interface changes Archives

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Details of the Windows 11 25H2 update begin appearing, and it’s…actually kind of small?

The Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to debut in October 2023. It may be a minor update compared to the 24H2 update, as indicated by findings in Windows 11 build 27842, which include new entries in the appraiserRes.dll file. The entry "GE25H2" confirms plans for the 25H2 update, while "26200=FTALLCompatIndicatorHelper_WritingGE25H2" indicates that the build number for this update will be 26200, a slight increase from the current build number of 26100. Microsoft's update strategy appears to alternate between major updates and smaller follow-ups, allowing for refinement of existing features. The existence of the 25H2 update has not been officially confirmed by Microsoft.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Google is preparing to make Android Settings a bit more colorful

Google is set to transform its Settings homepage in the upcoming Android 16 beta, introducing colorful icons encased in circles, replacing the current gray icons. This redesign aims to enhance the expressiveness of the Settings app and is expected to align with a new Material Design theme at the Google I/O developer conference. The colorful icons may not appear in the initial stable release of Android 16 but could be introduced in a future quarterly update or in Android 17 next year. The 'Digital Wellbeing & parental controls' entry will retain its gray icon due to its origin from a separate app. Feedback from users will influence the final design.

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

How do you use Android app shortcuts?

App shortcuts were introduced with Android 7.1 in October 2016 and have seen user interface changes while retaining their functionality. They provide quick access to specific tasks within applications. Commonly used app shortcuts include Chrome's New Tab, Play Store's My apps, Gmail account shortcuts, Fitbit's Log Water, Files by Google: Downloads, Google Calendar: New task, Google Keep: New text note, Google Maps: Home and Work, and Pixel Camera: Take a selfie and Take a video. Users can access shortcuts by long-pressing application icons rather than cluttering their homescreen. Improvements suggested include the ability to hide unused shortcuts, a more compact presentation, and a layout without text labels for easier one-handed use. There are currently limitations on the number of shortcuts per app, and some users find the long-press action on Pixel Launcher and Samsung’s One UI distracting.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

“Roll back to Windows 10 immediately”: Microsoft issues stark warning to wily Windows 11 users

Microsoft has advised Windows 11 users on unsupported hardware to revert to Windows 10, especially as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. The recommendation is aimed at users who bypassed Windows 11's hardware requirements, particularly the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. Microsoft has begun blocking third-party tools that allow installation on ineligible devices, labeling such tools as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) or hacking tools. Devices not meeting Windows 11's requirements will not receive support or updates, including critical security patches. Users can continue using Windows 10 past its end-of-support date but will lack essential updates unless they pay for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

An Android OS preview: Five key trends we expect in 2025

Google is set to unveil Android 16 several months earlier than usual, with a stable build anticipated in Q2 2025. The developer preview is already accessible, and public betas are expected to roll out in Q1 2025. Android 16 will include major features, while a subsequent release in Q4 may focus on stability improvements and optimizations, possibly labeled Android 16.1. Google is reverting to smaller tiles in the interface for Android 16, and enhanced multitasking capabilities are anticipated for foldable devices. Google is integrating AI features into its ecosystem and collaborating with manufacturers like Honor and Samsung for new device launches. The gradual merging of Android and ChromeOS aims to enhance user experience. Google is also collaborating with Samsung and Qualcomm to introduce Android XR for extended reality headsets and glasses, with the first hardware expected in 2025.

AppWizard

November 24, 2024

Android 16 could give Gemini more control over apps – and other AI upgrades are rumored too

The Google Gemini app is set to receive enhancements that will integrate more features similar to Google Assistant while utilizing generative AI. The developer preview of Android 16 has introduced new APIs that may give Gemini greater control over various applications on Android devices. Currently, Gemini interacts with apps like YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, Spotify, and WhatsApp through extensions, but the new APIs would allow developers to create additional integrations. There are also reports of an upgraded Gemini Live voice mode that could improve user engagement with YouTube content, enabling natural conversations about videos. Potential interface changes may allow users to pause and resume conversations from notifications in the status bar, enhancing the conversational experience.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Microsoft seemingly redesigning Windows 11 settings UI for default apps like browsers

In September 2023, Microsoft acknowledged the importance of default app choices in improving user workflow and performance. The company has been directing users towards its own products as defaults, particularly in web browsers, which sparked controversy from third-party developers, including Vivaldi, who criticized Microsoft's practices. Microsoft introduced a "UCPD" driver to block third-party Registry hacks for changing default apps. Recently, changes were observed in the Windows 11 Settings app regarding default app choices, noted in build 26120.2213 under update KB5045885, with updated text indicating a new approach to setting defaults for file and link types. The final details of these changes remain unclear.

Winsage

November 10, 2024

Microsoft persuades Mail and Calendar users to migrate to Outlook — Mail and Calendar app will cease to work after December 31

Microsoft is urging users of its Mail and Calendar app to transition to the free web-based Outlook platform, with a deadline of December 31, 2024, for migration. After this date, the Mail and Calendar app will become read-only, allowing access only to previously saved emails and calendar entries. Users can export their data to Outlook, which offers 15GB of mailbox storage and 5GB of cloud storage. Issues with the Classic Outlook app have raised concerns about the transition, and many long-time users are reluctant to switch to the cloud-based solution due to significant interface changes. Microsoft is unlikely to reverse its decision, leading users to consider alternative applications.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

The ultimate Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything you need to know

Windows 11 was launched in October 2021 and is now a significant operating system on hundreds of millions of PCs worldwide. It features a redesigned Start menu, taskbar, and Settings app, along with a Widgets pane, tabbed File Explorer, and AI-powered Windows Copilot. The operating system requires hardware-assisted security features, including Secure Boot and device encryption, and mandates specific hardware compatibility, such as a 1GHz processor, 4GB RAM, and TPM version 2.0. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which it will not receive updates unless users subscribe to Extended Security Updates. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for licensed Windows 10 users, and the installation process includes various options for upgrading. Microsoft reports higher customer satisfaction with Windows 11 compared to previous versions.

Winsage

September 21, 2024

Microsoft: Hire the maker of this Windows 12 concept video immediately – it really is that good

Windows 11 has received criticism for its stringent system requirements, confusing interface changes, and intrusive ads. A YouTube video by concept creator AR 4789 presents a mock-up of a fictional Windows 12.1, showcasing a sleek installation process that includes a mini-game. The design is modern and minimalist, focusing on a clean user experience, with a taskbar positioned at the top and a Start menu that retains a recommendations section. The concept features positive design elements, such as sleek highlights for thumbnail selections, and has garnered favorable feedback from viewers. There is an expectation that Microsoft may incorporate some of these design ideas into future operating systems.