real-time information Archives

Winsage

November 24, 2025

You won’t believe how much the Windows Start Menu has changed in 40 years — including THAT ill-fated departure with Windows 8

On November 20, 1985, Windows 1.0 was launched. Windows XP debuted in 2001 with a redesigned Start menu featuring a two-column layout. Windows Vista, released in 2007, integrated search functionality into the Start menu. Windows 7, launched in 2009, introduced "Jump Lists" and streamlined power options. Windows 8 replaced the Start menu with a full-screen Start screen in 2012, which was optimized for touch input. Windows 8.1 reintroduced the Start button but not the Start menu. Windows 10, released in 2015, brought back the Start menu with a customizable two-pane design and merged classic elements with Live Tiles. Windows 11, introduced in 2021, featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout. In November 2025, a Security Update introduced a new Start menu version that adapts to screen resolution, offering a larger layout divided into three sections: "Pinned," "Recommended," and "All," with options for user customization.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows 10 still has the best Start menu, so I brought it back for free

Windows 11's Start menu has received criticism from some users who believe it lacks the intuitiveness and customization of the Windows 10 Start menu. The Windows 10 Start menu was praised for its design, functionality, and features like Live Tiles, which allowed real-time information access and personalization options such as resizing and organizing tiles. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that enables users to customize the Windows 11 Start menu to resemble that of Windows 10, allowing for features like pinning apps and organizing the menu. Users can download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub and switch the Start menu style with ease. The tool also offers additional customization options, although it has some reported bugs.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet

In 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 to bridge traditional desktop environments and the tablet market, but it received a poor reception, leading to the release of Windows 8.1 a year later to address its shortcomings. Windows 8 aimed to compete with the iPad by transforming tablets into productivity tools. Windows 8.1 introduced features like on-demand OneDrive storage and the ability to snap apps side-by-side, marking a significant evolution in Windows. The concept of Windows RT for ARM processors faced challenges due to hardware limitations and underdeveloped applications but laid the groundwork for devices like the Microsoft Surface. The transition to touchscreen capabilities was revolutionary for users accustomed to older operating systems. The adaptation of the Windows Phone Metro UI for Windows 8 and 8.1 was innovative, despite criticism from traditional PC users. Windows 8.1 developed a dedicated fan base for its tile-based interface, leading to hopes for its return in future devices.

AppWizard

November 3, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Trudograd, Boxville 2, Where Shadows Slumber, more

9to5Toys is a platform that provides consumers with insights on the latest deals in technology and lifestyle products. They offer a homepage for news and updates, and users can follow them on social media for real-time information. The site features curated resources, including highlighted Apple deals and a daily podcast discussing trends and products. Additionally, they have a YouTube channel with product reviews, unboxings, and shopping tips.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

95% of Internet users already use messaging apps: the most universal digital habit

Over 94.5% of global internet users engage with chat applications monthly, making messaging the most prevalent digital activity. The top three motivations for online activity are searching for information (62.8%), staying in touch with friends and family (60.2%), and following news and events (55%). Messaging aligns with maintaining connections and accessing real-time information, resulting in a consistent engagement rate of around 95% among users. Young adults aged 25 to 34 have over 96% participation in messaging apps. As of February 2025, the most popular messaging apps are WhatsApp (over 2 billion monthly active users), WeChat (1.38 billion), Facebook Messenger (947 million), Snapchat (850 million), and QQ (562 million). WhatsApp had over 35 million downloads in August 2025, followed by Telegram (28 million) and Snapchat (27 million). In-app purchase revenue shows Snapchat leading with over 0 million per month, while Telegram and LINE generate approximately million each. Countries like Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa report nearly 100% monthly engagement with messaging platforms, while Mexico and Brazil surpass 98%. In the U.S., Facebook Messenger (60%) leads, followed by FaceTime, iMessage, and WhatsApp. WhatsApp had 3.24 billion unique mobile users by June 2025, with users in Indonesia and Brazil spending over 24 hours per month on the app. In emerging markets, it serves as a platform for video calls, news sharing, money transfers, and shopping. Trends in mobile messaging include 35.5% of internet users engaging in video calls, with Nigeria leading at 75%. Telegram has over 12 million premium subscribers, and digital communities like Discord are thriving. Microsoft Teams has 320 million daily active users, and Zoom remains significant for virtual meetings. In digital commerce, 32% of shoppers start their search on Google or other search engines, 29% on marketplaces, and 8% directly on social media, with Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok being key platforms for in-app shopping.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Google Wallet Gets Android 16 Live Updates Support

Google Wallet is introducing support for Live Updates powered by Android 16, allowing users to access real-time information about flight times, train boarding details, and event ticket statuses directly from their lock screens. This feature was noted in the release notes for Google Play Services v25.41. Live Updates provide continuous status updates at the top of the screen, similar to persistent notifications, and are applicable across various apps. Google Wallet will utilize Live Updates to display dynamic statuses for supported passes related to flights, trains, and events, such as gate changes and entry windows. The rollout of this feature is underway, and users can expect to receive Live Updates for Wallet passes as partners provide the necessary data feeds.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

Android 16 QPR1 made my Pixel 9 Pro feel just like a Pixel 10 Pro

The Android 16 QPR1 beta has attracted interest from users, including those who typically avoid beta software, due to its new features. The update introduces Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language, enhancing navigation and customization on devices like the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Key changes include a revamped, colorful Settings app that categorizes options, a new Wallpaper & style menu with Live effects for weather conditions, and a smaller At a Glance widget. The My Pixel app has also been updated with a support tab and tips. However, some features, such as the Pixel Journal, remain exclusive to newer models like the Pixel 10 Pro, and there are concerns about the availability of features like Magic Cue for older devices.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

The brilliant Windows 12 is everything Windows 11 isn’t – and the Microsoft OS we deserve

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as it approaches its end of life, but many users with older hardware are hesitant due to compatibility and performance concerns, leading to a decline in Windows 11's market share. Designer Abdi has created a concept for a future operating system called Brilliant Windows 12, which includes features such as Collectzone for grouping files, a Files Panel for recent and favorite files, a unified Control Panel and Settings, interactive Quick Settings, enhanced notifications, AI-integrated search, and customizable desktop widgets. A video showcasing Abdi's ideas is available for viewing.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Google might give At a Glance a Gemini makeover with extra smarts

Google is planning to develop its own version of Samsung’s Now Bar to enhance the At a Glance experience on Pixel devices. The upcoming Pixel 10 may feature a significant upgrade, potentially rebranded as Gemini Space, which could include live sports scores and financial market summaries on the lock screen. Initial hints of this feature were found in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, with a system configuration file labeled "Ambient Data" discovered in the firmware for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro. References to an "Ambience Hub" have also been found, suggesting a new way to present information on the lock screen. The Android System Intelligence app, which supports the At a Glance widget, has revealed mentions of Gemini Space and features like finance recaps and sports updates. These upgrades are expected to be incorporated into the Pixel Launcher’s At a Glance widget, although they remain speculative.