application features Archives

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows Restrictions Fixer 2.0 restores disabled features with ease

Windows Restrictions Fixer is a lightweight tool designed to help users re-enable disabled features in Windows operating systems. It simplifies the process of identifying and fixing restrictions caused by administrative policies or third-party applications, requiring no technical expertise. The application features a minimalist interface with a single "Scan" button that detects active restrictions and provides a list with registry keys and descriptions. Users can select issues to resolve and click the "Fix Restrictions" button for automatic adjustments. Some changes may require a system restart to take effect. The latest version, 2.0, offers a redesigned interface, improved organization, and broader detection of restrictions. The app is available for free download from Softpedia.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Chat Without Wi-Fi: Meet Bitchat

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, introduced Bitchat, a messaging system using Bluetooth technology for offline, encrypted communication. Bitchat allows peer-to-peer messaging between nearby devices, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy mesh to facilitate short-range interactions. Messages can be transmitted securely within a range of approximately 30 meters, forming temporary mesh hubs for message relaying. The application features end-to-end encryption, password-protected group rooms, emergency wipes for quick message deletion, and independence from traditional identifiers like phone numbers. Bitchat offers a viable alternative to cloud-dependent apps in situations with limited connectivity.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft unveils big Windows Recall update — now showcases your most used apps and websites

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11, featuring an updated version of the Windows Recall app. The app now includes a redesigned home page that showcases recent snapshots and highlights snapshots from the user's three most frequently used apps and websites, based on the past 24 hours. The new interface aims to enhance user experience by making it easier to navigate previous tasks. Currently, the app is being tested among Insiders in the Windows 11 Beta and Dev Channels, with a wider rollout expected soon. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing features for Copilot+ PCs that require a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) of 40+ tops, including an AI model named Mu, which will allow users to search for or describe settings using natural language.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

This file manager for Windows supports workspaces, dual pane browsing, and looks fantastic

Fileside is a file management application that offers a dual-pane view and customizable workspaces for specific projects, allowing users to save personalized layout views. Upon installation, it sets up a default workspace and provides extensive customization options for directory views. Users can preview files directly within the application by pressing the spacebar, facilitating quick access to media and documents. Fileside allows users to save and switch between different workspace configurations easily, streamlining file management compared to Windows 11 File Explorer. The application includes features such as a right-side toolbar for easy access to functions, the ability to display hidden files by default, and comprehensive keyboard navigation with customizable shortcuts. It integrates with local, external, and networked drives and is available for Windows and macOS, with a free trial and a license option.

Winsage

June 7, 2025

‘Screenbox’ Is a Sleek and Capable VLC-Based Video Player for Windows

Screenbox is a free and open-source video player designed for Windows 11, offering a user-friendly interface and extensive media format support. It is built on the LibVLCSharp framework, ensuring compatibility with all media formats supported by VLC. The application features a visually appealing interface with essential buttons, support for YouTube's keyboard shortcuts, picture-in-picture functionality, and a media library that includes default video and music folders with options to add more directories. Screenbox is suitable for both casual file playback and organization of media libraries.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

I tested a $7 app that boosts FPS and resolution in any PC game. It’s amazing!

Lossless Scaling is a standalone application that enhances gaming by providing upscaling and frame generation capabilities for various PC games, regardless of the graphics card. It was initially developed for integer scaling of older pixel graphics games but has evolved to include enhancements similar to DLSS and FSR. The application features built-in upscalers using algorithms like FSR, LS1, and Integer scaling, serving as alternatives for games without support for advanced technologies. A key feature is the LSFG algorithm for Frame Generation, which can potentially double, triple, or quadruple frame rates, though it may introduce increased latency and some "unreal" generated frames. Lossless Scaling significantly improves performance in space simulation games, boosting frame rates from around 90 FPS to 140 FPS and enhancing complex scenes. It also benefits console ports with frame rate caps, such as Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered, where activating 2x Frame Generation can raise the frame rate from 60 FPS to 120 FPS, improving visual fluidity despite some input lag.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

