personalized news Archives

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Digital minimalist: 5 apps I recommend for a clutter-free experience

Many users are shifting towards a minimalist approach in app selection due to the overwhelming complexity of digital tools. Google Keep is regaining popularity for its straightforward design, allowing users to take notes without a steep learning curve and offering basic file management, reminders, and integration with Google Tasks. Niagara Launcher simplifies the user experience by displaying only the five most-used apps on the home screen, encouraging mindful usage and reducing distractions, while maintaining a monochrome theme for enhanced focus. Microsoft To Do balances simplicity and functionality in task management, allowing task creation, due dates, reminders, and custom lists without clutter or subscription fees. Simplenote is favored for long-form writing due to its distraction-free interface and built-in tagging system, making it easy to manage documents, and it is entirely free. Feedly requires initial setup to curate a personalized news feed but offers a clutter-free experience that focuses on user interests, with a free plan that provides ample features.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Microsoft won’t give up on Windows 11’s Widgets board as it gets another UI makeover

The Discover feed on the Widgets board in Windows 11 is being redesigned with rounded corners, multiple dashboards, and curated stories powered by Copilot. Users can customize or disable their Discover feed. This update will be part of the Windows 11 25H2 update. Widgets originated from Windows Vista's Gadgets in 2007, which included mini-apps like weather updates and calendars. Windows 11 reintroduced Widgets as a standalone feature in October 2021, though it has not been as popular as Gadgets. Copilot Discover, announced in June, aims to summarize content from trusted MSN publishers and is currently being tested in Insider builds. The new Widgets board will support multiple dashboards and feature a left-side navigation bar. User feedback on Widgets is mixed, with some finding the design outdated and cluttered. The effectiveness of the Copilot-curated widget will depend on the quality of news selected for users. The rollout of the new features will occur server-side and through updates to the Copilot app, with personalization options available in the Widgets settings.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

6 best reading apps for Android phones: Kindle, Readly, Libby, and more

The Kindle app is recognized as the best overall reading application in 2025, featuring a user-friendly interface, extensive library, and customization options. Libby connects with local library memberships, offering free access to e-books and audiobooks but has a challenging interface. Google Play Books provides a simple alternative for purchasing e-books and transitioning to audiobooks, though it has limited customization. Readly offers a subscription model for accessing a wide range of magazines and newspapers, including a one-month free trial. Google News delivers personalized news recommendations and allows users to follow specific outlets. Audible specializes in audiobooks with a vast library and a subscription model that includes one credit per month for purchases.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft publishes seven tips to get more from Windows 11

Microsoft has shared seven tips to enhance the user experience of Windows 11, which include personalizing the Start Menu, using Snap layouts for multitasking, creating multiple desktops for organization, utilizing widgets for updates, and employing Focus sessions for productivity. Windows Hello and Dark Mode are also recommended features. Despite these suggestions, Windows 11 is still struggling to gain widespread user enthusiasm and continues to lag behind Windows 10 in market share. Microsoft is set to discontinue free support for most versions of Windows 10 soon, which may motivate users to upgrade to Windows 11.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

The New Windows 11 24H2 Version Is Out, Here’s What’s Changed on Our Computers – Jason Deegan

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Version 24H2, featuring significant updates including: - Enhanced Energy Saver Mode that optimizes battery life for laptops by limiting background processes and reducing CPU usage. - Improved smartphone integration through the updated "Phone Link" app, allowing smartphones to be used as webcams and providing quick access to mobile app features from the desktop. - A more customizable Start menu, enabling users to pin applications to the taskbar and access Microsoft account information directly. - Noteworthy enhancements to File Explorer, including native support for 7zip and TAR formats, performance optimizations for ZIP file extraction, and improved navigation features. - A more user-friendly Quick Settings menu with easier scrolling, customizable arrangements, and a refresh button for Wi-Fi networks. - Support for HDR wallpapers, allowing the use of .JXR format images and automatic adjustments between HDR and SDR displays. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio, enhancing connectivity options and introducing features for hearing aid users. - Voice Clarity feature that reduces background noise during voice calls using AI technology. - New Copilot+ features, including voice interaction, personalized news summaries, enhanced AI capabilities for complex queries, smarter browsing in Edge, and improved memory function for sensitive data. Users can manually initiate the update by navigating to Settings > Update & Security if it does not prompt automatically.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Android Custom Lock Screen: How to Enhance Your Experience With Your Smartphone?

Nearly 97% of Americans own smartphones, engaging with them every 10 to 12 minutes. The default lock screen on Android devices features a background image, a clock, and basic unlocking options. The Android custom lock screen allows for dynamic displays, real-time news updates, sports scores, and weather updates. Benefits of the Android custom lock screen include personalization through AI, enhanced security, and aesthetic appeal. Popular customization options include clock style, wallpaper, shortcuts, notifications, and widgets. The Glance smart lock screen is a premium feature on devices from brands like Samsung and Xiaomi, offering real-time updates, privacy assurance, customizable content, AI-driven personalization, and interactive elements.

AppWizard

April 27, 2024

Here’s what Glance’s Android lockscreen actually does in the US, and how to turn it off [Gallery]

Glance, a company known for transforming Android lockscreens into personalized content hubs, has made its debut in the United States with a more subtle approach compared to its overseas version. The U.S. version of Glance offers personalized news and games on the lockscreen, with the option for users to customize their content feed. The feature can be easily disabled for those who prefer a traditional lockscreen.