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Microsoft to make app downloads faster on Windows 11 with Winget PowerToys plugin
Winsage
February 14, 2025

Microsoft to make app downloads faster on Windows 11 with Winget PowerToys plugin

Windows 11 is set to integrate Winget into PowerToys Run, allowing users to download applications directly through a keyboard shortcut. This feature will enable users to search for apps hosted on Winget within PowerToys Run, similar to macOS Spotlight. Users can enter the package name after pressing Alt + Space, avoiding the need to navigate the Microsoft Store. PowerToys will also introduce a built-in transcoding feature for audio and video files, allowing users to convert file formats and extract audio from videos while maintaining original quality. This feature will utilize natural language processing, enabling users to type commands like “transcode this file into .mp3.”
Clapper Media Player Adds New Features, Official Windows Build
Winsage
February 12, 2025

Clapper Media Player Adds New Features, Official Windows Build

Clapper 0.8.0 introduces a libpeas-based plugin system, enhancing its media playback capabilities for other applications. Key features include an exit fullscreen keyboard shortcut (esc), a "New Window" menu item, an option to clear the playback queue, and a middle-click functionality for resizing the app window to the media aspect ratio. This version also officially supports Microsoft Windows, with the installer available on the Clapper GitHub releases page. Users can download Clapper from Flathub or build it from source, requiring GNOME 47 and associated media runtimes. An older version is available for Ubuntu users as a DEB package or unofficial snap.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
February 10, 2025

This apps adds features to Windows 11’s File Explorer I didn’t even know were missing

Windows 11's File Explorer has been enhanced over the years but still lacks certain features found in third-party alternatives. The Explorer Tab Utility is a free program available on GitHub that adds functionalities to File Explorer, such as opening windows as tabs, duplicating tabs, navigating custom paths, and reopening closed tabs with the CTRL+SHIFT+T shortcut. The utility aims to inspire further improvements to File Explorer, which has had a dark mode for years but still struggles with incomplete UI elements. The latest update, version 2.0.0, includes major architectural changes like complete COM integration, improved thread safety, and better state management, along with new features such as smart tab switching, tab history, and enhanced hotkey systems. Technical improvements include native Windows integration, elimination of UI automation dependencies, and better handling of race conditions.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
February 8, 2025

The wait is over: Windows 11 users finally get the File Explorer upgrade they deserve, but not from Microsoft

Microsoft is addressing challenges with Windows 11, particularly in managing tabs in File Explorer, which has not fully met user expectations. A third-party application, ExplorerTabUtility, enhances tab management by making tabs in File Explorer function more like those in web browsers. It allows users to open folders and external links in new tabs, offers tab history, and includes features like "Smart tab switching" to avoid duplicate tabs. The app also simplifies tab duplication with a Ctrl + D shortcut and runs with minimal system resource usage. To install ExplorerTabUtility, users need .Net 9 and Windows 11 22H2 or later, and it is available for download on GitHub.
Android 16 may let users rebind physical app and system keyboard shortcuts
AppWizard
February 7, 2025

Android 16 may let users rebind physical app and system keyboard shortcuts

Google is enhancing the keyboard experience for larger devices with the latest beta version of Android 16, which introduces a feature for customizing keyboard shortcuts. The code for this feature was found under the tag "Customize Keyboard Shortcut." Last year, Google introduced a physical keyboard toolbar for shortcuts, benefiting users with USB-C or Bluetooth keyboards, and allowing customization of app shortcuts and system action keys. The toolbar also provided access to translation tools and clipboard functions. Additionally, updates were made for larger devices using physical keyboards, particularly for Workspace applications like Gmail and Chat. Android 16 Beta 1 was released to Pixel testers in mid-January, with a projected launch for Android 16 in Q2 2025.
5 tools that put the Windows 11 Start menu to shame
Winsage
February 4, 2025

5 tools that put the Windows 11 Start menu to shame

The Start menu in Windows 11 has limited customization options, leading users to seek alternatives. Several third-party applications can enhance or replace the Start menu experience: 1. Windhawk: A free, open-source tool that allows customization of the Start menu and taskbar, offering features reminiscent of Windows 10, such as viewing the All apps list and removing the Recommended section. 2. StartAllBack: Restores the look of earlier Windows versions, providing a nostalgic interface with customization options, including a Windows 7-style menu, while enhancing the taskbar and File Explorer. 3. Start11: A powerful customization tool from Stardock that offers seven different styles for the Start menu, allowing users to organize apps into groups and folders, enhancing productivity. 4. PowerToys: Features PowerToys Run, a search bar that allows users to launch applications and perform tasks quickly, providing an efficient alternative to the Start menu. 5. Flow Launcher: A comprehensive replacement for the Start menu, offering a wide range of functionalities through plugins, allowing users to launch applications and access various tools efficiently.
Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer
Winsage
December 28, 2024

Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer

A Copilot+ PC is not required to access many AI features in Windows 11; older laptops that run Windows 11 can still utilize various AI-driven tools. The Photos app includes AI enhancements such as the Background tool, which allows users to blur, remove, or replace backgrounds in images. The Generative Erase function in Photos enables users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Microsoft Clipchamp offers an Auto Compose feature for quick video editing, allowing users to create videos with AI assistance. Microsoft's Copilot has become a standalone app, enabling window movement and custom keyboard shortcuts, and integrates advanced language models to assist with various tasks across Microsoft applications.
Windows 11's new native Copilot rolls out to everyone, but it consumes more RAM
Winsage
December 23, 2024

Windows 11’s new native Copilot rolls out to everyone, but it consumes more RAM

Microsoft has released a new version of its Copilot application for Windows 11, marking the fourth redesign since its launch. This version is now available in the Microsoft Store and is described as a more "native" experience compared to previous iterations, which were Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). The new app integrates more seamlessly with Windows and can be accessed from the system tray. However, it still relies on web-based components, loading its interface through a Microsoft Edge-based WebView, resulting in higher RAM consumption of 500MB to 600MB, with spikes up to 1.5GB. Users can summon the app using the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut. The redesign has been led by Mustafa Suleyman, and while it features a more traditional Windows appearance, the app's web-centric nature remains evident.
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