recorder Archives

Winsage

June 6, 2025

This app has been shipping with Windows for decades, and it needs to go away

The Character Map is a tool in Windows designed to help users access uncommon characters and symbols not available on the keyboard. However, it is considered convoluted and unnecessary due to its complicated access process and cumbersome selection method. Microsoft has introduced a more efficient emoji keyboard in Windows 11, which allows users to quickly select symbols by pressing Windows + . (period) and is more user-friendly than the Character Map. The emoji panel saves the last twelve used symbols for easy access. It is suggested that the Character Map would be better suited as a feature within Microsoft Office, where symbol selection is more relevant. The Character Map is viewed as one of several outdated features in Windows 11 that may need removal to improve the user experience.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

One UI 8 finally expands support for an Android 15 feature sorely missed on One UI 7

The latest beta version of One UI 8 for the Galaxy S25 series introduces support for Android 15’s predictive back gesture in various Samsung applications, including Clock, Calculator, Weather, Settings, Voice Recorder, and Contacts, which was not available in One UI 7. However, it remains unavailable in some apps like Calendar and Reminders. The update also improves access to the predictive back animations toggle in the Developer Options menu. Users must disable the One Hand Operation+ Good Lock module and enable gesture navigation to use the expanded predictive back gesture. Google plans to extend predictive back support to three-button navigation in Android 16.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Samsung’s Galaxy apps now work on non-Galaxy Windows computers

Samsung has expanded the availability of its applications, previously exclusive to Galaxy laptops, to non-Galaxy Windows devices. Users can now download apps such as Galaxy Notes, Gallery, and Cloud from the Microsoft Store. Some applications require a Samsung Account for full functionality, and Galaxy Notes has been optimized for Galaxy Books, which may affect performance on other devices. The available applications include Galaxy Notes, Cloud, Gallery, Screen Recorder, Galaxy Buds, Bixby, Samsung Studio, and Phone.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

This week, the optional update for Windows 11 introduces the Recall AI feature for Copilot+ PCs, set to roll out to all Copilot+ devices next month alongside a cumulative security update. New apps include: - Crapfixer: An open-source Windows tweaker that simplifies system settings analysis and application of recommended tweaks. - PhotoDemon: A free, open-source photo editor with over 200 tools, supporting various image formats and offering features like macro recording and batch processing. - Winhance 4: A system optimization software for Windows 10 and 11 that enhances performance by removing unwanted apps and providing customization options, with the ability to save configurations for multiple PCs.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Get HyperOS 2 Android 16 Beta 2 apps today on any Xiaomi device

Xiaomi has released system apps from the HyperOS 2 Beta 16 Android build, allowing users to enhance their devices without flashing the entire beta ROM. The updated applications include: Productivity Apps: - Note (v1.2.6.8) - Premium note-taking features. - Calculator (v15.3.4) - Smarter calculation functions. - Calendar (v16.0.20.10) - Improved scheduling and reminders. - File Explorer (v7.0.4.7) - Efficient file management. Media & Entertainment: - Browser (v19.1.90312) - Enhanced web surfing speed and protection. - Media Editor (v1.8.10.16) - Advanced photo and video editing capabilities. - Gallery (v25100112) - AI photo organization. - Screen Recorder (v2.14.2.4.1) - Smooth screen recording. System Utilities: - Theme Store (v18.0) - Access to new themes for HyperOS 2. - System Updater (v8.8.9) - Improved update process. - Weather (v16.0.5.8) - More accurate forecasting. - Mirror (v17.00.01) - Low-latency screen casting. - Sound Recorder (v6.2.5) - High-quality recordings with noise reduction. - Mi Share (v3.7.1) - Quicker file sharing between devices. - Quick Search (v10.12.1.03137) - Enhanced search functionality. - Always-on Display (RELEASE-2228.3.0.0) - New designs for the feature. - Security Center (v10.7.3-250325.0.1) - Strengthened device protection. - Mi Wallpaper (v4.4.4.1-ALPHA) - Dynamic wallpapers. - MIUI Home Launcher (RELEASE-5.39.31.10941) - Refined home screen experience. - Package Installer (v5.3.3.0.0) - Safer app installation process. To install these apps, users must download the APKs, enable "Install from Unknown Sources," install each APK individually, and restart the device. Each application has been optimized for performance with reasonable file sizes.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

7 alternatives to built-in Windows tools that will blow you away

- Process Lasso is a powerful alternative to Task Manager, offering features like dynamic CPU adjustments and SmartTrim memory management. - Notepad++ is a text editor that supports multiple programming languages, syntax highlighting, and includes macros and plugins. - 7-Zip is a file compression tool that handles various formats and allows users to split, merge, and encrypt files. - Everything is a search tool that quickly finds files and folders, scanning both names and document contents. - Audacity is a multitrack digital audio workstation for recording audio, supporting various formats and real-time effects. - Flow Launcher allows users to launch files, folders, applications, and websites without using the Start menu. - VLC Media Player plays a wide range of audio and video file formats and offers features like file conversion and live stream recording.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft kills a handy Windows 11 feature that allowed quick calls or event creation

Microsoft has deprecated the "Suggested actions" feature in Windows 11, which was introduced in May 2022 as part of build 25115. This feature allowed Windows 11 to recognize phone numbers and dates to provide shortcuts for tasks like making calls or scheduling events. Microsoft announced that "Suggested actions" will be removed in a future update, although a specific timeline for this removal is not provided. Other recently deprecated features include Android app support, Paint 3D, Windows Speech Recognition, the Tips app, Steps Recorder, and WordPad.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Steam’s background recording feature is the new gold standard of game clipping

Steam's Game Recording feature allows players to capture high-quality video of the last few minutes of gameplay in the background. Since its beta launch, it has been used frequently due to its efficient file sizes, which are significantly smaller compared to recordings made with Nvidia Shadowplay. For example, a five-minute clip recorded with Shadowplay is 1.78GB, while Steam's equivalent maintains impressive visual fidelity with reduced storage needs. Steam's audio recording captures only the game's audio by default, avoiding background noise from other sources, which simplifies the sharing process. However, the exported clips may not match the quality of Shadowplay or OBS, and turning off background recording requires multiple clicks. The tool is limited to games launched through Steam, and some bugs persist despite updates. In comparison, Medal, another DVR app, offers similar features but has a less user-friendly interface and requires bulk deletions for space management. Steam's Game Recording provides quick MP4 generation and easy sharing on platforms like Discord, making it a preferred choice for quick clips. Users must enable the feature through Steam settings to use it.