Enhancing Communication Archives

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft squashes one of File Explorer’s strangest UI bugs in April’s Patch Tuesday

Microsoft released its Patch Tuesday updates on the second Tuesday of April, including the KB5055523 patch for Windows 11 24H2, which addresses a File Explorer menu issue and includes security enhancements. This patch encompasses improvements from the previous KB5053656 build. The update resolves a glitch with the three dots menu in File Explorer, fixes a critical issue causing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) when waking from sleep, and upgrades Task Manager to display standardized CPU usage metrics. For Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon chips, it introduces AI-driven Windows Search capabilities and improves Live Captions for real-time translation in over 44 languages. New features include an enhanced search functionality, a Gamepad keyboard layout for touch, and a new system tray icon for emoji. The update also provides a quick overview of key specifications in the Settings menu and resolves issues with Credential Roaming. KB5055523 is a mandatory security update, and older versions of Windows 10 have also received updates.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

What you need to know about One UI 7: Software is hard

Samsung initially aimed to deliver the One UI 7 update to eligible Galaxy S phones by Q1 2025, but this timeline will not be met, with a new expected arrival date in April. The recent launch of the Galaxy S25, which includes the update, has added to user frustration. Users have formed distinct groups in response to the situation: some vow to stop purchasing Samsung devices, others rationalize the delays by blaming Google, and some remain indifferent as long as their devices function properly. The situation highlights issues in communication and transparency from Samsung regarding software updates.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Microsoft readies next Windows 11 feature drop with gaming, emoji, and lock screen updates

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with new features, including: - A dynamic emoji panel button on the Taskbar that appears when typing in a text field. - A reintroduced gamepad keyboard for easier typing with a controller. - Customizable widgets on the lock screen through the Windows Settings app. - A real-time language translation feature for Intel and AMD-powered devices, translating over 44 languages into English during video calls. - A natural language feature in voice access for Snapdragon PCs. - Live captions and real-time translation capabilities for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. - Real-time translation support for Chinese (Simplified) on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. - A new Settings homepage for commercial customers with relevant cards for enterprise-managed PCs. - An overview of key PC specifications under Settings > System > About. - Natural Language Commanding in voice access for more fluid command issuance. - Voice access support for commands in Simplified and Traditional Chinese. - An icon in the system tray to enhance the discoverability of the emoji panel. - Adjustments to Task Manager's CPU utilization calculations and a new optional column for backward compatibility. - The ability for web developers to create dynamic and interactive widgets using existing web content. - Extended support for lock screen widgets in the European Economic Area (EEA). - A Gamepad keyboard layout for the touch keyboard for Xbox controller users. These features are currently being tested in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, with a broader rollout expected in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Final Windows 11 Dev Channel build of 2024 adds support for live captions and real-time translation to Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs

Windows 11 Build 26120.2705 introduces real-time translation and live captions for Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD and Intel processors, expanding features previously exclusive to Qualcomm Snapdragon devices. Users can access these functionalities by installing the latest build and ensuring their drivers are updated through Windows Update. The live captions feature translates over 44 languages into English, enhancing communication during video calls and streamed content. Additionally, real-time translation support for Snapdragon-powered PCs now includes Chinese (Simplified), with an expanded range of supported languages.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

The objectively best AI tool on Copilot+ PCs is arriving on AMD and Intel chips

Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot+ PCs with upgraded live captions and translation features, allowing real-time translation for over 44 languages. This capability is designed to improve communication during video calls, recordings, and streamed content. The feature is available on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs and requires enrollment in the Windows 11 Dev channel for access.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Quest v72 Brings Improved Hand Tracking & Keyboard Cutout

Meta Quest v72 is being rolled out to users, featuring improved hand tracking capabilities with the upgraded Hand Tracking 2.3 model, which enhances stability, accuracy, and reduces latency. Key improvements include a more stable hand cursor, better cursor stabilization during pinching, improved pinch-and-drag responsiveness, easier hand use in confined spaces, and a new hand ray visualization. The update also introduces experimental integration with Windows 11, a passthrough cutout feature for any keyboard, automatic call captions for live transcripts during calls, a Travel Mode indicator to prevent accidental activation, a streamlined home environment that defaults to a stationary boundary, and integration of direct messaging in the Instagram app on Horizon OS.

AppWizard

November 20, 2024

Empowering small businesses: The best Android apps for efficiency

Small business owners often face numerous responsibilities and increasingly rely on Android applications to streamline operations. - SpotOn: A POS system that offers online takeaway ordering, flat-rate DoorDash delivery, QR code functionality, and a dashboard for monitoring sales and customer preferences. - QuickBooks: An accounting app that simplifies expense tracking, invoice generation, cash flow monitoring, payroll management, and tax calculations, reducing accounting errors. - Asana: A project management tool that enhances team collaboration, task visibility, and integrates with tools like Slack and Google Workspace. - Trello: A visual task management app that allows users to create, assign, and prioritize tasks using customizable boards and a drag-and-drop interface. - Zoho Inventory: An inventory management app that tracks stock levels, manages orders, and monitors shipments, compatible with e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Shopify. - Canva: A design app that enables users to create professional-quality marketing materials with templates and user-friendly tools. - Slack: A communication app that organizes team interactions through channels, reducing reliance on email and integrating with productivity tools. - Google My Business: A tool for managing online listings, responding to reviews, and updating business information to enhance visibility. - Square Appointments: An appointment scheduling app that simplifies booking, sends reminders, and syncs calendars to improve time management.

Winsage

October 13, 2024

Windows Insider Program is 10 years old, here are five things I want Microsoft to change

The Windows Insider Program was launched on September 30, 2014, allowing users to test and provide feedback on preview builds of Windows. Initially, it offered a simple choice between Fast Ring and Slow Ring, but has since expanded to four channels: Canary, Dev, Beta, and Release Preview, creating confusion for users. The deployment of features has become inconsistent, with some features appearing in unexpected channels, leading to dissatisfaction. The program now includes a toggle for updates that complicates the experience, and the trend of gradual rollouts contrasts with its original intent of bold experimentation. Communication about changes and bugs has been lacking, leaving insiders uninformed. The excitement of new builds has diminished, and the recent 10th anniversary celebration was seen as underwhelming. Suggestions for improvement include simplifying the channel structure, enhancing communication, and reintroducing incentives to engage users.

Winsage

September 7, 2024

A new ChromeOS update brings a touch of Windows 11 to Chromebooks

Google has begun the rollout of ChromeOS 128 across all supported Chromebooks, introducing several new features and enhancements. Key additions include: - Snap Groups feature for split-screen multitasking, allowing users to pair and manage two windows. - Integration of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in the Camera app, enabling text recognition from physical documents, supporting 77 languages, and allowing text searches and read-aloud functionality. - Improvements to the Magnifier tool, which now works with ChromeVox for better navigation for visually impaired users. - Introduction of Audio Gain Control to optimize microphone volume during video calls. - Simplified privacy controls for cameras and microphones, consolidating permissions management in one location within the Settings menu. Chromebooks automatically check for updates, and users can manually check for updates through the Settings menu.