emojis Archives

Winsage

June 6, 2025

This app has been shipping with Windows for decades, and it needs to go away

The Character Map is a tool in Windows designed to help users access uncommon characters and symbols not available on the keyboard. However, it is considered convoluted and unnecessary due to its complicated access process and cumbersome selection method. Microsoft has introduced a more efficient emoji keyboard in Windows 11, which allows users to quickly select symbols by pressing Windows + . (period) and is more user-friendly than the Character Map. The emoji panel saves the last twelve used symbols for easy access. It is suggested that the Character Map would be better suited as a feature within Microsoft Office, where symbol selection is more relevant. The Character Map is viewed as one of several outdated features in Windows 11 that may need removal to improve the user experience.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Latest Google Messages beta brings its Expressive redesign to more users

A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 has reported the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages, which includes a reworked plus icon menu and a "connected button group" for emojis and GIFs. The beta update features a solid-color background for conversations, distinguishing texts from contact options. The redesign is not yet available in the stable version of Google Messages but is gradually being rolled out to beta users. The conversation field now has a rounded-corner container, separating it from calling and menu buttons. Not all beta users have received the update, indicating it is still being distributed. The Material 3 Expressive design philosophy aims to enhance the Android experience with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. Similar updates have been noted in other Google applications, such as Gmail.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Google’s Android redesign is available to some already – just check your Messages

Google's Material 3 Expressive design initiative is being introduced in the Google Messages beta, with a broader rollout expected with Android 16 or shortly thereafter. The design features lozenge-shaped buttons replacing round buttons, larger sizes for a refined aesthetic, and a redesigned “+” menu for adding emojis and stickers. The updates are currently mixed in visibility among users, particularly in the UK. The adoption of Material 3 Expressive may vary among manufacturers, with brands like Motorola likely to embrace it fully, while Samsung may implement it less comprehensively. In markets like China, brands such as Xiaomi and Honor may continue using their existing design languages, potentially leading to inconsistencies with Google apps.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27858 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27858 has been released to the Canary Channel. A new system tray icon for the emoji and more panel has been introduced, allowing users to access emojis, GIFs, and Kaomojis, with customization options available. Several fixes have been implemented, including resolving black screen issues during upgrades, enhancing accessibility in File Explorer, updating desktop icon logic, fixing voice typing initiation issues, resolving explorer.exe crashes related to snap layouts, addressing taskbar icon resizing problems in tablet mode, fixing night light functionality, and resolving MIDI device recognition issues. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics on new Copilot+ PCs and unresponsive pen input on certain devices. Insiders are reminded that builds in the Canary Channel are early development versions and may change. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel, and a desktop watermark will be present in pre-release builds.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Meta launches a standalone AI app to compete with ChatGPT

Meta has launched a stand-alone AI application at the LlamaCon event, designed to integrate with its platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. The app utilizes user data from these platforms to offer personalized interactions, allowing it to tailor responses based on individual user preferences. Currently, it is available in the U.S. and Canada and enables users to share personal information to enhance future conversations. The app also includes a Discover feed for users to share their AI experiences with friends, while maintaining control over what is shared. Users are advised to be cautious about how their data may be used, as Meta relies on user data for its advertising revenue.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

NJ AG sues Discord, claims the messaging app exposes kids to online predators

Law enforcement officials in New Jersey have filed a lawsuit against Discord, claiming the company misled parents about its safety controls and failed to protect children from sexual and violent content on its platform. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin stated that Discord has violated consumer protection laws, exposing children to risks from online predators. The lawsuit alleges that Discord's safety features were inadequate and that the app's claims of protecting young users were misleading. Specifically, it criticized the "Safe Direct Messaging" feature for failing to effectively detect or delete explicit content. The lawsuit seeks remedies including an injunction against further violations, civil penalties, and forfeiture of profits generated in New Jersey.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

I’ll admit, Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update surprised me with its usefulness, providing accessibility fixes, a gamepad keyboard layout, and PC spec cards

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11, known as KB5053657, currently in its preview phase. This update includes significant accessibility enhancements in File Explorer, ensuring uniform text scaling across all elements. It introduces PC spec cards in the Settings app, providing insights into CPU, RAM, storage, and graphics card. A new gamepad keyboard layout allows typing via an Xbox controller, and a new emoji button has been added to the taskbar for emojis, GIFs, and clipboard access. Voice Access now supports Simplified and Traditional Chinese. The full release of these features is expected on April 8 as part of the April cumulative update.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

5 Windows tools and apps you can’t find on other operating systems

Certain features remain exclusive to the Windows operating system, offering unique functionalities not available on Mac or Linux. Microsoft has developed tools like PowerToys, which includes nearly 20 utilities enhancing Windows functionality, and Windows Sandbox, providing a secure environment for testing applications. Windows Notepad serves as a basic note-taking and coding app with features like spellcheck and autocorrect. The Snipping Tool allows users to capture screenshots and extract text from images, while the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables seamless access to both Windows and Linux environments. These tools are designed to enhance productivity and provide significant advantages for Windows users.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows 11’s awful search is getting an AI boost soon, and that’s not all

Microsoft is set to release updates for Windows 11, including two preview builds—Windows 11 Build 26100.3613 and Windows 11 Build 26100.3624—available to Windows Insiders, with a rollout expected in April. Key features include: - Semantic search capability, allowing users to search using descriptive phrases, initially exclusive to Windows on Snapdragon PCs. - Enhanced Voice Access feature with a more flexible command structure for natural language control. - Live captions and real-time translation capabilities for Copilot+ PCs, supporting up to 44 languages, with translation from English to Chinese for Snapdragon users. - A new emoji interface accessible via a dedicated icon in the taskbar. - A redesigned Windows Settings interface featuring "cards" for quick access to CPU, memory, and storage specifications. - Refinements in CPU utilization monitoring in Task Manager. - A new Xbox gamepad keyboard interface for typing via an Xbox controller.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Trump officials discussing war plans on messaging app lambasted as ‘amateur hour’

A congressman described the situation as "FUBAR," reflecting disarray over revelations that Trump administration officials discussed military strategies in a Signal app group chat. Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic was inadvertently included, and the chat involved Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussing potential military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Brian Hughes from the National Security Council confirmed the authenticity of the group, which raises concerns about national security protocols and potential violations of the Espionage Act. The chat included discussions critical of European nations regarding U.S. military support. Goldberg noted skepticism about the chat's authenticity due to the use of emojis, and Senator Ruben Gallego criticized the professionalism of the dialogue.