About João Carrasqueira
I've been covering the tech world for over 5 years, with a heavy focus on laptops and the Windows ecosystem. I also love all things tech and videogames, especially Nintendo, which I'm always happy to talk about.
What was your first computer?
It's been a long time, but I remember having an old Compaq desktop PC running Windows XP, which was the family computer in my house. It had a 20GB hard drive and, if my memory serves, 512MB of RAM, yet it allowed me to play some of the games I remember most fondly, such as Rollcage and Lego Racers.
How long have you been interested in technology?
I've been interested in tech for as long as I can remember, whether it's computers or phones. I'd always look for ways to enhance the performance of my computer or try new versions of Windows, and I joined the Windows Insider Program the day the first build was released.
What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?
I love all things tech, and Windows has always been my home, so both software and hardware are things that interest me deeply. I'm also a huge fan of console gaming, with a big focus on Nintendo, whose games have a level of charm that most other companies don't replicate, despite their lesser technical prowess.
Latest Articles
WhatsApp Beta for Windows gets dark mode support
WhatsApp Beta for Windows is getting a big update that adds dark mode support. The app has received many improvements since its launch.
The WhatsApp beta app for Windows 10 and 11, which we first saw back in November, is getting a significant update that adds dark mode support. That seems to be the biggest and most noteworthy change with this update, as we haven't been able to spot anything else.
Microsoft rolls out Windows 10 build 19044.1526 – here’s what’s new
Microsoft is rolling out the latest suite of updates for supported versions of Windows, including Windows 10 build 19044.1526.
As we hit the second Tuesday of the month, Microsoft is once again rolling out updates to every supported version of Windows. That, of course, includes Windows 11, but also a handful of Windows 10 versions that are still supported for the foreseeable future. Most notable Windows 10 versions 21H2, 21H1, and 20H2 are getting updated to build 19044.1526, 19023.1526, and 19042.1526, respectively.
Windows 11 build 22000.493 is rolling out with more fixes
Microsoft has released this month's Patch Tuesday updates, but Windows 11 build 22000.493 doesn't include Android apps or new features.
It's yet again time for Microsoft's Patch Tuesday, when all supported versions of Windows get security and reliability updates. This month, Windows 11 is getting updated to build 22000.493, and if you were hoping this would be the day we get Android app support, that doesn't seem to be the case. As with most other cumulative updates, this one is focused on security and general improvements.
Latest StartAllBack beta makes Windows 11 dark mode more consistent
The latest version of StartAllBack for Windows 11 brings dark mode to even more places, including the Control Panel and file transfers.
While Windows 11 comes with a few UI improvements, dark mode still isn't super consistent across the OS especially with some of the legacy elements still available. Thankfully, there are third-party tools trying to fix this, such as StartAllBack. The latest beta version of StartAllBack brings dark mode to even more parts of Windows 11, including the Control Panel.
Microsoft Teams is getting new LinkedIn and OneDrive integrations
Microsoft is bringing LinkedIn profiles to Teams, while a OneDrive integration makes it easier to manage your Teams files.
Microsoft Teams is constantly getting new features, and it seems Microsoft has a few more in the oven right now. According to the Microsoft 365 roadmap, Microsoft is working on a few integrations, and one of them is a new LinkedIn integration for one-on-one chats in Teams, which makes it easier to learn about your colleagues without switching contexts.
Windows 11 could get background stickers and more new features [Update]
According a new leak, Windows 11 will soon let users add stickers to their desktop background and make big changes to notification settings.
Windows 11 is set to get a few new features this month, but we're already looking forward to what might be in store next. A new leak from Twitter user Albacore has shared an early look at new features coming to Windows 11 at some point in the future. Among the new feature are stickers for the desktop, adding a new layer of personalization to Windows 11.
Edge 98 is out with multi-profile improvements and more security
Microsoft has released Edge 98 in the stable channel with automatic profile switching rules for specific sites and a new security mode.
Microsoft has updated its Edge browser to version 98, in line with the four-week schedule for new updates. This release comes with some improvements for PCs with multiple Edge profiles, plus a new security mode and other improvements.
New Windows 11 Media Player is now available to Insiders in the Beta channel
Microsoft is rolling out the new Windows 11 Media Player app to Insiders in the Beta channel, merging music and video playback into one app.
Microsoft's new Media Player app for Windows 11 is now available for Windows Insiders in the Beta channel, the company has announced. The app was first rolled out to Insiders in the Dev channel back in November, and it's a unified media player experience that replaces both Groove Music and the Movies & TV apps.
Windows Terminal 1.13 comes with a new look for settings and auto-elevated profiles
Microsoft has relased version 1.13 of Windows Terminal Preview with a redesigned settings page in line with Windows 11, plus other changes.
Microsoft has released Windows Terminal 1.13 Preview today, and the latest version is packing some new changes, as per usual. Meanwhile, Windows Terminal 1.12 is now available as a stable release including all the changes that were available in preview. That includes the to restore windows from a previous session, and a new transparency mode for the app.
