battery indicator Archives

Winsage

February 19, 2025

The Windows 11 Release Preview channel update finally makes the battery indicator useful

Microsoft has introduced an enhanced battery indicator in the Windows 11 Release Preview build version 26100.3321. The new feature includes a color-coded system for battery status: a green icon indicates charging, a yellow icon signals energy-saving mode (activated at 20% battery or less), and a red icon alerts users to low battery levels. Users can also display the battery percentage in the system tray by enabling the “Battery Percentage” option in Settings > Power & battery. The update is being rolled out gradually, so not all users will see it immediately. Other features included in the rollout are file sharing via the taskbar and improvements to Windows Spotlight. Resources are available for users interested in the Windows Insider Program.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Top 10 cool and useful features coming soon to Windows 11

Microsoft is developing several enhancements for Windows 11, with some features currently available in preview builds or requiring activation. 1. Improved Auto HDR: Available to all Windows Insiders, this feature will enable automatic HDR streaming for HDR-capable displays. 2. Small Taskbar Buttons: Code snippets indicate that Microsoft is exploring the return of smaller taskbar buttons, though it is not yet functional. 3. Gamepad Keyboard: Available to Windows Insiders, this feature allows typing using standard gamepad controls. 4. New Start Menu Layouts: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; new "Category" and "Grid" views are in development. 5. 6 GHz Hotspots: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; laptops with Wi-Fi 7 support will soon be able to create 6 GHz hotspots. 6. Redesigned Battery Indicator: Available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, this redesign will include battery percentage in the tray area. 7. File Explorer Improvements: Currently turned off, this will allow users to open links in new tabs instead of new windows. 8. New PC Spec Cards: Available for testing in the Insider Program, this feature consolidates essential PC specifications into one location. 9. New Share UI: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; this will allow users to drag files to a dedicated tray for easy sharing. 10. AI-Powered Windows Search: Available for testing in the Insider Program and requires dedicated hardware, this feature will use natural language processing for easier file searches.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Don’t wait for Microsoft — here’s how you can see your battery percentage on Windows 11

Microsoft is testing a battery percentage icon for the taskbar in Windows 11, with no confirmed release date. Users can currently use alternative applications like Battery Bar to display battery levels. Battery Bar allows users to position the battery icon and percentage on their screen, with specific installation steps for Windows 11. For Windows 10, it can be installed on the taskbar with limited customization. Other applications, such as Battery Percentage Icon from the Microsoft Store, also provide battery percentage display but may have startup issues on Windows 11.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

7 Android widgets to make your phone or tablet more useful

Widgets on Android devices enhance the home screen by providing quick access to information and functionalities from apps. - Google Calendar: Allows users to view the entire month or daily events, with easy event addition through a + button. Separate widgets are needed for multiple calendars. - Email Widget: Displays incoming messages and enables quick email composition. It can be used with Gmail or other email apps like Thunderbird. - Keep Notes: Offers options for scrolling through existing notes or quickly creating new notes via text, voice, or images. Widget size can be adjusted for tablets or phones. - Arc Search: Enables users to initiate searches directly through Arc Search instead of the Google search bar. - Battery Widget: Provides real-time updates on charge levels for connected devices, including smartwatches and headphones. - Pixel Weather: Exclusive to Pixel devices, it presents weather information in an accessible format, allowing quick checks without switching apps. - Spotify: Grants access to playlists and current tracks, allowing users to launch playlists and control playback easily. To add a widget, long-press on a blank area of the home screen, select Widgets, browse for the desired widget, and drag it onto the screen. Widgets can be resized and repositioned.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Windows 11 introduces a hidden system tray feature nobody asked for – could it actually be useful?

Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update, which includes a new battery indicator and an emoji panel feature integrated into the system tray. This feature, discovered in beta build 22635.4655, allows users to access an emoji panel with a single click from the taskbar. To enable the emoji panel, users must use ViveTool with the command for id:48504539, as it is not visible by default and is still in testing.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Windows 11 laptops are getting an improved battery indicator

Microsoft is introducing a revamped battery indicator for Windows 11 laptops as part of Build 26120.2510, currently available only to Insiders on the Dev Channel. The new battery indicator features a larger, more vibrant design, displaying a green hue when charging and yellow when Power Saving Mode is activated. Currently, this design is visible in the taskbar, while the traditional icon remains on the lock screen. The updated design is expected to be available on the lock screen after testing. The build also includes enhanced experiences for Copilot+ on AMD and Intel hardware.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Windows 11 battery indicator revamp delivers color coding and more pixels

Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned battery indicator that features a more vibrant color palette and improved pixelation for better clarity. The new icons, available in Insider build 26120.2510, will glow orange when energy saver mode is activated and shift to green while charging. This update addresses criticisms of the existing monochromatic and small battery icon, aiming to provide a more intuitive representation of battery status. Users can access the new icons by using the ViVeTool app and following specific command line instructions. Feedback on the redesign has been positive, with about 75% of survey respondents favoring the new battery indicator.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Microsoft brings big change to Windows 11’s battery indicator making it even more useful

The battery indicator in Windows 11 will soon feature a dynamic color-changing design, displaying a green icon while charging and an orange icon when battery saver mode is activated. This enhancement is currently exclusive to the Dev build and can be accessed through a utility like ViVeTool. The feature was discovered by a user named Phantom of Earth, and instructions for activation include specific commands for enabling the updated battery icon and section labels for the battery usage graph. The timeline for broader rollout beyond the Dev build is currently uncertain.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Windows 11’s new hidden feature finally makes the battery indicator useful

Windows 11 is set to receive an updated battery indicator featuring a new color palette and functionalities. When energy saver mode is activated, the battery bar will turn yellow, and a chart will track battery usage over time. Users can enable these features by downloading the Windows Dev build and using specific ViveTool commands: to update the battery icon, use "vivetool /enable /id:48822452"; for section labels on the battery usage graph, use "vivetool /enable /id:53092139"; and if needed, enable "vivetool /enable /id:48433719" and reboot. These updates will eventually be rolled out to all users in the testing branch.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Windows 11 is finally getting a redesigned battery indicator

Windows 11 build 26120.2510 introduces a redesigned battery indicator that features a larger size for a more precise display of the current charge level. The new design includes a vibrant green glow when charging and a warm yellow hue in energy saver mode, replacing the previous monochromatic interface. The updated indicator is currently available on the taskbar, while the lock screen still uses the old version. To enable the new battery indicator, users must update to build 26120.2510 and follow specific instructions involving the use of ViveTool. Additionally, this build introduces AI-powered features for Copilot+ PCs, available for users with the latest Intel and AMD processors equipped with neural processing units.