streamlined Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool

PowerToys version 0.90.0 introduces the Command Palette, also known as "CmdPal," which enhances the previous PowerToys Run feature by allowing users to launch applications and perform tasks efficiently using the shortcut Win+Alt+Space. The update also includes improvements to the Color Picker, Peek feature enhancements that allow file deletion, and new customization options for template filenames. The update is available for download on the PowerToys GitHub page.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

5 reasons I stopped dual-booting Windows and Linux on my PC

The author currently uses Windows 11 on most devices due to the lack of Linux alternatives for certain creative applications. They previously engaged in dual-booting Linux and Windows but have shifted away from this practice due to time and data management concerns. Storage issues were a significant challenge, particularly with drive partitioning on laptops. The author finds virtual machines (VMs) and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to be more accessible and practical solutions for their needs. They also mention that Windows 11's Secure Boot complicates dual-boot setups and that Windows updates often overwrite the GRUB bootloader, risking data integrity. Additionally, using BitLocker with GRUB can lead to complications. Ultimately, the author prefers a single operating system per device for a simpler and more efficient experience.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 98 can run Meta’s Llama AI model on just 128MB of RAM: “We could have been talking to our computers for 30 years now.”

Generative AI is being integrated into modern technology, with Microsoft incorporating its Copilot AI into Windows 11. Marc Andreessen revealed that a small Llama AI model from Meta operated on a Windows 98 PC with 128MB of RAM. Although the specific Meta AI model was not disclosed, it suggests older technology could have supported generative AI capabilities. Andreessen noted that running Llama AI on a 26-year-old Dell PC could have enabled human-like interactions with computers decades ago. An experiment by Exo Labs successfully ran a modified version of Meta's Llama 2 on a Pentium II-based Windows 98 PC, overcoming challenges related to sourcing compatible peripherals and transferring files. The team used Borland C++ 5.02 for compiling modern code but eventually switched to an older version of the C programming language due to compatibility issues. The project required developing a streamlined version of the AI model to function within the hardware limitations of the legacy PC. This illustrates that even older PCs had the potential to support generative AI.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Google Maps is giving your ETA screen a glow-up on Android

Google Maps is updating its interface in version 25.13.06 to streamline trip details and enhance user experience. The estimated time of arrival (ETA) is now displayed larger and more prominently, while distance information has been moved to a secondary position. The redesign allows for easier access to additional details like fuel efficiency, parking, and toll costs without navigating through multiple menus. The update is being rolled out across all transport modes but is server-side, so user experiences may vary.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft’s iconic Blue Screen of Death might change, and its replacement looks even more depressing

Microsoft has redesigned the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), which has been part of the Windows operating system since 1990. The new version features a black screen instead of the traditional blue, with a simplified message stating, "Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart." This update is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders, and during testing phases, the screen will appear green. The redesign aims to create a more user-friendly experience, but some users find it more intimidating and confusing due to its resemblance to the Windows update screen. The updated BSOD is available to users running the 24H2 version or newer, with plans for a broader release in the coming weeks.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11’s new headline security feature is now in testing — here’s how it can help your PC

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature called quick machine recovery (QMR) to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel, designed to automatically detect and resolve boot issues directly from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). When enabled, QMR identifies and applies fixes for common boot problems, and in case of a critical boot failure, it transitions the device into WinRE, connects to the network, and sends diagnostic data to Microsoft for targeted remediation via Windows Update. This feature will be enabled by default for home users and is available for testing by Windows Insiders. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing a speech recap feature in Narrator, allowing users to track what has been spoken, access live transcriptions, and copy the last spoken phrase using keyboard shortcuts. The speech recap window can display the last 500 strings spoken by Narrator and refreshes each time Narrator starts. Windows 11 Build 26120.3653 includes a streamlined user interface for unexpected restarts, a new way to launch Copilot using Win + C, and the Click to Do feature accessible from the Start menu, which supports multiple languages. Improvements to Windows Share include a visual preview of content and quick image editing options.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft overhauls the dreaded Blue Screen of Death

Microsoft is testing a redesigned Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) for Windows 11 insiders, featuring a more streamlined user interface that aligns with Windows 11 design principles. The new design will remove the frowning face and QR code, and may adopt a darker color reminiscent of Windows updates, with a green version currently being previewed. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to refresh various elements of the Windows interface, including sign-in screens. The updates are being rolled out to Windows insiders on version 24H2 across Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels, with potential public release expected in the coming months or alongside Windows 11 25H2.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

How to Try Out Windows’ New ‘Blue Screen of Death’

Microsoft has redesigned the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) for Windows, making it "more streamlined" and aligned with Windows 11 design principles. The new BSOD will not be blue; it has appeared green during testing and will transition to black upon public release. The familiar frowny-face emoticon has been removed, replaced by a message stating, "Your device ran into a problem, and needs to restart," along with a progress percentage and stop code details. Users can experience the new BSOD by enrolling in the Windows Insider program, specifically through the Canary, Dev, or Beta Channels, with the Beta channel recommended for a more stable experience.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft is redesigning the Windows BSOD and it might change to black

Microsoft is redesigning the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) for Windows 11, moving away from the traditional blue color, frowning face, and QR code. The new BSOD will feature a minimalist black screen with the message: “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.” This change is part of a broader effort to align with Windows 11 design principles and improve user experience. Currently, Windows Insiders can test this new BSOD in Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels, where it initially appears green before changing to black or blue in the final release. The new design will be integrated into Windows 11 version 24H2.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Download TubeMate YouTube Downloader for Windows and Android, APK

TubeMate is a tool for curating a library of video files, allowing users to add video URLs via drag-and-drop or by pasting links. It features a user-friendly interface with three tabs: Download, Convert, and Tasks, enabling users to manage downloads and convert files. TubeMate can download entire playlists with a single link and uses multi-threaded connections for efficient downloading, supporting various video qualities up to 8K and formats including MP4, MP3, AVI, WAV, and WMV. Users can extract audio, trim videos, and preview quality during downloads with its built-in media player. The software includes organizational tools for managing content and is regularly updated for compatibility with evolving streaming technologies. TubeMate is available for Windows and Android devices.