Schedule Archives

Winsage

June 17, 2025

LibreOffice adds voice to ‘ditch Windows for Linux’ campaign

The LibreOffice project is encouraging users to transition from Windows to Linux as Windows 10 approaches its end. The Document Foundation is developing LibreOffice version 25.8, which will remove support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, as well as deprecate x86 (32-bit) Windows builds. The latest version is 25.2, released in February, with version 25.8 expected in August. Users on Windows 7 can access both "fresh" and "stable" releases, with the current stable version being 24.8.7, which will still support Windows 7 after the release of version 25.8.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

With Windows 10 EOL On the Horizon, It’s Time to Replace Rather Than Upgrade

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, exposing them to cyber threats. Many legacy PCs do not meet the system requirements for Windows 11, leading to potential compatibility issues and performance problems if upgraded. Investing in a new Windows 11-compatible PC ensures better performance, energy efficiency, and long-term support, with built-in security features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Transitioning to Windows 11 offers advantages such as an improved user interface, integrated AI tools, enhanced default apps, personalizable workspaces, and better visuals. Continuing to use an unsupported Windows platform after 2025 can result in compliance issues, data loss, and increased maintenance costs. Replacing hardware rather than upgrading can mitigate these risks and ensure access to ongoing security features.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Will your old laptop still get security updates after this year? Check this chart

The tech community is dissatisfied with Microsoft's compatibility requirements for Windows 11, which have made some PCs from six or seven years ago obsolete and ineligible for security updates. Apple's update policy for MacOS is similarly restrictive, with free security updates provided only for the three most recent versions. The upcoming MacOS 26 Tahoe will lead to MacOS 13 Ventura no longer receiving updates, leaving older Macs unsupported due to hardware compatibility issues. Macs from 2017 or earlier will not upgrade to MacOS 14 Sonoma. Users can check compatibility through the "About This Mac" option. For Windows PCs, compatibility with Windows 11 generally requires a CPU from 2019 or later, with Microsoft's PC Health Check app available to identify issues. Windows 10 users can purchase security updates for up to three years after the end of support in October 2025, unlike Mac users. Both platforms typically provide security updates for eight to ten years after release.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

This week in PC games: FBC Firebreak, alt-history XCOM and the chance to date your toilet

A remastered trilogy of GEX has launched, along with a co-op climbing game called Peak and a game titled Nightmare Frontier, which combines elements of weird western and XCOM. The first-person action game Blessed Burden features players as the last surviving priest in hell, while Crown Gambit is a strategic deck-building game involving paladins. Broken Arrow is a real-time strategy game set in the Baltic states with over 300 units, contrasting with the pixel art adventure Vessels Of Decay, set in post-apocalyptic Scandinavia.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Microsoft Starts Testing New Settings AI Agent and Recall Export Experience

Microsoft is testing a new AI agent for Windows 11 within the Settings, available for Windows Insiders on Copilot+ PCs with the Dev build 26200.5651. Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will have access to a revamped Recall export experience in the Beta channel build 26120.4441. The new features include the ability to reset Recall and erase all associated data, new Click to Do actions for Microsoft 365 Copilot and Teams, a larger clock option in the taskbar, improved Windows Share for OneDrive files (not available in the EEA), and enhancements to Voice Access for Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. Insiders are receiving updates based on Windows 11 version 24H2, with version 25H2 expected later this year.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

6 registry tweaks every tech-savvy user must apply on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides customization tools such as the Settings app, Control Panel, and Group Policy Editor, but advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor for deeper control. Key Registry tweaks include: 1. Disable the Home page in Settings: Modify the Registry to revert the Settings app to open directly to the "System" section instead of the "Home" page by creating a string value named SettingsPageVisibility and setting it to hide:home. 2. Disable automatic Windows Update: Prevent automatic downloads and installations by creating a key named WindowsUpdate under Policies, then a subkey AU, and a DWORD value NoAutoUpdate set to 1. 3. Disable the Lock Screen experience: Expedite the sign-in process by creating a key named Personalization and a DWORD value Nolockscreen set to 1. 4. Enable automatic Registry backup: Restore automatic Registry backups by creating a DWORD value EnablePeriodicBackup set to 1 and scheduling a task to run daily for backup. Editing the Registry carries risks, and it is advised to back up the PC before making changes.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

