broader availability Archives

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Gaming on Windows on Arm is getting pretty cool

Linux offers a variety of distributions, each with unique features, such as NixOS, Pop_OS! for Nvidia compatibility, Debian for stability, and lightweight options like Q4OS. Many individuals rely on a few fingers for typing despite formal training, questioning the efficiency of using all ten fingers. Windows 11 integrates OneDrive for backing up essential folders, which some users find cumbersome. QD-OLED monitors can experience burn-in, affecting visuals after a year of use. The Dell Inspiron 8500 is often remembered as a first laptop that sparked interest in technology. The rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has users debating whether to upgrade, with some preferring to wait for broader availability. Alternatives to Windows File Explorer, such as OneCommander and Total Commander, are being explored by users. The purchase of a first graphics card, like the GTX 760, marks a significant moment in PC building for many. Music streaming preferences vary among users, with platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music being popular choices. Content creators often prefer tools like Greenshot for capturing screenshots due to reliability. Linux desktop environments, such as KDE, allow for aesthetic customization. Transforming an old PC into a smart home hub can enhance living spaces by integrating devices. The first app installed on a new system often reflects personal habits, with browsers like Firefox or gaming platforms like Steam being common choices.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google Play Games on PC Gets Major Upgrades, More Games, New Play…

Google Play Games on PC will transition from beta to general availability later this year, allowing access to a wide range of Android mobile games unless developers opt-out. Google is expanding compatibility to include AMD laptops and desktops, with plans for integration into the start menu of new devices. Upcoming features include multi-account access, multi-instance support, and a revamped game sidebar. Exclusive PC titles like “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING” will be introduced. Games will be labeled as “Optimized” or “Playable” based on performance standards. Google Play Points will have improved tracking and bonuses on PC. Enhanced graphics capabilities will be provided through Vulkan technology. On mobile, new titles such as “DREDGE,” “TABS Mobile,” and “Disco Elysium” will be launched, ensuring PC games are optimized for mobile play.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Don’t have a Copilot key? Microsoft is adding a keyboard shortcut for you

Microsoft has introduced a new keyboard shortcut, Alt + Space, that allows users to access Copilot without the dedicated key on newer Windows PCs. Users can hold the shortcut for 2 seconds to start a voice conversation with Copilot and press Esc to end it. The feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders, with no specified timeline for broader availability. Additionally, Microsoft has rebuilt the Copilot app for Windows to improve performance and integration with the operating system.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Copilot gets a press to talk hotkey on Windows.

Microsoft is introducing a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Spacebar) for its Copilot feature on Windows, allowing users to initiate voice conversations by pressing and holding the keys for two seconds. This feature is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders and will be available to all Windows 11 users in the upcoming weeks.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Microsoft goes native with Copilot once more

Microsoft has updated its Copilot app for Windows, now presenting it as a native XAML application. The update includes a side panel for initiating conversations and a conversation history list. Users can ask specific questions about their PCs, receiving tailored responses. A new shortcut key, Alt + Space, has been introduced for users without a dedicated Copilot key. The update is being rolled out to Windows Insiders via the Microsoft Store, with plans for broader availability in the coming weeks. Currently, the app's capabilities are limited, but it aims to enhance user interaction with their PCs through a conversational interface.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

I get to play with the world’s most powerful gaming tablet, and it’s totally awesome

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is a 2-in-1 convertible device designed for gaming and creative tasks, featuring a Windows-powered tablet with a large touch-enabled display, an adjustable kickstand, and a keyboard that doubles as a protective cover. It includes the Ryzen AI MAX platform, which integrates a powerful CPU, NPU, and advanced integrated GPU, allowing for exceptional performance without additional components. The device starts at ,099.99, with configurations and pricing that can be complex, but broader availability is expected. The unboxing experience is premium, featuring a sleek design and a substantial 200W charger. The tablet has a 13.4-inch display, a solid kickstand, and a responsive keyboard cover. It is equipped with a Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 CPU, a Radeon 8060S GPU, 1TB of PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD storage, and can be configured with up to 128GB of RAM. Battery life is decent, with a 70Whr battery allowing several hours of use, even while gaming. The ROG Flow Z13 caters to a niche audience seeking innovative hardware in a portable form factor, though potential buyers may find traditional gaming laptops offer better value.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Buckle up: Android Automotive has 70 new apps to keep you entertained (in the parking lot)

Google will soon introduce nearly 70 new applications for Android Automotive, increasing the total number of available apps to nearly 300. The new apps include popular streaming and gaming titles like Farm Heroes Saga, Paramount Plus, Plex, F1 TV, Red Bull TV, and NBC News. These apps will only function when the vehicle is parked to ensure safety. Android Automotive is an embedded operating system in vehicles, distinct from Android Auto, which connects a phone to a vehicle. Currently, around 100 vehicle models feature Android Automotive, including the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, 2023 Honda Accord, 2025 Ford Explorer, and 2024 Nissan Rogue. The rollout of the new apps will initially target select Volvo and Polestar models, with broader availability expected soon. Google is working with various vehicle manufacturers to enhance the app ecosystem for automotive screens.

AppWizard

October 29, 2024

Android Auto introduces real-time battery info and trip sharing features

The Samsung Health app has been updated to version 6.28 (6.28.0.047), enhancing functionality for Wear OS devices. Key features include access to medical reports for U.S. users through partnerships with EMR systems, advanced medication management in India and South Korea allowing users to photograph medications, and a barcode scanning feature for food tracking. Users of Samsung Galaxy Watches are encouraged to install the update via the Galaxy Store to utilize these new capabilities.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Microsoft creates a new reason to buy an AI-powered Copilot+ PC — image upscaling in Microsoft Photos

Microsoft has introduced a preview of its super resolution feature for Copilot+ PCs within the Photos app, specifically for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. This image upscaling feature is exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2 or higher, and is available in the Canary, Dev, and Release Preview Channels. The super resolution uses AI to enhance and enlarge images up to 8x the original size, ideal for improving low-quality photos and preparing images for large prints or displays. It processes enhancements using the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on the device. Additionally, a robust optical character recognition (OCR) feature is available to all users, supporting over 160 languages for text extraction from images.

Winsage

October 18, 2024

ChatGPT app comes to Windows finally! Add a quick AI shortcut to your PC today

OpenAI has launched the ChatGPT app for paid users on Windows, entering the testing phase for a PC version of the previously successful Mac app. The app features a streamlined interface and a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Space) for easy access. Currently, the early version is available for ChatGPT Plus, Enterprise, Team, and Edu users, with a subscription cost of £16 per month. The app can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, and a Canvas mode has been introduced as an AI-powered word processor. Non-subscribers will have access to the app once development is complete.