quick settings Archives

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

How to completely customize your Android Quick Settings panel

Power Shade and Mi Control Center are two applications that enhance the Quick Settings panel on Android devices through extensive customization options. Power Shade allows users to tailor their Quick Settings interface with a user-friendly design, while Mi Control Center offers a unique layout that enhances functionality and creativity. Both applications cater to the trend of personalization in the Android ecosystem.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft slams the brakes on its new Windows 11 update after it caused some PCs to crash and broke webcams

Microsoft has paused the deployment of the Windows 11 update 24H2 for specific hardware configurations due to technical challenges. PCs with Intel Z890 motherboards are significantly affected, experiencing issues such as reboot cycles and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Similar problems have been reported with motherboards from MSI and Gigabyte. Users have found a temporary workaround by disabling integrated graphics in BIOS settings. ASUS laptop models X415KA and X515KA also face BSOD errors post-update, and users of the Voicemeeter application report crashes. Devices with integrated cameras have malfunctioned, affecting features like object and face detection. Microsoft advises against manually installing the update on blocked devices. For successful installations, the update includes enhancements like a new Copilot AI assistant, support for 7z and TAR compression in File Explorer, improved security features, and system-wide support for Wi-Fi 7.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which includes improvements to the update installation process, resulting in a 45.6% faster installation, 39.7% quicker restart times, and a 15.3% decrease in CPU consumption compared to version 22H2. Key enhancements include parallel processing of component manifests, optimized reading and parsing of component manifests, and scalable use of available RAM. Traditional feature updates are now approximately 200 MB smaller due to certain inbox applications being updated through the Microsoft Store. Notable features in the update include: - Integration of Phone Link with the Start menu. - Simplified layout for the taskbar system tray. - Revamped Quick Settings for improved speed and customization. - Windows Spotlight image as the default wallpaper. - Animated taskbar app preview thumbnails. - Support for HDR images as desktop wallpapers. File Explorer updates include: - Updated home tab layout with shared documents. - Ability to duplicate tabs via right-click. - Enhanced context menu layout. - Support for .7z and .TAR archive formats. - Direct viewing of Android phone file systems. New apps and features include: - A new Outlook app for email, calendar, and contacts. - Updated Copilot as a standalone web application. - AI features in Photos for generative erase and background editing. - A new Recall app for information retrieval using AI. - Paint with generative AI capabilities. Settings updates include: - Windows Update with checkpoints and hot patching. - Voice Clarity using AI to eliminate background noise. - Simultaneous configuration of power settings. - A new Energy Saver mode. - Configurable mouse scroll wheel direction. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 hardware. - A new PRISM emulation layer for x86 apps on Arm devices. - Enhanced performance for Arm-based devices. - AutoSR using AI to improve gaming performance. - Live Captions translating languages into English in real-time. - Advanced Windows Studio Effects for webcam enhancement.

AppWizard

October 27, 2024

Samsung’s Android 15 update gets an up-close reveal in this One UI 7 hands-on video

One UI 7 features updated icons and widgets, smoother animations, a split Quick Settings and Notification Panel, a new charging animation, intuitive gestures for brightness and Dark Mode, a dedicated notifications panel, and a redesigned Camera app for easier one-handed use. A hands-on video showcases these features on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and while a beta release has not been officially announced, it is anticipated for 2025 as Samsung prepares Android 15 for its devices.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2200 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2200 (KB5044376) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - Windows Studio Effects: Enhances camera and audio experience using AI technology on devices with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). A new icon appears in the system tray for easy access when using compatible applications. - Dynamic Lighting: The settings page now shows a placeholder message when no compatible devices are detected, and new directional options have been added to Wave and Gradient effects. - Start Menu Fix: Resolved an issue where clicking on a letter in the All apps list disrupted functionality. - Taskbar Fix: Fixed a crash issue related to explorer.exe when hovering over specific applications. - Settings Fix: Addressed a bug causing a blank entry in the Privacy & Security section that crashed the Settings app. - Input Fix: Updated the mouse pointer location feature to be DPI-aware for better performance on high DPI monitors. - Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist: Expanded the list of drivers vulnerable to BYOVD attacks. - HTML Applications Support: HTA optional components are now supported in ARM64 Windows PE. - Live Kernel Debug Files: Resolved unnecessary creation of live kernel debug files. - User Interface Fixes: Fixed visibility issues in the UI for certain applications. - Winlogon Fix: Addressed a stop error during system shutdown. - sfc /scannow Command Fix: Fixed recurring errors with this command. - Windows Disk Cleanup App: Improved accuracy of free space estimates. Known issues include unexpected spacing in the Start menu and accessibility problems with Dev Drives in WSL, for which a fix is underway. Insiders in the Dev Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features are gradually rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology. Users are encouraged to report localization issues via the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

