battery Archives

Winsage

June 12, 2025

How to Change the Screen Timeout in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to customize display timeout settings to prevent the screen from darkening when inactive. To adjust these settings via Settings, right-click the Start button, select "Settings," go to "Power & battery," expand the Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts section, and choose preferred times for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" options. Alternatively, users can adjust the timeout through the Control Panel by searching for "Control Panel," selecting "Hardware and Sound," clicking "Power Options," and changing the settings under "Change plan settings" for both battery and plugged-in options. Regular updates to Windows 11 are essential for optimal performance and security.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Connected Displays: Android 16’s game-changing multitasking feature lands on select Pixels

Developers and select Pixel devices are currently experiencing the enhanced connected displays feature through the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 release. This feature allows users to connect their smartphones to external monitors, transfer apps seamlessly, and enhances productivity. It supports desktop windowing, flexible window tiling, multiple desktop sessions, and a new taskbar for easier app switching. The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 is available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. The Google Pixel 9 features a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch Actua Display, a dual-camera system with 50MP wide and 48MP ultrawide lenses, a 4,700 mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and promises seven years of OS and security updates in an IP68 water-resistant design.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Google details its future Android 16 plans this year, and highlights new features

Google's developer blog details the upcoming Android 16 SDK release, set for a significant update in Q4 2025, with a Q3 update introducing the Material 3 Expressive redesign. The official launch of Android 16 on June 10 includes features such as "outline text" for Accessibility settings, Adaptive Apps for foldable devices, and consistent progress notifications. Beta testers can opt out of the program to receive the stable version if they haven't joined the Android 16 QPR1 Beta. Key enhancements focus on app experiences on larger displays, including adaptive functionality and real-time tracking for activities. Improvements in mobile photography include night mode scene detection and UltraHDR capabilities. Accessibility is improved with the new "outline text," and privacy features include defenses against intent redirection attacks and location masking when pairing devices. Additional performance optimizations involve 16KB pages and updates to JobScheduler and Android Runtime. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch display, advanced AI software, and a larger battery.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Android 16 is officially here, and Pixels get first dibs on new features

Android 16 has been officially launched, with Google Pixel phones being the first to adopt this stable version. Key features include live notifications for real-time updates, a "desktop windowing" feature for larger screens, and custom keyboard shortcuts. The stable version was released on June 10, earlier than previous years. Enhanced communication capabilities for users with hearing aids allow clearer call quality and volume control from the phone. Security improvements include Advanced Protection against scam apps and online threats. Android 16 will roll out to Pixel 6 and newer models, with updates for other brands expected later this year. The Google Pixel 9 features a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch Actua Display, a dual-camera system, a 4700mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and a commitment to seven years of OS and security updates, along with an IP68 water-resistant design.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Arm says Windows game compatibility is up to developers

Arm-powered Windows devices using Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are noted for their sleek designs and long battery life. While core compatibility issues have been largely resolved, gaming remains a challenge due to anti-cheat program compatibility, which can prevent games from launching. Chris Bergey from Arm Holdings mentioned that most users spend about 90% of their time on applications with native Arm versions. Major developers like Epic Games are exploring ways to improve compatibility with Arm-based systems. Additionally, anti-cheat issues affect the Steam Deck, which operates on an AMD processor but lacks native versions of several popular anti-cheat systems. As Arm-based Windows devices gain market share, game developers are expected to prioritize support for these platforms. The integration of Windows and Steam into Arm-based handheld devices could transform the gaming landscape, especially with improved battery life and efficiency.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

We’ve Finally Reached the End of the Road For Intel Macs

Apple has introduced macOS Tahoe, the last major version compatible with Intel-based Macs. The final Intel-based models eligible for the upgrade are: - MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) - MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) - iMac (27-inch, 2020) - Mac Pro (2019) These models will receive the full suite of features when macOS Tahoe launches later this fall, but functionalities reliant on Apple Intelligence will be exclusive to Apple Silicon devices. Intel-based Macs will continue to receive security updates for an additional three years. Apple is also phasing out Rosetta, which allowed non-native apps to run on Apple Silicon, and future software compatibility will be limited to macOS 26 and macOS 27.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

6 essential steps that Windows 11 users often miss after a fresh install

Many users overlook crucial default settings after installing Windows 11, which can lead to performance issues, privacy vulnerabilities, and complications during recovery. Key settings to configure include: 1. System Restore: This feature is disabled by default and allows users to revert system files and settings to a previous state. To enable it, users must access the System Properties page, select the main drive, click Configure, and turn on system protection. 2. BitLocker Recovery Key: Windows 11 automatically activates BitLocker on new installations. Users should back up their recovery key in their Microsoft account to avoid issues during startup. 3. Power Settings: Users should adjust power settings to prevent underperformance. This includes selecting "Best Performance" for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" modes and configuring screen and sleep timeouts. 4. Privacy Settings: Windows 11 collects diagnostic data by default. Users can enhance privacy by turning off features like "Find my device," "Personalized offers," and "Advertising ID," as well as disabling optional diagnostic data transmission. 5. Device Drivers: Users should verify that all device drivers are correctly installed, as the operating system may not install drivers for critical components. This can be checked in Device Manager, and updates can be managed through Windows Update. 6. System Backup: Establishing a backup is essential for data protection. Users can set up regular backups using the "Backup and Restore" feature by connecting an external drive and following the setup process in Control Panel.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft cuts the Windows 11 bloat for Xbox handhelds

Microsoft has streamlined Windows 11 for gaming handhelds, introducing the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X in collaboration with ASUS. This new approach eliminates non-essential components of the operating system to enhance the gaming experience. Key features not loaded during gameplay include the desktop wallpaper, taskbar, and various productivity-related processes. The idle power consumption of these handhelds is about one-third that of a traditional Windows desktop, freeing up around 2 GB of memory for gaming. Users can choose to revert to the full Windows 11 experience if desired.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices are real and will be released during the 2025 holiday season

Microsoft unveiled its collaboration with ASUS’ ROG division, introducing the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming devices. Pricing details have not been disclosed, but they are expected to be similar to current ROG Ally systems, with the ROG Ally X potentially reaching up to 0. The devices will launch this holiday season in countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States. All games showcased will be playable on the Xbox Ally, although it is unclear if all titles will run natively. Users can play games from various platforms, including Battle.net, Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect, with integration of Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere. The handhelds feature a full-screen Xbox user interface and include accessibility features from Xbox consoles and PCs. Both models run on Windows 11, with the Xbox Ally equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage, while the Xbox Ally X has an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. They share a seven-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The Xbox Ally weighs 670g and the Xbox Ally X weighs 715g, with dimensions of 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm. Both support video output through two USB-C ports, with the Xbox Ally X featuring a ThunderBolt 4 compatible port.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Cool Pixel Watch features keep trickling in from the Wear OS 6 dev code

Recent insights from the Wear OS 6 developer preview and an APK teardown have revealed new features for the upcoming Pixel Watch 4, including an Adaptive Charging tool that stops charging at a predetermined percentage (likely around 80%) and a rebranded Water Lock mode. The Pixel Watch 4 may also automatically lock your phone if it is left behind. The official rollout of Wear OS 6 is expected to begin in late summer. Additionally, the update will introduce a new Material 3 Expressive UI, dynamic color theming, and a third-party watch face storefront. The Pixel Watch 4 may be thicker than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery, enhancing the battery life with the new adaptive charging feature.