streamlined Archives

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Ending Soon: Upgrade Your PC to Windows 11 Pro or Home for Only $15

Microsoft will phase out support for Windows 10 in October 2025, making the transition to Windows 11 important. The official price for Windows 11 Pro is 9 when purchased directly from Microsoft. StackSocial is offering Windows 11 Pro at a reduced price, although the specific amount is not provided. Windows 11 Pro includes features like DirectX 12 Ultimate, BitLocker device encryption, Azure-AD integration, and Hyper-V. Customers will receive a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro upon purchase, and they must ensure their computer meets the minimum system requirements for installation. There is a 30-day window to redeem the download code before it expires.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

I finally set up ExplorerPatcher on Windows, and I should have sooner

Windows 11 has received both praise and criticism, particularly regarding certain regressions compared to previous versions. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that restores familiar features from Windows 10, such as the Start menu and taskbar. It allows users to revert to the Windows 10 Start menu, which is more efficient and includes a resizable pinned area and an All apps list. The taskbar is also transformed to resemble Windows 10, offering individual icons for functions and expanded customization options. Additionally, ExplorerPatcher revives the Ribbon UI in File Explorer, enhancing usability despite the loss of tab support. However, users may experience occasional bugs, and the last update was in November 2024, raising concerns about ongoing support.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Top things to experience in Minecraft Bedrock Edition | Esports News – The Times of India

Minecraft's Bedrock Edition includes several exclusive features that enhance gameplay: 1. Crossplay with friends across multiple platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch, mobile). 2. Vibrant ocean life with Baby Squids, Dolphins, and Parrots. 3. Optimized performance for smooth gameplay on older smartphones. 4. Dynamic Endermen that teleport randomly. 5. Drowned mobs that mimic player movements underwater. 6. God Bridging technique for fast block placement. 7. Witches that attack Iron Golems in combat. 8. Classic 1.8 PVP combat system. 9. Dynamic armor stands for displaying armor. 10. Instant campfire lighting using the Fire Aspect book. 11. Colored cauldrons for dyeing water and customizing leather armor. 12. Immersive visuals with dynamic shadows and water reflections. 13. Effortless skin swapping without restarting the game. 14. Rare Acacia Shipwrecks made from acacia wood. 15. Giant mushrooms enhancing swamp landscapes. 16. Ability to carry up to 64 cakes. 17. Locator maps for finding fellow players. 18. Simplified player invitations. 19. Streamlined building with falling trees and piston-pushed chests. 20. Creative modes with educational elements in the Education Edition.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Here’s a First Look at the Redesigned Clock App Coming with Material Design 3

Google is redesigning its Clock app to adopt the Material Design 3 Expressive theme, featuring a new font for improved readability, elongated time selectors for better interaction, and a larger squircle-shaped floating action button repositioned for easier access. The Clock tab will be renamed "World Clock," and the Alarms page will see a comprehensive redesign with a modern elongated time selector and additional options for alarm name, sound, vibration, weather forecast, and Google Assistant routines. The Timers section will change the play icon to a rectangular “Start” button, while the Stopwatch tab will shift to a cubical layout. The Bedtime mode will largely retain its existing design. User reactions to the redesign have been mixed, with some expressing concerns about the transition from rounded to boxy elements and the overall consistency of the design. The redesign is still in early stages, and user feedback will influence its final form.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Microsoft Opens Windows 11 24H2 Update to All Users

Windows 11 24H2 was released in October of the previous year and includes enhancements such as an enriched File Explorer, a transformed Start menu with integrated Phone Connection and Power Settings, improved video calling, and increased incorporation of artificial intelligence. The initial rollout faced deployment challenges due to unforeseen bugs, but these have been addressed, and the update is now considered stable for widespread adoption. Minor issues remain, but they are classified as non-critical, allowing for expanded availability. Windows 11 24H2 is accessible for download on all compatible PCs, and users can upgrade from older versions by checking for updates in Settings. Additionally, automatic updates are being rolled out for unmanaged Windows 11 devices running versions 23H2 and 22H2.

