design tools Archives

Winsage

March 8, 2025

Free Alternatives to Paid Windows Software

Windows operating systems often require third-party software for specialized tasks, with free alternatives available to replace paid options. 1. BleachBit is used for system cleaning as a free substitute for CCleaner Pro, effectively enhancing PC performance by removing unnecessary data without tampering with the Windows Registry. 2. Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller) is a free tool for uninstalling programs and bloatware, scanning for leftover files and simplifying the cleanup process with filtering options and color-coded listings. 3. Google Docs is preferred over Microsoft 365 for its user-friendly nature and free 15 GB storage per Gmail account, while LibreOffice is recommended as an alternative for standalone applications. 4. GIMP serves as a free substitute for Adobe Photoshop, offering essential graphic design tools without being resource-intensive. 5. Kdenlive is a free video editor that meets basic video editing needs and is compatible with lower-end PCs, providing a comprehensive suite of features and regular updates. 6. Audacity is used for audio editing, capable of handling both basic and professional tasks, with tools for noise elimination and vocal enhancement. 7. 7-Zip is a lightweight file compression and archiving tool that offers superior compression capabilities and password protection, operating unobtrusively in the background.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Minecraft Live 2025 Announced – Date, News, Updates & More

Minecraft Live 2025 is confirmed for March 22 at 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time, to be streamed live. The event will include updates on Minecraft split screen functionality, new content for Minecraft Dungeons, and patch notes. A teaser video has been released, hinting at climate-related changes and the introduction of flowering cactuses. Players are hoping for improvements to split screen on Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, as well as updates for PlayStation 4 and Minecraft Dungeons multiplayer. The event will also cover custom world creation tools, community discussions, and updates on Minecraft vote mechanics. The Minecraft Movie is set to premiere on April 4, shortly after the event. Speculation includes exclusive items or limited-time content being unveiled during Minecraft Live 2025, with a focus on biome updates, particularly for the Desert biome and various animals.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft is testing free Office for Windows apps with ads

The free desktop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are currently being tested in India, featuring advertisements and limitations compared to the paid Microsoft 365 subscription. This ad-supported version includes persistent banner ads and 15-second video ads, and requires users to store documents exclusively in OneDrive, disabling local file storage. The free version lacks several features found in the paid versions: Word does not include drawing and design tools or line spacing options; Excel does not support add-ins, pivot tables, or macros; and PowerPoint is missing dictation and custom slide shows. Microsoft has stated that there are no plans to launch a free, ad-supported version of the desktop apps, despite the current testing phase.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft tests ad-supported Office apps for Windows users

Microsoft has introduced ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications, allowing Windows users to edit documents without a subscription. These applications will display advertisements in a vertical panel on the right side of the window and include prompts encouraging users to subscribe to Microsoft 365 to remove ads. Users must download and install Microsoft 365 to access these applications, and they can choose to skip the sign-in process for free access. However, a subscription is required to save documents edited with these applications directly to local drives. The ad-supported versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have limited functionality compared to the full versions. Reports suggest that the availability of these applications may be part of a regional test, as some outlets could not replicate the findings. Additionally, Microsoft has a history of integrating ads into its products, including in the Windows 11 Start menu and Windows File Explorer.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft now lets you use Office apps on Windows for free but with ads and some limits

Microsoft has adjusted the pricing of its Microsoft 365 subscription due to enhanced AI features, leading to user backlash. In response, Microsoft is allowing Windows users to access Office applications for free without a paid license. Users can skip the Microsoft Account sign-in prompt and continue for free, but files can only be saved to OneDrive, and advertisements will appear unless users subscribe to Microsoft 365. The free versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint have limitations, including the absence of certain features like dictation, add-ins, and advanced formatting tools. This offering is currently being trialed with a select group of users and specific regions, and some users have reported issues accessing the feature.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft launches a free version of Office, but with ads, report says

Microsoft is set to introduce a free version of its Office suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, which will allow users to create documents at no cost but will include limitations and advertisements. Users must save documents to OneDrive and create or use a Microsoft account to access the suite. This version will operate locally on PCs rather than through a web interface. Users can download the Office apps from Microsoft's website and can choose to skip the sign-in process to access the free version. Advanced features, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence, will be omitted, and users will experience persistent advertisements, including a web ad and occasional video interruptions.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft launches ad-supported Office apps for Windows users

Microsoft has introduced ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications for Windows users, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These applications display advertisements in a vertical panel on the right side of the window while users work. Users are encouraged to subscribe to Microsoft 365 to remove ads, with saving edited documents limited to OneDrive unless a paid subscription is chosen. The ad-supported versions come with basic functionality and restrictions compared to the full versions. Microsoft has previously integrated advertisements into its products, including the Windows 11 Start menu and Windows File Explorer.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

You Can Now Use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Free on Windows

Microsoft has introduced free, ad-supported versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows users, which require saving documents to OneDrive. These versions have significant limitations: Word lacks Dictate, Line spacing, WordArt, and all Draw and Design tools; Excel is missing Add-in support, Pivot Table functionality, and various chart types; PowerPoint excludes Add-ins, Dictate, Screenshot, and SmartArt. Users can use these apps offline, but they represent a compromise between Office Web Apps and the full desktop Office suite. The release coincides with a price increase for Microsoft 365 subscriptions and the distribution of AI credits for accessing Copilot features. To install, users must visit the Microsoft 365 website, skip the sign-in prompt, and agree to save documents to OneDrive to access editing features. There have been reports of inconsistencies in the installation process across different regions.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Most Useful 8 Android Apps for Architects

Mobile technology is increasingly important in architecture, providing architects with applications that enhance design capabilities, streamline project management, and facilitate collaboration. Key Android apps for architects include: - AutoCAD Mobile: Allows viewing, creating, and editing DWG files on mobile devices, enabling real-time adjustments to designs. - SketchUp Viewer: Offers augmented reality features for presenting 3D models in the field, improving client interactions. - Sketchbook: A digital drawing tool for quick concept sketches, supporting easy sharing of ideas. - Construction Master Pro Calculator: Simplifies complex calculations for accurate measurements and layout dimensions. - RoomScan Pro: Uses augmented reality for quick room measurements and floor plan creation. - BIMx: Provides an interactive 3D model interface for exploring Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects. - MagicPlan: Allows creation of detailed floor plans and project management directly from mobile devices. - Timely: A time-tracking app that logs productivity across projects and helps create project-specific timelines. These applications enhance architectural workflows and promote collaboration in a mobile environment.