compact design Archives

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox features for PCs, useful tools for Windows 11, and more

Microsoft refreshed the Windows Health Dashboard, providing updated information on known bugs affecting Windows 11 version 24H2, including a fix for users unable to modify specific date and time settings and a workaround for difficulties with Windows updates via USB or CD media. A guide was shared on restoring Dolby Digital (AC-3) support in Windows 11 version 24H2, and two debloating applications, WinScript and NoBloatbox, were introduced for system optimization and bloatware removal. This week's preview builds for Windows 11 included a significant update for MIDI and allowed users to customize widgets on their lock screens. An update for the Microsoft Store now permits users to choose which components of games to download. Optical Character Recognition has returned in the Photos app for Windows Insiders with enhancements and bug fixes. Microsoft announced the dates for its upcoming developer conference, Build 2025, scheduled for May 19-22 in Seattle, Washington. Firefox 135 was released with a redesigned new tab page and privacy enhancements, while Microsoft Edge 133 launched with an updated downloads interface and an AI-powered scareware blocker. Chrome version 134 is set to enhance picture-in-picture mode. In gaming news, several Xbox titles, including Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Mythology: Retold, are being released for PlayStation 5. EA's Criterion Games is focused on the next Battlefield installment, leaving the future of Need for Speed uncertain. Microsoft will host the first ID@Xbox showcase on February 24, 2025. Valve updated Steam to include a banner for abandoned games, and Nvidia announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles, and Amazon Prime members have access to several free games.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

The Best Deals Today: Power Banks, Hand Warmers, AirPods, 27-Game Bundle, Gaming Headsets, and More

Best Buy is offering the Meta Quest 3S 256GB VR headset for 9.99, including a Best Buy gift card and a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The INIU 10,000mAh power bank is available for .99 after a 40% off coupon. Amazon has the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro for 9.99, a 32% discount. The Apple AirPods 4 are priced at 9.99, marking their first time below 0. Panther Vision is offering a 30% discount sitewide on products like the Panther Vision 602R rechargeable hand warmer and lighted beanie. The Safe In Our World Charity Bundle 2025, featuring 27 PC games, is available for a minimum donation of . SteelSeries has a buy one, get one 50% off promotion on gaming peripherals with the code "VALENTINE50." Peacock TV offers a year of Peacock Premium for .99. The PDP Riffmaster wireless guitar controller is priced at .99. The latest 10th generation Apple iPad is available for 9.99. The Anker Zolo 10,000mAh power bank is on sale for .94 after a 17% off coupon. Woot! has the 83" Samsung S90D 4K OLED Smart TV for ,499.99, discounted from ,800.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

5 tools that put the Windows 11 Start menu to shame

The Start menu in Windows 11 has limited customization options, leading users to seek alternatives. Several third-party applications can enhance or replace the Start menu experience: 1. Windhawk: A free, open-source tool that allows customization of the Start menu and taskbar, offering features reminiscent of Windows 10, such as viewing the All apps list and removing the Recommended section. 2. StartAllBack: Restores the look of earlier Windows versions, providing a nostalgic interface with customization options, including a Windows 7-style menu, while enhancing the taskbar and File Explorer. 3. Start11: A powerful customization tool from Stardock that offers seven different styles for the Start menu, allowing users to organize apps into groups and folders, enhancing productivity. 4. PowerToys: Features PowerToys Run, a search bar that allows users to launch applications and perform tasks quickly, providing an efficient alternative to the Start menu. 5. Flow Launcher: A comprehensive replacement for the Start menu, offering a wide range of functionalities through plugins, allowing users to launch applications and access various tools efficiently.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

I’ve been using this Intel-based mini AI PC for the last two weeks of work, and now I absolutely love it

The Geekom GT1 Mega mini PC has an MSRP of 9.00, with sales prices around 9.00 on platforms like Amazon. It features Windows 11 Pro, an Intel Core Ultra processor, and Intel Arc graphics. Specifications include options for Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 processors, 32GB of RAM (expandable to 64GB), and 1TB SSD storage. The package includes the mini PC, a VESA mount, screws, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a user manual. The design is compact with a sturdy aluminum casing, and it has a variety of ports: two USB-C 4.0 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and five USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Performance is solid for everyday tasks, with a performance rating of 5/5, and thermal performance is commendable with minimal fan noise. The overall score for the GT1 Mega is 5/5, highlighting its value, design, connectivity, and performance. Alternatives include Geekom's A8 and A7 models, as well as offerings from Beelink and ASUS.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Our favorite mini PC is affordable and perfect for photo and video editing — Right now, you can get it at a special low price with this coupon code

