Shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday, a colleague shared a link from Threads featuring an animated cat that appears on the Windows taskbar. This GitHub-sourced extension displays CPU usage levels, with the cat's running speed increasing based on the processor's workload.
Reactions in the Threads discussion varied from cautious to positive. One commenter, gerb, noted, 'It might be malware, but at least it’s cute.' Overall, many users appreciated the concept, suggesting alternatives like dogs but generally supporting charming taskbar enhancements.
This raises the question: Why has Microsoft not pursued offering such add-ons commercially?
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In earlier times, installing similar customizations carried lower risks, as online threats were fewer and a culture of responsible sharing persisted. Even recently, advice would include verifying the developer's credibility and checking community code reviews.
However, cybercriminals have integrated artificial intelligence into their tactics, enabling quicker deployment and greater complexity. Google has identified examples of malware that adapts dynamically in real time, evading detection more effectively. Attack strategies have grown subtler, with instances this year where legitimate Steam games distributed harmful software.
Microsoft operates several game development studios that have profited significantly from selling cosmetic items and accessories. The company also manages an online store for its Xbox platform, demonstrating familiarity with digital marketplaces. Its Microsoft Store has seen steady growth as well.
Despite these assets, users cannot purchase small software extensions to customize Windows interfaces, such as: This selection is far from complete, representing only a fraction of potential appealing options.
To clarify, this proposal does not extend to charging for essential Windows functionalities, even minor ones—that would be undesirable. Appreciation goes to the PowerToys developers for their free contributions.
The author owns several garish sweaters and even purchased Microsoft Windows XP-themed Crocs, briefly contemplating the Xbox variant. It represents a missed chance to revive the 1990s trend of spending time curating and applying various Winamp visual themes.
Aesthetic modifications remain popular among users. While many resist paying $30 to prolong Windows 10 support, themed packs inspired by Microsoft's prominent game series could generate substantial revenue, likely surpassing the cost of an extended license.
Though the author avoids purchasing skins for the Overwatch character Moira despite extensive playtime as that hero, trustworthy Windows-themed customizations from Microsoft would be appealing. No entity could offer greater reliability than the company itself.
In the latest The Full Nerd episode, hosts Brad Chacos, Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, and Will Smith face the repercussions of inaccurate 2025 predictions, upholding their yearly ritual.
For newcomers, the format involves reviewing prior year's estimates first. Incorrect ones traditionally require writing the prediction on paper and consuming it, though some hosts have adapted this approach. The segment concludes with fresh forecasts for the upcoming year, perpetuating the tradition.
Given 2025's unpredictability, correctly guessing any items proved challenging. Consequently, Brad, who often avoids severe penalties, endured intense regret after consuming Da Bomb Beyond Insanity hot sauce for each miss.
The discomfort extended beyond the recording; approximately three hours afterward, a group chat message arrived: 'ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff i forgot to wash my hands before using the bathroom 😭😭'.
On Wednesday, he reported incomplete recovery and emphasized the importance of handwashing after handling spicy sauces.
If you missed the live broadcast, subscribe to The Full Nerd Network on YouTube and enable alerts. The show also fields viewer queries during airtime.
Explore our expanded content, including Dual Boot Diaries and The Full Nerd: Extra Edition episodes.
For ongoing hardware discussions, join our relaxed Discord server populated by fellow enthusiasts.
Anticipating a calm period over the Christmas to New Year's interval proved optimistic, as Maingear revealed plans on Tuesday to sell customized PCs excluding RAM, allowing buyers to supply their own for cost savings.
Sourcing budget-friendly DDR5 memory independently poses a practical challenge.
Season's greetings to holiday observers—expect the next update shortly after New Year's, featuring reflections on 2026 and possible personal goals. Meanwhile, time will be spent with family, gaming, and festive meals.
This newsletter honors the legacy of Gordon Mah Ung, originator and host of The Full Nerd, and PCWorld's hardware executive editor.
With 14 years in technology and gaming journalism, Alaina Yee addresses diverse subjects at PCWorld. Joining in 2016, her coverage spans CPUs, Windows, PC assembly, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and beyond, while spotting deals. Her current emphasis is cybersecurity, guiding online protection. Previous publications include PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine.