settings panel Archives

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Windows 11 can now run on unsupported systems, but there’s a catch

Microsoft has allowed users to install Windows 11 on older, unsupported hardware, moving away from its previous strict hardware requirements. Users can manually install the operating system, but devices that do not meet minimum requirements will not receive updates via Windows Update, requiring manual management of updates. A watermark will appear on the desktop, and a notification in Settings will indicate that the upgrade is not recommended. Microsoft will not lower the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, citing cybersecurity concerns. Unsupported devices will also be excluded from the Windows Insider Program. Users can revert to Windows 10 within ten days of the upgrade through the Settings menu.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Microsoft allows Windows 11 to be installed on older, unsupported hardware but specifically nixes official support — minimum requirements for full compatibility remain unchanged

Microsoft has allowed users to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware but warns of potential instabilities and lack of official support, updates, or compatibility. A new guide has been released detailing the installation process and how to revert to the previous version if issues arise. The PC Health Check app can help assess eligibility for Windows 11. Approximately 61.82% of Windows users are still on Windows 10, which will reach its end of life in October 2025. Users installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices will see a disclaimer that voids their warranty and will not receive updates, including security patches. A watermark will indicate hardware incompatibility. Users can rollback to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading, and support for Windows 10 will continue with an annual fee. Users are encouraged to upgrade their systems or consider installing a TPM chip, or they can use Windows 11 at their own risk or explore Linux as an alternative.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

How to completely customize your Android Quick Settings panel

Power Shade and Mi Control Center are two applications that enhance the Quick Settings panel on Android devices through extensive customization options. Power Shade allows users to tailor their Quick Settings interface with a user-friendly design, while Mi Control Center offers a unique layout that enhances functionality and creativity. Both applications cater to the trend of personalization in the Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

October 5, 2024

The redesigned camera app in One UI 7 is all about one-handed usage

Samsung showcased the upcoming One UI 7 at a developer conference, featuring a redesigned camera app for Galaxy devices. The settings menu has been repositioned to the bottom of the viewfinder for easier one-handed operation and is now in a carousel format for swiping through options like exposure and flash settings. While these features may not be finalized, they are expected to be close to the final product, with One UI 7 anticipated for early 2025. Additional updates include a separate quick settings panel, notification shade, and new icons.

AppWizard

September 18, 2024

Android 15 volume panel will have useful audio controls for Pixel Buds Pro users

Google has reinstated the Noise Control option for Android 15, enhancing the volume panel and allowing Pixel Buds Pro users to toggle between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode. The Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 was released, revealing a redesigned Quick Settings panel for Android 16. The volume panel redesign includes pill-shaped sliders and the ability to mute audio streams by tapping the source icon. The reinstatement of the Noise Control button is facilitated by the Pixel Buds app. Additionally, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has been introduced, featuring a 6.8-inch display and on-device AI assistance with Gemini features.

Winsage

September 7, 2024

A new ChromeOS update brings a touch of Windows 11 to Chromebooks

Google has begun the rollout of ChromeOS 128 across all supported Chromebooks, introducing several new features and enhancements. Key additions include: - Snap Groups feature for split-screen multitasking, allowing users to pair and manage two windows. - Integration of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in the Camera app, enabling text recognition from physical documents, supporting 77 languages, and allowing text searches and read-aloud functionality. - Improvements to the Magnifier tool, which now works with ChromeVox for better navigation for visually impaired users. - Introduction of Audio Gain Control to optimize microphone volume during video calls. - Simplified privacy controls for cameras and microphones, consolidating permissions management in one location within the Settings menu. Chromebooks automatically check for updates, and users can manually check for updates through the Settings menu.

Winsage

September 7, 2024

ChromeOS just copied one of Windows 11’s best features

Google has released ChromeOS 128, which includes new features to improve productivity and accessibility for Chromebook users. The update introduces Snap Groups, allowing users to organize applications into fullscreen configurations by hovering over the maximize button. It also integrates Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in the ChromeOS camera app, enabling text extraction from images and converting them into searchable PDFs. The OCR feature supports 77 languages and recognizes text in both orientations but is disabled by default. Additionally, the Magnifier tool now works with ChromeVox to assist visually impaired users, though both features require activation in settings. The update also streamlines camera and microphone controls by consolidating privacy settings and introduces Auto Gain Control (AGC) to automatically adjust microphone volume during calls, with notifications for users when AGC is active.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

Someone just spotted a notifications makeover for Android 16

Google's Android 15 QPR1 Beta reveals potential enhancements to the notifications and quick settings panel, including a more compact notification view and smaller, circular icons in the settings menu. The Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1.1 patch addresses a rebooting issue affecting Pixel devices, with a stable release expected in October. The redesign of the quick settings menu may require a two-finger gesture to access and will initially occupy a quarter of the screen, displaying rounded corner notifications with essential information. This redesign may not be available until Android 16, as many elements appear unfinished. The code hints at a modular System UI approach, allowing for independent components. Android 15 is also expected to modify the Do Not Disturb feature, now called "Priority Mode," allowing for user customization. The QPR beta is anticipated to coincide with a December feature drop.

Winsage

August 27, 2024

Now Microsoft is bringing Start menu ads to Windows 10, too

Windows 10 users will soon see ads in their Start menu, similar to those in Windows 11. A new "Account Manager" section will replace previous profile options in the Start menu. Users can use ad-blocking apps to mitigate Microsoft's increasing use of ads.

Winsage

August 24, 2024

Celebrating 29 years of Windows 95 — How Microsoft’s operating system evolved since the iconic Start menu was introduced

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, an operating system that significantly improved upon Windows 3.1. It introduced a user-friendly interface and the iconic Start menu, which has evolved but remains a key feature in modern versions like Windows 11. The Start menu organized applications and settings, making navigation intuitive for users. Windows 11's latest build, version 24H2, features a refined Start menu that serves as a central hub for apps and settings, reflecting the legacy of Windows 95. The Start menu's removal in future versions could provoke consumer backlash, highlighting its importance in the Windows experience.