refining user experience Archives

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.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Windows 11 Ctrl+Shift now works for Start, taskbar jump list. Smaller taskbar and more coming

Windows 11 has introduced a new keyboard shortcut, Shift+CTRL, allowing users to open selected applications with administrative privileges directly from the jump list. This feature extends the previous functionality, which was limited to app icons, enabling users to launch tasks as an administrator by holding down the Shift and CTRL keys while selecting an option from the jump list. Additionally, Microsoft is exploring smaller taskbar icons and a new functionality for dragging items from the Start menu to the taskbar for pinning. However, users still cannot reposition the taskbar to different sides of the screen.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

Microsoft Drops New Windows 11 Builds on the Dev and Beta Channels

Microsoft has released two new Insider builds for Windows 11 for testers on the Dev and Beta Channels. The Dev build 26120.2200 introduces a new icon in the system tray for applications using Windows Studio Effects, allowing users to access the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings. It also enhances the Dynamic Lighting feature with new directional options for the Wave and Gradient effects. The Beta build 22635.4435 includes similar Dynamic Lighting updates and reinstates the ability to configure the Copilot key to launch applications other than Copilot itself. These updates will be rolled out gradually to Insiders.

Winsage

October 18, 2024

Windows 11 Insider Beta Channel build 22635.4371 (KB504498) has app snap layout improvements

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 update for Windows Insider Channel members, identified as build number 22635.4371 under KB504498. The update includes enhancements in app management and accessibility features. Key updates include: - Snap Enhancements: Improvements in app suggestions for snap layouts. - Narrator Updates: A new shortcut ("Narrator key + control + X") allows users to copy the last spoken content to the clipboard. Narrator will also read emails in the new Outlook app. - Fixes Implemented: Adjustments in File Explorer to prevent the search box from extending beyond the window's edge. - Narrator Performance Improvements: Resolved a slowdown issue after 15 minutes of use, fixed incorrect announcements for styled text, and ensured dialogs adhere to the 200% text scaling setting.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft starts rolling out its Windows 11 2024 update with lots of useful improvements

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 11 2024 update, version 24H2, which includes enhancements to the Start menu, File Explorer, Settings, and other components. The Start menu features a new side panel for Phone Link users, providing real-time phone insights. File Explorer has a redesigned home section with a tabbed view for recent, favorites, and shared files, improved context menus, and the ability to create 7z and TAR files. The system tray has a simplified time and date display, and Quick Settings now shows all actions by default with a new Energy Saver mode. The Settings interface allows users to reverse mouse scroll direction and toggle enhanced pointer precision easily. A unified Microsoft Teams app and a new Outlook client replace the Mail and Calendar applications. The update supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE audio, and performance enhancements for AMD desktop CPUs. Microsoft is using an OS swap method for this update to avoid compatibility issues. The rollout will begin with eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2.

Winsage

September 26, 2024

Microsoft takes another step toward replacing the Control Panel

Microsoft is introducing the "Soundscape" panel to replace the traditional Sound control panel in Windows 11. This new feature aims to streamline sound settings, offering options such as startup sounds, sound schemes, and audio events. Users will access Soundscape through Settings > System > Sound, moving away from the current "More sound settings" link that directs to the Control Panel. The Soundscape section is currently limited but is expected to expand with more comprehensive audio customization options. This transition reflects Microsoft's commitment to enhancing user experience and modernizing the interface while phasing out the Control Panel.