These are the 7 best fitness apps for Android (that aren’t Strava)

There are several alternative fitness apps available on the Android platform for those looking for options beyond Strava. 1. Map My Run: This app allows users to create new running routes, track runs in real-time, and access detailed metrics. It also includes social features for discovering nearby routes and offers running drills and goal-tracking. 2. Yuka: A nutrition-focused app that lets users scan barcodes of food products to analyze their contents, highlighting harmful additives and health benefits. It provides overall product ratings and category rankings to help users make healthier grocery choices. 3. Runna: This app offers personalized running plans based on user-inputted goals. After a trial week, users can subscribe for a fee to receive a tailored daily workout schedule and track progress with compatible smartwatches. 4. Meetup: A social platform that connects individuals through local fitness events, such as run clubs and yoga sessions, promoting community and interaction among fitness enthusiasts.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4441 (KB5060816) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the ability for Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area to export Recall snapshots with a unique export code, which is secured by encryption and requires Windows Hello authentication. A larger clock display option in the notification center has been added, and recent updates to Recall include a reset option and a maximum storage duration for snapshots set to 90 days. New actions in Click to Do allow users to interact with Microsoft 365 Copilot and connect with colleagues via Teams. Improvements have been made to File Explorer, voice access support has been expanded to additional languages, and sharing options for OneDrive files have been enhanced. Various fixes have been implemented for Recall, File Explorer, the Start menu, and Settings. Known issues include display problems in the Start menu and issues with Xbox Controllers. Updates will be delivered via an enablement package, and features may evolve based on user feedback.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (KB5060818) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. 1. New Agent in Settings: An AI-powered agent helps users find and adjust settings by understanding user intent and automating tasks. Currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices coming soon. English is the primary display language requirement. 2. Recall Export Experience for EEA: Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area can export Recall snapshots with a unique export code, which is encrypted and requires Windows Hello authentication. Users can reset Recall if the export code is lost. 3. Bigger Clock in Notification Center: A new option to display a larger clock with seconds in the notification center is being rolled out, which can be activated in Settings. 4. Recall Changes: Users can now reset Recall and its data, with a new maximum storage duration for snapshots set to 90 days by default. 5. Click to Do Enhancements: New actions allow users to send text or images to Microsoft 365 Copilot and communicate via Microsoft Teams directly from recognized email addresses. 6. File Explorer Updates: Dividers have been added to the context menu for improved organization. 7. Voice Access Language Support: Support for Chinese and Japanese languages has been reintroduced in voice access. 8. Windows Share Options: New sharing options for OneDrive files are available when right-clicking to share. 9. Settings Search Box: The search box in Settings has been repositioned for better usability. 10. Fixes: Various fixes have been implemented for Recall, File Explorer, Start Menu, Settings, and other areas. 11. Known Issues: Issues include inaccurate build version display post-PC reset, non-functional reset options, and problems with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. 12. Reminders: Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed before final release.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

5 apps I install on every new phone

Unboxing a new smartphone is an exciting experience that includes setting up essential apps. Spotify provides access to millions of tracks and integrates with Android Auto for music and podcasts. Avast Antivirus offers robust protection and features like threat scanning and a network scanner, ensuring digital security without excessive ads or subscriptions. FitOn is a fitness app that sets realistic goals, tracks activity levels, and offers tailored workouts, including features like celebrity trainers and meal plans. Brave is a browser app that blocks ads and trackers, providing a distraction-free browsing experience with customizable settings. Microsoft 365 allows access to Word and Excel files on the go, with OneDrive for document storage and backup, although some features remain underutilized. These five applications enhance daily smartphone use by serving unique purposes.