bubbles Archives

Winsage

June 20, 2025

The Windows 11 beta build adds a new UI effect, and people already hate it

The recent beta update for Windows 11 introduced a new touchscreen effect where a trail of bubbles follows the user's finger movement. User feedback has been largely negative, with many comparing the effect to "defect monitor ghosting" and expressing a preference for the previous design. Some users have suggested that Microsoft should allow an option to revert to the old touch input visuals. There is also a growing concern among users about the overall direction of Windows 11, with some feeling that certain aspects are not improving.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 has been released to the Canary Channel, with downloadable ISOs available. This build introduces a new profanity filter setting for voice typing, allowing users to manage the transcription of profane words. A new feature called speech recap has been added to Narrator, enabling users to track spoken content and access live transcriptions. General improvements include security certificate updates, a redesigned needy state pill on the taskbar, enhanced accessibility features, and new image editing capabilities in the Windows share window. A new FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page, and various fixes have been implemented across different components. Known issues include problems with the taskbar display and the "Reset this PC" option not functioning after the upgrade. Users joining the Canary Channel on new Copilot+ PCs may experience loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

Microsoft Drops New Windows 11 Builds for Canary and Release Preview Testers

Microsoft has released two new Windows 11 preview builds for Insiders on the Canary and Release Preview Channels. The Canary build 27881 includes features such as: - Speech recap in Narrator for monitoring spoken content and live transcriptions. - A profanity filter setting for voice typing that can be disabled. - A redesigned needy state pill UI for taskbar icons. - An accessibility flyout in quick settings categorized by assistive technology types. - Enhanced Windows Share allowing image editing and sharing through the context menu. - A new FAQs section in Settings addressing common system questions. - Updated touch input visual design with "animating bubbles." ISOs for the Canary build 27881 are available for clean installs, and an updated Snipping Tool with GIF export is accessible for Insiders. The Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.4482 for the Release Preview Channel includes: - An option for the taskbar to automatically resize icons. - Enhanced Windows Share with visual previews and three image compression levels. - A Screen Curtain feature in Narrator for privacy. - A settings homepage tailored for managed PCs with enterprise features. - Updated app defaults in the EEA for selecting new default browsers. - A new PC-to-PC migration experience for transferring files and settings during setup. Additionally, Microsoft has released the Windows 11 23H2 Build 22631.5548, which addresses issues from a previous build, and Windows 10 Insiders can access build 19045.6033 to rectify issues from an earlier release.

BetaBeacon

June 10, 2025

Download Candy Crush Saga (free) for Windows, Android, APK, iOS and Web App | Gizmodo

Candy Crush Saga is a popular game that can be downloaded for free and played without spending any money. It is available on major platforms such as Android, iOS, and Facebook. The game is convenient, provides specific tasks for each level, and offers a rhythm of gameplay. It also has level building, little pushes on what to do, and can be soothing with its music, animations, and colors. There are alternatives to Candy Crush Saga such as Matchington Mansion, Homescapes, and Disney POP TOWN for those who enjoy puzzle games with nice graphics and smooth mechanics.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Latest Google Messages beta brings its Expressive redesign to more users

A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 has reported the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages, which includes a reworked plus icon menu and a "connected button group" for emojis and GIFs. The beta update features a solid-color background for conversations, distinguishing texts from contact options. The redesign is not yet available in the stable version of Google Messages but is gradually being rolled out to beta users. The conversation field now has a rounded-corner container, separating it from calling and menu buttons. Not all beta users have received the update, indicating it is still being distributed. The Material 3 Expressive design philosophy aims to enhance the Android experience with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. Similar updates have been noted in other Google applications, such as Gmail.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Android’s phone taskbar isn’t quite ready yet, but it’s already getting a multitasking boost

Google is developing a "tiny taskbar" for Android phones to improve multitasking by streamlining app switching on smaller screens. The feature includes a recent apps carousel displaying the six most recently opened applications, inspired by the Alt + Tab switcher. Currently, the carousel does not switch to the selected app upon tapping, indicating it is still in development. The tiny taskbar has faced layout challenges, particularly with a 5x5 home screen grid configuration, and further adjustments are needed for seamless integration. Google is also working on enhancements to other multitasking features like bubbles and split-screen mode.

BetaBeacon

April 24, 2025

VR brought out the kid in me again

Plastic Battlegrounds is a sandbox toy-based battle simulator game that allows players to embody a plastic soldier and engage in battles and scenarios in different parts of a house. The game focuses on creativity and imagination rather than advanced AI or cutting-edge graphics.

BetaBeacon

April 18, 2025

These Android and iPhone applications are free for a limited time

Various Android and iOS apps and games are currently available for free for a limited time in honor of Easter.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Minecraft tips you need to know – from how to beat Endermen to pumpkin secrets

Minecraft has 204.33 million monthly users across various platforms. Llamas can serve as mobile storage with an inventory of 3 to 15 slots. The breaking pattern on blocks indicates orientation, appearing on the northern side. Lava is a superior fuel source in furnaces, outlasting wood and coal. Diamonds can now be found between levels 15 and 63, with deeper levels offering better chances. Players can change a blue sheep to red by bringing it near an Evoker. Torches can break surrounding sand and gravel blocks. Mushroom biomes do not spawn hostile mobs at night. Wearing a carved pumpkin prevents direct eye contact with Endermen. Iron Golems can be created for defense using iron blocks and a carved pumpkin. Cats deter Creepers. Doors placed underwater create air bubbles. Snowballs can defeat Blazes from a distance. Illuminating mob spawners with torches can stop enemy spawns. The Swift Sneak enchantment allows faster sneaking. Mooshrooms can be milked for mushroom stew. Dogs' collars can be dyed for identification. Covering pixel art with glass panes preserves designs. Zombies are attracted to turtle eggs.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

With Nvidia Ace taking up 1 GB of VRAM in Inzoi, Team Green will need to up its memory game if AI NPCs take off in PC gaming

Nvidia unveiled its latest RTX technologies, including the Ace suite of digital human technologies, at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). The game Inzoi, reminiscent of The Sims, is one of the first to utilize Nvidia Ace, enhancing character interactions through 'thought bubbles' that reveal emotions and intentions. The AI system is powered by the Mistral NeMo Minitron, a language model with 500 million parameters, using 1 GB of VRAM. This model is limited to NPCs within the player's line of sight and does not change a character's life trajectory. While smaller models can lead to inaccuracies, the potential for larger models in expansive RPGs is significant. Nvidia has maintained an 8 GB memory standard for its mainstream graphics cards, but the demand for more advanced AI may prompt a reevaluation of VRAM offerings. High-end GPUs like the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 offer 16 GB of VRAM, which is becoming more common in affordable graphics cards.