Opera Archives

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

My 5 favorite AI apps on Android right now – and how I use them

AI has integrated into daily life, especially for Android users due to Google's embedding of AI capabilities in the operating system. Key AI apps for Android include: 1. Google Gemini: The default AI app that enhances user experience without installation. It features Gemini Live for complex queries and can be used as a handy assistant. 2. Perplexity: An AI-driven query app with an intuitive interface for news summaries and organizing queries. It is free and serves as a default search engine for some users. 3. DeepSeek: An AI development firm from China offering two apps on Google Play: Deep Think (AI chatbot) and DeepSeek (AI assistant), which handles deep queries and basic searches. It is free but requires account registration. 4. Microsoft Copilot: A versatile AI tool for standard queries, drafting, and image creation. It summarizes news and requires a Microsoft account for access. 5. Opera's Aria: An AI tool integrated into the Opera browser, offering standard query capabilities and voice-to-text functionality. It requires installation but is free to use without a subscription.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft rolling Windows Recall back into Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft has reintroduced its Windows Recall feature, now integrated into the Windows 11 Release Preview channel for Copilot+ PCs, after addressing public concerns. Originally unveiled at the Build developer conference in May of last year, Windows Recall automatically captures screenshots of a user's desktop at regular intervals and stores them locally. The feature aims to help users revisit their activities and incorporate AI capabilities for searching through the captured data. Privacy concerns arose due to the logging of user actions, prompting Microsoft to pause the launch in June after significant backlash. In November, Microsoft began testing Recall again, with it disabled by default on specific Copilot+ PCs. The feature is included in Windows 11 Build 26100.3902 as an opt-in option, with plans for a broader rollout in early 2025 and a phased introduction in the European Economic Area later this year. Recall will support multiple languages and is compatible with major web browsers. Screenshots are stored locally and encrypted, requiring Windows Hello authentication for access. Microsoft asserts that data remains on local storage and is not shared with third parties, with users having control over snapshot permissions and deletion options.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

ReactOS, an Open Source Take on Windows

ReactOS is an open-source operating system designed to be compatible with Windows, aiming to recreate the Windows experience while ensuring compatibility with existing software applications. The first stable release occurred in 2011, followed by a beta version in 2013 that improved support for 64-bit systems. By 2020, ReactOS reached a Technical Alpha milestone, indicating progress in stability and performance. The latest version resembles the outdated Windows XP interface, which may appeal to some users but lacks modern functionality. The ReactOS Application Manager allows users to install applications, but many popular software versions are outdated or incompatible. Users are advised to use the Application Manager for installations, as external downloads can lead to issues. ReactOS appeals to Windows users reluctant to switch to Linux or invest in new hardware, but it remains a work in progress with bugs and limited application support. The project invites contributions to enhance the user interface and application compatibility.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Dune: Awakening Will Add Music From Original Dune PC Games

Funcom has announced that Dune: Awakening will include music from the original Dune and Dune II: Battle for Arrakis, featuring soundtracks by composers Frank Klepacki, Philippe Ulrich, and Stéphane Picq. The game is set to launch on May 20, 2025. In this reimagined universe, Paul Atreides does not exist, Lady Jessica has a daughter, and Duke Leto survives the assault on Arrakeen. Players will start as a prisoner on Arrakis, tasked with discovering the fate of the Fremen. They will learn to survive by mastering Fremen ways, crafting stillsuits, and constructing shelters. The game features an open world with iconic Dune technology, bustling hubs for social interaction, and a dynamic desert landscape that changes weekly with new challenges and rewards.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Painkiller is back, and maybe they’ll finally get it right this time

A new installment in the Painkiller series, developed by Anshar Studios and published by 3D Realms, was announced during the Future Games Show Spring Showcase. The original Painkiller, released in 2004 by People Can Fly, is recognized as a classic first-person shooter known for its level design, weaponry, and heavy metal soundtracks. The new game will feature four distinct characters with unique abilities, a collectible system with Tarot cards, and reimagined enemies, while retaining classic weapons like the Painkiller. The game is set to launch in the fall and is currently available for wishlisting on Steam.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Copilot updates, PowerToys updates, new Windows 11 builds, and more.

