streamlining Archives

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

This free to-do list app keeps me organized and sane

Megan Ellis discovered TickTick in 2018 and found it to be an indispensable productivity tool, particularly due to its user-friendly interface and simplicity, which is important for users with ADHD. TickTick allows users to start adding tasks immediately without account creation and offers flexibility in organizing tasks into separate lists. The app's notification system keeps tasks visible without overwhelming the user, and the snooze feature helps manage time effectively by allowing users to delay tasks. Ellis has chosen not to subscribe to TickTick's premium plan, believing the free version meets her needs, although the premium offers additional features for a competitive annual cost. She acknowledges alternatives like Todoist, Google Tasks, Microsoft To Do, Any.do, and ClickUp, but still considers TickTick the most comprehensive solution for her task management.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has made significant updates for users in the European Union and European Economic Area, including the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store while still receiving app updates, a reduction in notifications related to Edge, and increased control over web searches in Windows. This week features discounts on various applications, with some offers extending beyond a single week. Notable new or improved Windows apps include: - Fences 6.0: An updated desktop management tool that allows users to organize programs and links into customizable groups with new tab support. - Start Everywhere: An application launcher that complements the Windows Start Menu, enabling users to launch applications from any screen corner using mouse clicks, hotkeys, or active corners. - VeraCrypt 1.26: An open-source encryption software that allows users to encrypt their entire system, individual hard drives, or specific partitions, with new protective measures against screen recordings and captures.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

This app has been shipping with Windows for decades, and it needs to go away

The Character Map is a tool in Windows designed to help users access uncommon characters and symbols not available on the keyboard. However, it is considered convoluted and unnecessary due to its complicated access process and cumbersome selection method. Microsoft has introduced a more efficient emoji keyboard in Windows 11, which allows users to quickly select symbols by pressing Windows + . (period) and is more user-friendly than the Character Map. The emoji panel saves the last twelve used symbols for easy access. It is suggested that the Character Map would be better suited as a feature within Microsoft Office, where symbol selection is more relevant. The Character Map is viewed as one of several outdated features in Windows 11 that may need removal to improve the user experience.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Windows 11’s Microsoft Store Gets Smarter Search and Copilot Integration

The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 is being transformed with a reimagined search experience that is more intuitive and responsive to user intent, utilizing signals like app updates and ratings for improved relevance. New product page badges will highlight applications with artificial intelligence capabilities. A Copilot button will be added to product pages for users in the United States, allowing them to ask questions about apps and compare products side by side. A "Discover More" section will curate related content based on user interests, and personalized home pages will adapt to individual user habits and trends. Additionally, integration of Store apps within Windows Search will allow users to install apps directly from search results, and new app suggestions will be tested in the "Open with" context menu for Insiders on the Beta Channel.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Turbocharge your workflow for just $15 with Windows 11 Pro

Windows 11 Pro is priced at .97 and is designed to enhance productivity with features such as a powerful search function, improved voice typing, and snap layouts. It includes advanced security measures like BitLocker encryption, biometric login, and built-in antivirus protection. The operating system offers specialized applications, including Hyper-V, Azure AD, Smart App Control, Windows Sandbox, Windows Studio Effects, and TPM 2.0. It supports entertainment with DirectX 12 Ultimate graphics and features an AI-powered assistant called Copilot that can answer questions, enhance writing, and assist with Windows tasks. The offer for Windows 11 Pro is available through StackSocial, with prices subject to change.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

5 Windows terminal tricks I use to improve my productivity

Windows Terminal is a productivity tool in Windows 11 that allows users to manage multiple profiles, such as Windows PowerShell and Linux distributions, within the same window. Users can rename and recolor tabs for easier navigation. The Command Palette, activated by Ctrl+Shift+P, provides a searchable interface for commands, simplifying execution without needing to memorize shortcuts. Focus mode hides the title bar and tabs for distraction-free use and can be set as the default launch option. The split pane feature enables users to display multiple profiles simultaneously, enhancing multitasking. Quake mode keeps the terminal visible at the top of the screen, minimizing distractions and allowing easy access to other applications.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake Acquisition Expands Postgres Capabilities Of Its AI Data Cloud

Snowflake is acquiring Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source PostgreSQL technology, to enhance its PostgreSQL database services and bolster its AI Data Cloud platform with the introduction of Snowflake Postgres. This acquisition will provide developers with full PostgreSQL capabilities integrated with governance, security, and operational standards for AI applications. Crunchy Data, founded in 2012, offers products like Crunchy Bridge and has a focus on security and compliance, making it a trusted choice for enterprises. Snowflake plans to integrate Crunchy Data's technology into its offerings, streamlining the lifecycle of enterprise PostgreSQL workloads. The acquisition is estimated to be around 0 million and is pending regulatory approvals. Snowflake aims to support Crunchy Data's existing customers and strengthen ties with the Postgres community.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

‘In a very interesting way, it actually reduces the work’: Destiny 2’s director explains why reinventing the wheel with The Edge of Fate was actually the easier option

Destiny is set to release a new expansion titled The Edge of Fate on July 15, following the success of The Final Shape. The expansion aims to revitalize player engagement and introduce innovative gameplay mechanics, including an expanded buildcraft space and a new gear tiering system for armor and weapons. Bungie is working on enhancing Darkness subclasses and introducing Solo Ops for single-player experiences. The developers emphasize balancing challenge and reward, ensuring that players earn rewards through meaningful challenges. A new World Tier system will apply to the Kepler destination, allowing casual players to navigate the campaign at their own pace. Bungie is cautious about introducing a rarity tier above exotic items to maintain a balanced loot system. The team is also considering the return of class items from the original Destiny.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 is getting some big upgrades to tackle dreaded boot failures – and help novices set up their new PC

Windows 11 has released a new preview build, 26200.5622, in the Dev channel, introducing several features aimed at improving user experience. Key additions include Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) for recovering from boot failures, a PC-to-PC migration feature for easier transitions to new devices, a new option in Phone Link to mirror Android phone screens from the Start menu, enhancements to the widgets board with a navigation bar, and a Click to Do feature for drafting text in Word using Copilot on Copilot+ PCs. These features are in early testing and may be included in the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 release.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Minecraft Movie Streaming Soon on Max With Sources Pointing To June Date

The Minecraft Movie is set to stream on Max, with a potential release date of June 20, 2025, although this has not been officially confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery. The film, directed by Jared Hess and featuring Jason Momoa, premiered in theaters on May 30, 2025. It will be available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Physical editions (4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD) are scheduled for release on June 24, 2025. In 2025, Minecraft modpacks are evolving, with a focus on technical modpacks and new gameplay experiences. Notable modpacks include "Biohazard: Project Genesis" and "Multiversal Archeology," which emphasize automation and resource gathering. Popular modpacks are introducing intricate quest systems, performance optimizations, and visual enhancements, including high-definition textures and dynamic lighting. Tools like CurseForge and packwiz are streamlining modpack creation and sharing. The Bedrock Edition has seen new modpacks like "Elemental Horizons" and "Survival Evolution." "Technological Frontiers 4" is currently the top-rated modpack on CurseForge. The 1.21 update has influenced modpack developments, leading to new dungeon exploration themes.