tasks Archives

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Check out how Google plans on improving the native Google Phone app for Android

The latest update to the Phone by Google Android app features a larger display of the caller's name and phone number at the top of the screen, requiring contacts to be saved for identification. The caller's photo has also been enlarged. The app now uses oval-shaped controls for functions like mute and speaker, while the answer call button remains circular. The "Call from" text has been removed, and the other party's number is visible after answering, with the call duration repositioned to the top of the screen. A new animation showcases the caller's profile picture. These design changes aim to improve readability and user experience.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

The Tech Circus: AI’s Grand Finale, Elon Musk’s Punchline, and Microsoft’s Notepad Bold Move

Mary Meeker has released a comprehensive 340-page AI report highlighting rapid advancements and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence. Venture capitalists are heavily investing in AI across various sectors, including healthcare and coffee shops. Elon Musk recently left Washington, D.C. with a black eye from a playful encounter with his son, reflecting his unpredictable standing. The DOGE project has left behind issues such as water damage and pests. Microsoft has updated Notepad to include text formatting features like bold, italics, hyperlinks, and Markdown support, currently available for Windows 11 Canary and Dev Channel testers.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

A week of hell with my Windows 11 PC really makes me appreciate the simplicity of Google’s Chromebook laptops

The author's PC experienced significant issues while trying to run DOOM: The Dark Ages, primarily due to problems with NVIDIA RTX graphics drivers on a system equipped with an Intel Core i7-14700K and NVIDIA RTX 5080. The Windows 11 Start Menu became unresponsive, leading to a complete system failure despite attempts to roll back and update drivers. The author used a USB drive with a Linux installer as a temporary solution but continued to face crashes. Attempts to reinstall Windows were complicated by an incorrectly formatted USB stick, which needed to be exFAT. Ultimately, the author resolved the issues by wiping both SSDs and creating fresh partitions. The author also noted the complexity and bloat of Windows 11 compared to the simplicity of ChromeOS, which has become a reliable alternative for tasks and gaming.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

Microsoft has been working on CorePC for years, but what is it?

CorePC is an initiative by Microsoft aimed at overhauling the existing monolithic NT architecture of Windows, which has been in use since the 1990s. It seeks to implement a modular framework that allows for customized builds tailored to specific user needs, moving away from the "one size fits all" model. CorePC will introduce state separation of OS components on distinct partitions, enhancing security and streamlining updates. The initiative is expected to reduce system bloat and may lead to the revival of Windows-powered smartphones and tablets with better ARM processor integration. An official launch date for CorePC is not yet available, but it is anticipated to be part of the successor to Windows 11.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Resize your windows the right way on macOS using MacsyZones

The user transitioned from Windows to Mac and found macOS generally positive but lacking certain productivity features, particularly a built-in window snapping function similar to Windows' FancyZones. A third-party application called MacsyZones has been introduced, which allows users to create custom layouts for window snapping, enhancing workflow. The installation of MacsyZones is straightforward, and it resides in the menu bar with a minimalist interface. Users can create layouts by naming them and resizing windows, with each layout assigned a snap key for easy activation. MacsyZones allows for asymmetrical layouts, enabling one window to occupy a larger portion of the screen while others take up smaller spaces. This customization is beneficial for multitasking and improves productivity, especially for users with multiple applications or secondary monitors.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Improve Your Productivity with Windows 11 Pro for Just $15

Over 50% of entrepreneurs use their retirement savings to fund their ventures, while 20% use personal savings. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 and offers features designed to enhance productivity and security for professionals. It includes advanced security features, tools for productivity, gaming capabilities, collaboration tools, touchscreen functionality, and an AI-powered assistant called Copilot. The offer is available through StackSocial, with prices subject to change.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Windows 11 Pro Is Going for Pennies on the Dollar, a 92% Price Drop Makes It Almost Free

Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced networking and security features compared to Windows 11 Home. A lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is currently available at a discounted price on StackSocial. It includes tools like snap layouts, virtual desktops, improved voice typing, and the AI assistant Copilot, which aids in navigation and productivity. Windows 11 Pro also features essential Microsoft applications, advanced security measures, and enhancements for gaming with DirectX 12 Ultimate.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

I switched to indie apps for privacy, and now my workflow is a mess

The attempt to send a file from an Android device to a Windows 11 PC highlighted the challenges of using independent applications instead of major tech tools. The user replaced several Google services with alternatives, including Sync for cloud storage, Obsidian for note-taking, ToDoist for task management, Elemental for chat, Kobo for ebooks, VLC for music, Firefox for browsing, Ecosia for search, and Fastmail for email. Fastmail was noted for its efficiency and privacy, while Sync was criticized for its reliability. The user found the experience of using multiple independent apps to be fragmented and cumbersome, leading to higher costs than anticipated. Despite ethical concerns about Big Tech, the integration and convenience they offer were acknowledged as significant advantages. Ultimately, Fastmail and ToDoist were retained, while the user returned to Google for some services, illustrating the difficulties of maintaining a fully independent digital life.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Bring your PWA closer to users with App Actions on Windows

App Actions on Windows have expanded to include Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) starting from Edge version 137. Developers can now publish their PWAs to the Microsoft Store, allowing for enhanced user interactions. App Actions enable users to access key features of an app directly from their current context, reducing distractions from switching between applications. For example, the note-taking app Goodnotes allows users to send text directly to the app without toggling windows. Developers can integrate App Actions into their Microsoft Store PWAs by defining an Action manifest, setting up a custom protocol handler, configuring the app as a share target, and packaging the app for the Microsoft Store using PWABuilder. Optionally, developers can define a PWA launch handler and test actions using the App Actions Testing Playground.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Epic Games is giving away two great PC games for free! Have you picked them up yet?

The Epic Games Store is offering free PC games this week, including Limbo and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, available until next Thursday at 16:59 p.m. Limbo features black and white graphics, minimalistic storytelling without text or dialogue, and a tense atmosphere as players navigate traps and puzzles. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is set in the Borderlands universe with a fantasy twist, combining shooter and RPG elements, featuring colorful gameplay, absurd enemies, and humor, with Ashly Burch voicing Tiny Tina.