design elements Archives

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft shows us discarded Windows 11 Start menu designs – and I’m so glad they were chucked in the bin in favor of the revamp we’re getting

Microsoft is redesigning the Start menu in Windows 11, moving from a two-panel layout to a single scrollable panel based on extensive user feedback. Over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts participated in studies, expressing a desire for quicker access to applications, customization options, and maintaining the essence of the Start menu. The new design includes tailored recommendations that adapt in real-time, with users having the option to hide them. Microsoft transparently shared discarded design concepts, including a tablet-centric layout, a Windows 10-inspired version, a chaotic interface, and a simplified approach. The final redesign emphasizes simplicity and functionality, consolidating features into one panel and allowing users to customize their experience.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google just accidentally revealed Android’s new design language

Google's Material Design, launched in 2014, has evolved significantly with the introduction of "Material You" or Material 3 in May 2021, focusing on personalized and adaptive interfaces for Android users. Upcoming features of Material 3 Expressive include a vibrant color palette that adapts to user choices, varied and organic shapes for a fluid design, and enhanced animations for intuitive user interactions.

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

The 15 Hottest Android Apps You Need This May 2025

Android maintains its leading position in the mobile operating system market with a diverse ecosystem of applications. A selection of 15 notable Android apps for May 2025 includes: 1. Gesture Control: Edge Seek allows users to create customizable gestures for tasks like volume adjustments and app launches. 2. Device Mirroring: Screen Copy for Android enables users to mirror and control one Android device from another. 3. Customization: Everything Widgets offers over 100 customizable widgets, while Anting Icons provides a unified icon pack. Creative App combines widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs, and Fluffy KWGT features 3D-style widgets. 4. Cross-Device Integration: Sapphira syncs Android with Windows for messaging and file sharing, while Our Quick Share extends functionality for Mac and Linux users. 5. AI Tools: Adma is a free AI image upscaler that enhances image resolution offline. 6. Gaming and Entertainment: Swick is a platform for discovering and playing mini-games. 7. Lightweight Alternatives: Notebook is an ad-free alternative to the Facebook app with a minimalistic design. 8. Rooted Device Tools: Pixel Launcher Enhanced and Android 16 Expressive Theme provide advanced customization for rooted devices. 9. Productivity and Organization: Pixel Shot organizes screenshots, and Digipause tracks time spent on video apps. 10. Utility Tools: Curome combines over 25 features, including a QR code generator and Pomodoro timer. These apps enhance functionality, creativity, and efficiency for Android users.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google may introduce an expressive new Material Design theme at I/O this May

Google is set to announce a significant update to its Material Design framework, focusing on enhancing expressiveness in app development, at Google I/O 2025 next month. Developer discussions have revealed a new theme called “Material3Expressive,” and a Google engineer confirmed efforts to help developers create more engaging applications. Evidence of this update includes a patch in the AOSP Gerrit related to “I/O 2025 Expressive talk code demos,” which introduces new code for the Material 3 Compose library. The update may refine the existing framework rather than completely overhaul it, with indications of a more visually engaging interface in recent Android Settings app updates. Anticipation for Google I/O 2025 is high, but the new design elements may not be immediately available in the stable release of Android 16, with a gradual rollout expected in future updates.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Data sleuth discovers that Sekiro’s inexplicable, skyscraper-sized rope man who gives you a lift to Heaven might have once been a boss fight or level unto itself

Zullie the Witch, a dataminer, released a video exploring the character known as Mr. Rope-a-Dope in FromSoftware's game Sekiro, who transports players from Ashina to the Fountainhead Palace. This character appears to have had a more significant narrative and gameplay potential than what was included in the final game. Zullie's analysis suggests that Mr. Rope-a-Dope was intended to play a larger role in the game's lore and mechanics, similar to other transport characters in FromSoftware's titles.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft is redesigning the Windows BSOD and it might change to black

Microsoft is redesigning the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) for Windows 11, moving away from the traditional blue color, frowning face, and QR code. The new BSOD will feature a minimalist black screen with the message: “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.” This change is part of a broader effort to align with Windows 11 design principles and improve user experience. Currently, Windows Insiders can test this new BSOD in Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels, where it initially appears green before changing to black or blue in the final release. The new design will be integrated into Windows 11 version 24H2.

AppWizard

March 15, 2025

This underrated Google Wallet feature is one of my favorite things about the app

Google Wallet has introduced a feature for creating custom passes, enhanced by artificial intelligence, allowing users to add items without barcodes or QR codes, such as vehicle registrations and insurance cards. The process involves taking a photo or uploading an image through the app. Custom passes provide quick access to important information, like health insurance details or movie tickets, and are designed with unique aesthetics that enhance the user experience. Google Wallet's implementation of custom passes is noted for its simplicity and visual appeal, making it a versatile tool compared to similar features in Samsung Wallet and Apple Wallet.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

Fossil unveils special-edition collection for fans of Minecraft

Fossil has launched a collection inspired by Minecraft, featuring watches, wallets, and jewelry. The collection includes two watches: the Grass Block Machine Watch, which has a Grass Block dial and an embossed leather strap, and the Deepslate Machine Watch, featuring a Deepslate/Diamond Ore dial and diamond tool sub-eye hands. The wallets include the Grass Block Leather Bifold, with a pixel-embossed texture and a Creeper pull tab, and the Deepslate Leather Passcase, which has turquoise accents. Additionally, there is a Creeper Bracelet made of black glass beads and laser-etched Creeper motifs. The collection is available at select Fossil stores and online.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

Fossil unveils special-edition collection inspired by the world of Minecraft

Fossil has launched a special-edition collection inspired by Minecraft, featuring watches, wallets, and jewelry. The collaboration celebrates Minecraft's legacy as the best-selling video game, with over 300 million copies sold. It coincides with the upcoming release of the film "A MINECRAFT MOVIE" on April 4, 2025. The collection includes two watches: the Limited-Edition Grass Block Machine Watch and the Limited-Edition Deepslate Machine Watch, both designed with elements from the game. Additionally, it features the Grass Block Leather Bifold wallet, the Deepslate Leather Passcase wallet, and the Creeper Bracelet. Each item is packaged in exclusive Minecraft-themed tins.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft admits Windows 11 File Explorer can be slow when using title bar buttons

Windows 11's File Explorer has performance issues, affecting users even on high-end devices like the HP Spectre with 32GB of RAM. Users report slow responses and partial loading, particularly when using the close, minimize, or maximize buttons. Microsoft has acknowledged these concerns with the release of Windows 11 Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078) in the Beta Channel, indicating they are working on a fix for the slow closing issue. While some users have noted minor improvements, many feel that significant enhancements are still needed compared to Windows 10's File Explorer. Feedback from users highlights ongoing frustrations with sluggish opening times and modern design elements that seem to exacerbate the loading process. Microsoft is investigating these performance issues further.