phased rollout Archives

AppWizard

July 17, 2025

I tested the new Gemini app on my Galaxy Watch 8, and it’s close to excellent

Gemini has begun its phased rollout on Android watches equipped with Wear OS 4 and above. It offers improved natural language command recognition and tailored responses from Google's Search LLM, allowing users to interact seamlessly with Google and Samsung applications. Gemini can create Google Calendar reminders and YouTube Music playlists through voice commands. It provides specific examples in response to queries, such as suggesting foods rich in carotenoids, and can deliver concise answers to spontaneous inquiries. Gemini efficiently pulls data from Search and Maps for tasks like finding local theater showtimes and creating calendar entries. Users can select default applications for tasks, enhancing speed and functionality. Battery consumption is manageable, with only about 20% used during a full afternoon of heavy use. However, it occasionally misinterprets commands and could benefit from brevity in responses. A "View on phone" button and better recognition of speech completion would improve user experience. Support for the new One UI 8 Watch Tile format could enhance functionality further.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Microsoft Belatedly Delivers Windows 11 Preview Updates

The anticipated preview updates for Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2 were released two days later than expected, including an optional preview update for users. The cumulative update KB5060829 for Windows 11 version 24H2 upgrades the OS to build 26100.4484 and introduces several new features: - "Ask Copilot" action for users with a Copilot+ PC and Microsoft 365 license, allowing easy copying and pasting into the Copilot app. - A new landing and pairing page in the Windows Backup app for future PC migration, enabling file and settings transfer during setup. - A return of the small Taskbar option, allowing users to reduce Taskbar icon size. - Enhanced Narrator feature with a new Screen Curtain capability for privacy. - Settings homepage improvements for commercial customers. - Windows Share feature now includes a preview option and three compression levels for images. - EU compliance enhancements for customers in the EEA related to Digital Markets Act regulations. Optional cumulative updates 22621.5549 and 22631.5549 are available for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, respectively, including some of the new features.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Windows 11 update aims to fix game crashes for Nvidia GPUs

Microsoft has released its June 2025 security update for Windows 11, designated as KB5060999. This update addresses graphics and display-related issues, particularly within the Graphics Kernel, affecting users on Windows 11 version 24H2. It aims to resolve game freezing, memory leaks, and display glitches for users with Nvidia graphics cards. The update is being rolled out in phases due to a compatibility issue affecting a limited number of devices. It is fully functional for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2. Users can manually check for the update if it does not appear immediately in their settings.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Windows 11 version 25H2: Everything you need to know about Microsoft’s next OS release

Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 11 version 25H2, expected later this year. The update will likely follow a "phased rollout" strategy, meaning it may not be immediately available to all users upon official release. Upgrading to version 25H2 will reset the support clock, providing longer security and bug fix support compared to version 24H2 or earlier. Version 25H2 will build on the same platform as version 24H2, likely delivered as a smaller enablement package or cumulative update, facilitating a quicker installation process. The current platform, known as Germanium, will support both versions 24H2 and 25H2, with ongoing improvements expected through 2025. Anticipated features for version 25H2 include a revamped Start menu with greater customization options and an AI-powered assistant in the Settings app.