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Winsage

December 28, 2024

8 classic Windows features you can bring back with free tools

Windows 11 has introduced a range of tools and solutions to help users restore familiar features from previous versions of Windows. 1. GadgetPack: Revives Gadgets from Windows Vista for Windows 10 and 11, modernizing them with new functionalities like clipboard history, battery meters, and multi-core CPU monitors. 2. Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC): An alternative to the classic Windows Media Player, offering robust support for modern file formats and additional features. 3. OpenShell: A tool that restores the classic Start menu experience, allowing customization to resemble styles from Windows 95, XP, or Vista. 4. ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionality, including resizing and moving options, and reverts File Explorer to earlier command bars and context menus. 5. Task Switcher Options: ExplorerPatcher also allows users to customize the task switcher to resemble earlier Windows versions, including simplified views. 6. WinAero Tweaker: Provides a theme that evokes the Aero style of Windows 7, enhancing the nostalgic aesthetic. 7. Windows Photo Viewer: Can be re-enabled through a registry tweak, allowing users to access the familiar image viewing experience without additional software.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Here are DSOGaming’s Games of the Year 2024

The gaming community is anticipating the Game of the Year (GOTY) list as 2024 approaches. Contributors from DSOGaming have shared their top picks: - pirovashMX chose Penny’s Big Breakaway, a platformer inspired by Sega’s 90s classics, featuring fluid movement and a new whip mechanic. - Spencer selected Virtua Fighter 5 REVO, an Open Beta version of a classic fighting game from 2006, praised for its combat mechanics and graphics, with an official release scheduled for January. - Nick McCaskey highlighted Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, a JRPG that encouraged multiple playthroughs, alongside a mention of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. - John Papadopoulos picked Silent Hill 2 Remake, commending its atmosphere, narrative, visuals, and satisfying conclusion, despite minor traversal issues.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows 11 installations that hinders future security updates for devices installed using installation media, specifically when the October or November 2024 security updates are included. No workaround is currently available for those impacted. New apps highlighted this week include Ashampoo Burning Studio 2025, an updated CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray burning software; Flow Launcher, an open-source file search tool and launcher for Windows; and Hasleo Backup Suite Free 5.0, which facilitates system, disk, partition, and file backups and includes a new compression algorithm for reduced disk space usage.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Minecraft fan creates fascinating animation of a walking redstone T-Rex

User u/MythicalPingu released a 1:20 minute redstone T-Rex animation on Reddit, showcasing a T-Rex made from redstone components that walks and dispenses TNT. The video features dynamic camera angles and has gained popularity, with users expressing admiration and requesting tutorials. Another user noted the T-Rex's resemblance to the Thunderjaw from Horizon Zero Dawn, although u/MythicalPingu was unfamiliar with the game. Other notable Minecraft creations mentioned include Grazzy's three-year project recreating the entire map of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a replica of the Tower of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings, and a detailed construction of Notre-Dame de Laeken in Brussels.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

5 unimplemented Minecraft features Mojang should add to the game in the future

- Shaders are a highly desired unimplemented feature that could enhance the game's visuals, with partial integration in versions 1.16 and 1.17, but ultimately abandoned. - Fallen trees have been requested since 2012, potentially adding complexity to gameplay by serving as obstacles and hiding spots. - The fletching table lacks purpose and was initially teased for enhancement before the 1.15 release; upgrading it could introduce new gameplay mechanics related to hunting and gathering. - The concept of seasons, mentioned during Minecon 2013, remains unimplemented and could lead to visual transformations and changes in mob behaviors. - The Birch Forest biome was set to receive enhancements during the Wild Update announced at Minecraft Live 2021, but the anticipated features did not make it into the final version.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is so authentically Indiana Jones it should probably be called Henry Jones Jr. and the Great Circle

The PC Gamer team highlighted "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" as a standout game in their 2024 Game of the Year Awards. Voice actor Troy Baker portrays Indiana Jones, initially raising skepticism due to his previous iconic roles. Early trailers presented the game as simplistic, but players found a rich exploration experience, featuring locations like The Vatican and authentic character interactions. A notable scene involves a humorous confrontation with antagonist Emmerich Voss. The game employs first-person gameplay for immersion, allowing tactile engagement with the environment. Its slower pacing fosters a deeper connection to the world and characters, reminiscent of classic RPGs. MachineGames successfully captures the essence of Indiana Jones, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience. There is anticipation for future adventures in the series, emphasizing storytelling and character development over mere spectacle.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Best PC Game of 2024 — Best New PC Games This Year

PC gaming in 2024 featured a variety of innovative titles, with Hades 2 winning the Best PC Game of 2024. Hades 2, which entered early access in May, follows Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, as she attempts to thwart Chronos, the Titan of Time. The game introduces new mechanics, including a Magick Bar and a sprint ability, and offers multiple exploration paths. It can be completed in under 20 hours, but completionists may invest nearly 60 hours. Other notable nominations for Best PC Games of 2024 include: - I Am Your Beast: Released in September, this fast-paced action game features 25 levels designed for quick play sessions, appealing to speedrunners. - UFO 50: A collection of 50 distinct games that pays homage to retro console games, showcasing a variety of genres. - Frostpunk 2: A city-builder set three decades after the original, allowing players to manage complex societal issues and construct larger cities. It won the Best Gameplay award at the Gamescom Awards 2024.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Can you still enable classic Alt+Tab in Windows 11 24H2?

Microsoft has removed the classic Alt+Tab interface in Windows 11, particularly with the 24H2 update, and has made it impossible to restore this feature through registry tweaks or third-party applications. Users have attempted to create a DWORD value named AltTabSettings in the Windows Registry to revive the classic menu, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. The modern Alt+Tab layout introduced in the 22H2 update features larger icons and thumbnails, contrasting with the minimalist design of the classic interface. The removal of the classic Alt+Tab is viewed as a significant loss for users who appreciate retro-themed aesthetics in their operating system.

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.