software innovations Archives

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Revisiting Microsoft’s biggest canceled devices — from revolutionary phones to dual-screen PCs

Microsoft has scrapped several notable hardware projects over the years, including: - Microsoft Courier (2010): A dual-screen device with a 5.5-inch FHD LCD display and 3D Touch technology, shelved in 2014 due to complexities and costs. - Surface Mini (2014): An 8-inch Windows RT tablet designed for touch and pen input, canceled shortly before its announcement due to a shift away from Windows RT. - Xbox Joule (2014): A fitness watch intended to sync with Microsoft Kinect, canceled in early 2014 before the launch of Microsoft Band. - Microsoft Band 3 (2016): A refined wearable with improved features, canceled as Microsoft exited the fitness wearables market. - Surface Andromeda (2018): A dual-screen phone designed for pen and digital ink capabilities, shelved in 2018, with its hardware repurposed for Surface Duo. - Surface Neo (2021): A dual-screen computer with two 9-inch screens, canceled in 2021 alongside the discontinuation of Windows 10X. - Surface Cronos (2022): A planned mid-range variant of Surface Duo, canceled as Microsoft shifted focus away from new phone hardware.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year

This year has seen significant advancements in consumer technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, highlighted by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative in collaboration with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, introducing fanless, battery-efficient laptops to the Windows ecosystem. AI companies like OpenAI have expanded their offerings, prompting competitors such as Google, xAI, and Facebook to enhance their products. New brands like XREAL have emerged, while established companies like ASUS have innovated with dual-screen laptops. Accessory manufacturers have also improved their products. The Windows Central Tech Awards for 2024 recognize standout devices and features across various categories, including Tech Innovator of the Year, Best Processor, Best Overall Laptop, Best Keyboard, Best Pre-Built Gaming PC, Best Mini PC, Best Gaming Laptop, Best Gaming Headset, Best Tech Accessory, Best Monitor, Best Gaming Input, Best Gaming Hardware, Best Desktop All-in-One, Best Budget Laptop, Best Business Laptop, Best Mobile App for Windows Users, Best Windows Feature, Best Mouse, and Best Windows PC App. Looking ahead to 2025, advancements in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and potential breakthroughs in 6G and quantum computing are anticipated, with Microsoft focusing on AI server technology acquisitions and developments in PC gaming handhelds and new Xbox hardware.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

5 best Linux distros to replace Windows 11 and take control of your PC

Linux is a robust and user-friendly alternative to Windows 11, with several distributions catering to different user needs: - Ubuntu: Recognized as a gateway to Linux for newcomers, it features a user-friendly interface, extensive community support, and a straightforward installation process. It includes essential software and has lightweight versions like Xubuntu and Lubuntu for older hardware. - Linux Mint: Offers a Windows-like interface with a familiar desktop layout and pre-installed multimedia codecs, making it easy for users to enjoy media without additional software. It is based on Ubuntu for stability. - Pop!_OS: Developed by System76, it is tailored for gamers with built-in support for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, and features tiling window management for enhanced productivity. It allows users more control over their systems without forced updates. - Fedora: Known for its cutting-edge features and rapid release cycle, it emphasizes security and is popular among developers, featuring the GNOME desktop environment. - Manjaro: Built on Arch Linux, it offers a rolling release model for continuous updates while being beginner-friendly. Users can customize their experience with various desktop environments like KDE Plasma or XFCE.

AppWizard

May 15, 2024

Android users are in for a major AI boost in the coming months

Google has introduced new software innovations to enhance communication and learning. One feature detects phishing and spam calls in real-time, advising users to end the call. Another feature, Circle to Search, acts as a virtual tutor to simplify complex problems with real-life examples. The Talk Back feature now provides detailed descriptions of images for visually impaired users. Gemini 1.5 allows users to create and integrate images into applications. The "Ask this video" feature enables users to explore multimedia content by pausing YouTube videos. Google's AI-centric approach aims to enrich lives with practical tools. The union of Gemini Nano and Multimodality enhances the TalkBack option for a multi-sensory understanding of text, sounds, and spoken language. Android users can anticipate smarter, educational, and protective devices in the future.