system applications Archives

Winsage

May 8, 2025

6 changes I make immediately to make the Windows 11 experience less irritating

Upon initiating a fresh installation of Windows 11, essential adjustments can enhance the user experience and productivity. Winhance is a utility that helps implement these changes. Key modifications include: - Notifications: Users can reduce the number of notifications by navigating to Settings -> System -> Notifications and toggling off notifications from specific apps. Scheduling notifications and using the Focus feature can also help minimize distractions. - Disable Microsoft ads: To eliminate subtle promotional content, users should uncheck options in Notifications settings and disable recommendations in Settings -> Personalization -> Start. - Move the Start button: Users can reposition the Start menu to the left corner by adjusting the “Taskbar alignment” in Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors. - Adjust visual effects: To improve system responsiveness, users can disable animations and transparency effects by accessing sysdm.cpl and Settings -> Accessibility -> Visual effects. - Change the default browser: After installing a preferred browser, users can set it as the default in Settings -> Apps -> Default app, ensuring it is set for various file types. - Disable News widget: Users can turn off the news widget by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar and toggling off the Widgets option. These adjustments can be completed in about 20 minutes and help create a more productive environment in Windows 11.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Get HyperOS 2 Android 16 Beta 2 apps today on any Xiaomi device

Xiaomi has released system apps from the HyperOS 2 Beta 16 Android build, allowing users to enhance their devices without flashing the entire beta ROM. The updated applications include: Productivity Apps: - Note (v1.2.6.8) - Premium note-taking features. - Calculator (v15.3.4) - Smarter calculation functions. - Calendar (v16.0.20.10) - Improved scheduling and reminders. - File Explorer (v7.0.4.7) - Efficient file management. Media & Entertainment: - Browser (v19.1.90312) - Enhanced web surfing speed and protection. - Media Editor (v1.8.10.16) - Advanced photo and video editing capabilities. - Gallery (v25100112) - AI photo organization. - Screen Recorder (v2.14.2.4.1) - Smooth screen recording. System Utilities: - Theme Store (v18.0) - Access to new themes for HyperOS 2. - System Updater (v8.8.9) - Improved update process. - Weather (v16.0.5.8) - More accurate forecasting. - Mirror (v17.00.01) - Low-latency screen casting. - Sound Recorder (v6.2.5) - High-quality recordings with noise reduction. - Mi Share (v3.7.1) - Quicker file sharing between devices. - Quick Search (v10.12.1.03137) - Enhanced search functionality. - Always-on Display (RELEASE-2228.3.0.0) - New designs for the feature. - Security Center (v10.7.3-250325.0.1) - Strengthened device protection. - Mi Wallpaper (v4.4.4.1-ALPHA) - Dynamic wallpapers. - MIUI Home Launcher (RELEASE-5.39.31.10941) - Refined home screen experience. - Package Installer (v5.3.3.0.0) - Safer app installation process. To install these apps, users must download the APKs, enable "Install from Unknown Sources," install each APK individually, and restart the device. Each application has been optimized for performance with reasonable file sizes.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Android 15 blocked Phone Link from mirroring sensitive notifications, but Microsoft has a fix

Microsoft's Phone Link app can now mirror sensitive notifications from Android devices to Windows PCs after the Android 15 update had initially restricted this capability. The Android 15 update classified two-factor authentication codes as sensitive, blocking their visibility to most notification listeners, including Phone Link. To access sensitive notifications, Phone Link must be preinstalled on the device and granted the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission. Users with devices that have Link to Windows preinstalled, like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, can grant permission to restore full functionality. For devices without the preinstalled app, workarounds include disabling Android System Intelligence notification processing or manually granting permissions.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Google Play Services could soon make tracking system app updates much easier (APK teardown)

Google is introducing a new "System services" section within Google Play Services to streamline the tracking of updates for essential Android system applications. This feature aims to help users distinguish between regular app updates and important system app updates, addressing confusion about the status of core system components. An APK teardown of Google Play Services v25.11.32 beta has revealed references to this section, which will notify users of available updates and direct them to the Google Play Store. The app listings for core system applications will also be simplified to focus on essential information, reducing user confusion and improving understanding of system app updates. The "System services" page and updated app listings are not yet live but represent a step towards enhancing user trust and clarity regarding system app updates.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 11 requires authorization in Notepad — but not for all

Users have expressed frustration over the requirement to sign in to a Microsoft account to access the new Rewrite feature in Notepad on Windows 11, which is available only on Copilot+ PCs. The basic functionalities of Notepad do not require an account. Microsoft is testing a more integrated version of Copilot for Windows 11, moving away from its current web-based experience. Users have also reported issues with Bluetooth connectivity, headphones, and webcams following recent updates to Windows 11, with ongoing anticipation for enhancements to features like “Conductor” and the taskbar.

AppWizard

February 2, 2025

Google Play Store not showing Android system app updates [U]

The Google Play Store is experiencing an issue where updates for system-level applications are not appearing in the Pending downloads section, despite users receiving notifications for available updates. Users can still find the "Update" option when visiting the app's listing directly in the Play Store. This problem affects several common Google applications, including pre-installed apps like YouTube and the Google Partner Setup application, which is essential for devices using Google Mobile Services and cannot be disabled or deleted. Devices running Android 7 or earlier will not receive updates for this app. Additionally, the Data Restore Tool requires direct access via a link on the Play Store for updates, as it does not show in the Installed list. The issue suggests a potential change in how Google manages updates for system applications, similar to the automatic updates for Google Play Services. Users who have disabled auto-updates must manually check for updates through the app listings.