power status Archives

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft opens Windows Update to third-party apps

Microsoft has introduced a Windows Update orchestration platform to enhance the update experience for app developers and management tool vendors by centralizing update scheduling across Windows 11 devices. A select group of developers will have access to this framework, which allows applications to register their own update logic through WinRT APIs and PowerShell, enabling centralized scheduling, logging, and policy enforcement. The platform supports MSIX/APPX and Win32 apps that use designated APIs and commands, and is currently available as a private preview. Additionally, Microsoft has launched Windows Backup for Organizations, now in limited public preview, designed to back up Windows 10 and 11 devices while preserving user settings. This service is intended to facilitate system migrations and provide a safeguard against malware or ransomware. Specific requirements for participation include having a supported version of Windows and being enrolled in certain Microsoft programs.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows to update all software on your PC

Microsoft has introduced an update orchestration platform to improve the Windows Update infrastructure, streamlining the updating process for applications, drivers, and system components. Developers and IT teams can onboard updates using Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs or PowerShell commands and can join the private preview by contacting unifiedorchestrator@service.microsoft.com. The platform includes an update scan tool that manages downloads and installations based on user activity, power status, and network conditions, while also handling restart requirements and notification deadlines. It is currently in private preview for developers creating apps or management tools for updates, supporting applications packaged as MSIX, APPX, or Win32 installers. The platform offers a consistent notification experience and centralized app update history within the Settings app, and it works alongside Microsoft's Winget package manager and third-party tools like Chocolatey and Scoop.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Dragonfly Energy’s Battle Born mobile app available for android users

Android users can now monitor and manage their Battle Born smart battery systems wirelessly through the Battle Born Mobile App, available on the Google Play Store. Developed by Dragonfly Energy Holdings, the app is compatible with batteries utilizing the company's proprietary smart battery technology, Dragonfly IntelLigence. Key features include real-time data access, system alerts for performance notifications, historical performance insights for usage pattern analysis, and diagnostic tools for troubleshooting.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

5 new Windows 11 features should hit your PC soon

Microsoft has released Build 26100.3321 to the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11, introducing several new features: - A color-coded battery icon with a percentage indicator has been added to the Taskbar to help users manage battery life. - Users can now turn off or snooze backup reminders in File Explorer. - Windows Spotlight has improved visibility for the "Learn more about this picture" icon and includes a "Like" button for content curation. - A taskbar sharing feature allows users to share files directly from applications using a right-click option. - The Narrator's updated scan mode includes new commands for more efficient text navigation. These features will be rolled out gradually, with some expected to reach the general public soon.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

7 Android widgets to make your phone or tablet more useful

Widgets on Android devices enhance the home screen by providing quick access to information and functionalities from apps. - Google Calendar: Allows users to view the entire month or daily events, with easy event addition through a + button. Separate widgets are needed for multiple calendars. - Email Widget: Displays incoming messages and enables quick email composition. It can be used with Gmail or other email apps like Thunderbird. - Keep Notes: Offers options for scrolling through existing notes or quickly creating new notes via text, voice, or images. Widget size can be adjusted for tablets or phones. - Arc Search: Enables users to initiate searches directly through Arc Search instead of the Google search bar. - Battery Widget: Provides real-time updates on charge levels for connected devices, including smartwatches and headphones. - Pixel Weather: Exclusive to Pixel devices, it presents weather information in an accessible format, allowing quick checks without switching apps. - Spotify: Grants access to playlists and current tracks, allowing users to launch playlists and control playback easily. To add a widget, long-press on a blank area of the home screen, select Widgets, browse for the desired widget, and drag it onto the screen. Widgets can be resized and repositioned.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Windows 11 battery indicator revamp delivers color coding and more pixels

Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned battery indicator that features a more vibrant color palette and improved pixelation for better clarity. The new icons, available in Insider build 26120.2510, will glow orange when energy saver mode is activated and shift to green while charging. This update addresses criticisms of the existing monochromatic and small battery icon, aiming to provide a more intuitive representation of battery status. Users can access the new icons by using the ViVeTool app and following specific command line instructions. Feedback on the redesign has been positive, with about 75% of survey respondents favoring the new battery indicator.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Microsoft brings big change to Windows 11’s battery indicator making it even more useful

The battery indicator in Windows 11 will soon feature a dynamic color-changing design, displaying a green icon while charging and an orange icon when battery saver mode is activated. This enhancement is currently exclusive to the Dev build and can be accessed through a utility like ViVeTool. The feature was discovered by a user named Phantom of Earth, and instructions for activation include specific commands for enabling the updated battery icon and section labels for the battery usage graph. The timeline for broader rollout beyond the Dev build is currently uncertain.