testing phase Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Google highlights smarter Gemini capabilities when integrating the Photos app

Google has introduced a support document detailing the integration of its Gemini AI with the Photos app for Android devices, allowing users to search for specific memories using details like places, faces, dates, and events. This functionality is currently being rolled out to a select group of invited users. Users can engage in natural language queries to locate photos, ask questions about locations and dates, and describe images they seek. Once identified, users can tap on the photo or album to view it in the Photos app. The features are available in the Gemini app for Android, but access is limited, and prompts must be in English. Users need to log into Gemini with the same Google account associated with Photos. The features resemble the "Ask Photos" test in early access through Google Labs, which integrates some of Gemini's functionality directly within the Photos app.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Windows’ Iconic Blue Screen of Death Is No Longer Blue

Microsoft is changing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to a Black Screen of Death (BSOD) in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. This change is currently being tested in the Beta, Dev, and Canary channels. The new message during a crash will state, “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” along with an error code for troubleshooting. A temporary Green Screen of Death (GSOD) was introduced in recent Insider builds, but the stable release will feature the Black screen. This change aims to modernize Windows' error messaging. Users in the Insider program can test the new feature with build 26120.3653 by triggering a BSOD.

TrendTechie

April 1, 2025

«Пиратская бухта» локализуется в России

A working group has been formed under the Ministry of Digital Development to localize The Pirate Bay on the "GosTech" platform, involving government, industry, and copyright representatives. A vice-premier will lead the group, addressing challenges faced by Russian citizens since 2022 regarding access to foreign entertainment. The "Gosbukhata" initiative aims to provide access to international and domestic films, with local companies and channels willing to upload content. Filmmakers have concerns about user fees, and a draft of a new Presidential Decree outlines the process for acquiring rights from copyright holders in unfriendly countries. Users of torrent software will need to register with Roskomnadzor and pay an annual fee of 500 to 1000 rubles for access, with fee distribution managed by the All-Russian Copyright Holders Union. Additionally, VK plans to launch a domestic peer-to-peer multimedia content exchange platform named "RuMul" by 2025, currently in the sigma-testing phase.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Open-world survival crafting game RuneScape: Dragonwilds announced for PC

Jagex has announced RuneScape: Dragonwilds, an open-world survival crafting game set to launch in Early Access on PC via Steam in spring 2025. The game takes place on the continent of Ashenfall, where players will gather resources, build structures, and craft tools to survive against awakened dragons. It supports cooperative gameplay for one to four players, focusing on mastering survival skills and uncovering secrets to confront the Dragon Queen. The development team is incorporating player feedback from closed alpha tests to shape the game's evolution. The game features quests, skill leveling, and rune-wielding, integrating elements of high fantasy and RPG within the RuneScape lore.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11 quick machine recovery: Restoring devices with boot issues

Microsoft has launched a quick machine recovery feature in its Windows operating system to help IT administrators remotely execute fixes on machines that cannot boot, particularly during widespread outages. This feature allows devices to automatically enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and connect with Microsoft’s recovery services for tailored remediations delivered via Windows Update. IT administrators can enable or disable this feature remotely and configure settings such as scanning intervals and restart timeouts. Currently, quick machine recovery is in testing and available to users in the Windows Insider Program, with plans for future accessibility to IT administrators managing Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise devices.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

Google Maps taps Gemini for an ‘Ask about place’ chip with directions and more

Google is introducing a new feature in its Maps application called the "Ask about place" chip, powered by its AI model, Gemini. This feature allows users to ask questions about a selected location, providing information such as directions and travel details. The feature is currently being tested and may not function perfectly at all times. Additionally, Google is working on another update to improve user-friendliness, which will display essential information like parking availability and estimated time of arrival (ETA) upon setting a destination.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

10 pesky Windows 11 24H2 bugs still haunting PCs despite several patches

In October, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which enhances Copilot AI, refines File Explorer, and improves performance and stability. The update is available for users of Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 through the Windows Update screen or Microsoft's official Download Windows 11 page. However, various bugs have been reported, leading Microsoft to temporarily pause the update for certain problematic PCs. Notable issues include: 1. AutoCAD 2022 may not open on some systems. 2. PCs with Citrix components may struggle with installation due to a glitch from the January Patch Tuesday update. 3. Compatibility issues with the Easy Anti-Cheat program can result in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, particularly on Intel Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Users report internet connectivity problems after the update, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 5. Network sharing issues prevent devices from appearing in the network list. 6. Printer setup issues affect users of Copilot+ PCs from various manufacturers. 7. Audio output problems occur on PCs with Dirac Audio technology. 8. Outlook may fail to launch if Google Workspace Sync is installed. 9. Integrated camera issues affect the Windows camera app and Windows Hello facial recognition. 10. Compatibility problems with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers may trigger blue screens on certain PCs. Microsoft has issued several patches to address these bugs since the update's launch, but some patches have introduced new issues.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Google Maps might predict more than just the traffic for you soon

Google Maps is testing new features that will enhance user experience by providing real-time updates on parking availability, fuel-efficient routes, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) directly from the initial overview screen after entering a destination. Currently, users can only see traffic conditions, distance, and travel time. The new features will allow users to view parking availability marked by a "P" icon, fuel-efficient route options, and precise ETA. These enhancements aim to improve trip planning and are expected to be included in future app updates. Additionally, some users have reported issues with their Timeline history disappearing from the web version, possibly due to a shift in how Google stores location history.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

I’ll admit, Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update surprised me with its usefulness, providing accessibility fixes, a gamepad keyboard layout, and PC spec cards

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11, known as KB5053657, currently in its preview phase. This update includes significant accessibility enhancements in File Explorer, ensuring uniform text scaling across all elements. It introduces PC spec cards in the Settings app, providing insights into CPU, RAM, storage, and graphics card. A new gamepad keyboard layout allows typing via an Xbox controller, and a new emoji button has been added to the taskbar for emojis, GIFs, and clipboard access. Voice Access now supports Simplified and Traditional Chinese. The full release of these features is expected on April 8 as part of the April cumulative update.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows 11 could eventually help you understand how fast your PC is – as well as offer tips for making your PC or laptop faster for free

Microsoft is developing a new FAQ feature for Windows 11 to help users understand their PC's specifications and performance. This feature, currently in testing, can be found under Settings > System > About in specific builds and provides tailored information based on the user's hardware. It offers insights on how integrated graphics versus dedicated GPUs affect performance and how limited RAM impacts application performance. The feature is still hidden and not activated for general testing, and its inclusion in the final version of Windows 11 is not guaranteed. The FAQ may be enhanced with artificial intelligence in the future for a better user experience.