macOS Sequoia Archives

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Would You Want a Video Clip as Your Windows 11 Background?

A new setting has been discovered in the developer version of Windows 11 (build 26×20.6690) that allows users to set video files, such as .mp4, as their desktop background. This feature, called Windows DreamScene, originally debuted in Windows Vista Ultimate in 2007, enabling users to personalize their desktops with moving wallpapers. DreamScene was not widely recognized at the time due to its limited availability and general disinterest in animated wallpapers.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 11 could get AI-powered dynamic wallpapers – I just hope Microsoft doesn’t kill off this idea

Microsoft is revisiting the idea of AI-driven dynamic wallpapers for Windows 11, as indicated by leaker PhantomOfEarth, who noted signs of this feature in the operating system's preview builds. The proposed system would allow backgrounds to automatically update based on user preferences. Previous attempts at dynamic wallpapers were explored but ultimately abandoned, and while elements for live wallpapers were included in Windows 11 23H2, they were removed in 24H2. The incorporation of AI into wallpaper functionality could lead to backgrounds that adapt based on time of day or user behavior. However, there are concerns about the potential impact on system resources, particularly for lower-spec machines, which would have the option to disable dynamic wallpapers.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

I started using a Mac full time for work – but these are the things I missed from Windows 11 that made me switch back

The author has used Microsoft Windows since Windows 3.1 and remains loyal to it due to familiarity, despite preferring macOS for its cleaner interface and respect for user preferences. Windows 11 is noted for its intrusive advertisements and tendency to override user settings, while macOS is appreciated for its stability and less aggressive promotional approach. The author misses Windows 11's Clipboard history feature and superior window management capabilities, which enhance productivity. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider alternatives, with the author contemplating a permanent switch to macOS Sequoia.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Nearly 52% of Windows users on Steam run Windows 11

As of October 2024, Windows 11 has a 51.97% share among Windows users on Steam, marking a monthly increase of 4.28 points. Windows 10 has declined to 45.95%, losing 2.71 points. Windows 7's 64-bit version holds 0.23% of the market, down by 0.08 points. Overall, Windows accounts for 96.61% of Steam users, while Linux has 2.0% and macOS has 1.39%. The most popular macOS version is Sequoia. In terms of hardware, 46.75% of users have 16GB of RAM, 65.62% use Intel processors, 32.52% have six physical cores, 7.24% use Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics cards, and 35.11% have 8GB of video memory. Over 57% of Steam users prefer 1080p resolution.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Parallels brings Apple Intelligence Writing Tools to Windows

Apple has released macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing Apple Intelligence tools on the Mac platform, which enhance productivity and extend capabilities to Windows applications via Parallels Desktop. Users with a Mac running macOS 15.1 or later can access Writing Tools in Windows virtual machines to improve written content. These tools include functionalities for summarizing text and transforming content into organized lists or tables. To use the Writing Tools in Windows apps, users must update Parallels Tools and can access the features through a keyboard shortcut or the macOS menu bar. Parallels Desktop now supports the ARM version of Windows 11 on M3 Macs. A free trial of Parallels Desktop is available.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Using Windows 11 on your Mac? You no longer have to miss out on Apple Intelligence thanks to Parallels Desktop

Apple Intelligence has launched on macOS Sequoia 15.1, featuring Writing Tools that allow users to proofread, rewrite, and adjust the tone of their writing. Parallels Desktop has been updated to enable access to these tools for users running Windows 11 on their Macs. The Writing Tools can be activated easily in applications like Microsoft Word and are designed to enhance productivity. Currently, Writing Tools is the only Apple Intelligence feature available on Windows via Parallels, with hopes for more tools in the future. Parallels Desktop is priced starting at .99 / £89.99.

BetaBeacon

October 26, 2024

iOS 18.2 beta 1 introduces a new Apple Sudoku game, but there’s a catch

Apple has released iOS 18.2 developer beta 1 with Apple Intelligence features and a Sudoku game available to Apple News Plus subscribers.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

This Mac App Makes Finder More like Windows’ File Explorer

Indie Mac utility Supercharge, developed by Sindre Sorhus, enhances Finder to provide a more familiar experience for Windows users, including a cut and paste functionality that uses Command+X and Command+V shortcuts. Users can activate this feature in Supercharge Settings under Tweaks > Finder. Additional Finder tweaks include the ability to delete files with the Delete key, open files with the Return key, and create plain text files using Option+N. Supercharge also offers quality-of-life upgrades such as hiding all windows except the active one, quitting applications with Shift+Command+Q, and customizable keyboard shortcuts for various functions. The utility is available for purchase on the developer's website or Gumroad, with price adjustments for users in countries with lower purchasing power.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

Parallels debuts AI virtual machine platform that bundles 14 tools including small language models — and promises faster performance on Windows and Linux

Parallels Desktop 20 introduces advanced AI capabilities for virtualization, compatible with macOS Sequoia and Windows 11 24H2. It is the only virtualization software authorized by Microsoft to run Windows on Apple silicon. The AI Package includes a virtual machine with 14 AI development toolsets, allowing users to download a pre-configured VM easily. Performance enhancements include up to an 80% increase in efficiency for certain workloads and improved shared folder technology, making operations on Mac files in Linux VMs four times faster. The Enterprise Edition features a Management Portal for monitoring and managing VMs, enhanced security policies, and compliance with SOC 2 Type 2. Enhanced DevOps services and integration with Microsoft Copilot are also included. Parallels Desktop 20 is available in Standard, Pro, and Business editions, with the AI Package included at no extra cost in the Pro, Business, and Enterprise editions for 2024.

Tech Optimizer

September 20, 2024

macOS Sequoia change breaks networking for VPN, antivirus software

Users of macOS 15, also known as 'Sequoia,' are experiencing network connection issues with certain endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, VPNs, and web browsers, particularly with CrowdStrike Falcon and ESET Endpoint Security. These problems seem to resolve when the tools are deactivated, indicating a compatibility issue with the operating system's network stack. Firewall configurations are causing packet corruption and SSL failures, affecting command-line tools like 'wget' and 'curl.' CrowdStrike has advised customers against upgrading to macOS 15 due to significant changes in networking structures, and similar warnings have been issued by SentinelOne Support. Users have reported connectivity issues with Mullvad VPN and corporate VPNs, while ProtonVPN appears to function without problems. ESET recommends removing ESET Network from the filters in System Settings to restore network functionality for certain versions of their software. Security researcher Wacław Jacek has suggested a temporary fix for firewall issues, and Mullvad VPN is aware of the problems and is working on a resolution. Users relying on EDR products, VPNs, or strict firewall configurations may want to delay upgrading to macOS 15 until these issues are resolved.