energy management Archives

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Transform Windows 10/11 into the OS you’ve always wanted with Seelen UI

Seelen UI version 2.2.0 introduces several new features and enhancements for Windows 10 and Windows 11, including: - Ability to disable app thumbnail generation on the dock. - Locking dock and toolbar items for a stable workspace. - Instance counter for the same app on the dock. - Customization options for toolbar positioning. - Setting a custom start menu icon. - Language selector for the toolbar. - Dynamic color highlighting based on the focused app. - Introduction of a hibernate button in the toolbar power menu. - Media volume mixer operating by app and device. - Clickable notifications and images for enhanced interactivity. Enhancements include: - Settings displayed at startup for immediate access. - Expanded power module supporting various power plans. Refactor includes: - Update of the windows-rs crate to version 0.59.0 for improved performance. Fixes address: - Correct display of local accounts with domain in username. - Issue with Application Frame Host displaying instead of actual app name. - Event order in Windows event handling for better reliability. Changes include: - Updated dependencies for enhanced functionality. - Position variable for the fancy toolbar. - Instance counter for multiple open windows. - Power plan options added to power settings. - Option to disable reordering on the WEG and toolbar. - Improved notification max height and hover transitions. - Language improvements, particularly for Japanese and Russian. - Fixes related to Bluetooth module functionality and fullscreen app compatibility.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10

Innovation and creativity are highlighted at CES, showcasing technologies aimed at enhancing daily life. Jackery offers portable power stations like the Explorer 5000 Plus, which has a capacity of 5kWh and a power output of 7.2kW, capable of powering multiple appliances. Their solar panels can convert these stations into solar generators, with options like the Solar Generator 3000 v2 providing 3kWh of power. The XGIMI Ascend projector screen retracts into a speaker cabinet and features Ambient Light Rejection technology and built-in Harman Kardon soundbars. Narwal's Flow robotic mop uses a track-driven design and dual water tank system for efficient cleaning, with a suction power of up to 20,000 Pascals. The Dreame X50 Ultra is the first robot vacuum with retractable legs, allowing it to navigate obstacles and has a suction capability of up to 20,000 Pascals. MOVA's V50 Ultra robot vacuum features HydroSync mopping and Triple Intelligence AI Sensing, while their K30 and X4 Pro vacuums are lightweight and powerful. Segway's Navimow X3 robotic lawn mower can manage up to 2.5 acres and uses AI for efficient route planning. Govee offers innovative smart lighting products, including customizable strip lights and lamps that synchronize with sound. ASUS has introduced the Zenbook A14, the lightest Copilot+ PC, weighing just under a kilo and featuring a 32-hour battery life. The TCL A300 Series NXTFRAME TV resembles art with customizable frames and includes a premium Bang & Olufsen speaker system in the Pro Model. Roam Soda Top is a portable water bottle that allows users to create sparkling water on the go.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Install Manjaro 24.2 today and leave Microsoft Windows 11 to the boomers

Manjaro Linux 24.2 Yonada offers enhanced features across its GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE editions. The GNOME edition includes GNOME 47, allowing users to choose from multiple accent colors, improved scaling for clarity on various displays, and hardware encoding support for screen recording on Intel and AMD GPUs. The Plasma edition utilizes Plasma 6.2, featuring improved Wayland support, better energy management, and enhanced customization options, including support for drawing tablets. The XFCE edition, now with Xfce 4.18, introduces file highlighting and recursive search in the Thunar file manager and consolidates system management in the Control Centre. Manjaro 24.2 is powered by Linux Kernel 6.12, with options for older devices using Kernel 6.6 LTS and 6.1 LTS.

AppWizard

November 9, 2024

Many third-party Android apps could get RAW photo support

Samsung SmartThings recently introduced new features such as Home Insights, Daily Routines, Quick Remote, and Automatic Hub Backup. A report suggests that SmartThings may soon support Wi-Fi routers alongside the upcoming release of Matter 1.4. This update includes the "Enhanced Multi-Admin" feature for easier management of Matter-enabled devices across different ecosystems, allowing integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and SmartThings. Matter 1.4 will also enable Wi-Fi routers to function as Thread Border Routers, allowing control of Wi-Fi routers, modems, and set-top boxes through the SmartThings app. Additionally, it introduces support for energy management devices, helping users optimize energy consumption based on local electricity prices. Support for security cameras is expected in the future update, Matter 1.5. SmartThings is anticipated to integrate support for Matter 1.4 by 2025.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