5 reasons why you should use Notepad++ instead of Notepad on Windows 11

Notepad++ is an open-source text editing application that serves as a comprehensive replacement for the basic Notepad in Windows 11. It supports a wide range of file types beyond the limited formats of Notepad, including XML and JSON with proper formatting through plugins. Notepad++ offers syntax highlighting for over 80 programming languages, enhancing readability and reducing errors. It includes an advanced find and replace function with Regular Expressions (RegEx) for efficient bulk text editing. The application features a focused clipboard history that allows users to retrieve previously copied text easily. Additionally, Notepad++ has a rich plugin ecosystem that enables users to expand its functionality with features like spellcheck, FTP support, and code execution for various programming languages.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

4 top personal finance apps for Linux that run on MacOS and Windows, too

The transition from traditional banking to digital solutions in personal finance management has both advantages and challenges, particularly regarding user experience. Several open-source applications for financial management on Linux include: 1. GnuCash: A robust application for personal and business finances using a double-entry accounting system. It supports multiple accounts, investments, and currency conversions. Installation commands include: - sudo apt-get install gnucash -y - sudo dnf install gnucash -y - sudo flatpak install gnucash - sudo pacman -S gnucash 2. HomeBank: A user-friendly alternative to GnuCash, supporting various import formats and multiple currencies. Installation commands include: - sudo apt-get install homebank -y - sudo dnf install homebank -y - sudo pacman -S homebank 3. KMyMoney: Designed for personal finance management with support for multiple accounts and detailed reporting. Installation commands include: - sudo apt-get install kmymoney -y - sudo dnf install kmymoney -y - sudo pacman -S kmymoney 4. Skrooge: An application that supports various import formats and allows direct data import from bank websites. Installation commands include: - sudo apt-get install skrooge -y - sudo dnf install skrooge -y - sudo pacman -S skrooge These applications can also be installed via software centers like GNOME Software, KDE Plasma Discover, and Octopi.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

Google preps new features for Android desktop windowing, including a minimize button

Google is enhancing the desktop windowing capabilities of Android with the upcoming release of Android 15 QPR1, which will introduce features such as buttons to minimize applications and the ability to open them in new windows. The desktop windowing feature allows users to operate multiple applications in resizable windows, with a taskbar for managing running and pinned applications. Users can activate desktop windowing by dragging a fullscreen app's pill or using a keyboard shortcut. A new “multi-instance property” for developers will enable apps to launch as multiple instances, and a minimize button will allow users to minimize and reopen application windows via the taskbar. The Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 release has also introduced an “app-to-web” feature for select applications, enhancing usability.

Tech Optimizer

November 17, 2024

Bitdefender Total Security review: Great, easy to use protection

Bitdefender Total Security is a mid-tier antivirus solution that includes antivirus, firewall, ransomware defenses, network, web, and email protection. It monitors for brute force attacks, malicious links, and harmful attachments, and offers a spam filter for Outlook and Thunderbird, as well as controls for webcam and microphone access. Additional features include a secure browser, limited VPN access, tracker blocking, parental controls, a vulnerability scanner, and anti-theft tools. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, though not all features are available on every platform. The pricing for Bitdefender Total Security includes a five-device plan for the first year, transitioning to a lower annual fee thereafter, and a ten-device plan with a similar pricing structure. Users can request refunds within 30 days of renewal or purchase, and discounts are available from various retailers. Installation is user-friendly, but users should be cautious during account setup. The application features a clean interface with a shield icon indicating security status. Bitdefender provides real-time protection, scheduled and manual scans, a vulnerability scanner, and controls over the Windows firewall. The VPN offers limited daily bandwidth. Customer support is available through various channels, including email, chat, and phone. In independent tests, Bitdefender has a 100% detection rate for zero-day attacks and a 99.6% success rate in real-world protection tests, with minimal impact on system performance, although it may slow down mid-range and budget PCs during intensive scans.