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Zac Bowden

@zacbowden • 91,281 subscribers

15+ years writing words, creating videos, and making podcasts about tech. Senior Editor at @FuturePLC @WindowsCentral Got a tip? Signal: zacbowden.52

Shorts

I've been testing out Windows 11's new Haptic Signals feature on compatible hardware, and I think I love it. I'm someone who yearns for small UX details like this, and I'm so happy to see Microsoft leaning into subtle but quality UX implementations like haptics across the Windows Shell. These new Haptic Signals provide a subtle bump when interacting with certain UI elements and actions, such as snapping app windows or dragging files in File Explorer. The feedback response feels great and intentional, and makes using the OS feel more satisfying. There's still room for improvement, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed with this first implementation. It's only supported on a handful of devices for now, but that should change over time. I've always loved the haptic feedback layered throughout Google Pixel phones, and now Windows is getting its own version of it. More UX niceties like this, please!

I've been testing out Windows 11's new Haptic Signals feature on compatible hardware, and I think I love it. I'm someone who yearns for small UX details like this, and I'm so happy to see Microsoft leaning into subtle but quality UX implementations like haptics across the Windows Shell. These new Haptic Signals provide a subtle bump when interacting with certain UI elements and actions, such as snapping app windows or dragging files in File Explorer. The feedback response feels great and intentional, and makes using the OS feel more satisfying. There's still room for improvement, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed with this first implementation. It's only supported on a handful of devices for now, but that should change over time. I've always loved the haptic feedback layered throughout Google Pixel phones, and now Windows is getting its own version of it. More UX niceties like this, please!

42,536 views

Just realized that Fluent Design reveal effects live on via the Xbox Cloud Streaming website lol. Wish they'd bring this back to Windows UI tbh

Just realized that Fluent Design reveal effects live on via the Xbox Cloud Streaming website lol. Wish they'd bring this back to Windows UI tbh

48,470 views

Latest Windows 11 preview build has a fun bug that restores Windows Vista's iconic boot up sound. A surprise blast from the past lol

Latest Windows 11 preview build has a fun bug that restores Windows Vista's iconic boot up sound. A surprise blast from the past lol

114,414 views

New Windows 11 build has an updated touch input visual when dragging your finger around. It now displays a trail of bubbles heh

New Windows 11 build has an updated touch input visual when dragging your finger around. It now displays a trail of bubbles heh

81,835 views

Huh, the swipe gesture to open notifications now opens Copilot instead on Windows 11 build 26100

Huh, the swipe gesture to open notifications now opens Copilot instead on Windows 11 build 26100

81,905 views

Anyone else seeing this bug on the latest W11 Dev Channel build? File Explorer resets its size back to default every time you close it. Super frustrating.

Anyone else seeing this bug on the latest W11 Dev Channel build? File Explorer resets its size back to default every time you close it. Super frustrating.

11,769 views

Videos

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I cannot believe it still takes this long for Outlook on Windows to display an email when you select it from a notification. It's INFURIATING!

I cannot believe it still takes this long for Outlook on Windows to display an email when you select it from a notification. It's INFURIATING!

207,013 views • 3 months ago

This is the moment a protester interrupted Microsoft's live Copilot AI event.

This is the moment a protester interrupted Microsoft's live Copilot AI event.

650,070 views • 1 year ago

It looks like Microsoft has blocked the bypass that allowed you to create a local account during Windows 11 setup by typing in a blocked email address. Now it just loops you back to typing in a different account :(

It looks like Microsoft has blocked the bypass that allowed you to create a local account during Windows 11 setup by typing in a blocked email address. Now it just loops you back to typing in a different account :(

337,946 views • 2 years ago

This is Microsoft's new agentic Copilot feature for Windows 11 in action. It will take your task and complete it in a separate desktop environment, and you can watch it while it works or minimize and get on with your own task.

This is Microsoft's new agentic Copilot feature for Windows 11 in action. It will take your task and complete it in a separate desktop environment, and you can watch it while it works or minimize and get on with your own task.

110,244 views • 9 months ago

Windows Vista is actually so pretty. I forgot how much I adored this OS back in the day. Bring back Aero Glass!

Windows Vista is actually so pretty. I forgot how much I adored this OS back in the day. Bring back Aero Glass!

87,601 views • 1 year ago

Happy 50th Birthday Microsoft! Here's to another 50 years!

Happy 50th Birthday Microsoft! Here's to another 50 years!

29,792 views • 1 year ago

PSA: Your Surface Earbuds are killing themselves. If you've not charged yours in a while, they might never wake up. I have three sets, and all of them are dead.

PSA: Your Surface Earbuds are killing themselves. If you've not charged yours in a while, they might never wake up. I have three sets, and all of them are dead.

20,822 views • 1 year ago

The animated lock screen effects on Android 16 Material 3 Expressive are SO COOL. Look at how it's able to put snow on the peaks of the mountain on my wallpaper!

The animated lock screen effects on Android 16 Material 3 Expressive are SO COOL. Look at how it's able to put snow on the peaks of the mountain on my wallpaper!

11,187 views • 1 year ago

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