displays Archives

Winsage

March 23, 2026

PowerToys adds these 8 features that Windows should have had for years

PowerToys is a curated set of utilities created by Microsoft to enhance functionality for power users, evolving from its origins in Windows 95. Users can install PowerToys easily from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features include: - Text Extractor: Captures text from images for easy copying. - Color Picker: Identifies and captures hex codes of colors by pressing Windows + Shift + C. - Command Palette: Allows quick searching of files and launching applications with Windows + Alt + Space. - Awake: Keeps the computer active during long tasks, accessible from the PowerToys menu. - Shortcut Guide: Displays Windows key shortcuts by pressing Windows + Shift + /. - Pixel Ruler: Measures dimensions on the screen by pressing Windows + Ctrl + Shift + M. - File Manager Enhanced Preview: Expands file preview capabilities in Windows Explorer. - PowerRename: Facilitates batch renaming of files with a preview option. These features aim to improve the Windows user experience and may influence future updates to the operating system.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1743 has been released to the Canary Channel. New features include: - A shared audio feature that allows two users to share audio with individual volume sliders for each listener and a taskbar indicator for audio sharing. - The context menu now displays the “Open” verb that matches the icon of the file's default application when right-clicking on .exe, .bat, or .cmd files. - An updated Feedback Hub app with a simpler feedback submission flow, improved navigation, a new compliment feedback type, options for private or public feedback, and enhanced screenshot capture tools. Additional notes for Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel include that features are rolled out gradually, a desktop watermark is present in pre-release builds, some features may appear in other channels first, localization may be incomplete, and exiting the Canary Channel requires a clean installation of Windows 11.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

After accidentally clobbering my friends in grimdark action-RPG No Rest for the Wicked, now I can do it on purpose

No Rest for the Wicked Together has received a significant update from Moon Studios, introducing new features based on community feedback. The update includes PvP duels, text chat, callouts, a Realm Diary, and a comfort system for home-building. The player duel feature allows structured competition among friends, restoring health and gear durability after matches. The Realm Diary chronicles significant events in multiplayer, enhancing communication with quick callouts and a full text chat system. The comfort system improves home aesthetics and provides stat bonuses based on comfort ratings. Gameplay adjustments include a rework of bows for strategic combat, enchantment balance changes, and increased enemy health for endgame progression. Additional updates feature a rearranged crafting menu, a redesigned gesture wheel, new aspect ratio settings, and various bug fixes. The game is currently available at a 30% discount on Steam until March 26, priced at .49 / £24.49.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Retro Weather Display Acts Like It’s Windows 95

The weather display created by Jordan features the ESP32-2432S028, known as the CYD or Cheap Yellow Display, which has a 320 x 240 LCD screen housed in a 3D-printed design resembling a vintage CRT monitor. It includes a lever mechanism for tactile button engagement and is programmed to access Open-Meteo feeds for current weather and forecasts, as well as webcam feeds and satellite images. The interface is inspired by Windows 95, providing pages for current conditions, forecasts, and wind speeds.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Lifetime License Drops To $12.97

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, which is a 93% discount from Microsoft's standard price of 9. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz or faster 64-bit CPU with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, TPM 2.0, and UEFI with Secure Boot. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support, meaning it will no longer receive security updates, which poses risks for users. Windows 11 includes features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Group Policy management, and AI-assisted Copilot. Users upgrading from Windows 10 should back up their files and ensure drivers are current. Windows 11 offers performance enhancements for gaming, such as DirectStorage and Auto HDR. Keys priced low are often OEM or volume-license keys tied to a single machine and may not be transferable.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

New Perseus Android Banking Malware Monitors Notes Apps to Extract Sensitive Data

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a new family of Android malware called Perseus, designed for device takeovers and financial fraud. It utilizes Accessibility-based remote sessions for real-time monitoring and interaction with infected devices, particularly targeting Turkey and Italy. Perseus monitors user notes to extract personal or financial information and is distributed through dropper applications via phishing websites. It expands on the codebase of previous malware like Phoenix and employs disguises as IPTV services to reduce user suspicion. Once operational, it performs overlay attacks and captures keystrokes to steal credentials from financial applications. The malware allows operators to issue commands through a command-and-control panel, enabling various malicious actions, including capturing note content and initiating remote visual streams. Perseus also conducts environment checks to evade detection and ensure it operates on legitimate devices.

BetaBeacon

March 17, 2026

How to Play Original Xbox Games On Android : Requirements, Install Steps & Tweaks

The X1 Box emulator allows Android devices to run original Xbox games, requiring specific requirements such as Android 8+, a 64-bit ARM processor, Vulkan-compatible GPU, and at least 8GB of RAM. Additional features like save states, controller support, and shader caching enhance gameplay, while limitations such as app crashes and performance variability may occur on less powerful devices.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Expert Names Top 7 Android Weather Apps for Every User

After extensive testing, seven Android weather applications were identified as reliable for diverse forecasting needs. The accuracy of multi-day forecasts has improved significantly, with five-day predictions now comparable to three-day forecasts from a decade ago. The apps selected offer a mix of scientific rigor and user-friendly design, featuring various forecast models, clear visualizations, and dependable alerts. 1. A graph-centric app provides detailed weather insights through meteograms that visualize hourly and daily data, enhancing pattern recognition. 2. Breezy Weather is an open-source app that balances clarity and depth, displaying current conditions with animations and organized hourly/daily cards. 3. Weather Master offers multiple forecast models, customization options, and plain-language insights about significant weather risks. 4. Weather & Radar focuses on real-time tracking and alerts, utilizing radar-centric design for dynamic weather conditions. 5. Zoom Earth provides global satellite views and fire data, visualizing storms and environmental conditions with clarity. 6. Tropical Hurricane Tracker compiles advisories and discussions on cyclones, offering detailed data and accessible explanations for users. 7. Avia decodes METARs and TAFs from airports worldwide, providing precise weather information crucial for pilots. A comprehensive weather toolkit combines model-driven forecasts, real-time updates, and specialized tools for tropical systems and aviation reports.