search functionality Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Owner of big gaming platform can’t believe how bad Windows 11 is – and hints are dropped about big things for Linux gamers this year

Michał Kiciński, the new owner of GOG, expressed surprise at the longevity of Windows, criticizing it as poor-quality software. Maciej Gołębiewski, managing director of GOG, noted the company's strategic shift towards Linux, driven by increasing game compatibility and the success of SteamOS. This pivot is part of a broader industry trend as developers recognize the value of alternative operating systems. GOG plans to embrace Linux more fully by 2026. Meanwhile, Microsoft has focused on integrating AI into Windows 11, which has faced criticism for not addressing foundational issues, particularly in performance and functionality.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

Slack Messenger: The Surprisingly Addictive Work Chat That Makes Email Feel Ancient

Slack Messenger organizes workplace communication through specific channels, allowing for easy access to relevant discussions. Its powerful search functionality enables quick retrieval of past decisions and documents. The platform integrates with numerous applications, minimizing context switching and centralizing notifications. Features like threads, mentions, and custom emojis promote focused discussions while fostering team culture. Slack Huddles facilitate informal collaboration, and Workflow Builder automates routine tasks, enhancing efficiency. Enterprise-grade security and compliance controls make it suitable for regulated industries. Users report increased productivity, reduced need for meetings due to integrations, and a supportive remote culture, although challenges such as notification overload and information sprawl exist. Many critiques arise from poor implementation rather than the platform itself. Compared to competitors, Slack is seen as faster and more intuitive, with preferred usability and cultural appeal.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

Slack Messenger Review: Why This Workplace Chat App Still Owns the Modern Office

Slack Messenger is a cloud-based collaboration and messaging platform owned by Salesforce Inc. It is designed to organize workplace communication through channel-based messaging, allowing separate discussions for projects, teams, or topics. Key features include powerful search capabilities, integrations with over 2,000 apps like Google Drive and Zoom, audio/video huddles, workflow automation, enterprise-grade security, and cross-organization collaboration via Slack Connect. Users generally appreciate its organization, user experience, and integration capabilities, although some express concerns about notification overload, cost at scale, and a learning curve for new users. Compared to alternatives like Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, and Discord, Slack is seen as more responsive and suitable for structured environments. It is particularly beneficial for organizations already using Salesforce due to enhanced integration with Salesforce workflows.

Winsage

December 28, 2025

Microsoft Optimizes Windows 11 File Explorer to Slash RAM Usage

Microsoft is addressing criticism regarding Windows 11's File Explorer performance, particularly its excessive RAM consumption during searches. The company is testing optimizations aimed at reducing memory usage while maintaining speed, originating from an Insider Preview build. These changes involve eliminating duplicate indexing tasks, which could lead to a 20-30% reduction in RAM usage during intensive search sessions. Additionally, the update includes a streamlined context menu in File Explorer to enhance usability. Insider feedback has been positive, with users reporting smoother performance across various devices. The optimizations may also improve system stability and scalability in enterprise environments. However, some users express skepticism about whether these fixes are temporary solutions to deeper architectural issues. The full benefits of the update are expected to materialize once it reaches general availability, anticipated in early 2026.

Winsage

December 28, 2025

Microsoft tests File Explorer search optimisation to reduce RAM usage in Windows 11

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 File Explorer to reduce its memory usage, currently being tested in Windows 11 Build 26220.7523 and above for Insider preview participants. The updates aim to optimize search functionality by eliminating duplicate file indexing operations, which have historically caused high RAM and CPU consumption. Additionally, Microsoft is refining the File Explorer interface by relocating less frequently used options in the right-click context menu into a dedicated sub-menu, labeled either “Manage file” or “Other actions.” A broader rollout of these updates is expected around late January or February.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

Recap: Expressive Android, but Material ‘3.5’ apps

Both Apple and Google plan significant redesigns of their operating systems for 2025. Google's Material 3 Expressive has received positive feedback for its implementation across devices, aiming for a more unified interface across Android versions, though updates to first-party applications are seen as incremental rather than transformative. The redesign includes a taller search app bar in Google Workspace apps, but inconsistencies arise as some applications cannot utilize the new design. A transition back to a shorter bottom navigation bar in some apps does not improve content space. A floating toolbar in Google Chat raises usability concerns, and the overall interface appears more cluttered due to increased use of containers. Buttons have become larger, with mixed reactions regarding their proportions. The new motion-physics system introduces appealing animations, but the functionality of Google apps remains largely unchanged, leading to a sense of familiarity rather than a transformative experience.

