rollout Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Windows 11’s Camera Just Got Smarter: Check Out the Latest Additions

Microsoft has introduced new camera features for Windows 11 that enhance video quality and user experience. Users can now adjust camera brightness, contrast, resolution, and frame rate, allowing for better visibility in various lighting conditions and catering to different bandwidth needs. Additionally, users can utilize their camera in multiple applications simultaneously, enabling multitasking during video calls. However, these features may not be available on all devices immediately, as some older camera models may not support them, and the rollout will occur gradually. Users interested in trying these features early can join the Windows Insider Program and download version 26120.2702.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Android Auto rolls out fixes for stuttering audio and error messages

Android Auto has released updates to address issues such as persistent Wi-Fi error messages and audio stuttering, encouraging users to update to Android Auto v13.3. The company is investigating audio problems reported by Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL users, including complete absence of audio during music streaming and challenges during calls. A Xiaomi 14T user also reported malfunctions with Android Auto after updating to Android 15-based Hyper OS 2.0. The support team is working on fixes, expected in the coming weeks or months. Additionally, the platform is exploring new radio station features, with indications of categories and music genres found in the latest beta version.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Has Microsoft given up on the System requirements not met Windows 11 watermark?

Microsoft has announced that users attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported devices would face consequences, including the introduction of an incompatibility watermark. This watermark began appearing on some users' desktops in 2022 but has not been implemented in stable builds of Windows 11 as of 2025. Despite many PCs being deemed incompatible due to the TPM 2.0 requirement, Microsoft has not enforced the watermark and even released an official registry fix to hide it. The watermark was initially spotted in preview builds but was rolled back in stable versions. Concerns were raised about its placement, as it could confuse users with other system messages. There is a growing sentiment that Microsoft should allow users to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware at their own risk, without the watermark reminder.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 11’s new native Copilot rolls out to everyone, but it consumes more RAM

Microsoft has released a new version of its Copilot application for Windows 11, marking the fourth redesign since its launch. This version is now available in the Microsoft Store and is described as a more "native" experience compared to previous iterations, which were Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). The new app integrates more seamlessly with Windows and can be accessed from the system tray. However, it still relies on web-based components, loading its interface through a Microsoft Edge-based WebView, resulting in higher RAM consumption of 500MB to 600MB, with spikes up to 1.5GB. Users can summon the app using the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut. The redesign has been led by Mustafa Suleyman, and while it features a more traditional Windows appearance, the app's web-centric nature remains evident.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

New Windows 11 24H2 bug list: 12 reasons to avoid this update for now

On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.

BetaBeacon

December 22, 2024

Android XR could be Google’s Daydream redemption, and VR games can help

Daydream had issues such as draining phone batteries and lack of smartphone support. Google abandoned Daydream just as Quest began to take off. Google could potentially regain ground in the XR market by focusing on gaming, offering a curated selection of apps, supporting hand-tracking and controllers, and utilizing powerful hardware like Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. The success of Android XR will depend on how well Google can differentiate itself from competitors like Meta and Apple.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Android Auto is still waiting for more weather apps – nothing has changed in nearly two years

Google announced the rollout of weather applications for Android Auto and Android Automotive, starting with "Weather & Radar" in February 2023 and followed by "MyRadar" in February 2024. The initiative is part of an "early access" program launched in May 2023, which aims to create a dedicated "Weather" category on both platforms. In September 2023, Google introduced The Weather Channel app for Android Automotive, but it received lukewarm reviews. The weather app category remains in early access, and developers cannot publish weather apps for Android Auto or Android Automotive without participating in this program. There have been no significant updates or new weather app releases since mid-2023.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 strikes a sour note as audio bug hits the update, leaving some PCs silent

Windows 11 version 24H2 has audio output issues affecting certain devices, causing silence from built-in speakers, Bluetooth devices, and headsets. Microsoft has acknowledged this problem in its release health dashboard and identified Dirac Audio software, specifically the cridspapo.dll file, as the cause. A temporary block on the 24H2 update has been implemented for systems using Dirac Audio to prevent further complications. Microsoft is working with Dirac to develop a new driver to fix the issue, which will be distributed through Windows Update once available. Users on earlier versions, such as Windows 11 23H2, are not affected by the audio bug. Additionally, there is another issue where some PCs unexpectedly play sound at maximum volume.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Google is officially opening up Android Auto to weather apps, but you don’t have to wait

Google has introduced a new category for weather apps in Android Auto and Android Automotive, allowing users to access real-time weather information based on their location or travel routes. The supported app categories now include Media (audio), Messaging, Navigation, Point of Interest (POI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Weather. For parked vehicles, additional categories like Video, Games, and Browsers are available exclusively on Android Automotive OS. The Weather category is currently in beta, limited to specific testing tracks, and aims to provide weather updates along with navigation functionalities. Early adopters of this category include "Weather & Radar" and "MyRadar Weather Radar."