Aaronbytes

A leaked Andromeda OS build for the pocket communicator project can be flashed to first-gen Surface Duo devices. The compile by Gustave Monce runs on Duo 1 only, is unstable, and will erase all user data.

Nex Computer is developing a smartphone that goes beyond Android-only desktop modes, promising broader platform flexibility and a true bridge between mobile and desktop workflows.

The Minix Neo Z95 is a pocket-sized desktop PC measuring 88 × 88 × 43 mm. It uses an Intel N95 CPU, 16 GB LPDDR5X (soldered), a 512 GB PCIe 3.0 SSD, supports three 4K displays, and ships with Windows 11 Pro. Currently sold out on Minix’s site.

Windows 11 may regain the ability to place the taskbar on any screen edge. Microsoft is prioritizing usability fixes over AI marketing, and the moveable taskbar could arrive this summer, according to Windows Central.

Mozilla will stop Firefox updates for Windows 7 at the end of the month. Firefox 115 ESR is the last release for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1; users should upgrade to a modern OS to stay secure.

Parallels confirms Parallels Desktop can install and run Windows VMs on the MacBook Neo, but the A18 Pro platform, 8 GB unified RAM, and fanless design limit performance for demanding users.

Microsoft says it will ship performance, reliability, and UX improvements to Windows 11. Insider previews start next month, with broader rollout expected in Q2 or Q3 as the company promises fixes for speed, crashes, search, updates, and Start menu ads.

Microsoft is updating Windows for EU Digital Markets Act compliance: Europeans can uninstall the Microsoft Store while keeping apps and updates, switch default browsers and PDF handling with one click, and set alternative search providers for system search. Changes are in Insider testing now.

Microsoft and Asus revealed two Xbox Ally handhelds running Windows 11: a 720p-ready Xbox Ally and a beefier Xbox Ally X with AI-enhanced RDNA 3 graphics, 24 GB RAM, Thunderbolt 4, and an expected price above $1,000. Both launch before the holidays.

Microsoft and AMD extended their decade-long hardware partnership. AMD chips will power the next Xbox generation plus handhelds and cloud services, include AI-driven features, and keep backward compatibility. Microsoft may open Xbox to third-party stores and is aligning Xbox more closely with Windows.