Animated Windows 'DreamScene' desktop backgrounds return

Animated Windows 'DreamScene' desktop backgrounds return

Tech 09.22.25


Nostalgia may soon return to the Windows desktop. The latest preview of Windows 11 introduces a feature many may remember from the Windows Vista era: animated wallpapers.

DreamScene was ahead of its time.

Back in 2007, Microsoft introduced DreamScene, allowing users to set videos (rather than static images) as desktop backgrounds in Windows Vista.

However, this feature was only available in the expensive "Ultimate" edition of Vista, and at the time, it required a very high level of computer performance, especially for the background. After Vista, DreamScene quietly disappeared from the system.

Now, Microsoft appears to be experimenting with something new. As X user phantomofearth (known for his discoveries about the underlying architecture of pre-release Windows versions) has discovered in current development and beta versions, it's now possible to set MP4 files as backgrounds. This makes it possible to create mobile desktops even without third-party programs like Wallpaper Engine.

However, Microsoft has yet to officially announce this new feature. Currently, it's being kept well hidden and could disappear at any time if it doesn't pass internal testing. Microsoft has previously experimented with dynamic backgrounds, including a parallax effect in Windows 11, but never made it into the final release. Whether DreamScene's return will actually become a reality remains uncertain. What's certain is that desktop customization is far from over at Microsoft.

New battery anode can withstand 2,100 cycles without wear and tear

South Korean scientists have proposed a new battery solution that could significantly extend the lifespan of electric vehicles and smartphones. This novel ano

New battery anode can withstand 2,100 cycles without wear and tear
10.27.25 0

Toyota pledges to launch an electric car with solid-state batteries by 2027

A Japanese company has announced it will launch the world's first electric vehicle equipped with solid-state batteries in 2027. This technology promises f

Toyota pledges to launch an electric car with solid-state batteries by 2027
10.27.25 0

Batteries powered by B vitamins and sugar could power electronic devices

Scientists have developed the world's first battery powered by vitamin B2 and glucose. It's based on the same principles the human body uses to conver

Batteries powered by B vitamins and sugar could power electronic devices
10.27.25 0

Artificial leaves mimic real photosynthesis

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have invented a "semi-synthetic leaf" that mimics photosynthesis, converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide int

Artificial leaves mimic real photosynthesis
10.27.25 0

BMW unveils its first self-inflating electric stand-up paddle board

BMW has unveiled its first self-inflating electric stand-up paddle board. This new product was developed in collaboration with Slovenian manufacturer SipaBoar

BMW unveils its first self-inflating electric stand-up paddle board
10.27.25 0

New Captery AA batteries charge in 160 seconds

Italian startup Captery has unveiled a rechargeable battery that charges in less than three minutes and lasts for decades. The company claims its technology wi

New Captery AA batteries charge in 160 seconds
10.27.25 0

The Prima eye implant restores vision to people.

Blind patients in the UK may be able to regain their reading ability with a new implant placed under the eye. Surgeons at London's Moorfields Hospital have

The Prima eye implant restores vision to people.
10.27.25 0

NASA plans to build a glass city on the moon

NASA is supporting an ambitious project aimed at enabling future human landings on the Moon. Skyeports, an American company, proposes building giant, transpar

NASA plans to build a glass city on the moon
10.27.25 0

Kohler launches smart toilet camera for health monitoring

Kohler, an American company known for its plumbing and kitchen appliances, has unveiled an unusual new product: the Dekoda camera. It attaches directly to the

Kohler launches smart toilet camera for health monitoring
10.27.25 0

LEDs can kill up to 92% of cancer cells

Scientists have developed a new light therapy that can destroy cancer cells without harming healthy cells. The method, which utilizes LEDs and tin nanosheets,

LEDs can kill up to 92% of cancer cells
10.27.25 0

New microturbine can operate on light winds

German engineers have invented a compact wind turbine that generates 83% more electricity than existing turbines of similar size. This invention could become

New microturbine can operate on light winds
10.27.25 0

The first fully recyclable electronic product has been created

Duke University researchers have developed a technology that could revolutionize the way displays are produced, even making them more environmentally friendly

The first fully recyclable electronic product has been created
10.27.25 0

Study: Neural networks speed up thinking but hinder deep analysis

Researchers at the University of Oxford have discovered how the use of neural networks affects students' cognitive functions. The so-called AI generation

Study: Neural networks speed up thinking but hinder deep analysis
10.27.25 0

Jason Schreier: Microsoft demands unattainable profits from Xbox

Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier has once again exposed the hidden handcuffs in the gaming industry—this time, the focus is on Microsoft. It seems fans

Jason Schreier: Microsoft demands unattainable profits from Xbox
10.27.25 0

Bang & Olufsen has released a commemorative audio collection to mark the brand's 100th anniversary.

To celebrate its centennial, Danish brand Bang & Olufsen released special editions of its Beoplay H100 headphones and A9 and A5 speakers, dubbed the "Centenni

Bang & Olufsen has released a commemorative audio collection to mark the brand's 100th anniversary.
10.27.25 0