experience Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 breaks popular Alt + Tab shortcut. Here’s what you can do

Keyboard shortcuts, particularly Alt + Tab, have been disrupted by an update to Windows 11 24H2, causing users to experience freezes or black screens for about ten seconds. This issue has been reported by multiple users on platforms like Reddit and Windows support forums. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and plans to release a patch in December 2024. Users affected by this issue are advised to delay updating to Windows 11 24H2 or consider disabling Game Mode as a temporary fix. If the problem persists, reverting to a previous version of Windows 11 may be necessary.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Users beg for Windows 11 to keep its ability to run Android apps

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), initially introduced with Windows 11 in 2021 and released in 2022. The Amazon Appstore and all associated apps and games will cease to function by March 5, 2025. Users can continue to use the Amazon Appstore and Android applications until the deprecation date of March 5, 2024. The decision has led to significant backlash from users, with many expressing concerns about the lack of alternatives for popular applications on Windows and the importance of WSA for testing Android applications. Some users have chosen devices like the Surface Pro specifically for the ability to run Android apps. Microsoft has indicated that it does not derive significant revenue from WSA, making it unlikely to reverse its decision.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Paint is the latest app to further ruin Windows 11’s controversial context menus

Microsoft introduced a redesigned context menu with Windows 11 three years ago to enhance user experience by bringing commonly used file actions closer to the cursor. However, the context menu has become cluttered with redundant options, including new "Edit with" choices integrated into the main menu instead of expanding the "Open with" submenu. The latest update for Paint, announced on November 7 for Windows Insiders, added an "Edit with Paint" option for image files, while users can remove this option by modifying the Windows Registry. The new Paint version also includes features like generative fill and generative erase.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows Central’s highest-rated laptops are already on sale ahead of Black Friday — save up to $640 with my shopping advice

As the holiday shopping season approaches, discounts on Windows laptops are becoming available, including high-end Copilot+ PCs and budget-friendly options. A curated list of the best deals for 2024 is being compiled, which will be updated as Black Friday nears. Windows laptops are categorized into three primary types: 1. Notebook: A classic clamshell design, often used for gaming. 2. Convertible: Heavier, pricier laptops with 360-degree hinges and touch displays, suitable for media and creative tasks. 3. 2-in-1: Devices with a detachable keyboard, allowing tablet-like use. AI PCs, equipped with processors that include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), are gaining attention in 2024. Examples include Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI 300. Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program enhances the AI experience for laptops with NPUs. However, for most users, having an NPU may not be essential, and focusing on overall performance is recommended. The evaluation process for Windows laptops includes testing hinge strength, chassis durability, port speed, camera quality, speaker performance, fan noise, display quality, and battery life. All laptops in the Black Friday collection have ratings of four stars or higher. Black Friday 2024 is scheduled for November 29, 2024, with many retailers already offering deals. Cyber Monday will follow on December 2, 2024, focusing on online shopping, with some tech deals continuing from Black Friday.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Microsoft rolls out AI-enabled Notepad to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is introducing significant AI upgrades to Notepad and Paint for Windows Insiders. Notepad will feature a new function called "Rewrite," allowing users to rephrase selected text with options for tone, format, and length. This function operates through Microsoft's cloud infrastructure and requires a Microsoft account, utilizing AI credits for usage. Paint will receive enhancements such as the Generative Erase feature for removing elements and Generative Fill for modifying artwork based on text descriptions. Generative Erase will be available on all Windows 11 PCs, while Generative Fill will initially be exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ devices. Microsoft claims that Notepad's launch time will improve by over 35%, with some users experiencing up to 55% enhancements. The Rewrite feature will be in preview mode for users in the US, France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany, while users in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand will need a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal account, or a Copilot Pro subscription to access it.

Tech Optimizer

November 8, 2024

New malware SteelFox targets Windows users through fake software activators

A new malware named "SteelFox" is targeting Windows users by using counterfeit software activators to infiltrate systems, leading to cryptocurrency mining and data theft. Since February 2023, it has spread rapidly, primarily through torrent sites and online forums, masquerading as legitimate software cracks for programs like AutoCAD and Foxit PDF Editor. Upon installation, it deploys a risky driver called WinRingO.sys, exploiting vulnerabilities CVE-2021-41285 and CVE-2020-14979, which allows attackers to gain full access to the infected computer. The malware uses XMRig for crypto mining, causing performance issues and increased utility bills, while also stealing sensitive data from over 13 web browsers. Countries with high infection rates include Mexico, Brazil, Russia, China, and India. Kaspersky has blocked over 11,000 attempted attacks, but the actual number of infections may be much higher. To protect against SteelFox, users are advised to download software only from verified sources, maintain updated antivirus software, avoid pirated software, and keep systems current with security patches.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Unity hires Jarrod Yahes as its new CFO

Jarrod Yahes has been appointed as the new chief financial officer and senior vice president of Unity, succeeding Luis Visoso, who left the company in August. Yahes previously worked at Shutterstock and Zeta Global. Unity's CEO, Matt Bromberg, expressed enthusiasm about Yahes' appointment, highlighting his operational rigor and growth orientation. Yahes expressed excitement about joining Unity and supporting its mission in the gaming and interactive experiences ecosystem.

BetaBeacon

November 8, 2024

Knights of Pen and Paper 3 review – “Returning to the table!”

- Knights of Pen and Paper 3 is a 2D RPG about playing a digital tabletop game with friends against an off-the-cuff GM.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

“Don’t kill Android (WSA) in Windows 11” is now a top feedback, but will Microsoft listen?

Microsoft will discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in 2025, along with the removal of the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Many users rely on WSA for accessing Android applications not available on Windows, leading to significant disappointment among them. A post on the Feedback Hub advocating for WSA has received nearly 700 upvotes, indicating user frustration. WSA is seen as essential for both daily tasks and for developers testing Android applications. The decision to discontinue WSA is linked to the financial performance of the Microsoft Store and a lack of support from Google. Initially, WSA was only available in the United States, which limited its user base.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Google apps gets new ‘Activity’ tab for easy access to search history and saved items

Google is introducing a new “Activity” tab within the Google app, which will replace the existing “Saved” tab and provide easy access to search history from both the Google app and Chrome. This feature is currently being tested and aims to create a centralized hub for managing saved items, allowing users to view, manage, and take actions on their search history. The development of this feature has been in progress for nearly two months and is currently accessible to a select group of users as part of a limited rollout. A user demonstrated the functionality on a Pixel 7 Pro, indicating a user-friendly rollout process, while the Pixel 8 Pro has not yet received the update.