Winsage

December 26, 2025

Microsoft says Windows 11 File Explorer will soon use less RAM when you search files

Windows 11 is updating its File Explorer to improve search efficiency and reduce memory usage during file searches, currently being tested in Windows 11 Build 26220.7523 for Windows Insider participants. The new search functionality eliminates duplicate file indexing operations, resulting in faster searches and lower system resource usage. The File Explorer Search relies on the Windows Search Indexer, which will now avoid redundant indexing, leading to reduced disk I/O, lower CPU cycles, and decreased RAM usage. Additionally, Microsoft is decluttering the context menu by relocating features like “Compress to” and “Copy as path” into a new sub-menu called “Manage file,” or “Other actions” on different machines. These updates are expected to be rolled out by the end of January or in February.

Tech Optimizer

December 23, 2025

Better Relevance for AI Apps With BM25 Algorithm in PostgreSQL

Tiger Data, formerly known as Timescale, has released a preview version of pg_textsearch, an open-source extension for PostgreSQL that uses the BM25 algorithm to improve keyword search relevance and performance. The project quickly gained over 1,800 stars on GitHub. The rebranding reflects a strategic shift from a focus on time-series databases to a broader scope, including cloud offerings and PostgreSQL for various applications. The pg_textsearch extension addresses the need for enhanced search capabilities in PostgreSQL, particularly for AI applications, as customers sought a general-purpose search primitive. The BM25 algorithm improves relevance ranking in information retrieval systems, offering features like inverse document frequency and term frequency saturation. The extension is compatible with PostgreSQL versions 17 and 18 and enhances performance for large datasets. Development of pg_textsearch began in October, utilizing AI tools to streamline the process, with a production-ready version expected early next year.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Windows 11 gets a December Insider update packed with new features and AI upgrades — reveals Microsoft’s next big push. Here’s everything that is new.

Microsoft has slowed down the development of Windows 11 but released several preview builds through the Windows Insider Program in December 2025, showcasing various enhancements. Key updates include: - Model Context Protocol (MCP): Introduced in build 26220.7344, allowing AI agents to communicate with applications and tools via a secure on-device registry. It includes the File Explorer Connector for managing files through natural language searches and the Windows Settings Connector for navigating settings. - Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP): Provides a consistent update experience for developers through the Settings app. - Windows MIDI Services: Rollout of a new MIDI API, Service, and SDK, supporting MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 devices with enhancements like app-to-app MIDI support. - Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): Expanded to additional handheld gaming devices, replicating console gaming on PCs. - Settings app with AI agent: Enhanced navigation and modification of settings with an integrated AI agent. - File Explorer dark mode improvements: Extended dark mode to various elements and improved search functionality using AI. - Drag Tray disable option: Users can now disable the Drag Tray feature through Settings. - Mobile Devices settings integration: Features for managing mobile devices are now integrated within the Settings app. - Virtual Workspaces in Advanced settings: New access to manage virtualization features without using the legacy "Windows Features" page. - Keyboard and text cursor settings: New settings added for customizing keyboard and cursor behavior. - Quick Machine Recovery improvements: Now enabled by default on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. - Windows Studio Effects compatibility: Expanded to more camera hardware for improved user appearance. - Windows Spotlight for desktop changes: New context menu options for wallpaper changes and additional details. - Taskbar with Ask Copilot: A toggle to replace Windows Search with AI-driven searches. - Taskbar with AI agents: AI agents can function as apps in the Taskbar, providing real-time updates. - Windows 11 Agent Launchers: A framework for registering AI agents within the OS. - Narrator customization: Users can select which properties are announced while navigating applications. - Voice Typing animation: New animation for the dictation key in the Touch Keyboard and a "Discover Windows" widget added. - Voice Access streamlined setup: Simplified setup process for Voice Access. The Windows Insider Program will pause further builds until January.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Pixel’s home screen search just got worse for everyday use

Google is replacing the Pixel Launcher's native search with a full-screen Google Search interface powered by the Google app as part of the November 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. The new search UI removes quick access to contacts and device settings, which many users perceive as a downgrade. The change aims to facilitate quicker access to AI Mode and will display more suggested apps at the top of the screen.