project Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

8 classic Windows features you can bring back with free tools

Windows 11 has introduced a range of tools and solutions to help users restore familiar features from previous versions of Windows. 1. GadgetPack: Revives Gadgets from Windows Vista for Windows 10 and 11, modernizing them with new functionalities like clipboard history, battery meters, and multi-core CPU monitors. 2. Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC): An alternative to the classic Windows Media Player, offering robust support for modern file formats and additional features. 3. OpenShell: A tool that restores the classic Start menu experience, allowing customization to resemble styles from Windows 95, XP, or Vista. 4. ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionality, including resizing and moving options, and reverts File Explorer to earlier command bars and context menus. 5. Task Switcher Options: ExplorerPatcher also allows users to customize the task switcher to resemble earlier Windows versions, including simplified views. 6. WinAero Tweaker: Provides a theme that evokes the Aero style of Windows 7, enhancing the nostalgic aesthetic. 7. Windows Photo Viewer: Can be re-enabled through a registry tweak, allowing users to access the familiar image viewing experience without additional software.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Google just gave us our first look at what Samsung XR headset apps might look like

Samsung's XR headset, known as Project Moohan, will debut within the next year and is powered by the Snapdragon XR Plus Gen 2 chip. The Android XR developer blog features a six-second video showing app windows layered over real-world environments. Android XR has two modes: Home Space, which allows multitasking with multiple app windows, and Full Space, which offers a single window experience against a virtual backdrop. Home Space is the default view, with a toggle to switch between modes. Samsung's app windows are expected to reflect the aesthetic of One UI. Android XR will support various input methods, including hand and eye tracking, voice commands, keyboard and mouse, and dedicated controllers. CES 2025, starting January 7, will provide more information about the headset's features and capabilities.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Amid a tidal wave of new games in 2024, these 10 must-play deep cuts are cheap and will run on almost anything

Many gamers are facing a growing backlog of titles as they enter the new year. Instead of returning to popular games like The Witcher 3 or Persona 5, players are encouraged to explore quirky indie games that offer depth and creativity, are budget-friendly, and suitable for short gaming sessions. Eight standout indie games from the past year and two late entries from 2023 include: 1. Felvidek: Set in the Slovak highlands, featuring a disgraced protagonist investigating supernatural occurrences with a priest, utilizing sepia-toned visuals and retro turn-based combat. 2. Skald: Against the Black Priory: A DOS RPG-inspired game with pixel art and a rich soundtrack, offering modern hardcore CRPG mechanics. 3. Dread Delusion: A low-fi RPG with immersive world-building and exploration, captivating players since early access. 4. Anger Foot: An arcade FPS priced at , combining fast-paced action and humor, reminiscent of "Hotline Miami." 5. Judero: An action-adventure game with a druid protagonist in a whimsical claymation world, featuring surreal dialogues. 6. Mouthwashing: A claustrophobic narrative set on a marooned spaceship, known for its nonlinear storytelling and haunting atmosphere. 7. Straftat: A 1v1 FPS that combines classic map design with humor, serving as a contrast to live service games. 8. The Black Parade: An unofficial expansion for Thief Gold, featuring ten expansive missions that highlight immersive sim design. These indie titles offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream gaming, allowing players to enjoy unique narratives and innovative gameplay.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Most Useful 8 Android Apps for Architects

Mobile technology is increasingly important in architecture, providing architects with applications that enhance design capabilities, streamline project management, and facilitate collaboration. Key Android apps for architects include: - AutoCAD Mobile: Allows viewing, creating, and editing DWG files on mobile devices, enabling real-time adjustments to designs. - SketchUp Viewer: Offers augmented reality features for presenting 3D models in the field, improving client interactions. - Sketchbook: A digital drawing tool for quick concept sketches, supporting easy sharing of ideas. - Construction Master Pro Calculator: Simplifies complex calculations for accurate measurements and layout dimensions. - RoomScan Pro: Uses augmented reality for quick room measurements and floor plan creation. - BIMx: Provides an interactive 3D model interface for exploring Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects. - MagicPlan: Allows creation of detailed floor plans and project management directly from mobile devices. - Timely: A time-tracking app that logs productivity across projects and helps create project-specific timelines. These applications enhance architectural workflows and promote collaboration in a mobile environment.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer

A Copilot+ PC is not required to access many AI features in Windows 11; older laptops that run Windows 11 can still utilize various AI-driven tools. The Photos app includes AI enhancements such as the Background tool, which allows users to blur, remove, or replace backgrounds in images. The Generative Erase function in Photos enables users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Microsoft Clipchamp offers an Auto Compose feature for quick video editing, allowing users to create videos with AI assistance. Microsoft's Copilot has become a standalone app, enabling window movement and custom keyboard shortcuts, and integrates advanced language models to assist with various tasks across Microsoft applications.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Minecraft fan creates fascinating animation of a walking redstone T-Rex

