application Archives

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.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has made significant updates for users in the European Union and European Economic Area, including the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store while still receiving app updates, a reduction in notifications related to Edge, and increased control over web searches in Windows. This week features discounts on various applications, with some offers extending beyond a single week. Notable new or improved Windows apps include: - Fences 6.0: An updated desktop management tool that allows users to organize programs and links into customizable groups with new tab support. - Start Everywhere: An application launcher that complements the Windows Start Menu, enabling users to launch applications from any screen corner using mouse clicks, hotkeys, or active corners. - VeraCrypt 1.26: An open-source encryption software that allows users to encrypt their entire system, individual hard drives, or specific partitions, with new protective measures against screen recordings and captures.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

AI-powered Relight and Search now available in Microsoft Photos

The Microsoft Photos app has been updated on Windows 11, introducing new features for Copilot+ PCs. The Relight feature allows users to adjust lighting in images by positioning up to three light sources, changing light color, and setting a focus point, with additional brightness and intensity controls. Built-in presets are also available for quick application. This feature will initially be available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered devices coming soon. The app now includes improved photo search using natural language, enabling users to find images by descriptive phrases. For commercial users signed in with Microsoft Entra ID, access to Restyle Image and Image Creator is now available. Users should update their Photos app to version 2025.11060.5006.0 or higher to access these features.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

How to play Monopoly GO on PC

Monopoly GO can be played on a PC using the Bluestacks Android emulator. To do this, users need to download Bluestacks from its official website, install and launch the program, log in with their Google Account, and then search for and install Monopoly GO from the Play Store. While the gameplay experience is similar to the mobile version, some features, such as redeeming codes and accessing promotional offers, may still require the mobile app.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Why I Use simplewall Instead of Windows Firewall (And You Should Too)

Simplewall is a rule-based firewall controller for Windows that enhances the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) without replacing it. It allows users to manage network access for applications and services with a user-friendly interface, supporting advanced features like filtering rules by IP, port, or protocol. Users can create tailored profiles for different scenarios and have comprehensive control over network interactions, including blocking telemetry data and automatic updates. Simplewall is lightweight, portable, and operates without background processes or telemetry, ensuring a straightforward user experience. Setting up simplewall involves downloading it, extracting the files, and enabling filters, allowing users to establish a functional firewall profile quickly. While it offers many advantages, such as being open-source and compatible with older Windows versions, it may be overwhelming for beginners and lacks detailed app profiling compared to premium firewalls.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Packet is an Android Quick Share App for Linux

Packet is a Linux application developed in Rust with a GTK4/libadwaita interface designed for wireless file transfer between Android and Linux devices. It utilizes Android's Quick Share feature, requiring devices to have Bluetooth enabled and be connected to a compatible Wi-Fi network. Users can easily send files by dragging and dropping them in Packet or using the Quick Share option on Android. The app allows customization of device names, visibility, download folders, and can run in the background. Packet is available for installation from Flathub or can be built from source on GitHub.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

This $200 Windows PC fits in the palm of my hand – and powers three 4K displays

The Minix Neo Z97 mini PC is priced at 9 on Amazon and features Windows 11 pre-installed. It has a compact size of 88×88×42mm and weighs 0.18kg. The specifications include an Intel® Processor N97 (up to 3.6 GHz), Intel® UHD Graphics, 12GB LPDDR5X-4800MHz memory, and a 512GB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x 4 NVMe SSD. It supports a triple monitor setup and offers connectivity options such as dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The device operates quietly, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. While it performs well for everyday tasks, it shows strain with resource-intensive applications.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

7 accessibility features in Windows 11 that make life easier for everyone

Windows 11 includes a variety of accessibility features designed to enhance usability for all users. Key features include: 1. Customize Mouse Appearance: Users can change the mouse pointer's style, color, and size, and enable a mouse indicator for easier location on the screen. 2. Change Text Cursor Appearance: Users can customize the text cursor's color, thickness, and size to improve visibility. 3. Voice Control: Users can control their PC entirely through voice commands by enabling the Voice Access feature. 4. Voice Typing: Users can convert spoken words into text using the Voice Typing feature, which can be activated with a keyboard shortcut. 5. Always Show Scrollbars: Users can ensure that scrollbars are always visible in applications by enabling the corresponding setting. 6. Control Keyboard Sensitivity: The Filter Keys feature allows users to adjust keyboard sensitivity to manage repeated keystrokes. These features aim to improve navigation and overall user experience on Windows 11.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Windows Weekly 935: Don’t Spritz Yourself

Leo and Paul discuss various topics on the latest episode of Windows Weekly, including Notepad, updates in Windows 11, Microsoft 365, artificial intelligence, and Xbox gaming. A new free newsletter offers time-saving tips and complimentary Field Guides for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Microsoft is reorganizing its AI initiatives and phasing out password management features in the Microsoft Authenticator app. The upcoming June 2025 update for Outlook will introduce new features, and Microsoft 365 Copilot now has general availability for Research and Analyst AI agents. The New York Times has licensed its content to Amazon, and Samsung is reconsidering its partnership with Gemini. Microsoft has delayed the launch of its first-party Xbox and Windows gaming handheld and has secured its first agreement with a game studio union. J Allard, a former Microsoft executive, is among many ex-Microsoft leaders now at Amazon. A tip suggests replacing OneDrive/Google Drive with a NAS, and Microsoft Edge 137 is highlighted as a significant update. Photoshop for Android is now available for free during its beta phase.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Windows 11’s Microsoft Store Gets Smarter Search and Copilot Integration

The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 is being transformed with a reimagined search experience that is more intuitive and responsive to user intent, utilizing signals like app updates and ratings for improved relevance. New product page badges will highlight applications with artificial intelligence capabilities. A Copilot button will be added to product pages for users in the United States, allowing them to ask questions about apps and compare products side by side. A "Discover More" section will curate related content based on user interests, and personalized home pages will adapt to individual user habits and trends. Additionally, integration of Store apps within Windows Search will allow users to install apps directly from search results, and new app suggestions will be tested in the "Open with" context menu for Insiders on the Beta Channel.