rectangle Archives

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft Delivers New Dev and Beta Builds of Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 in the Dev or Beta channels of the Windows Insider Program can install a new build. The cumulative update KB5064071 allows Dev channel users to upgrade from Windows 11 version 25H2 to build 26200.5751, and Beta channel users to upgrade from version 24H2 to build 26120.5751. Notable features in these builds include new selection modes in Click to Do, improvements to the Taskbar with new animations, enhancements in File Explorer with larger icons, and various fixes across multiple areas for a smoother experience.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27924 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27924 has been released to the Canary Channel, with ISOs now available for download. New features include the rollout of Copilot+ PC experiences, which will gradually introduce improvements to Windows Search and Settings. Advanced settings have been redesigned, now allowing users to enable long paths, manage virtual workspaces, and view Git information in File Explorer. Changes include adjustments to the pointer indicator and a temporary change in the keyboard shortcut for it. The Windows MIDI Services have undergone a breaking change requiring updates for applications using the MIDI 2.0 SDK. Fixes have been made for issues related to upgrades, widgets, remote desktop, and webauth.dll crashes. Known issues include problems with Windows Hello PIN and Group Policy Editor. An update for the Snipping Tool introduces window mode screen recording. Insiders are reminded that Canary Channel builds are early development versions and may not align with future Windows releases.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Microsoft improves Windows 11 Search UI settings, confirms group policy bug in build 27919

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 build, 27919, for Insiders in the Canary channel, featuring a refreshed user interface for the Search page within the Settings app. The update reorganizes Windows Search settings under Settings > Privacy & security, introducing dedicated “Search permissions” and “Searching Windows” pages for easier navigation. The build also resolves several bugs, including a crash in File Explorer when accessing digital signatures and issues with the Microsoft Changjie Input method and phonetic keyboards. However, known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning from other channels, display errors during the upgrade process, error pop-ups in the Group Policy Editor, and remote desktop functionality defaulting to the primary monitor.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Windows 11 gets desktop wallpaper fixes, centered Settings search, and more in build 27913

Microsoft has released a new Canary build, 27913, for Windows Insiders, featuring enhancements and fixes aimed at improving user experience. Key changes include: - The search box in the Settings app has been moved to the top center for better usability. - A crash issue in the Settings app when accessing Power & Battery options has been fixed. - An issue with incorrect apostrophe display in Settings dialogs has been resolved. - Fixes have been made to prevent the desktop background from turning black unexpectedly. - An audio issue disrupting sound after casting to a TV has been addressed. - A bug causing repeated KERNELSECURITYCHECK_FAILURE errors for some users after upgrading has been resolved. - Improvements to acrylic effects in certain applications have been implemented. - A fix for the Group Policy Editor has been introduced to address display problems in specific languages. Known bugs include issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning to the Canary Channel on new Copilot+ PCs, and a new bug where the progress wheel may appear as a rectangle glyph during upgrades.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Can you guess the PC game based only on the health bar?

Health bars are essential informational tools in gaming, experiencing a resurgence in RPGs while declining in popularity among big-budget shooters. Recent years have seen the creation of aesthetically pleasing and uniquely designed health bars. Players often spend significant time looking at these indicators, raising questions about their memorability. A quiz is available to test players' ability to identify games by their health bars, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary titles. Some iconic health bars, like Isaac's from Dead Space, may not be included in the quiz.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Google Wallet gets a fresh coat of Material 3 Expressive with latest Play System update

Google is redesigning its digital payment platform, Google Wallet, as part of the Play System update version 25.25. The redesign includes new icons, rounded rectangle containers, a revamped logo, and minimalistic buttons, such as a simplified “+” floating action button. Despite these visual enhancements, the core functionality of Google Wallet remains unchanged, aiming to provide a more intuitive user experience.

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.