User u/MythicalPingu released a 1:20 minute redstone T-Rex animation on Reddit, showcasing a T-Rex made from redstone components that walks and dispenses TNT. The video features dynamic camera angles and has gained popularity, with users expressing admiration and requesting tutorials. Another user noted the T-Rex's resemblance to the Thunderjaw from Horizon Zero Dawn, although u/MythicalPingu was unfamiliar with the game. Other notable Minecraft creations mentioned include Grazzy's three-year project recreating the entire map of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a replica of the Tower of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings, and a detailed construction of Notre-Dame de Laeken in Brussels.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Tips for finding inspiration for your next Minecraft project

Minecraft players can find inspiration for building projects by exploring creations on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Pinterest. Popular media, such as movies and TV shows, can also provide ideas, as seen in the recreation of the Shiganshina District from Attack on Titan. To start a project, players should select a captivating scene or structure and analyze its features, focusing on shape and scale. Planning the design, experimenting with building materials, and paying attention to detail, such as incorporating windows and lighting, can enhance builds. Landscaping elements like hills and gardens can create a cohesive environment. While drawing inspiration from others is helpful, developing a unique style is important for originality.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

All colors of wood in Minecraft

Mojang has introduced various wood types in Minecraft, each with distinct colors and characteristics: 1. Oak - Light brown; found in plains and flower forests. 2. Spruce - Brown; thrives in snowy taigas and old-growth taigas. 3. Birch - Cream; commonly found in birch forests and meadows. 4. Jungle - Orangish brown; primarily found in jungle biomes. 5. Acacia - Orange; grows in savannah biomes. 6. Dark Oak - Dark brown; found exclusively in the Dark Forest biome. 7. Mangrove - Red; introduced in the 1.19 Wild Update, native to the Mangrove Swamp biome. 8. Cherry Blossom - Light pink; added in the 1.20 Trails and Tales update, exclusive to the Cherry Grove biome. 9. Crimson Fungus - Raspberry; found in the Crimson Forest biome in the Nether. 10. Warped Fungus - Cyan; thrives in the Warped Forest biome in the Nether. 11. Pale Oak - White; introduced in the 1.21.4 The Garden Awakens Drop, found in the new Pale Garden biome.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

I’m still reeling from the knowledge that the Windows 10 desktop background is a real photo and not CGI

The iconic Windows 10 desktop background, featuring a blue light from a suspended Windows logo, was created through a collaboration between Microsoft and artist GMUNK. The design process involved using colored lasers and various light sources directed through a glass Windows logo suspended by wires, with billowing volumetric smoke to enhance the visual effect. This was captured using a high-speed camera, resulting in the final image. GMUNK has documented the project on his website, and a YouTube video showcasing the motion of the piece has been available for nearly a decade.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Mythbusters: Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm

Advantech's infographic addresses myths about Microsoft Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, distinguishing it from Windows Home or Professional editions. Myths about the operating system include: 1. Windows on Arm consumes significant power and resources, leading to poor performance. 2. The image size of Windows on Arm is greater than or equal to that of Windows on x86. 3. Desktop mode is unavailable on Windows on Arm. 4. Windows on Arm is a stripped-down version of Windows. 5. Arm architecture may face limitations with complex tasks. 6. All Windows devices are power-hungry, and switching to Arm offers no improvement. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC typically occupies about 6GB of storage, with a minimum requirement of 16GB. - Desktop mode is available on Windows on Arm. - Windows on Arm retains core functionalities, though some hardware drivers may have compatibility issues. - Arm processors are generally more efficient than x86 counterparts. Myths regarding applications and workload include: 7. Windows on Arm exclusively supports Arm64 applications. 8. Multimedia applications perform poorly on Windows on Arm devices. 9. Windows Copilot can be extended to all versions of Windows running on Arm. Key facts include: - An emulation system allows x86 applications to run on Arm hardware. - Multimedia performance depends on hardware acceleration, which is supported by major SoC manufacturers. - Cloud-based services like Windows Copilot operate effectively on Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, but on-device Copilot+ requires specific hardware capabilities. Myths about licensing and development include: 10. The Windows license fee for x86 is expensive, and the fee for Windows on Arm is similarly high. 11. Windows on Arm has limited support for certain Windows frameworks. 12. Development and debugging on Windows for Arm architecture present challenges requiring extended transition periods. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC is priced between 0 and 0, offering a decade of security updates. - Transitioning from x86 to Arm for application development is streamlined, with common programming languages and frameworks remaining compatible. Tools like Visual Studio facilitate the development process.