The New Windows 11 24H2 Version Is Out, Here’s What’s Changed on Our Computers – Jason Deegan

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Version 24H2, featuring significant updates including: - Enhanced Energy Saver Mode that optimizes battery life for laptops by limiting background processes and reducing CPU usage. - Improved smartphone integration through the updated "Phone Link" app, allowing smartphones to be used as webcams and providing quick access to mobile app features from the desktop. - A more customizable Start menu, enabling users to pin applications to the taskbar and access Microsoft account information directly. - Noteworthy enhancements to File Explorer, including native support for 7zip and TAR formats, performance optimizations for ZIP file extraction, and improved navigation features. - A more user-friendly Quick Settings menu with easier scrolling, customizable arrangements, and a refresh button for Wi-Fi networks. - Support for HDR wallpapers, allowing the use of .JXR format images and automatic adjustments between HDR and SDR displays. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio, enhancing connectivity options and introducing features for hearing aid users. - Voice Clarity feature that reduces background noise during voice calls using AI technology. - New Copilot+ features, including voice interaction, personalized news summaries, enhanced AI capabilities for complex queries, smarter browsing in Edge, and improved memory function for sensitive data. Users can manually initiate the update by navigating to Settings > Update & Security if it does not prompt automatically.

Winsage

October 4, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 update now rolling out with Wi-Fi 7 support, Recall and plenty of AI features

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update, also known as the "Windows 11 2024 update." This update enhances security, introduces new connectivity options, and improves AI capabilities for Copilot+ PCs. Key features include a customizable scrollable Quick Settings interface, an upgraded Wi-Fi selection with a Refresh button, support for Wi-Fi 7, and compatibility with Bluetooth LE Audio hearing aids. The update adds a Power Saver toggle for energy management, system-wide auto-generated captions for video players with translation, new Windows Studio Effects for video feeds, and a teleprompter function with an "eye contact" mode. The Windows Recall feature returns with enhanced security, available on Snapdragon X devices in October and on Intel and AMD devices in November. Windows Search now incorporates AI to allow users to search by describing content, and the Super Resolution feature can upscale images by up to 8x. Windows Paint has been upgraded with AI tools for generative fill and erase functionalities. The Click To Do function provides easy access to new features, and additional improvements include the ability to set HDR images as desktop backgrounds and enhanced File Explorer functionality for creating and reading RAR and 7z archives.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update comes with energy use and Wi-Fi enhancements

Microsoft is initiating a significant update for Windows 11, known as the Windows 11 2024 Update or version 24H2, aimed at improving essential PC operations such as file downloads, document compression, and energy management. Windows contributes 9% to Microsoft's billion revenue for fiscal 2024, and the operating system is crucial for driving clients towards Azure cloud services. Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, while Windows 11 has seen a 50% increase in active devices year over year since its 2021 launch. The version 24H2 update introduces several new features: - Enhanced Energy Controls for minimizing power consumption. - Advanced Hearing Aid Connectivity for Bluetooth LE Audio-compatible hearing aids. - Faster Internet Access with Wi-Fi 7 routers for higher data throughput. - Streamlined Wi-Fi Sharing using a QR code feature. - Rich Backgrounds with .JXR image files for HDR-capable displays. - Mobile File Management allowing access to mobile files via Bluetooth in File Explorer. - Compact Clock Display option in the System tray. - File Compression Options directly in File Explorer for formats like ZIP, 7z, or TAR. Users can access the new features through the Settings app under Windows Update, with a gradual rollout starting for devices running versions 22H2 and 23H2. Educational institutions and businesses can find guidance for deploying version 24H2 in a dedicated Microsoft blog post.

AppWizard

September 26, 2024

Samsung adds Hive smart thermostat control to SmartThings home hub app

Users of the SmartThings app can remotely control thermostats and automate connected appliances to optimize electricity usage during peak hours as part of British Gas’ PeakSave scheme, which offers discounts for reducing energy consumption during high-demand periods. The app will intelligently adjust appliance operating modes, allowing users to benefit from times when electricity is cheaper due to renewable energy availability. Samsung is expanding its collaboration with Tesla in the UK, enabling Tesla electric vehicle owners and those with Powerwall batteries, Solar Inverters, or Wall Connectors to manage their devices through the SmartThings app. Samsung's chief customer officer emphasized the need for enhanced energy consumption controls as winter approaches, while Hive's managing director expressed excitement about the partnership aimed at promoting a greener future for customers.