Image Editor Archives

Winsage

March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Google Might Reverse the Controversial Photos App Editor Redesign

Google is planning to revise its Photos app redesign due to user feedback on usability issues. The update will reintegrate elements of the previous editor interface, including direct access to essential tools like Crop, Adjust, and Filters, which will return to a scrollable carousel at the bottom of the editor. The dedicated “Crop” menu will also be reintroduced as a unified category. Visual enhancements will include Action labels in pill-shaped borders for better visibility and a more compact “Ask” button replacing the larger “Help Me Edit” prompt. Additionally, Google is testing a new “Explore” tab that will feature a vertically scrolling, TikTok-style feed of personal videos generated by AI. This update is being rolled out to a select group of users, with a broader release expected soon.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

I simplified my Google Photos searching and editing with this trick

Google Photos has introduced a new feature called Ask Photos, which allows users to edit images using natural-language prompts instead of traditional editing tools. This feature is available for personal Google accounts in the U.S. and requires users to opt in and enable face match and location estimation. While Ask Photos simplifies the editing process, users should be cautious about privacy, as prompts will be used for training purposes, even though Google does not use photos or videos for AI training. To use Ask Photos, users must open the Google Photos app, select a photo, tap the Edit button, and enter their request in the Help me edit text field. Additionally, Google Photos provides transparency regarding edits through C2PA Content Credentials, which document the types of edits made and distinguish between original and edited photos.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Puppy Linux vs. Linux Lite: Which distro is right for your old Windows 10 PC?

Puppy Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution with a footprint of 500 MB to 1.5 GB, capable of running entirely in RAM and allowing users to boot from a USB drive without altering their existing OS. It offers session persistence, comes pre-installed with essential applications, and supports various package managers. It is ideal for users prioritizing performance over aesthetics. Linux Lite is based on the latest Long Term Support release of Ubuntu and features a desktop layout similar to Windows, making it user-friendly for newcomers. It includes pre-installed applications like Chrome, LibreOffice, VLC, and GIMP, and utilizes the Xfce desktop environment for customization. It is optimized for speed and resource efficiency and facilitates a smooth transition from Windows. The choice between Puppy Linux and Linux Lite depends on individual needs: Puppy Linux is suited for those wanting a lightweight, portable solution, while Linux Lite is better for users seeking a traditional OS experience.

BetaBeacon

December 8, 2025

Galaxy XR adding ‘PC Connect’ for Windows apps and games, Google ‘Likeness’ avatars

Google has introduced a new feature called PC Connect for Android XR, allowing users to link a Windows computer with Android XR and display desktop or other windows side-by-side with native apps from Google Play. The feature offers full resolution and high frame rate over Wi-Fi, with input bridging allowing a keyboard and mouse to control either device. Additionally, Google is also rolling out Travel Mode, a stable viewing option for when users are in motion, and a Likeness feature that creates a realistic digital representation of a user's face during video calls.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Google could be making it easier to see which apps are a threat (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing the safety and privacy features of its Pixel phones, focusing on the Live Threat Detection tool. This tool uses on-device AI to identify harmful applications and provides real-time alerts for suspicious activity. Upcoming updates include a dedicated page displaying a list of flagged apps and new alerts for apps monitoring device location or activity.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Microsoft Paint’s new update can turn your doodles into masterpieces

Microsoft is enhancing its Paint application by introducing the Restyle feature, which uses AI through Copilot to allow users to apply various artistic styles to their images. Users can select an image, choose a style from a curated list, and generate a transformed version of their artwork. To access this feature, users must be part of the Windows Insider program, have a device with a Copilot+ Snapdragon chip, and be signed in with a Microsoft account. The feature is currently available for eligible users.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

I used Linux exclusively for five months instead of Windows, and I was surprised by what I didn’t miss

Five months ago, the author started using open-source operating systems, beginning with Linux Mint and eventually transitioning to Fedora KDE Plasma. Initially concerned about losing essential applications, they found that most of their favorite tools, such as Discord and Google Chrome, were available on Linux, with only Paint.net and ShareX lacking Linux versions. They adapted to using alternatives like Pinta and Spectacle. The author also overcame initial concerns about Linux's user-friendliness, gaining a better understanding of Terminal commands. Although they maintained a dual-boot setup with Windows 10, their usage of Windows has significantly decreased, and they no longer miss the Windows experience. The author has grown comfortable with Fedora and is considering fully transitioning away from Windows in the future.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Windows Paint just got a major Photoshop-like upgrade you’ll want to try

Microsoft is introducing new features to Windows Paint, including the ability to save projects in a .paint format that retains all layers and edits. This feature is currently being rolled out to Windows 11 insiders on the Canary and Dev channels. Users can create and modify images with multiple layers, a capability previously limited to more advanced software. Windows Paint now includes an opacity slider for adjusting the transparency of strokes with the Pencil and Brush tools. Microsoft aims to position Paint as a competitive option against Photoshop and other graphic design tools. Additionally, updates to other Windows 11 applications include enhancements to the Snipping Tool and Notepad, which now features AI-powered tools. A wider rollout of these features to all Windows 11 users is expected soon.

AppWizard

September 5, 2025

Google says ‘Nano Banana’ drove in over 10 million new users to its Gemini app

Google announced that its Gemini app has gained over 10 million new users, largely due to the innovative image editor feature called nano banana. This feature has facilitated the editing of more than 200 million images since its introduction. Users particularly enjoy transforming their photos into figurines. The recent update to the app integrated the nano banana editor, which uses user prompts for personalized edits, allowing users to blend multiple photos and create cohesive images. The editor also enables users to envision themselves in various creative scenarios, enhancing the interactive editing experience.