refining user experience Archives

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Windows 11’s Microsoft Store Gets Smarter Search and Copilot Integration

The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 is being transformed with a reimagined search experience that is more intuitive and responsive to user intent, utilizing signals like app updates and ratings for improved relevance. New product page badges will highlight applications with artificial intelligence capabilities. A Copilot button will be added to product pages for users in the United States, allowing them to ask questions about apps and compare products side by side. A "Discover More" section will curate related content based on user interests, and personalized home pages will adapt to individual user habits and trends. Additionally, integration of Store apps within Windows Search will allow users to install apps directly from search results, and new app suggestions will be tested in the "Open with" context menu for Insiders on the Beta Channel.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Gemini preps a ‘Saved info’ rebrand as work on chat history search continues (APK teardown)

- The Gemini name is being phased out from headers, indicating a potential rebranding effort. - The "Saved info" feature may be renamed to "Memory" to enhance its functionality in remembering user preferences. - Improvements are being made for accessing and viewing chat history to enhance user interaction and navigation. - The latest beta version, 16.16.39.sa.arm64, reveals upcoming features, although they are not yet visible to the public. - The removal of the Gemini label from model headers is a prominent change, accompanied by a new blue background effect and a reorganization of model names and descriptions. - A search tool for chat history is being introduced, with various layouts being tested, including one that prioritizes Gems at the top. - Enhancements to the compose box are planned, potentially offering suggestions for research topics and Canvas projects.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Windows will now let you swear at it — introduces toggle to disable profanity filter for voice typing

Microsoft has introduced a feature in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.550 that allows users to disable the profanity filter in voice typing. Users can access this feature by pressing Win + H and selecting the settings icon to toggle the filter off. This change enables the accurate transcription of curse words, which were previously censored with asterisks. The profanity filter is enabled by default for users who prefer a sanitized output.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Microsoft finally makes this inaccessible accessibility feature more…accessible

Microsoft has introduced a toggle for voice access in the Quick Actions panel of Windows 11 with the latest preview builds (26120.3872 and 26200.5562). This feature allows users to enable voice access directly from the taskbar, improving accessibility for those with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. Voice access is available on devices running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Additionally, users can now add custom words to the voice access dictionary, supporting multiple languages such as English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese.

AppWizard

April 21, 2025

Google Calculator 8.7 rolling out with a spacing tweak

Google has released version 8.7 of its Android Calculator app, which includes an increase in spacing between the last row of buttons and the gesture navigation bar to alleviate visual confusion. This adjustment is consistent across both portrait and landscape orientations. The update is currently being rolled out through the Play Store, with limited availability, and sideloading options are available for eager users. The previous significant overhaul of the app occurred in 2022, introducing a two-column user interface and a Quick Settings Tile.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

I started using a Mac full time for work – but these are the things I missed from Windows 11 that made me switch back

The author has used Microsoft Windows since Windows 3.1 and remains loyal to it due to familiarity, despite preferring macOS for its cleaner interface and respect for user preferences. Windows 11 is noted for its intrusive advertisements and tendency to override user settings, while macOS is appreciated for its stability and less aggressive promotional approach. The author misses Windows 11's Clipboard history feature and superior window management capabilities, which enhance productivity. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider alternatives, with the author contemplating a permanent switch to macOS Sequoia.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

This new Windows 11 feature would be perfect for an Xbox gaming handheld

Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can install Windows 11 Build 22631.5116, which includes the gamepad keyboard feature for Xbox controllers, enhancing gaming accessibility on smaller screens. The update also improves Task Manager's CPU utilization calculations, File Explorer's text scaling support, and Settings with a new home page feature for commercial devices. Additionally, a new system tray icon for the emoji panel has been introduced. The rollout is gradual, with Microsoft addressing bugs like those affecting ctfmon.exe and printer outputs. This update aims to optimize Windows 11 for gaming, especially with upcoming handheld devices.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful

Microsoft is testing enhancements for Windows 11 in the Beta channel (build 22635.5025), focusing on the Start menu and File Explorer. The Start menu will now suggest applications that users frequently snap together, such as WhatsApp and File Explorer. File Explorer will feature a 'Recommended' files section on its Home page, displaying recently accessed or downloaded files. These features will not be available to users in the European Economic Area (EEA). Additionally, Microsoft has fixed a performance issue where users experienced delays when closing File Explorer using the 'X' button.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft changes Windows 11’s Start menu for the better (gasp) while introducing nifty new file sharing options

Windows 11 is testing a new preview build (22635.4950) in the Beta channel, featuring enhancements for user experience. Notable updates include a revamped file-sharing feature that allows drag-and-drop functionality to applications like WhatsApp, My Phone, and Microsoft Teams. The Start menu is being redesigned with options for a grid view and a category view in the 'All apps' section. The grid view expands horizontally to display more apps, while the category view organizes apps into groups based on function. The update also improves accessibility support in File Explorer and addresses several bugs. These features are expected to appear in Dev builds soon and are nearing public release.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Google preps a feature to keep users in ‘clear voice’ in the Recorder app

Google is enhancing its Recorder app with a new "clear voice" feature to minimize background noise and improve voice clarity. The app has also introduced a "summarize" function on the Pixel 8, allowing users to obtain concise summaries of audio recordings. The Recorder app debuted on Chromebooks in November, offering functionalities like speech-to-text generation and title suggestions. It utilizes Google's advanced large language model (LLM) for improved user experience. Pixel devices now have a "Transcribe again" tool for re-transcribing recordings in 42 languages, with cloud processing for quick transcription results.