compact design

Winsage
February 27, 2026
Microsoft's redesign of the Start menu in Windows 11 has received mixed reactions, with many users criticizing its excessive size, automation, and lack of customization options. Users on larger monitors find the menu to be a "colossal waste of space," while those on laptops have a more favorable view. The automatic categorization of apps has been deemed ineffective, with users frustrated by the inability to rename or adjust categories. Some users appreciate the "List" view option, but overall, the menu's size overshadows its positive aspects. Functional issues such as icons failing to render and laggy animations have also been reported, contributing to dissatisfaction. Users express a desire for more control over their interface, suggesting that options for category editing and resizing could improve the experience.
AppWizard
February 16, 2026
Android game and app deals are currently available, featuring titles such as DREDGE, Paign, Tiny Terraces, Botanicula, and Bright Memory: Infinite. Presidents Day sales are ongoing at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Samsung. Samsung Galaxy gear discounts reach up to 0, and the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 Android tablet is available at a low price.
Winsage
December 23, 2025
Windows 11 is testing a revamped version of its classic Run feature, which will have a modernized interface and is entirely optional. The traditional Run remains unchanged and will coexist with the new version. The modern Run resembles a contemporary flyout, appears as a large, rounded card at the bottom of the screen, and adapts to both dark and light modes. It features a clean input area, a Run button, and a history list of previously accessed commands. The new Run is designed to be more touch-friendly and operates with the same immediacy as the legacy version, without performance issues. However, it cannot be repositioned on the desktop. The modern Run can be activated through Settings > System > Advanced, and Microsoft may introduce new features over time, but the legacy Run will remain the default experience.
AppWizard
December 3, 2025
Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was rolled out to all Windows-based handhelds on November 21, followed by a broader release for gaming rigs and laptops for Windows Insider members. The update process on Windows 11 was slow, causing frustration for users. Accessing the Xbox FSE through various shortcuts was unsuccessful, and the experience was marred by instability and frequent updates. A recent system update (KB5066835) resulted in a significant drop in gaming performance. The author expressed a preference for Linux and SteamOS due to their stability and user-friendly interface compared to Windows. The upcoming Steam Machine is anticipated for its compact design and potential for a hassle-free gaming experience.
AppWizard
December 1, 2025
The Razer Seiren V3 Mini microphone is available for .99 during Black Friday, down from its original price of .99. It features a supercardioid condenser mic that minimizes background noise and includes a shock mount. The microphone has a plug-and-play setup and allows for audio customization through the Razer Synapse app, though it lacks RGB lighting. It also includes a tap-to-mute function with an LED status indicator. The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is priced at .99, reduced from 9.99, and offers additional features.
AppWizard
November 30, 2025
The Samsung T9 external SSD is a portable data storage solution that offers speed, durability, and convenience. During Black Friday sales, discounts of up to 32% are available across all sizes, including a 1TB model reduced by 32%, a 2TB model discounted by 25%, and a 4TB model also at a 25% discount. The T9 weighs 4.3 ounces (122g) and measures 88 x 60 x 14mm, featuring a rubberized exterior with a fall-resistance rating of up to 3 meters (10 feet). It has sequential read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s. The discounts are available on Samsung's official store and various retailers, including Amazon.
AppWizard
November 26, 2025
The Libby app allows users to access library books from home, requiring a valid library card for setup. It has evolved from its original version, Overdrive, and integrates well with Android devices. Users can borrow books easily through the app, which is available on the Google Play Store. E-readers like Onyx Boox and Bigme are recommended for use with Libby, particularly the Boox Palma. Transferring library data from an old e-reader to a new one is simple with the Libby app. The app offers various categories for browsing books, a waitlist feature for checked-out titles, and a search function for specific authors or titles. Recent updates include an AI assistant for discovering new books. Libby is ad-free and prioritizes user privacy, making it a valuable resource for readers, especially during the holiday season.
AppWizard
November 13, 2025
Valve's Steam Machine has received a generally positive reception, but concerns have arisen regarding its allocation of 8 GB of VRAM. This issue has been a topic of contention, especially following the launch of Nvidia's RTX 4060 Ti, which also featured only 8 GB of VRAM, leading to consumer dissatisfaction. The RX 7600M, used in the Steam Machine, has 28 compute units and operates on a 128-bit bus width, making it challenging to accommodate 16 GB of VRAM without increasing costs and power consumption. Running memory modules in clamshell mode could be a solution, but it presents engineering challenges in a compact design. Increasing VRAM would raise the price, and with rising memory costs, manufacturers may prioritize regular DRAM production. Valve's decision to equip the Steam Machine with 8 GB of VRAM seems aimed at maintaining affordability, especially following the success of the Steam Deck. If the Steam Machine's price exceeds 0, the justification for its specifications may face scrutiny. There are also concerns about Valve's marketing claims regarding 4K capabilities, as the machine is likely to perform better at 1080p or 1440p rather than 4K.
Winsage
November 8, 2025
Windows 11's File Explorer context menu includes the "Edit in Notepad" option for various file types, which is intended only for plain text files. Users can remove this option by editing the Windows Registry. Notepad now registers as a general-purpose text editor, causing it to appear for all file types, including images. To remove "Edit in Notepad," users can create a subkey in the Registry Editor under Shell Extensions and add the specific GUID. Other Shell Extensions can also be removed using a similar method by adding their respective GUIDs. Microsoft is reportedly working on improvements for the context menu.
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