floating panel Archives

Winsage

October 15, 2025

Zorin OS 18 Released Just in Time for Windows 10 EOL

Zorin OS is developed by Zorin OS Technologies Limited, founded by brothers Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The recent launch of Zorin OS 18 features a refreshed interface with rounded corners, a floating panel, and lighter colors, along with enhanced animations for better navigation. It is built on the Linux kernel 6.14, which supports AMD Ryzen AI NPU6 and improves AES encryption performance for Zen 4/5 CPUs. The new window tiling manager allows users to organize windows efficiently by dragging them to screen edges or corners. Zorin OS 18 provides a seamless experience for users transitioning from Windows, suggesting Linux alternatives when launching Windows app installers. Zorin OS 18 Core is available for free, while Zorin OS 18 Pro is priced at .99 and includes additional features. Users can upgrade from Zorin OS 18 Core Beta to the stable release and will soon be able to upgrade from Zorin OS 17 to 18.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Windows 10 support has ended, but Zorin OS 18 is here as the ultimate alternative to Windows 11

Windows 10 support has ended, leaving many users with around 240 million computers unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Zorin OS 18 is a user-friendly Linux distribution designed for those seeking an alternative without new hardware. It features a modern interface, improved compatibility with essential tools, and built-in OneDrive integration for managing cloud files. The OS can detect over 170 Windows installer files to suggest compatible Linux alternatives, easing the transition for new users. Additional enhancements include new theme colors, improved Bluetooth audio, remote desktop login capabilities, and expanded hardware support. Zorin OS 18 promises software and security updates until 2029 and is available in Core, Pro, and Education editions for download from the Zorin website.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

Zorin OS 18 Beta Released with Refreshed Look, Advanced Window Tiling, and More

The Zorin OS team has announced the beta version of Zorin OS 18 for public testing, featuring a refreshed default theme with a floating panel, a new workspace indicator, and a window tiling manager. It includes a built-in Web Apps tool that allows integration with popular web browsers, enabling users to run applications like MS Office/365, Google Docs, and Adobe Photoshop directly from their desktop. Zorin OS 18 also offers OneDrive file integration for users transitioning from Windows, enhancing access to files for those migrating from Windows 10. The operating system is built on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS and powered by Linux kernel 6.14, featuring the PipeWire audio server backend. The beta version is available for download, but it is a pre-release and may contain bugs. The final release is expected in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

Google Home App Gains Material 3 Media Controller Redesign on Android

Google has rolled out a redesigned media controller in the Google Home app for Android, featuring a Material 3 aesthetic with rounded edges and dynamic color theming. The new interface replaces the previous card-style layout with a streamlined floating panel that activates during media playback on connected devices. Users now see a pill-shaped controller at the bottom of the screen, displaying album artwork, playback controls, and a progress bar, which can be expanded for additional features. The redesign enhances accessibility with larger touch targets and improved contrast ratios. This update is part of a broader initiative to create smarter home experiences, including potential voice-activated media adjustments with upcoming Gemini AI enhancements. The redesign aims to improve user interaction and simplify multi-room audio management, while also positioning Google competitively against Amazon's Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Windows 11 gets AI boost with Microsoft 365 Companions and enhanced search

At the Ignite conference in 2024, Microsoft announced two major updates to Windows 11 that incorporate advanced AI technologies. The Microsoft 365 Companions for Windows 11 will be a new taskbar feature that consolidates contacts, files, and calendar appointments from Microsoft 365 for easy access. This feature is similar to the Phone Link app experience introduced in the Windows 11 24H2 update. Additionally, Microsoft plans to use Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in Copilot+ laptops to enhance Windows 11's search capabilities, allowing users to find documents and images by describing content or using synonyms, without needing exact file names. This feature will also enable image content searches, including text within images. These updates are expected to roll out in early 2025, starting with Snapdragon-powered devices through the Windows Insider program.

Winsage

November 19, 2024

Windows 11’s taskbar is getting contacts, files, and calendar “companions”

Microsoft is introducing a new feature called Microsoft 365 Companions for the Windows 11 taskbar, which will provide quick access to contacts, files, and calendar appointments. This feature was announced during the Microsoft Ignite 2024 event by Windows chief Pavan Davuluri. The Microsoft 365 Companions will allow users to access their Graph data with a single click. The functionality resembles the existing Phone Link app, which lets users view recent messages, calls, and phone battery status without opening the app. A visual presentation showcased a floating panel of contacts, but it is unclear if third-party developers will be able to integrate their applications into the taskbar. Further clarification from Microsoft is pending.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft starts rolling out its Windows 11 2024 update with lots of useful improvements

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 11 2024 update, version 24H2, which includes enhancements to the Start menu, File Explorer, Settings, and other components. The Start menu features a new side panel for Phone Link users, providing real-time phone insights. File Explorer has a redesigned home section with a tabbed view for recent, favorites, and shared files, improved context menus, and the ability to create 7z and TAR files. The system tray has a simplified time and date display, and Quick Settings now shows all actions by default with a new Energy Saver mode. The Settings interface allows users to reverse mouse scroll direction and toggle enhanced pointer precision easily. A unified Microsoft Teams app and a new Outlook client replace the Mail and Calendar applications. The update supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE audio, and performance enhancements for AMD desktop CPUs. Microsoft is using an OS swap method for this update to avoid compatibility issues. The rollout will begin with eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2.

AppWizard

August 20, 2024

Google’s Gemini is lighting up Android screens with a fresh new look

Google's Gemini AI assistant on Android is receiving a makeover with a floating panel that features a glowing animation. This panel integrates with the current app without overwhelming the screen. A new "Ask about this video" chip on YouTube replaces the old prompt, allowing users to obtain summaries or ask questions about video content. The glowing animation activates when users summon Gemini, enhancing user experience while remaining non-disruptive. The new interface is being rolled out to a select group of users, with plans for broader release soon.