brightness Archives

Winsage

February 15, 2025

8 tools that will change how you use Windows

Windows 11 offers a variety of features and a vibrant ecosystem of third-party applications, but users often find the default experience lacking in productivity. Several tools are available to enhance the Windows experience: 1. EarTrumpet: A comprehensive volume mixer that allows users to control audio for each application and playback device seamlessly. 2. Twinkle Tray: Simplifies brightness adjustments across multiple monitors directly from the taskbar and offers automation features based on the time of day. 3. Everything: A lightweight search tool that indexes files quickly, allowing for instantaneous local file searches. 4. OneCommander: A dual-pane file management tool that enhances navigation and organization of files with features like color-coded labels and advanced previews. 5. Start11: Customizes the Start menu, allowing users to choose styles, create folders and groups, and integrate File Explorer folders for quick access. 6. Rainmeter: A platform for extensive customization of the Windows interface with community-driven skins and widgets. 7. PowerToys: Includes utilities like FancyZones for creating custom window layouts, enhancing multitasking efficiency. 8. Flow Launcher: A powerful search and app launcher that streamlines workflows by enabling users to perform tasks using just their keyboard. These applications collectively improve the Windows 11 experience by addressing common issues and enhancing productivity.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

This 5-star laptop is a “true battery champion” with 12 hours of screen time — it’s also only $799.99 right now.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is priced at 9.99 with a 10% discount. It features a 14.5-inch 3K OLED display and is recommended for its Snapdragon X Elite processor, which excels in everyday computing and AI tasks. The laptop includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Dolby Vision HDR support, earning a five-star rating. It has an impressive battery life of 14 hours and 14 minutes under standardized testing conditions, making it one of the top contenders in its category. However, it may require emulation for some applications, and certain niche software may not be compatible with its Snapdragon architecture. Alternatives like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i with an Intel chip may be better for users with specific application needs.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Windows 11’s Camera Just Got Smarter: Check Out the Latest Additions

Microsoft has introduced new camera features for Windows 11 that enhance video quality and user experience. Users can now adjust camera brightness, contrast, resolution, and frame rate, allowing for better visibility in various lighting conditions and catering to different bandwidth needs. Additionally, users can utilize their camera in multiple applications simultaneously, enabling multitasking during video calls. However, these features may not be available on all devices immediately, as some older camera models may not support them, and the rollout will occur gradually. Users interested in trying these features early can join the Windows Insider Program and download version 26120.2702.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft adds new camera features to Windows 11

Microsoft has enhanced the camera capabilities within Windows 11, introducing features such as adjustable brightness and contrast settings, camera resolution and frame rate adjustments, and the ability for multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously. These updates aim to improve user experience and productivity, although their availability may vary by camera model. Beta testers can access these features by downloading version 26120.2702 from the Windows 11 Dev channel.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Review: The Steam Deck OLED changed how i play PC games

The Steam Deck OLED is an upgraded version of the original Steam Deck, featuring a superior OLED screen with enhanced brightness and quality, despite a resolution of 720p. It supports a wide range of Steam Deck Verified games, providing a seamless gaming experience with minimal restrictions, although some modern titles may experience slight performance issues. The device allows for gaming in various settings, making it convenient for users to access a vast library of PC games. The hardware includes robust analog sticks and an improved cooling system that operates quietly during intense gaming sessions. However, battery life can be limited, especially with demanding games, offering only a couple of hours of playtime, which is less than competitors like the Nintendo Switch OLED. Recharging is facilitated by a USB-C port, allowing for the use of portable power banks.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 11 now lets you easily change camera FPS (frame rate), quality and more

Microsoft has enhanced camera capabilities in Windows 11, allowing users to adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and sharpness through Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Camera. However, these features are not universally available across all cameras. In tests, the DJI Osmo Action 3 did not support these adjustments, while an HP Spectre did. Microsoft has acknowledged that some cameras may not appear on the Camera Settings page. In the Windows 11 Dev Channel Build 26120.2702, two new advanced camera options have been introduced: a Multi-app Camera feature that allows multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously, and a Basic Camera mode for troubleshooting. A third option is planned to let users select camera resolution and frame rate, with current options of 1920×1080 (16:9) and 1280×720 (16:9) at 30 FPS available for all cameras.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft says Auto HDR causes game freezes on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has implemented a block on Windows 11 24H2 upgrades for systems with Auto HDR enabled due to reports of game freezes and graphical anomalies. Auto HDR enhances gaming visuals but has caused concerns among users regarding high-contrast and oversaturated visuals. Microsoft warned that enabling Auto HDR could lead to incorrect color representation and unresponsive games. Users experiencing issues are advised to disable Auto HDR through the 'Settings' app. A compatibility hold has been placed on devices with Auto HDR enabled, tagged with safeguard ID 55382406. Additionally, Microsoft has lifted a previous compatibility hold related to Ubisoft game bugs and blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations and incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft coughs up yet more Windows 11 24H2 headaches

Microsoft has identified several issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update, leading to the implementation of safeguard holds. Users have reported significant audio disruptions, particularly with integrated and Bluetooth audio devices, linked to the cridspapo.dll component in Dirac Audio technology. A compatibility safeguard hold has been placed on affected devices, preventing the update from being available until a necessary driver is released by the manufacturer. Additionally, gamers using Auto HDR technology are experiencing problems with incorrect color displays and unresponsive games, prompting Microsoft to recommend disabling Auto HDR as a temporary solution.

Winsage

December 18, 2024

Elevate your PC gaming experience with Windows 11 this holiday season

Windows 11 offers new gaming experiences for PC Game Pass subscribers, including titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle™. Key features include: - Auto HDR: Enhances SDR games to HDR for improved colors and contrasts. - DirectStorage: Reduces load times using NVMe SSDs, optimizing data loading for better performance. - Game Bar Compact Mode: Simplifies navigation on smaller screens, providing quick access to games and performance metrics. - Dynamic Lighting: Allows synchronization and customization of RGB lighting across devices. - Optimizations for Windowed Games: Introduces Variable Rate Refresh (VRR) to reduce tearing and stuttering in windowed modes. - Advanced Hybrid (CASO)/UMA: Improves performance on hybrid laptops with integrated and discrete GPUs. - Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 support: Enhances online gaming with faster speeds and lower latency. - Color filters for colorblind players: Helps colorblind players differentiate colors while improving frame rates. - Automatic Super Resolution for Arm Copilot+ PCs: Upscales lower-resolution content in real-time. - Xbox app on Windows PC: Manages PC gaming content and facilitates cloud gaming and cross-platform connections.