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

The 15 Hottest Android Apps You Need This May 2025

Android maintains its leading position in the mobile operating system market with a diverse ecosystem of applications. A selection of 15 notable Android apps for May 2025 includes: 1. Gesture Control: Edge Seek allows users to create customizable gestures for tasks like volume adjustments and app launches. 2. Device Mirroring: Screen Copy for Android enables users to mirror and control one Android device from another. 3. Customization: Everything Widgets offers over 100 customizable widgets, while Anting Icons provides a unified icon pack. Creative App combines widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs, and Fluffy KWGT features 3D-style widgets. 4. Cross-Device Integration: Sapphira syncs Android with Windows for messaging and file sharing, while Our Quick Share extends functionality for Mac and Linux users. 5. AI Tools: Adma is a free AI image upscaler that enhances image resolution offline. 6. Gaming and Entertainment: Swick is a platform for discovering and playing mini-games. 7. Lightweight Alternatives: Notebook is an ad-free alternative to the Facebook app with a minimalistic design. 8. Rooted Device Tools: Pixel Launcher Enhanced and Android 16 Expressive Theme provide advanced customization for rooted devices. 9. Productivity and Organization: Pixel Shot organizes screenshots, and Digipause tracks time spent on video apps. 10. Utility Tools: Curome combines over 25 features, including a QR code generator and Pomodoro timer. These apps enhance functionality, creativity, and efficiency for Android users.

Tech Optimizer

May 3, 2025

Extend the Amazon Q Developer CLI with Model Context Protocol (MCP) for Richer Context

Amazon Q Developer has introduced support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) in its command line interface (CLI), enabling developers to connect external data sources for more context-aware responses. This enhancement allows access to pre-built integrations and MCP servers, improving code accuracy, data comprehension, unit test generation, database documentation, and query execution without custom integration code. MCP serves as an open protocol that standardizes application integration with large language models (LLMs). Developers can configure MCP servers in a file named mcp.json, which can be stored in the home directory or project root. After implementing MCP, Q Developer can effectively explore database schemas and execute complex SQL queries, significantly enhancing the development experience.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Pushing passkeys forward: Microsoft’s latest updates for simpler, safer sign-ins

The tech community is celebrating the first "World Passkey Day," moving away from "World Password Day," with Microsoft and other organizations committing to the Passkey Pledge to promote passkey adoption. Microsoft has developed passkeys as a secure authentication method, replacing traditional passwords and allowing access via facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Over 99% of users now prefer Windows Hello for sign-ins, and hundreds of websites support passkeys, which are resistant to phishing. Last year, there were 7,000 password attacks every second, highlighting the urgency of this transition. Microsoft has introduced passkey support for consumer applications, achieving nearly a million registrations daily, with passkey sign-ins being three times more successful and eight times faster than traditional methods. New Microsoft accounts will be created without passwords by default, and the sign-in process will prioritize passwordless methods. Currently, over 15 billion user accounts can use passkeys, with a goal to transition billions more.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Lightweight Windows 11 version finally gets an update

Microsoft has released version 2504 of Validation OS, a streamlined version of Windows 11 designed for hardware validation, error diagnosis, and quality control in Windows device production. This version includes enhancements in .NET support, driver management, and USB boot capabilities. It operates through a command-line interface (CLI) and supports Win32 applications. Key features of the 2504 release include support for WPF applications via the Microsoft-WinVOS-WPF-Support package, inclusion of Surface Dock drivers, improved USB boot functionality with RAM disk size configuration through DISM, separation of CJK fonts from the general font package, and an upgrade to the latest .NET implementation. Some known issues remain, such as instability with Bluetooth and Serial Console packages on ARM64 systems. The update builds on previous releases that added features like the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and Hyper-V-compatible VHDX images. Validation OS is not intended for end users but benefits manufacturers and IT professionals in hardware production and validation. The latest build is available for download from Microsoft's official page.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10 — here’s what you need to do

A limited-time offer allows users to purchase a Windows 11 Pro key for .97, down from its regular price of 9. This promotion enables upgrades for two compatible PCs. Windows 11 Pro features a user-friendly installation process, a lifetime license with no ongoing fees, productivity enhancements like snap layouts and virtual desktops, and robust security measures including biometric login and device encryption. It also includes an AI-powered assistant, Copilot, to help optimize workflows. Support for Windows 10 will end soon, making this an opportune time to upgrade. Prices on StackSocial may change.