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AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Stellar Blade PC Preorders Are Discounted At Fanatical

The PC version of Stellar Blade, a highly anticipated title from the PS5 lineup of 2024, will be released on June 12. Preorders are available at a 10% discount on Fanatical, with the standard edition and Complete Edition priced lower than their regular prices. Preordering the standard edition grants exclusive in-game bonuses, while the Complete Edition includes additional content such as unique suits and in-game currency. The game is set in a future where humanity has retreated to the stars, and players control Eve, the sole survivor of an android expedition. It features a unique combat system and a flexible difficulty option. A sequel is already in development.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad updates with new features begin rolling out to Windows Insiders

Windows 11 has rolled out updates for Paint, Snipping Tool, and Notepad for users in the Canary and Dev Channels. Paint (version 11.2504.451.0) introduces three features: 1. A sticker generator that creates custom stickers based on user prompts, accessible via the Copilot menu. 2. An object select tool that uses AI to isolate and edit elements within images. 3. A new welcome experience that guides users through the app's features. Snipping Tool (version 11.2504.38.0) adds: 1. A perfect screenshot feature that captures content precisely without needing cropping or resizing. 2. A color picker tool that allows users to inspect or select color codes from their screen. Notepad (version 11.2504.46.0) features: 1. An AI write feature that helps users draft text based on prompts, with options to keep or discard generated content. Access to the sticker generator, object select, and AI features requires signing in with a Microsoft account, and some features are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.

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.