customization Archives

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

Take Control of Your Notifications with Samsung’s One UI 7 Beta

Samsung's One UI 7 update, based on Android 15, introduces a new "Filter notifications" feature that allows users to categorize non-urgent alerts into groups within the notification panel. This feature includes three toggles: 1. Old Notifications: Filters out outdated app notifications. 2. Background Notifications: Filters notifications from apps running in the background. 3. Minimized Notifications: Allows users to manually minimize certain alerts. Grouped notifications will still be visible but organized under a "More notifications" card. The stable version of One UI 7 is expected to be released between January and February of the following year.

BetaBeacon

December 28, 2024

I replaced my Android launcher with a game emulation hub, and it (mostly) worked

ES-DE Frontend is a paid app that brings all emulators and games into a unified UI, but it does not emulate anything. The most difficult part of the installation process is setting up RetroArch. The app allows for customization with various themes and the addition of Android apps and games through external tools. However, the app lacks touch controls, only works in landscape mode, and requires manual scrolling to access apps, making it less suitable for daily use. Tasker can be used as a workaround to switch the launcher to ES-DE when a controller is attached. Despite its limitations, ES-DE Frontend is recommended for Android-based gaming handhelds.

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 27, 2024

The best Windows PowerToys tool is about to get a whole lot better

Microsoft announced that its PowerToys Run tool will undergo significant transformation in 2025, introducing new extensions for enhanced functionality and customization. Kayla Cinnamon shared a teaser trailer on Christmas Day, indicating the potential for third-party developers to create custom extensions. While a specific release date has not been provided, there is notable anticipation for the upcoming features and improvements.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Sci-Fi Racer Cosmic Royale Has Been Released For PC

Eden Games has released Cosmic Royale, a sci-fi racing game available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, allowing up to 40 players to participate in chaotic races. The game features various modes, including the Cosmic Tournament, Obstacle Course, Survival mode, and Mortal Race mode. Players can customize their karts and drivers, utilizing the Cosmic Pass to unlock upgrades and express their style. Progress can be boosted by collecting and enhancing karts to increase the Rewardator multiplier. Upcoming Season 1 content will introduce new features, game modes, karts, drivers, and tracks, along with a skill progression system.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

What is Minecraft Minepal mod?

The Minecraft Minepal mod introduces an AI-driven non-player character (NPC) that interacts with players in a lifelike manner, powered by ChatGPT. It supports 55 languages and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, available for free and supporting up to Minecraft version 1.20.4. The NPC can engage in voice chat, assist in constructing structures, accompany players, gather and craft blocks, perform tasks like cooking and repairing, and can be customized in appearance and personality. Installation involves downloading the standalone Minepal application, entering the Minecraft username, specifying the host, selecting the Java version, and launching Minecraft to introduce the NPC into the game.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

The 3 most Windows-like Linux distros to try because change is hard

Windows 10 will reach the end of its life in 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing new hardware, or switching to alternatives like Linux. Linux is a strong competitor to Windows and MacOS, offering benefits such as reliability, security, user-friendliness, and being free. Three recommended Linux distributions for users transitioning from Windows are: 1. KDE Neon: Based on Ubuntu, it features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, which can be customized to resemble Windows 10 or 11. It is user-friendly and available for free. 2. Linux Mint: Also based on Ubuntu, it provides a Windows-like experience with a familiar interface through its Cinnamon desktop environment. It is free and has strong community support. 3. Zorin OS: Offers multiple desktop layouts, including options that resemble Windows. The free version includes four layouts, while the Pro edition, costing .99, provides additional configurations. It is built on the GNOME framework and is customizable. All these distributions are open-source and can facilitate a smooth transition for users moving away from Windows.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

How to enable and use Simple View on a Pixel phone

The Simple View feature was launched with the December Pixel Feature Drop as part of Android 15 for Google Pixel phones. It enhances accessibility by allowing users to modify multiple settings simultaneously, including larger text and icon sizes, a simplified home screen layout, simplified 3-button navigation, higher touch sensitivity, shortcuts for Contacts, Clock, and Weather apps, high-contrast wallpaper, an increased app grid to a 4x4 display, and locked suggested apps. Certain features are only available during the initial setup of the device. Users can enable Simple View by factory resetting their Pixel device or through the Settings app after setup, though some changes may not take effect afterward. Simple View is not available for the Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, or Pixel Tablet.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

PC Gamer’s highest review scores of 2024

Concerns about "score inflation" in gaming reviews have been raised, with a score of 90% expected to represent an exceptional game. PC Gamer has not awarded a score higher than 98%, with Baldur's Gate 3 receiving the highest score of 97% in its UK edition. The 2024 Game of the Year Award winners are not included, but the year featured quality titles. Scores and their corresponding games include: - 89%: - Persona 3 Reload - Tekken 8 - Dragon's Dogma 2 - V Rising - Little Kitty, Big City - Lorelai and the Laser Eyes - 90%: - Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 - Shogun Showdown - Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred - Satisfactory - Riven - Animal Well - Granblue Fantasy: Relink - 91%: - Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake - Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance - Wild Bastards - Balatro - 92%: - Destiny 2: The Final Shape - Factorio: Space Age - 94%: - Caves of Qud - 95%: - Not specified in the provided text.