Microsoft Drops New Windows 11 Builds on the Dev and Beta Channels

Microsoft has released two new Insider builds for Windows 11 for testers on the Dev and Beta Channels. The Dev build 26120.2200 introduces a new icon in the system tray for applications using Windows Studio Effects, allowing users to access the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings. It also enhances the Dynamic Lighting feature with new directional options for the Wave and Gradient effects. The Beta build 22635.4435 includes similar Dynamic Lighting updates and reinstates the ability to configure the Copilot key to launch applications other than Copilot itself. These updates will be rolled out gradually to Insiders.

AppWizard

October 25, 2024

Android app permissions explained and how to use them

Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, users have control over app permissions, allowing them to manage what information and features apps can access. Android app permissions determine an application's access to device functionalities, such as reading SMS messages, using the camera, or accessing location data. Users must approve permission requests through on-screen prompts when launching an app for the first time. Permissions can be modified later through the Apps menu, where users can see which permissions have been granted or denied. Permissions include access to body sensors, calendar events, call logs, camera, contacts, files and media, location, microphone, nearby devices, notifications, phone information, physical activity logs, and SMS. Users can also check permissions by type in the Privacy tab of the Settings menu, allowing them to see how many apps have requested each permission. It is advisable to deny unnecessary permissions, especially for apps that request access that does not align with their functionality. Android 12 introduced features for enhanced transparency, allowing users to disable camera and microphone permissions for all apps and receive notifications when these features are accessed. The Privacy Dashboard provides insights into app permissions used over the past 24 hours. Android 13 added a photo picker feature for sharing specific media without granting full file system access.

AppWizard

October 19, 2024

I just updated to Android 15: Here are 9 features you should check out

Android 15 was launched alongside Google's latest flagship smartphones, introducing several new features. Key enhancements include: - One-tap Passkey: Simplifies login to Passkey-enabled accounts with a single tap. - Manually Enable Astrophotography: Users can now manually activate Astrophotography mode for better night sky photography. - Home Controls on the Lock Screen: Provides easy access to Google Home toggles and customizable smart home management. - Pin the Taskbar: Allows users of tablets and foldable phones to pin the Taskbar for improved multitasking. - Go from the Big Screen to the Small Screen: Enables seamless transitions between the inner and cover screens of foldable devices. - Keeping Apps Together: Introduces App Pairs for running two apps side-by-side and saving app combinations. - More Gemini Improvements: Enhances integration between apps, allowing questions about items in the Pixel Screenshots app. - Quickly Switch Between Bluetooth Devices: Updates Quick Settings for easier selection of Bluetooth devices.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

The New Windows 11 24H2 Version Is Out, Here’s What’s Changed on Our Computers – Jason Deegan

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Version 24H2, featuring significant updates including: - Enhanced Energy Saver Mode that optimizes battery life for laptops by limiting background processes and reducing CPU usage. - Improved smartphone integration through the updated "Phone Link" app, allowing smartphones to be used as webcams and providing quick access to mobile app features from the desktop. - A more customizable Start menu, enabling users to pin applications to the taskbar and access Microsoft account information directly. - Noteworthy enhancements to File Explorer, including native support for 7zip and TAR formats, performance optimizations for ZIP file extraction, and improved navigation features. - A more user-friendly Quick Settings menu with easier scrolling, customizable arrangements, and a refresh button for Wi-Fi networks. - Support for HDR wallpapers, allowing the use of .JXR format images and automatic adjustments between HDR and SDR displays. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio, enhancing connectivity options and introducing features for hearing aid users. - Voice Clarity feature that reduces background noise during voice calls using AI technology. - New Copilot+ features, including voice interaction, personalized news summaries, enhanced AI capabilities for complex queries, smarter browsing in Edge, and improved memory function for sensitive data. Users can manually initiate the update by navigating to Settings > Update & Security if it does not prompt automatically.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android fans must learn to ‘screen lock’ apps so nosy pals can’t snoop on pics

App pinning is a feature on Android devices that allows users to restrict access to their phone while sharing the screen with others. It can be found in the Settings app under Security > Advanced > App Pinning. Once enabled, users can pin an app's screen, preventing others from accessing other applications unless they enter the user's passcode. To pin an app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold, then tap the app's icon and select Pin. Unpinning can be done through various navigation methods depending on the device's settings. Additionally, Android offers Guest Mode, which creates a separate profile for temporary users, allowing them to use the device without accessing the owner's private information.