audio management Archives

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft just made Windows 10 worse, and there’s (almost) nothing you can do about it

Windows 10 users are experiencing a transition to the new Outlook for Windows app, which has replaced the classic Mail & Calendar app following a recent update that also addresses security vulnerabilities. The new Outlook operates as a web app, leading to performance issues and mixed reactions regarding its design. A mandatory rollout of the new Outlook began this week with the Windows 10 KB5051974 update, which will be automatically installed for users on Windows 11 version 22H2. IT administrators can manage the update and can block or uninstall the new Outlook if necessary. Windows 10 is approaching its end of support in October, with fewer updates expected moving forward, while extended support will incur additional costs.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Windows 11 Patch Tuesday tweaks taskbar and adds handy icon in system tray for AI effects

Windows 11's latest Patch Tuesday updates include several enhancements and fixes: - Taskbar: Improved visual previews and smoother animations for taskbar applications. - Windows Studio Effects: New system tray icon for applications using Windows Studio Effects, with access to the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings. - Fonts: Introduction of Simsun-ExtG, a new simplified Chinese font supporting 9,753 ideographs. - File Explorer: New "New Folder" option in the context menu, restoration of previously open tabs, automatic activation of specific settings, and several fixes related to search functionality and icon updates. - Settings: Users can change time zones without administrative privileges. - Mouse: Fixed issues with cursor disappearance, transparency, and performance. - Pinyin IME: Bug fix for language switching. - Snipping Tool: Resolved distortion issues for multi-monitor screenshots. - Microsoft Excel 2016: Fixed loading screen issue for certain files. - Game Bar: Fixed recording failure issue. - HDR: Corrected oversaturation issues in some games. - DAC: Fixed playback issues with USB audio devices. - USB audio device drivers: Resolved code 10 error message. - Chinese Pinyin IME: Bing no longer provides automatic suggestions for certain search engines. - USB cameras: Fixed recognition issues post-January 2025 security update. - Passkey: Eliminated one-minute timeout for mobile device passkeys. - Power: Improved shutdown times with connected controllers. - Wi-Fi: Resolved unresponsive Windows Security dialog when signing into certain networks.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft is forcing the new Outlook for Windows app on Windows 10 users with the mandatory KB5051974 update

Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5051974 for Windows 10, which includes the automatic installation of the new Outlook for Windows app. The update highlights also mention fixes for various issues: - Resolved a problem where the Capture Service and Snipping Tool would stop responding when using the Windows logo key+Shift+S with Narrator active. - Stopped automatic suggestions in the Chinese Pinyin input method editor for search engines like Baidu, requiring manual suggestions via Ctrl+Tab or the chevron button. - Fixed playback interruptions with USB audio devices using USB 1.0 drivers. - Addressed a code 10 error message for certain external audio management devices. - Solved a recognition issue for USB cameras following the January 2025 security update. The update also includes security enhancements and bug fixes related to virtual memory, printer failures, and NFC readers.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 10 KB5051974 update force installs new Microsoft Outlook app

Microsoft has released the KB5051974 cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, which includes the new Outlook for Windows app and addresses a memory leak issue. This mandatory update provides essential security updates for January 2025 and can be installed via Windows Update. After installation, version 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5487, and version 21H2 to build 19044.5487. Users can also manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update includes several fixes, such as the introduction of the new Outlook app, resolution of issues with the Capture Service and Snipping Tool, disabling automatic suggestions from Bing in the Chinese Pinyin IME, fixes for USB audio device driver issues, and a solution for virtual memory depletion. Three known issues from previous updates include potential failures in OpenSSH connections, installation failures due to the Citrix Session Recording Agent, and an Event 7023 error related to SgrmBroker.exe, which does not affect device functionality. Microsoft plans to address these issues in future updates.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (KB5050087) has been released to the Beta Channel, available only to users who have not transitioned to updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2. New features include the rollout of lock screen widgets for Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing customization of widgets like Weather, Watchlist, Sports, and Traffic. A new group policy, "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen," is also introduced for IT administrators in the EEA. Changes and improvements include the addition of people icons in File Explorer for users signed in with a work or school account, showing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365. Fixes include resolving Start menu crashes, color discrepancies in the account manager flyout, and issues with File Explorer rendering and reliability. Known issues involve slow closing of File Explorer and crashes on the Settings Home page. Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2, with features rolled out gradually. Features may evolve or be removed based on feedback, and localization will occur over time.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Windows 11 KB5050087 beta improves Lock Screen widgets, File Explorer, fixes USB issues

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Beta build 22635.4870 (KB5050087), enhancing the Lock screen widget experience, refining File Explorer, and addressing USB-related issues. This build is part of the 23H2 version, following build 26120.3073 (KB5050090) from version 24H2. The update introduces customizable lock screen widgets for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing personalization of widgets like Weather and Sports. A new group policy, "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen," is also available for IT administrators in EEA regions. File Explorer enhancements include displaying people icons in the "Activity" column for users with work or school accounts, showing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365. Fixes include resolving Start menu crashes, color discrepancies in the account manager flyout, rendering issues in File Explorer, and USB device recognition problems. Known issues involve slow closing times for File Explorer, potential crashes in the Settings Home page, and enterprise-specific information appearing on non-managed PCs.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

6 open-source alternatives to Windows Media Player that are probably better than it

Windows 11 introduces a revamped media player called Windows Media Player, which has a modern interface but may lack certain functionalities, leading users to seek alternatives. Audacious is a straightforward audio library manager with a minimalist design that allows users to import music collections and create playlists, supporting internet streams. MPV is a lightweight video player with a minimalistic interface that supports a wide range of formats and allows drag-and-drop playback, primarily functioning through command-line. SMPlayer provides a user-friendly graphical interface on top of MPV, enhancing usability with features like dual subtitle support and internet streaming, while remaining compatible with various formats and codecs. Clementine offers advanced music management with an intuitive interface that organizes tracks and generates playlists based on listening habits, integrating with internet services for streaming music and radio. MPC-HC is a lightweight media player known for extensive codec support, offering features like subtitle support, playback position saving, and content streaming from platforms like YouTube. VLC Media Player is renowned for its versatility, supporting virtually every audio and video format, including DVD playback, and can search for subtitles online, making it a top choice for media playback across platforms.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Android 16 could borrow this key feature from Windows 11

The current audio input management in Android is inconsistent, leading to a frustrating user experience, especially for those using external audio devices. Android 16 is set to introduce a system-wide audio switcher to improve this situation. Recent findings from the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3 release indicate the addition of an audio input section to the existing switcher, which has been part of Android since version 11. This feature, once activated, shows how audio management may evolve in Android 16. Currently, applications that support external microphones require developers to use the MediaRecorder API, resulting in a fragmented experience. Android 15 allows audio output changes but restricts input options. A preview of Android 16 suggests a dedicated section for audio input switching, which could simplify the process for users and reduce the reliance on the MediaRecorder API for developers, leading to a more uniform experience across the platform. This enhancement could significantly improve usability for high-end tablets, PCs, and smartphones running Android.