rectangle Archives

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Gemini app update adds Android homescreen widget

The Gemini app has introduced a new Android homescreen widget that is now widely available to users. The widget is highly resizable, incorporates Dynamic Color, and resembles the revamped widgets of Google Keep and Drive. It features a sparkle icon that launches the app and keyboard, and includes buttons arranged within a rounded rectangle, with a Gemini Live shortcut. Users can expand the widget to access additional functionalities like speech-to-text and the Gemini camera, and it can be configured in various layouts, including a search bar and a grid of shortcuts. The widget is part of Gemini app version 1.0.751104895 and is compatible with Android 10 and newer versions. Users can add it to their homescreen by updating the app and selecting Widgets.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Microsoft brings a new text extraction tool to Windows 11

PowerToys has introduced a Text Extractor feature that allows users to extract text from images. Microsoft has now added a similar feature to the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, which includes a dedicated text extractor button in its capture bar. This update enables users to copy text directly from the screen to the clipboard without taking a preliminary screenshot. Currently, the feature is available only to Windows Insiders on the Canary and Dev Channels with version 11.2503.27.0 of the Snipping Tool. Users can initiate text extraction by selecting an area for scanning and can choose to copy specific text or all text at once. Additional options include removing line breaks and automatically copying text to the clipboard. The feature is anticipated to be rolled out to a wider audience in the future.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Text extractor in Snipping Tool begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

The Snipping Tool (version 11.2503.27.0) in Windows 11 has introduced a new feature called the text extractor, located in the capture bar. This feature allows users to copy text directly to the clipboard without taking a screenshot first. Users can access the tool by opening the Snipping Tool with the shortcut Win + Shift + S or by launching the app directly. The text extractor enables users to select an area to scan for text, manually select text, or use the "Copy all text" button. Additional options include removing line breaks and automatically copying text to the clipboard, which also closes the Snipping Tool. Feedback can be submitted through the Feedback Hub under Apps > Snipping Tool.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Snipping Tool and Notepad app updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Windows 11 is rolling out updates for the Snipping Tool and Notepad for users in the Canary and Dev Channels. The Snipping Tool (version 11.2502.18.0) introduces a "draw & hold" feature that allows users to create clean lines and shapes by holding the cursor or pen still before releasing. It also includes a new protocol launch experience for developers, enabling customization of capture features when invoked from applications. Notepad (version 11.2501.29.0) adds a generative AI feature for summarizing selected text and a "recent files" feature in the File menu for quick access to recently closed documents. Users can clear the recent files list or disable the feature in app settings. These updates are currently rolling out, and availability may vary among Insiders.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

I made my dream Google widget with one of my favorite Android tools

The author previously used Nova Launcher to create custom widgets but found Google's existing widgets difficult to enhance. This led to the idea of creating a new widget using KWGT that serves as a centralized hub for Google services. The author aimed to build an "omniwidget" that organizes essential Google services while maintaining a customizable design. They downloaded KWGT Pro, added a 4x4 widget, and followed steps to create the widget's shape, buttons, and visual elements, including icons and a font. The widget features nine buttons for shortcuts to various Google services and includes a section for displaying time, date, and temperature. After completing the design and functionality, the author expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the potential for an official Google widget that offers customizable shortcuts.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Quest v72 Brings Improved Hand Tracking & Keyboard Cutout

Meta Quest v72 is being rolled out to users, featuring improved hand tracking capabilities with the upgraded Hand Tracking 2.3 model, which enhances stability, accuracy, and reduces latency. Key improvements include a more stable hand cursor, better cursor stabilization during pinching, improved pinch-and-drag responsiveness, easier hand use in confined spaces, and a new hand ray visualization. The update also introduces experimental integration with Windows 11, a passthrough cutout feature for any keyboard, automatic call captions for live transcripts during calls, a Travel Mode indicator to prevent accidental activation, a streamlined home environment that defaults to a stationary boundary, and integration of direct messaging in the Instagram app on Horizon OS.

BetaBeacon

November 30, 2024

I replaced every emulator on my phone with this $50 gaming handheld and I don’t regret it one bit

The TrimUI Smart Pro is a budget handheld device that can handle retro gaming up to the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 era. It costs less than a Razer Kishi or most mobile-first controllers, making it a great option for playing retro games comfortably.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

One of the best Pixel 9 exclusive apps made it to older devices

Android 15 has been released, introducing new features including the Pixel Weather app, which is now available on Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 devices. The update includes Theft Detection and Private Space. The Pixel Weather app features a dedicated app icon, a vertically scrolling feed with an hourly forecast and a 10-day outlook, and organized statistics such as precipitation levels and wind speed. It includes background animations reflecting current weather conditions and an AI-generated weather report. The app also provides timely notifications about weather changes and offers new widgets for displaying essential weather information.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

This week's roundup highlights new and notable applications and games for Windows 10 and 11 users. Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 10 next year, making security maintenance important. Windows Virtual Desktops and Snap Layouts enhance productivity for multitasking. Discounts are available on select applications, with some extending beyond a week. Only new or significantly improved apps are featured. New or notably improved Windows apps include: - Configure Defender: An open-source application that provides a user-friendly interface for adjusting Microsoft Defender settings on Windows 10, 11, and Server, allowing users to view all configurations and select presets for quick adjustments. - MultOS-USB: An open-source tool that allows users to utilize multiple ISO images from a single USB device, compatible with BIOS and UEFI systems, supporting Secure Boot and loading UEFI drivers for various operating systems. - Windows Selection Color Changer: An open-source app that lets users customize the colors for selecting multiple items on Windows devices, allowing modifications to both outline and fill colors of the selection rectangle.

Winsage

June 28, 2024

Windows Server 2025 Insider Preview 26244 released with just one small change

Microsoft has released the latest Windows Server build, numbered 26244, for participants in the Windows Server Insider Program. This build aligns with the Windows 11 Canary Channel build and carries the Windows Server 2025 branding. The update includes a new account type called delegated Managed Service Account (dMSA) and the removal of a previously listed known issue.