enriching user experience Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 5, 2025

UltraAV Delivers Continuous Innovation in Antivirus Protection

UltraAV, an antivirus solution from Point Wild, has introduced significant enhancements to improve threat protection and user experience. Key updates include: - Advanced AV Engine upgrades for faster scans and improved detection rates across versions 12.0, 12.3, 12.4, and 12.7.2. - The ability to scan external USB devices and schedule recurring scans, introduced in version 12.8. - Expanded privacy and identity protections for premium users, including identity theft monitoring and real-time fraud alerts. - Seamless integration with Total Cleaner for premium subscribers, enhancing app reliability (versions 12.7 and 12.7.1). - Self-protection features to safeguard UltraAV binaries from malware (version 12.8). - URL filtering to block harmful URLs for Chrome users (version 12.4). UltraAV is built on over 20 years of research and development, integrating real-time threat intelligence and AI-driven detection. Point Wild, the parent company, provides cybersecurity solutions to over 25 million users globally.

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Microsoft gives a trio of Windows 11 apps some nifty new AI powers, but not everyone will get them

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows 11 applications with AI-powered features, particularly in Notepad, Paint, and the Snipping Tool. Notepad will receive an AI-driven text generation feature in preview version 11.2504.46.0, allowing users to generate text by right-clicking in the document. This feature requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, providing 60 AI credits monthly for users on Personal or Family plans. The Snipping Tool will introduce a 'perfect screenshot' feature that refines selections for precise cropping and a color picker for identifying colors on-screen, supporting HEX, RGB, and HSL codes. Paint will feature a new 'welcome experience' to guide users, an AI object selection tool for easier editing, and a sticker generator for creating custom stickers based on prompts. These updates aim to integrate AI into everyday applications, although concerns exist about potential feature bloat in Notepad and the requirement for a Copilot+ PC with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for many features, which may limit accessibility.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Windows 11 KB5053661 beta brings a new Start menu feature that snaps apps together

Microsoft has released build 22635.5025 for Windows 11 23H2 in the Beta channel for Insiders, identified under KB5053661. This update introduces a Recommended files feature in File Explorer, accessible to Insiders with personal or local Microsoft accounts, showcasing relevant files based on user activity. Users with work or school accounts will receive additional recommendations, though this feature is not yet available in the European Economic Area. The Start menu now suggests snap groups of recommended apps for improved multitasking. A fix has been implemented to address lag issues in File Explorer when closing the application. Known issues include delays in app icon appearance in the Start menu and the organization of Windows Tools related apps into folders. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Several new features are coming to Windows 11 24H2 this month

In approximately two weeks, Microsoft will release December's Patch Tuesday, which will include bug fixes and security updates for Windows 11 as part of the 24H2 version. Key features of this update include the ability to modify the date and time layout in the taskbar, expanded jump list options for the Screenshot tool with timer settings, a new Dynamic Lighting page for managing RGB devices, and interface improvements in Task Manager for better visibility of connected storage devices.

BetaBeacon

May 11, 2024

Microsoft makes the Windows 11 Start Menu expandable with Start Menu Companions

Windows 11 is introducing Start Menu Companions, which are like plugins or extensions that enrich the Start menu experience by providing snippets of information such as weather updates and stock prices in a floating panel next to the Start menu. These companions aim to seamlessly integrate useful information into the user's workflow without disrupting the desktop ecosystem.