PIN Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

I tried Google’s hidden note-taking app that no one’s talking about, and you should too

Google's NotebookLM is a new note-taking tool that allows users to consolidate information from various sources, including Google Drive documents, articles, YouTube videos, PDF files, and MP3 audio clips, into a single organized notebook. It utilizes Google's language model, Gemini 1.5 Pro, to analyze extensive text and generate outputs like briefing documents and study guides without requiring a premium subscription. The app features a bulletin-board style layout for easy usability and includes a chat feature with inline citations. One of its standout features is the Audio Overviews, which transforms notes into a podcast format with human-like hosts discussing the content. NotebookLM is currently available as a cross-platform web app and has recently shed its "experimental" label, though it does not yet have a dedicated mobile application.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 in the Canary Channel, providing a unified experience and eliminating the previous dual-experience model. This build enhances the Prism emulator for Windows on Arm, allowing a wider range of 64-bit x86 applications to run, including support for additional CPU features. The update enables previously incompatible games and creative software to function on Arm devices. Key changes include the simplification of the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and updates to Task Manager and Settings. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various graphics and app-related bugs. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and desktop background display across multiple monitors. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 has been released to the Canary Channel. This build introduces enhanced support for 64-bit x86 applications in the Prism emulator, allowing previously incompatible applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro 25, to run on Arm devices. The virtual CPU for x64 emulated applications now supports various x86 instruction set architecture extensions, such as AVX and FMA. Changes include the simplification of the "All apps" section in the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, redesigned Task Manager dialogs, and the return of the detach virtual hard disk button. Fixes address issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various bugs affecting graphics and application stability. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for new Copilot+ PC users joining the Canary Channel and desktop background display problems across multiple monitors. Insiders are reminded that features in the Canary Channel may not be released and can change during development.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11’s biggest AI feature gets recalled yet again as we approach Windows 10’s demise

Microsoft has delayed the rollout of the Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs, shifting the expected launch to December, as confirmed on October 31st. The Super Resolution feature for the Photos app was announced on October 1st and made available to Insiders last week. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, offering an additional year of security updates for consumers and a more expensive Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for businesses. A redesigned Windows Hello experience has been introduced for Insiders in the Beta channel, featuring new icons and a streamlined design, though performance concerns remain regarding the speed of facial recognition sign-in. Managing passkeys has been made easier, but switching devices and creating different passkeys can still be complex for users.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

It blew my mind when I learned you can set up a laptop as a second monitor on Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to use their laptops as external displays for other computers by installing the Wireless Display app on both devices. To set it up, users must open Settings, navigate to Optional features, and check if Wireless Display is listed. If not, they can add it by clicking "View features," searching for Wireless Display, and following the prompts. To connect, users should open the Wireless Display app on the laptop, then use the "Cast" feature on the other computer to select the laptop. Troubleshooting steps include checking for Miracast support, adjusting power settings, and ensuring both devices are on the same network.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

How to use Windows 11 Volume Shadow Copy for backing up files

Windows 11 includes a feature called Shadow Copy, which allows users to create backups of files and maintain a history of previous versions. To set up Shadow Copy, users must use Task Scheduler to automate backups. The process involves creating a new task, configuring triggers and actions, and ensuring specific settings are enabled. Backed-up files are stored in a hidden folder and can be accessed through the Previous Versions feature in File Explorer. Users can also utilize System Restore and File History for additional backup options. Shadow Copy has been part of Windows for over two decades and is designed to protect against accidental deletions or modifications, but not against hardware failures or theft.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2024 winners

Windows serves as an open platform for a diverse ecosystem of applications, with contributions from solo developers and large enterprises. The Microsoft Store is the primary destination for users to explore these applications. The winners of the 2024 Microsoft Store Awards are as follows: - AI category: djay Pro by Algoriddim - Lifestyle category: Diarium Journal & Diary by T. Parti - Personal Finance category: TradingView by TradingView, Inc. - Business category: Gamma by Gamma - Education category: Typing Land by higopage - Productivity category: Todoist: To-Do List & Planner by Doist Inc. - Music category: Apple Music by Apple Inc. - Health & Fitness category: F.lux by F.lux Software LLC - Medical category: Complete Anatomy 2024 by 3D4Medical - Developer Tools category: oh-my posh by jandedobbeleer - Social category: Pinterest by Pinterest Inc. - Creativity category: Adobe Express by Adobe - Game category: Asphalt Legends Unite by Gameloft - Rising Star category: Endel Music: Focus, Sleep, Relax by Endel Sound Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store. The list is subject to final confirmation by the winners.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

How to create Private Space for your apps on Pixel

Android 15 introduces the 'Private Space' feature, which functions as a digital vault for securely locking sensitive applications and data within a separate sandbox. Users can create a second instance of any app, protected by a distinct locking mechanism, separate from the primary screen lock. To set up Private Space on a compatible Pixel 9 device, users must navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > Private space, authenticate with their screen lock, and complete the setup process. Once established, Private Space appears in the app drawer, allowing users to manage installed apps and customize settings. Applications and data within Private Space are isolated from regular apps. The Google Pixel 9 is highlighted for its premium design, performance, and commitment to seven years of OS and security updates.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft halts Windows 11 24H2 update citing compatibility issues

Microsoft has postponed the rollout of its Windows 11 24H2 update due to incompatibility issues. Users are advised not to force the update as it may lead to bugs, crashes, performance degradation, freezes, and blue screens of death (BSOD). Safeguard holds have been implemented to prevent affected devices from receiving the update. Known issues include: - Asus X415KA and X515KA laptops experiencing blue screens, with updates paused until Asus releases a fix. - Voicemeeter audio management application causing blue screens; users can remove it or wait for an update. - Older versions of the Safe Exam browser are affected but can be fixed with a straightforward update. - Easy Anti-Cheat may cause blue screens for users with Intel Alder Lake processors and outdated drivers; updating is recommended. - Fingerprint sensors on certain devices may become unresponsive after being locked, with a firmware update expected to resolve the issue. - Wallpaper customization apps may lead to missing wallpapers and crashes; users should update these apps. - Intel Smart Sound Technology driver issues can cause blue screens, but only older versions are affected; updating is advised. - Asphalt 8 (Airborne) may freeze with the update; users can uninstall it to proceed or wait for a fix. - New Z890 motherboards are experiencing conflicts with the update, causing crashes and reboots due to issues between dedicated and integrated GPUs; users may need to disable integrated graphics in BIOS as a workaround. The situation raises questions about accountability and affects the reputation of Windows 11, with hopes for improvements by 2025.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Having trouble with external Windows Hello hardware? Here’s what you need to do

Windows Hello utilizes biometric data for sign-in, requiring compatible hardware like USB fingerprint readers or infrared webcams for desktop users. Users may face detection issues with external devices if Enhanced sign-in security is enabled by default in Windows 11 version 24H2. To enable external devices, users must disable Enhanced sign-in security through the Settings app by navigating to Accounts, selecting Sign-in options, and toggling the relevant setting. After restarting, users can set up Windows Hello by choosing either facial or fingerprint recognition in the Settings app. Compatible devices include the Kensington VeriMark USB Fingerprint Key and the Logitech Brio 4K webcam, both supporting Windows Hello functionality.