personalized touch Archives

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Microsoft’s Copilot Vision can now see and analyze your entire PC screen – not just what’s in Edge

Microsoft has integrated its Copilot Vision AI into the Copilot Windows app, currently available in the United States for Windows 10 and 11, with plans for expansion to additional non-European countries. This feature allows users to interact with items on their screens, providing assistance with files, applications, and on-screen content. Users can request analyses, summaries, or guidance on specific software features. Copilot Vision can connect multiple applications or files, helping users manage tasks like scheduling events. To use it, users access the Copilot Windows app, select items to share, and can ask questions about the shared content. The AI respects user privacy by only analyzing explicitly shared content.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

6 reasons OneCommander is my favorite free file manager for Windows, and it’s not even close

OneCommander is an alternative file management solution for Windows 11, featuring a modern and customizable user interface with various themes. It offers a dual-pane view for side-by-side folder management, tab management for quick access to multiple locations, and a sidebar for pinned locations and recent history. The application provides swift navigation, allowing folders to open instantly, and includes advanced file preview capabilities for various file types without needing to open them separately. OneCommander simplifies file creation with templates and includes a note-taking feature for organization. Its File Automator toolkit allows for bulk renaming of files using presets or custom RegEx rules.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

6 reasons I want Microsoft Plus back, even though I never had it growing up

Microsoft's evolution of Windows has included various enhancements and features over the years, originally exemplified by the Microsoft Plus! add-on package. Key features that could be included in a modern add-on pack are: - Ad-Free Experience: An option to eliminate advertisements from the Windows experience, addressing user frustration with prompts for subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Game Pass. - Engaging Games: The potential to reintroduce classic games or develop new titles that provide a more engaging gaming experience without microtransactions and ads. - Dynamic Desktop Themes: The ability to create dynamic themes with animated wallpapers and custom frames, allowing for more personalized desktop experiences. - DVD Playback and Codec Support: Inclusion of DVD playback functionality and enhanced codec support for modern formats like H.265 and AV1, along with a transcoding tool for media conversion. - Enhanced Video Editing: Development of a robust, native video editing application similar to Windows Live Movie Maker, with advanced features and support for 4K exports.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

TranslucentTB is the best free program I use to make Windows 11 look even better

Windows 11 has limited customization options for the taskbar compared to previous versions, leading to user dissatisfaction. TranslucentTB is a free application that allows users to customize the taskbar's transparency and color independently from other elements, offering various effects such as Mica and Acrylic. Users can eliminate the taskbar's border and adjust transparency levels for a personalized appearance. The app also enables different transparency effects and colors based on specific scenarios, such as when no windows are open or when the Start menu is accessed. TranslucentTB is available on the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Struggling to Meet Your Training Goals? A Fitness App Might Help Keep You on Track.

Future is a personalized coaching platform that connects users with certified fitness trainers, offering tailored weekly training programs based on individual goals. It provides real-time adaptability to training plans, allowing adjustments as users progress or face challenges. The platform includes features such as timers, video prompts for proper form, and exercise logging software, all integrated into one app for a streamlined fitness experience.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Hands-on: uBar is the macOS taskbar for those who can’t let go of Windows

uBar is an application designed for Mac users transitioning from Windows, providing a customizable taskbar experience that allows for better management of applications and windows compared to the traditional macOS dock. It presents each window separately, offers extensive customization options, includes a Windows-style Start menu for easy access to folders and applications, and features additional elements like a clock and volume indicator. However, users have reported issues such as the Finder app appearing on the taskbar despite settings to hide inactive applications, misaligned menu options when right-clicking, and closed windows remaining visible on the taskbar. A free trial is available for users interested in exploring uBar's capabilities.

AppWizard

December 8, 2024

If Gboard is the best Android keyboard, why do I like this alternative so much?

Gboard is a popular keyboard for Android users due to its integration with Google's ecosystem and features. HeliBoard is an alternative minimalist keyboard that focuses on privacy and simplicity. Transitioning to HeliBoard requires some customization, which may not appeal to all users. HeliBoard offers customizable aesthetics, three keyboard styles, and a dynamic color palette. It allows easy language switching but may lack dictionary support for some languages. HeliBoard prioritizes a streamlined experience, enhancing speed and efficiency by removing unnecessary features, although it supports basic functionalities like word suggestions and gesture typing, which need manual activation. HeliBoard does not collect usage data, ensuring user privacy, unlike Gboard. However, it may have bugs and issues that could frustrate users, making it less reliable for everyday use. Other alternatives to Gboard include Florisboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, FUTO Keyboard, and Unexpected Keyboard.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Windows 11 minor new features: advanced passkey manager, colourful Ctrl Alt Del UI, and more

Windows 11 is set to receive updates including an advanced passkey manager with a new "advanced options" page for better device management, synchronization of passkeys across compatible devices, and a "View passkey" dropdown menu for filtering passkeys. The Ctrl+Alt+Del screen will now reflect the user's chosen accent color. Additionally, a new keyboard shortcut, Ctrl + Alt + Minus, will allow users to toggle between zoom levels in the built-in magnifier, with broader rollout expected in early 2025.

AppWizard

November 9, 2024

Google Vids reaches ‘general access’ for AI video creation in Workspace

Google has rolled out its video creation application, Google Vids, to Workspace users, utilizing its AI model Gemini. The app includes features such as AI-generated voice-overs and tailored suggestions for multimedia content. Initially announced in April 2024, it has completed its testing phase and is now generally available. Key features include a "help me create" button, various templates for video projects, and a built-in recording studio. While accessible to select subscription plans, the "help me create" function and AI voice-overs will remain free until December 31, 2025, with potential limitations by 2026. The rollout includes various Workspace plans, and the complete rollout is expected to finish within 15 days.

AppWizard

September 2, 2024

The Best Android Apps of September 2024

- September 2024 introduces a lineup of Android applications aimed at enhancing the mobile experience. - File Navigator automates file organization based on file types, features an intuitive interface, and has powerful search functionality. - The Google Weather App features a modern design, a customizable 10-day forecast section, and provides accurate weather information. - Notes is an open-source note-taking app with a simple interface, supports list formats and image embedding, and offers password or biometric protection. - Paper EyeSee automates wallpaper changes at user-defined intervals and allows customization of wallpaper brightness and blur. - Bubbly displays bubble animations during charging and allows customization with emoji-style icons. - Data Backup simplifies app data backup and restoration, requires root access for full functionality, and has an improved design for usability. - Flow EQ is a 12-band equalizer with presets for audio customization, bass boost, and loudness enhancement, remembering settings for different output devices. - Volume Lock allows users to control and lock audio volume levels, preventing distortion and maintaining consistent audio across applications. - Screen Stream enables casting a phone screen to a computer, supporting local and global streaming modes for presentations and content sharing. - Calia offers guided breathing exercises with customizable presets, immersive design, and promotes relaxation and mindfulness.