note-taking Archives

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

You Can Now Text Yourself via RCS on Google Messages (and You Should)

Google Messages has introduced a beta feature that allows users to send messages to themselves using RCS (Rich Communication Services), which provides advantages over SMS, such as the ability to send longer texts and high-resolution media without compression. However, RCS messages sent to oneself currently lack encryption. If the feature is active on a device, users can simply text themselves, or they may need to enroll in the Google Messages beta program. Self-messaging offers convenience and the ability to synchronize messages and media across devices, but users concerned about security may consider using encrypted platforms like Signal for sensitive information.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

7 alternatives to built-in Windows tools that will blow you away

- Process Lasso is a powerful alternative to Task Manager, offering features like dynamic CPU adjustments and SmartTrim memory management. - Notepad++ is a text editor that supports multiple programming languages, syntax highlighting, and includes macros and plugins. - 7-Zip is a file compression tool that handles various formats and allows users to split, merge, and encrypt files. - Everything is a search tool that quickly finds files and folders, scanning both names and document contents. - Audacity is a multitrack digital audio workstation for recording audio, supporting various formats and real-time effects. - Flow Launcher allows users to launch files, folders, applications, and websites without using the Start menu. - VLC Media Player plays a wide range of audio and video file formats and offers features like file conversion and live stream recording.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

8 Old Windows Apps That Are Still Around in Windows 11

Windows 11 includes several classic applications that remain relevant and functional for users: - Notepad: A simple text editor for quick note-taking and code editing. - Paint: A basic graphics editor for quick sketches and image editing. - Calculator: An evolved multifunctional application that includes scientific and graphing capabilities. - Windows Media Player: A reliable option for playing local media files. - WordPad: A formatted text editing experience between Notepad and full-fledged word processors. - Snipping Tool: A utility for capturing screenshots easily. - Task Manager: A tool for monitoring system performance and troubleshooting issues. - Control Panel: A powerful tool for advanced system management options.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

9 tools that will supercharge your productivity on Windows

- Microsoft Outlook is a free, built-in tool for managing emails, appointments, meetings, and tasks, featuring calendar sharing and integration with Microsoft To Do. - IFTTT automates repetitive tasks by connecting various apps, services, and devices through customized applets. - The Windows Snipping Tool captures screenshots, records desktop activity, supports full-screen video recording, and has OCR capabilities for text extraction from images. - Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities that enhances the Windows experience, including tools for multitasking, file management, and keeping the PC active. - Grammarly provides real-time grammar and spelling checks, compatible with platforms like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, with a premium version offering advanced features. - Obsidian uses Markdown to create interconnected notes, allowing users to build a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins. - Microsoft 365 includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with collaboration tools like Teams and OneDrive, with regular updates for new features and security. - UniGetUI is a package manager that simplifies app installations by allowing users to select and install multiple applications simultaneously. - Flow Launcher allows users to quickly launch applications, files, and websites, enhancing workflow efficiency and providing flexibility as a portable app or standard installation.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

Microsoft Office Pro for Windows Is on Sale for A$96 Right Now

Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows is currently available for A, reduced from its regular price of A2, with the promotion running until February 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The suite includes applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, designed for installation on a single computer. It requires a one-time payment and does not involve ongoing fees. Minimum system requirements are Windows 10 or 11, 1GB RAM, and 4GB hard disk space. The software is available as a one-time download with essential security and basic updates. The offer is available through StackSocial, and pricing may change.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Three-Way Split-Screen: A Game-Changer for Android 16 and One UI 8

Android 16 could introduce a three-way split-screen mode for tablets, allowing users to run three apps simultaneously on a single screen. This feature, inspired by OnePlus' Open Canvas, aims to enhance multitasking capabilities for larger screens. Samsung's One UI 8, based on Android 16, may bring this feature to its tablets, improving productivity and app management for users. The introduction of this feature could revolutionize the way users interact with tablets, maximizing screen real estate and bringing Android tablets closer to competing with productivity-focused devices like iPads.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

I made the switch from Mac to Windows and I’m regretting it

The transition from a MacBook Pro to an HP Spectre x360 has highlighted significant differences between macOS and Windows 11. Windows 11, despite improvements in its user interface, suffers from inconsistent design elements, with modern apps contrasting sharply with older tools. First-party applications also show design discrepancies, and third-party apps on Windows often lack the quality and features found on macOS. Exclusive macOS applications, such as CleanShot X and MoneyCoach, offer superior functionality compared to their Windows counterparts. File management is notably better on macOS, with Finder providing a more efficient experience than File Explorer, and the Preview app offering useful features for PDF editing and image manipulation. Overall, the user experience on macOS is perceived as more polished and intuitive compared to Windows.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

5 open source tools to replace Microsoft apps on Windows

Windows users can find open-source alternatives to Microsoft's applications, which can help avoid subscription fees. 1. Thunderbird: A free, open-source email client from the Mozilla Foundation, it offers features like multiple account support, a unified inbox, advanced filtering, and calendar integration. The latest version, 128, includes a modernized interface called Nebula UI and is available on Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android. 2. Nextcloud: An open-source platform for personal cloud storage and collaboration, allowing users to host their files on personal servers. It offers file storage, syncing, and sharing, but lacks advanced chat or video conferencing features. 3. Joplin: An open-source note-taking application similar to OneNote, supporting multiple themes, Markdown formatting, and tagging. It features end-to-end encryption and a web clipper for Chrome and Edge, though its user interface may feel outdated. 4. Kdenlive: An open-source video editor that supports multi-track editing, various effects, and advanced tools like chroma keying and audio mixing. It is free to use and compatible with many video and audio formats. 5. LibreOffice: A free office suite that includes applications comparable to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It allows users to open, edit, and save Microsoft Office formats, although it lacks mobile versions and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux desktops.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Google Keep May Become a System App in Android 16

Google Keep is transitioning into a system app on Android 16 devices, as seen in the Android 16 Developer Preview 2, where it is listed as a pre-installed application that cannot be uninstalled without root access. This change positions Google Keep alongside essential system applications like Phone, Contacts, and the Google Play Store. The app recently gained compatibility with Google Tasks, indicating a renewed focus on enhancing its functionality within the Android ecosystem. Future updates are expected to further integrate Google Keep as a key productivity tool on the platform.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Google Keep might become an essential Android app

Google Keep may soon be classified as a core system app in the Android ecosystem, as indicated in the Android 16 Developer Preview 2. This change means that users upgrading to this version will find Google Keep integrated into their devices and it will become uninstallable without root access. Earlier this year, Google integrated Keep with its Tasks feature, streamlining note and reminder management. The promotion of Keep to a system app suggests a renewed commitment to its development and potential introduction of advanced features. Users can expect quicker updates, enhanced performance, and innovative features, but those who do not wish to use Google Keep will be unable to remove it without rooting their devices.