Nintendo Switch has officially outsold the Wii and it's the fifth-best selling console ever
Nintendo's latest earnings report revealed that the Nintendo Switch has now outsold the ever-popular Wii, having sold 103 million units.
Nintendo recently published their earnings report for the nine months ending on December 31, 2021, and it comes with some big numbers. Specifically, it comes with the news that the Nintendo Switch has officially outsold the Wii, reaching a massive 103.54 million units sold since its launching less than five years ago. This number also makes the Switch one of the fastest-selling consoles of all time, trailing only the Nintendo DS.
Microsoft has reportedly cancelled the HoloLens 3 and doesn't know what to do with AR
Microsoft may have scrapped its plans for a would-be HoloLens 3 AR headset, according to a report that says the company's vision is unclear.
Microsoft's AR efforts seem to be misguided and the future of the HoloLens augmented reality (AR) headsets is uncertain. According to a report by Business Insider, Microsoft has cancelled plans to release the would-be HoloLens 3. The report cites sources inside Microsoft, with one specifically saying this may be the end of the road for HoloLens hardware as we know it.
Microsoft Teams news for January 2022 include music mode, front row on Windows, and more
Microsoft has rounded up all the new features added to Teams in January 2022, including high-fidelity audio, front row, and more.
We're already in February, and in typical Microsoft fashion, the company has let us know all the new features that rolled out to Teams users during the month of January. As per usual, the list of changes and news is massive, so there's a lot to go through, but it's not as big as some other months have been. Highlights include a new music mode, a new front row layout for Windows devices, and more.
New NVIDIA Studio Driver adds support for RTX 3080 Ti laptops
NVIDIA has released the latest verson of its Studio driver, adding support and improving performance on the new RTX 3080 Ti laptop GPU.
NVIDIA has released the latest version of its Studio drivers, geared towards users with a creative focus. The latest version of the NVIDIA Studio driver adds support for the new GeForce RTX 3080 Ti and 3070 Ti laptop GPUs, which were announced at CES 2022.
Microsoft's deal to buy Activision could yet be killed
The FTC is reportedly set to investigate Microsoft's acquisition deal for Activision, potentially bringing the transaction to a halt.
Microsoft's acquisition deal for Activision Blizzard is set to be investigated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, according to people familiar with the situation. The information was reported by Bloomberg, who noted that the FTC has become more aggressive in its stance on large corporate acquisitions.
Windows 11 usage share is now over 16%, says AdDuplex
AdDuplex has released its Windows usage share report for January 2022, showing that Windows 11 is now on 16.1% of modern Windows PCs.
Microsoft seems to be having a pretty successful rollout with Windows 11, despite some of the initial problems users had. AdDuplex, a company that provides an advertising framework for apps on the Microsoft Store, recently released its usage report for the month of January. In the two months since the last report, back in November, AdDuplex data shows that Windows 11 has nearly doubled its usage share to 16.1%. In November, it was at 8.6%.
New Windows 11 build improves Narrator voices and media controls
Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 build 22543 with new voices for Narrator and some design improvments to parts of the OS.
Albeit a day later than usual, Microsoft has released its weekly build of Windows 11 to Insiders enrolled in the Dev channel. This time, we're getting Windows 11 build 22543, and it's packing a few changes users might appreciate.
Synaptics' Gemini reference design is a wireless docking solution for your laptop
Synaptics has unveiled Gemini, a wireless docking solution that can seamlessly connect your laptop to external displays and peripherals.
Today, Synaptics announced Gemini, a reference design for a wireless docking solution that could dramatically change how we use our laptops for work.
Razer Blade 14, 15, or 17: Which one is right for you?
The new Razer Blade laptops are all powerful, but how do you choose between the Blade 14, 15, and 17? Here's what you need to know.
Razer refreshed its Blade lineup of gaming laptops, including the Blade 14, 15, and 17. These are all great laptops and powerful in their own right, but there are a few differences beyond the screen size, so if you're planning to buy one, it's a good idea to look closely at each of them.
Windows Insiders in Release Preview can now try Android apps on Windows 11
Microsoft is rolling out Android app support on Windows 11 to Insiders in Release Preview in the U.S. ahead of a wider release next month.
If you're a Windows Insider enrolled in the Release Preview channel and you're running Windows 11, you can now start testing Android apps on your PC. Microsoft is preparing to roll out the feature to all Windows 11 users next month - albeit it'll still be labeled as a preview - and as is customary, Windows Insiders in the Release Preview channel can try it a little early.
Microsoft announces a bunch of new features coming to Windows 11 next month
Microosft has announced a handful of new features that are coming to Windows 11 users in February, including a preview of Android apps.
Microsoft is preparing to roll out some new features to Windows 11 users in February, Windows chief Panos Panay announced today. In a blog post looking at the current state of Windows 11, the head of Microsoft's Windows and hardware divisions also looked to the future, starting with Android apps.