sound recordings Archives

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects

Windows 11 includes a suite of audio and video recording applications: Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects. The Sound Recorder app allows audio capture using PC microphones, featuring a navigation pane, recording area, and playback controls. Users can customize audio input in the Settings app under System > Sound, selecting microphones and adjusting quality formats like “CD quality” or “Studio quality.” Within the Sound Recorder app, users can change the recording format (default is AAC) to MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV and set audio quality to Best, High, or Medium. To record audio, users click the red “Start recording” button, with options to stop, pause, or mark significant moments using keyboard shortcuts. Recordings can be played back, managed, shared, renamed, or deleted through the app's interface. Users can also import compatible audio files into Sound Recorder. The Camera app allows users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using the PC's webcam, with an interface similar to smartphone camera apps. Users can customize camera settings in the Settings app under Bluetooth > Cameras, adjusting brightness, contrast, and resolution. Photos are taken in Photo mode, while videos are recorded in Video mode, with options for pausing without creating new files. Windows Studio Effects offers AI-driven enhancements for audio and video calls, requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for some features. Enhancements include automatic framing, background effects, creative filters, eye contact simulation, portrait lighting adjustments, and voice focus. Compatibility can be checked in Quick settings or the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or supported applications.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Mojang Hired a Cow Whisperer and Real Animal Voice Actors for Minecraft

Mojang enlisted a professional cow whisperer to capture authentic cow sounds for Minecraft's Tiny Takeover update. The update features new audio recordings for various baby mobs, including kittens, wolf puppies, foals, piglets, and baby chickens, as well as updated sounds for adult animals. The audio designer shared that the cow whisperer used specific sounds to elicit responses from the cows during recording sessions. The update aims to visually and sonically differentiate baby mobs from adults, enhancing their character and personality. While there is debate among players about the overall value of the update, the new animal sounds have received widespread acclaim.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Mobile apps to continue your birding

Deb Nofzinger and Dave Wilkins recommend several mobile applications for birding enthusiasts, including eBird and Merlin Bird ID, both associated with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. eBird operates on a donation model and allows users to maintain detailed bird lists, track sightings, and utilize a Hotspot function for prime birding locations. It has recorded 149 species at Earth Heart Farms since its addition, with 78 species identified this year. Wilkins has completed 239 checklists at Creek Bend Farm Park and observed 137 species there. The Merlin Bird ID app offers a sound identification feature for 1,382 bird species and is noted for its accuracy in familiar environments. Other suggested apps include BirdCast for migration updates and the Sibley Birds v2 app, priced at .99.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Amy Winehouse, Elton John, and ‘Hamilton’ Added to Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry

The Library of Congress added 25 new sound recordings to its National Recording Registry, including notable entries such as Amy Winehouse’s "Back to Black," Elton John’s "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and the original cast album of "Hamilton." Other significant recordings include Tracy Chapman’s self-titled 1988 LP, Miles Davis’ "Bitches Brew," and Mary J. Blige’s "My Life." Iconic tracks featured are “Fly Like an Eagle” by the Steve Miller Band, Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” and Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman.” The selections reflect a range of musical evolution and cultural milestones, with recordings dating from 1913 to 2015. Key additions include a radio broadcast of the 1960 World Series Game 7, Keith Jarrett’s "The Kӧln Concert," the "Minecraft: Volume Alpha" soundtrack, and Brian Eno’s Microsoft Windows startup chime. The recordings span various genres and highlight significant moments in American music history.