personalization Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Poll: Do you like the new Google dialer?

Google has redesigned its Phone app with the Material 3 Expressive design and introduced the Calling Cards feature. User feedback is mixed: 43% support the changes, 33% appreciate some aspects, 17% dislike it, and 7% are indifferent. Positive reactions highlight larger buttons, a vibrant aesthetic, and full-screen contact photos, while criticisms include lag in speakerphone activation, complicated navigation, and changes to call answering gestures. Some users prefer the previous version, viewing the updates as unnecessary.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Malicious Android apps with 19M installs removed from Google Play

Zscaler's ThreatLabs team discovered 77 malicious Android applications on Google Play that collectively garnered over 19 million downloads. The Anatsa (Tea Bot) banking trojan was identified as the main threat, evolving to target 831 banking and cryptocurrency apps. More than 66% of the malicious apps contained adware, while nearly 25% were infected with Joker malware, which can perform intrusive actions like sending texts and accessing sensitive information. A variant of Joker, named Harly, disguises itself within legitimate applications. Anatsa employs various evasion tactics, including using a decoy app to download its payload post-installation and altering package names to complicate detection. Following the findings, Google removed the identified malicious apps from the Play Store, and users are advised to ensure their Play Protect service is active and to take precautions if infected.

Winsage

August 25, 2025

I tried a “kinder” Windows 11 experience with AtlasOS, and this is how it should be

Windows 11 has faced criticism for its telemetry features, mandatory Microsoft Edge inclusion, and resource-consuming background processes that can hinder performance. AtlasOS offers a structured setup process requiring a clean installation of Windows 11 with a local account. Users download the AME Wizard and Atlas Playbook from the AtlasOS website to apply modifications, including disabling Windows Security features and replacing Microsoft Edge with alternative browsers like Brave or Firefox. After installation, AtlasOS modifies the desktop experience, aligning the taskbar to the left and introducing a new wallpaper. It disables animations for faster application opening times and optimizes power plans for performance. Bing search is removed from the search bar, enhancing search efficiency. Privacy is prioritized by disabling telemetry services and location permissions. Performance tests show that AtlasOS stabilizes CPU usage and slightly reduces memory consumption compared to standard Windows. Benchmark results indicate minor performance improvements, with AtlasOS scoring slightly higher in Geekbench 6 but comparable in Cinebench 2024. Users should manage expectations regarding performance gains, as the primary advantage lies in an improved user experience rather than significant speed increases.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Copilot’s new look: bokeh, daisies, and fewer “what do I even do here?” vibes

The Copilot app for Windows 11 has been updated to version 1.25082.132.0 and higher, introducing a new "home experience" with a vibrant layout that integrates seamlessly with the operating system. Key features include enhanced Start Menu access for managing privacy settings related to recent files, the ability to create permanent Pages for ongoing research, and an app-specific quick launcher that utilizes Copilot Vision for contextual assistance. The app also includes a recent conversations window for easy access to previous inquiries. Microsoft is testing a potential return of the 'share' functionality and has introduced Copilot Labs for users to experiment with new features. Additionally, a memory function in the Android app allows Copilot to learn user preferences by asking questions based on prior interactions.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

If Windows 12 is anything like this concept, I’d switch from Windows 11 (or 10) in a heartbeat

A new concept video titled 'Windows 12.2' has been created by YouTuber 'AR 4789', showcasing a refined vision for Microsoft's operating system. The video features a clean interface inspired by Apple's Liquid Glass and includes elements like the Aero transparency effect from Windows Vista. It presents nostalgic features such as a Windows 7 theme and various customizable taskbar options. However, the likelihood of Microsoft adopting these ideas is uncertain, especially given the mixed reception of Windows 11. Observers suggest that any future iteration will need to represent significant advancements rather than incremental updates. Microsoft may focus on maintaining Windows 11 with annual updates while investing in a more AI-centric operating system.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

I’m fed up with ads in Windows 11, but Microsoft may introduce yet another one to the Start menu

Microsoft is exploring a new feature in the Start menu of Windows 11 that promotes its Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot offerings through tailored recommendations, currently in the experimental phase. This feature is not yet available to the public but aims to enhance user interaction by suggesting actions like drafting documents or generating images. Users can disable these recommendations by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Start, but doing so will also remove visibility of recent files in File Explorer. This initiative reflects Microsoft's understanding of diverse user preferences and aims to balance promoting AI tools with respecting user autonomy.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

4 features in KDE Plasma that Windows 11 users are sorely missing out on

Many users transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 have expressed dissatisfaction due to the removal of beloved features. Some have turned to alternatives like Linux, specifically Fedora KDE. KDE offers significant customization options, including the ability to place taskbars on any edge of the screen and create multiple taskbars for different purposes. Its file explorer, Dolphin, allows users to split the window into two views for easier file management. The Krunner search bar provides a quick way to launch applications, and KDE's Application Launcher can be resized and customized extensively, unlike Windows 11's Start menu. Overall, KDE is seen as a more flexible and feature-rich alternative to Windows 11.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Windows 11 insider builds have new File Explorer dark mode

Users of Windows 11 have experienced inconsistencies with dark mode, as some dialog boxes remain white despite the overall dark theme. A new beta feature in Windows 11 Insider Beta and Dev builds allows File Explorer dialog boxes to adopt a dark mode appearance, which was previously unavailable. This feature can be accessed by users on specific Insider builds (26120.5751 for Beta or 26200.5751 for Dev) released on August 15, 2025. To enable the dark mode dialog boxes, users must use ViveTool, a utility that unlocks hidden features, and execute specific commands after installing the Insider build. Although the dark mode dialog boxes are now available, some buttons within them may still appear in gray, indicating that Microsoft is still refining this aspect of the user interface. Other windows, such as the Run dialog box and Control Panel, still show inconsistencies in color schemes.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Google’s Calling Cards are rolling out now, and this is our first proper look!

Google has launched its Calling Cards feature in the Contacts and Phone apps, allowing users to create personalized profiles for their contacts. This feature, similar to Apple's Contact Posters, enables users to customize how their contacts appear to them rather than just self-customization. The Calling Cards feature is accessible in the Google Contacts app (version 4.61.28.792249534) without additional configuration and is being rolled out to select users. Users can create a Calling Card by selecting an image and choosing a font style and color for the contact's name. All Calling Cards sync across devices linked to the same Google account. The feature is also integrated into the Google Phone app (version 188.0.793710089-publicbeta-pixel2024) and is currently in beta testing, with plans for wider accessibility in the future.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Google Gemini will now learn from your chats—unless you tell it not to

Google has integrated its AI chatbot, Gemini, into its ecosystem and announced updates to enhance personalization. The new "Personal Context" feature allows Gemini to remember details from past interactions to improve response relevance, particularly for recommendations. This feature is distinct from the previous personalization approach that used search histories, which was discontinued due to user dissatisfaction. The Personal Context feature will initially be available with the Gemini 2.5 Pro model, but users in the EU, UK, and Switzerland will not have access. It is restricted to users aged 18 and older, with plans for future expansion and support for the Gemini 2.5 Flash model. Users can enable or disable the feature through the settings.