functionality for aarch64 systems and USB persistence.
SteamOS 3.7.20 released with NTSync driver, plus big new Steam Client update for all
Valve has released stable updates for SteamOS and the Steam Client. SteamOS 3.7.20 introduces the NTSync driver, which aims to improve synchronization primitives for Windows games on Linux. The Steam Client update adds features like hardware spec attachment to user reviews, anonymized framerate data collection, and various fixes for library management, chat, remote play, and accessibility.
Modder helps Sony unwittingly beat Valve to the punch: 'I ported Linux to the PS5 and turned it into a Steam…
Software engineer Andy Nguyen has successfully ported Linux to the PlayStation 5, enabling it to run games like Grand Theft Auto 5 with ray tracing. This achievement, while complex and requiring a specific exploit, effectively turns the console into a functional PC. Nguyen's work highlights the potential for custom operating systems on the console, even as Sony utilizes Linux for its own system software.
Modder Ports Linux To The PS5, Turning The Console Into An Unofficial Steam Machine
A modder has successfully ported Linux to the PlayStation 5, effectively turning the console into an unofficial PC capable of running Steam. This development allows for greater flexibility and potential use beyond its intended gaming functions.
Co-op works brilliantly in Slay the Spire 2 | TAG
Slay the Spire 2 has launched with a highly praised co-op multiplayer mode, enhancing the familiar gameplay with team-based strategy and social interaction. In other gaming news, Bungie is addressing player feedback on Marathon's microtransactions with an upcoming patch, while Valve continues to navigate potential delays for the Steam Machine. Additionally, discoveries in Marathon's lore, a Greek myth-themed tower defense game called Minos, and updates on various other titles like Slay the Spire 2's early access and the Steam Machine's release window are highlighted.
Saturday Tech Bits
This article touches on various tech industry topics, including the job creation potential of a large data center and user frustrations with Windows 11. It references information from Futurism and discusses common issues faced by users of the operating system.
I'm a Linux bore now, so I used my new powers to resurrect a ten year-old laptop forgotten by Windows
This article details the process of resurrecting a ten-year-old Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 laptop by installing a lightweight Linux distribution, Origami Linux, to replace Windows 10. The author highlights the improved performance, battery life, and user experience compared to the original OS, despite the laptop's aging hardware and a failing battery.
This vibe-coded operating system looks like a nightmarish version of our AI OS future, although some of the function…
This article discusses a "vibe-coded" operating system called Vib-OS, which is presented as a nightmarish vision of a potential AI-driven future for operating systems. The YouTuber tirimid tested the OS, encountering numerous bugs and usability issues, including a non-functional installer, broken file manager, and a "browser" that only opened images. The author uses this experience to reflect on the potential horrors of AI-developed operating systems, contrasting it with the current Windows 11.
Microsoft CEO says 'I look at all agents as users', and that means AI ones too, as each agentic bot 'will…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company views all AI agents as users, potentially expanding the total addressable market for Microsoft 365. He discussed how Windows is evolving into an agentic OS, where AI elements like Copilot could perform tasks autonomously with user permission. Nadella outlined three tiers of user interaction: delegated access, asynchronous work on behalf of the user, and a full digital worker with its own identity and tools.
Well, there goes any reason to buy an iPad Air
Apple has announced the MacBook Neo, a $599 13-inch laptop running macOS, which the author argues makes the iPad Air redundant. The Neo offers a real keyboard, trackpad, longer battery life, and better multitasking capabilities compared to the iPad Air, even with accessories.
Morning Tech Bits
Rumors surrounding Windows 12 suggest potential features and pricing details are emerging. The article also briefly touches upon experiences with brain implants over a five-year period.
MacBook Neo hands-on: Apple's $599 laptop feels shockingly great
Apple's new $599 MacBook Neo offers a surprisingly premium feel and vibrant display for its price point, outperforming similarly priced HP laptops in screen quality and audio. While it handles light gaming like Oceanhorn 3 smoothly, potential buyers should note the base model's 8GB RAM and slower A18 Pro chip, and the lack of a MagSafe port. The Neo is positioned as an affordable entry into the macOS ecosystem, potentially appealing to students and schools.
Rumor that Microsoft plans to launch a 'modular' Windows 12 this year retracted by its source, refuted by…
A rumor suggesting Microsoft would launch a modular Windows 12 this year has been retracted and refuted by sources. Current reports indicate that Windows 12, featuring a redesigned interface with a floating taskbar and deeper AI integration, is now expected to launch in 2026. The new OS will reportedly require significant AI processing power, necessitating NPUs with at least 40 TOPS.
Resistance to operating system age checks coming from *checks notes* open source calculator and an OS that may just…
California has enacted a law requiring operating systems to verify user age during setup, with data shared with developers. This legislation, effective January 1, 2027, has met resistance from open-source projects like Fedora and MidnightBSD, with some considering excluding California residents. Similar bills are also under consideration in Colorado, sparking debate about privacy, security, and the practical implementation of such age verification methods.
Ubuntu and Fedora devs comment on California's new Digital Age Assurance Act
Linux distributions Ubuntu and Fedora are discussing how to comply with California's new Digital Age Assurance Act, which requires age verification for operating systems starting in 2027. Canonical's VP of Engineering Jon Seager stated there are no concrete plans yet, while Fedora Project Leader Jef Spaleta is exploring potential API solutions for applications to query user age brackets without telemetry.
Bazzite gets a big update with KDE Plasma 6.6, Mesa 26.0.1 and more
Bazzite has released a significant update for its PC gaming handhelds and desktops, featuring KDE Plasma 6.6 and Mesa 26.0.1. The update addresses an earlier bug causing 100% disk usage and includes smaller image sizes, the return of Konsole, and the introduction of Kontainer. Future updates will focus on the 'OGC' kernel and support for input devices and capture cards.
California law to require operating systems to check your age
California law AB-1043, effective January 1, 2027, will require operating system providers and app stores to implement age verification. Users will need to provide their birth date or age during account setup, which will then be signaled to applications. This law aims to protect children by providing age bracket information to software, though it raises concerns about data privacy and potential future expansions.
Steam Survey for February 2026 shows a big swing to Simplified Chinese
The February 2026 Steam Hardware & Software Survey shows a significant increase in Simplified Chinese language users and a notable drop in Linux adoption. Valve may issue a correction to the data, which also indicates a rise in Windows 10 64-bit usage.
