Microsoft Adds Surfing Minigame to Windows 11 Installs for '90s Nostalgia and Improved User Experience

Microsoft has added a surfing minigame to the Windows 11 install/update process to make the experience more enjoyable.
The surfing game is the one built into Microsoft Edge that is inspired by the classic SkiFree game from the '90s.
Users are prompted to "take a break" and play the surfing game if Windows updates are taking longer than expected.
The addition taps into nostalgia, transforms potential tedium into relaxation, and aims to engage users.
It's unclear if the surfing game prompts are coming to all Windows 11 devices or just Microsoft Surface products.

bleepingcomputer.com

Relevant topic timeline:

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Posted 10/3/2023, 6:59:49 PM

Microsoft Adds Surfing Minigame to Windows 11 Installs for '90s Nostalgia and Improved User Experience

Microsoft has added a surfing minigame to the Windows 11 install/update process to make the experience more enjoyable.
The surfing game is the one built into Microsoft Edge that is inspired by the classic SkiFree game from the '90s.
Users are prompted to "take a break" and play the surfing game if Windows updates are taking longer than expected.
The addition taps into nostalgia, transforms potential tedium into relaxation, and aims to engage users.
It's unclear if the surfing game prompts are coming to all Windows 11 devices or just Microsoft Surface products.

bleepingcomputer.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/18/2023

New Windows Update Causing Crashes and Game Issues for Users

9/21/2023

Microsoft Unifies Copilot AI Experience Across Windows 11, Office, and More

Microsoft is launching a new unified Copilot experience on September 26th, which will be built into Windows 11 and available across various apps and experiences.

9/21/2023

Windows 11's Fall Update Brings AI Features, Passwordless Logins, and Interface Improvements

9/27/2023

Microsoft releases Windows 11 update with Instant Games and other features

The Windows 11 September 2023 update introduces an Instant Games experience that allows users to play games directly from the Microsoft Store without needing to download and install them first.

10/13/2023

Windows 11 AI Features: Helpful Tools Outshine Underwhelming Copilot Assistant

10/18/2023

Windows 11 Usage Lags Behind Windows 10 Due to Hardware Requirements and Limited Upgrades

Windows 11 is struggling to gain popularity and has fallen behind Windows 10 in terms of active device usage, possibly due to its hardware requirements and lack of compelling features.

10/27/2023

Microsoft Criticized for Aggressive Edge Promotion Tactics in Windows