Windows 11 24H2 is experiencing performance throttling issues when applications are minimized, but the 0x80131500 Store error has been fixed. Windows 10 has regained its status as the most popular operating system on Steam, according to Valve's February 2025 survey. Microsoft has launched a native Copilot app for Windows 11 and 10 in the Insider program, featuring a XAML-based interface. PowerToys has been updated to version 0.89, enhancing tools like Advanced Paste and FancyZones. Microsoft Edge 134 has been released with improved Teams link handling, while Firefox 136 introduces vertical tabs and HEVC support for Linux users. Microsoft will discontinue Publisher in 2024 and has launched a support page for alternatives. The Xiaomi 15 smartphone received positive reviews for its build quality and fast-charging, while AMD's RX 9070 XT graphics card received a perfect score for performance. Upcoming Game Pass titles include Monster Train and Galacticare, and Amazon Prime Gaming is offering 20 PC games this month. A remake of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 is set to release on July 11.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows Recall should’ve been everything Opera’s Browser Operator promises to be on paper — an AI agent with a “pause button” to preserve user privacy

Generative AI is changing digital interactions, particularly with AI-driven chatbots like Microsoft Copilot and OpenAI's ChatGPT, which may challenge Google's search dominance. Opera has launched Browser Operator, an AI agent that automates routine browsing tasks and operates natively within the browser, protecting user credentials. It understands natural language instructions and pauses for user input during sensitive actions. Opera emphasizes that Browser Operator does not send any user information to its servers and uses a textual representation of web pages for context. The tool can handle cookie prompts and verification dialogs without hindering functionality. Currently in preview mode, Browser Operator will be rolled out widely and can be accessed from Opera's sidebar or Command Line.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Other Browsers Need to Steal Opera’s Multitasking Sidebar

The Opera sidebar is a feature designed to streamline communication by serving as a hub for essential social media platforms and messaging services, allowing users to maintain focus while managing multiple applications. It has a minimalist design that can be expanded into popover tabs for easier access to messaging services without navigating away from primary tasks. Users can customize the sidebar by selecting from a variety of services, including AI tools, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Slack, and social media platforms such as Instagram and Bluesky. The sidebar helps prevent confusion from having too many tabs open, allowing for quick message replies and the option to pin apps for a split-screen view. Unlike other browsers, Opera allows browser extensions to operate within the sidebar, enhancing usability.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox features for PCs, useful tools for Windows 11, and more

Microsoft refreshed the Windows Health Dashboard, providing updated information on known bugs affecting Windows 11 version 24H2, including a fix for users unable to modify specific date and time settings and a workaround for difficulties with Windows updates via USB or CD media. A guide was shared on restoring Dolby Digital (AC-3) support in Windows 11 version 24H2, and two debloating applications, WinScript and NoBloatbox, were introduced for system optimization and bloatware removal. This week's preview builds for Windows 11 included a significant update for MIDI and allowed users to customize widgets on their lock screens. An update for the Microsoft Store now permits users to choose which components of games to download. Optical Character Recognition has returned in the Photos app for Windows Insiders with enhancements and bug fixes. Microsoft announced the dates for its upcoming developer conference, Build 2025, scheduled for May 19-22 in Seattle, Washington. Firefox 135 was released with a redesigned new tab page and privacy enhancements, while Microsoft Edge 133 launched with an updated downloads interface and an AI-powered scareware blocker. Chrome version 134 is set to enhance picture-in-picture mode. In gaming news, several Xbox titles, including Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Mythology: Retold, are being released for PlayStation 5. EA's Criterion Games is focused on the next Battlefield installment, leaving the future of Need for Speed uncertain. Microsoft will host the first ID@Xbox showcase on February 24, 2025. Valve updated Steam to include a banner for abandoned games, and Nvidia announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles, and Amazon Prime members have access to several free games.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

How to get started with Windows Recall on Windows 11

Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces a feature called Windows Recall, which captures and remembers on-screen activities using AI. Users can configure settings for Windows Recall, including opting in or out, adjusting storage allocations (25GB for 256GB SSD, 75GB for 512GB SSD, and 150GB for 1TB SSD), deleting snapshots, and filtering specific apps and websites. The feature can filter sensitive information and allows users to pause and resume snapshots. Users can search for past activities using natural language queries and interact with snapshots to perform actions like copying text or erasing objects. Windows Recall operates only when the device is in use and does not upload data to the cloud. The data remains on the user's device, with encryption for security. The feature supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.