The Geekom A8 mini PC features a Ryzen 7 CPU and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, making it suitable for tasks like web browsing, media streaming, and photo/video editing. It runs on Windows 11 Home and offers options for AMD R9-8945HS or R7-8845HS CPUs with a TDP of 45W, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and PCIe Gen 4 storage ranging from 1TB to 2TB. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and various ports: 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-A 2.0, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB4 Gen 3, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x RJ45, and 2x HDMI 2.0. The A8 is currently available for 9.00, discounted to 9.00 with the code WINDOWSA8R7. The package includes a VESA mount, manual, HDMI cable, and power adapter, but users must provide their own keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The A8 received a four and a half-star review for its performance and port availability.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Several new features are coming to Windows 11 24H2 this month

In approximately two weeks, Microsoft will release December's Patch Tuesday, which will include bug fixes and security updates for Windows 11 as part of the 24H2 version. Key features of this update include the ability to modify the date and time layout in the taskbar, expanded jump list options for the Screenshot tool with timer settings, a new Dynamic Lighting page for managing RGB devices, and interface improvements in Task Manager for better visibility of connected storage devices.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Microsoft is launching a $349 desktop PC that only runs Windows 11 by streaming it from the cloud — is this the future of desktop computing?

Microsoft has introduced its first dedicated desktop PC, the Windows 365 Link, priced at 9, set to launch in April 2025. This device operates exclusively through cloud technology, utilizing Windows 11 via the Windows 365 platform and is designed for enterprise customers. It measures 120 x 120 x 30 mm, features a fanless design, rapid boot times, and instant wake capabilities. It supports dual 4K displays and includes three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an audio jack, an Ethernet jack, DisplayPort, and HDMI. The device is powered by an Intel processor with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, relying on a constant internet connection to function. It will leverage Copilot+ features for enhanced functionalities and is expected to run a lightweight version of Windows, potentially based on the CorePC edition codenamed NXT. The Windows 365 Link aims to redefine the desktop experience, particularly in schools and flexible workspaces, catering to the growing trend of cloud computing.

AppWizard

November 2, 2024

The fourth two items in the “Minecraft” series of Nintendo Switch licensed accessories are now available! The items will be available from late November 2024!

Happinet Co., Ltd. is releasing two new Nintendo Switch accessories inspired by Minecraft in late November 2024: a Combination Pouch and a Card Case. The Combination Pouch is designed to hold the Nintendo Switch console and accessories, featuring Minecraft-themed designs, durable materials, and internal dividers for organization. Its suggested retail price is 2,680 yen (excluding tax) and it has a model number of HEGP-09MCCD. The Card Case can hold up to 24 Nintendo Switch game cards, offering protection in a compact design with Minecraft character themes. Its suggested retail price is 1,300 yen (excluding tax) and it has a model number of HACF-02MCCD. Both products will be available at retail locations and online, with more details on the Max Games website.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Tinkerer converts ThinkCentre into compact Steam OS-powered gaming console

A Linux gaming PC has been created by Eta Prime, resembling the size of a Wii and featuring a console-like interface similar to the Steam Deck. It includes an Intel i7 processor and an AMD Radeon RX 6400 graphics card, fitted into a Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q chassis. The build incorporates 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD, and runs on the Bazzite distro operating system, which allows direct booting into Steam Gaming Mode. Performance tests showed the system running Left 4 Dead 2 at 1440p with 120fps, Street Fighter 6 at 1080p with 60fps, Elden Ring at 1080p low settings near 60fps, Doom Eternal exceeding 100fps at 1080p, and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low settings averaging around 56fps.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

Windows 11 LTSC on Arm: Everything You Need to Know

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 24H2 has been released, featuring a modern user interface, enhanced security, productivity tools, comprehensive device management, long-term support with up to 10 years of security updates, and a restricted user experience mode. System requirements include a 1 GHz or faster processor with two or more cores, a minimum of 4 GB RAM (2 GB minimum), 64 GB or larger storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, a preferred TPM version 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a minimum display size of 9 inches with 700p HD resolution. Enhancements over Windows 10 LTSC include improved performance, better compatibility, advanced security features, and a streamlined update process. The x86 platform offers extensive compatibility and high performance, while the Arm platform emphasizes power efficiency, making it suitable for portable and IoT devices. Microsoft follows a three-year release cycle for LTSC products, with Windows 11 addressing regulatory industry needs for enhanced security. Key differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 LTSC include a modernized interface, advanced security features, optimized performance, and improved compatibility. Windows 11 LTSC 24H2 has a 10-year lifecycle with five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. New features include an integrated IoT-specific EULA, wireless display capabilities, optional removable packages, multi-app kiosk mode, automatic MPEG2 installation, HEVC codec support, access to the Microsoft Store, optional TPM enabling, and exclusion of CoPilot. The operating system is applicable across various industries, including medical, governmental, hospitality, and retail, and is compatible with both x64 and Arm processors.