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Xbox's PC App Brings Refreshed Home Experience To All Users
Winsage
December 12, 2024

Xbox’s PC App Brings Refreshed Home Experience To All Users

Microsoft has rolled out its revamped Home Experience to all PC users after testing with Xbox Insiders. The new user interface aims to enhance the gaming experience by making it easier to find games and discover new titles. It features Game Pass offerings and streamlines access to games outside the subscription service, keeping players informed about featured content, upcoming releases, new events, Game Pass updates, and sales. The Xbox app is also evolving to help discover Xbox titles not included in Game Pass. A new "jump back in" feature allows players to resume gameplay easily in 'Compact Mode.' Microsoft plans to introduce more features in the future as part of its Windows and PC Game Pass initiatives.
Fitbit app gets foldable, tablet redesign on Android
AppWizard
November 19, 2024

Fitbit app gets foldable, tablet redesign on Android

Fitbit for Android has been updated to better accommodate larger screens, particularly tablets and foldable devices. The new design features four customizable stat rings arranged side-by-side, replacing the previous layout of one large circle and three smaller ones. The app now utilizes a dual-column layout instead of a single stat card, improving space efficiency and navigation, especially in landscape mode. Enhanced navigation controls for viewing previous and next days have also been added. This update is part of version 4.30, which may have been released prior to the official announcement. The app currently does not include a dark theme, but there are expectations for its introduction as Google migrates legacy stat pages to the new design.
Can a smoother, faster, better Microsoft Store win over Windows 11 users? Microsoft has a bunch of improvements in the works
Winsage
September 19, 2024

Can a smoother, faster, better Microsoft Store win over Windows 11 users? Microsoft has a bunch of improvements in the works

The Microsoft Store is being transformed with a focus on modernizing its interface and improving performance, particularly for Windows 11 users. A new 'Downloads' page has been introduced to streamline app management, allowing users to track updates and access release notes. This page is separate from the existing 'Library' section and includes a search bar for easier navigation. Microsoft is migrating the Store to .NET 9 and plans to incorporate Native AOT, which is expected to enhance the performance of Windows 11 applications by improving launch speeds and reducing load times. These changes aim to benefit not only the Microsoft Store but also other large applications within the Windows 11 ecosystem, with a gradual implementation to minimize risks.
This third-party file explorer beat Microsoft to the punch yet again
Winsage
August 9, 2024

This third-party file explorer beat Microsoft to the punch yet again

The third-party file explorer "Files" has released version 3.6, which enhances its dual pane mode by allowing panes to be displayed both horizontally and vertically. The update includes an "Actions" menu in the title bar, customization options for folder backgrounds, localization support for Malay, optimized sorting for large folders, a relocated sidebar toggle button, new keyboard shortcuts, support for clickable links in markdown previews, and an action to toggle the visibility of dot files. The update also addresses several issues, including fixing empty tab titles, sorting errors, display issues with the PowerShell window, unexpected Home Page launches, layout size changes, quick search filtering, theme inconsistencies, settings export format, sensitivity issues with renaming, cursor alignment problems, online file download issues, navigation button colors, argument passing for admin shortcuts, compression and extraction issues on ARM64 devices, startup warnings related to WSL, and various crashes.
Files by Google app gets carousel view in beta
AppWizard
July 30, 2024

Files by Google app gets carousel view in beta

The Files by Google app has introduced a new carousel view in its "Recents" section in the latest beta version 1.4374.x, replacing the previous 2×2 grid format. This carousel displays rectangular cards with previews of individual files, including documents and images, allowing for quicker identification and selection without accessing multiple folders. Each card shows file names and extensions, and includes a three-dot menu for options like sharing, deleting, or starring files. Tapping a card opens the file in full-screen mode, and a "See all" option lets users view all folders at a glance. This feature is similar to the Memories page in Google Photos. Users can access the new interface by updating to the latest beta version.
Microsoft's "Recall" Feature Looks Like a Privacy Nightmare and I Don't Want It
Tech Optimizer
May 28, 2024

Microsoft’s “Recall” Feature Looks Like a Privacy Nightmare and I Don’t Want It

- Microsoft has infused Windows 11 with a Recall feature as part of its Copilot+ initiative to offer AI-enhanced navigation capabilities. - The Recall feature allows the AI to recount a user's past activities for seamless retrieval of previous tasks and documents. - Concerns have been raised about user privacy due to the Recall feature storing desktop screenshots periodically on the device. - Users have the autonomy to disable the Recall feature if they have privacy concerns. - Users can consider switching to other operating systems like macOS or Linux that prioritize data security differently if they are wary of potential data security issues. - The Recall feature periodically takes desktop screenshots and saves them onto the local drive with a set expiration period for assisting users in retracing their steps on the computer. - Storing months' worth of screenshots could potentially reveal personal or business-related information if accessed by unauthorized parties. - Trust in Microsoft is critical as users must believe that the company will not access the stored screenshots. - Users concerned about privacy can disable the Recall feature in Windows settings or consider migrating to alternative operating systems like macOS or Linux. - Windows 24H2 update is expected to offer a toggle to disable Recall for those who trust Microsoft to honor their privacy settings. - The Recall feature could potentially function on non-Copilot+ PCs without an NPU, prompting some users to consider switching to other operating systems. - Some users might consider transitioning to macOS or Linux due to privacy concerns related to the Recall feature.
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