text extraction Archives

Winsage

June 25, 2026

PowerToys replaced tools I used to install on every Windows PC

Raycast for Windows, a productivity app, was initially a valuable tool for launching applications and executing actions quickly. However, the introduction of the Command Palette in Microsoft PowerToys provided similar functionality, leading to Raycast being less essential for the user's needs. The user found that the Command Palette effectively served as a fast app launcher, integrating well with other PowerToys features. The user also transitioned from GlazeWM, a tiling window manager, to FancyZones in PowerToys for better window management, as FancyZones offered more tailored window layout options. Additionally, Text Extractor in PowerToys streamlined the user's optical character recognition (OCR) tasks by allowing easy text extraction from images. Overall, PowerToys consolidated several utilities into one suite, enhancing the user's productivity while reducing the need for multiple separate applications.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Tired Of Google Messages? These 4 Texting Apps Might Be Better For You

Samsung plans to retire its proprietary messaging app by July 2026, leading many Android users to rely on Google Messages. Major carriers like AT&T have stopped supporting their own messaging apps, potentially creating a monopoly. Alternative SMS-enabled apps include: - Pulse SMS: Syncs across devices, offers password-protected cloud backups, and has end-to-end encryption for stored conversations. It has a 3.6-star rating on Google Play. - Chomp SMS: Highly customizable with features like scheduled messages and block lists. It remains free with ads, but some users find the customization options complex. - Handcent Next SMS: Incorporates AI for features like text extraction and grammar checks. It has over one million downloads and a 4.4-star rating, but requests a high number of permissions. - Textra SMS: Offers faster performance and extensive customization, aiming to replace default messaging apps. It follows a "free forever" model but lacks cross-device functionality and encryption. The selection of these alternatives was based on Google Play ratings above 3.5 stars, a minimum of 50,000 user reviews, and recent updates.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

5 Secret Windows 11 Features Everyone Should Be Using By Now

Windows 11 includes features for photo editing, advanced calculations, text extraction from screenshots, timezone management, and enhanced text formatting in Notepad. The Photos app allows users to remove objects and backgrounds from images using AI-powered editing tools. Users can erase objects by selecting the Erase option, adjusting the brush size, and brushing over the object. To remove backgrounds, users choose the Background option and use the Background brush tool. The Windows Calculator offers various modes for complex calculations, including Standard, Scientific, Graphing, Programmer, Date calculation, and Converter options. Users can switch modes via the hamburger icon and keep the Calculator window on top of other applications. The Snipping Tool enables users to copy text from screenshots. Users can take a screenshot with Win + Shift + S, open the Snipping Tool editor, select the Text actions icon, highlight the desired text, and choose to copy it. Windows 11 allows users to add multiple time zones in the Notification Center by accessing the Settings app, selecting Time & language, and navigating to Date & time to set additional clocks. Notepad has been updated to include basic text formatting options. Users can toggle on Formatting in Settings, adjust text size, create lists, and apply bold and italic styles, saving their work as Markdown files.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

10 Of The Best Free Android Apps You Haven’t Heard Of

A selection of free Android apps with a minimum rating of 4.0 on the Play Store includes: 1. Solid Explorer File Manager - Rated 4.3 stars from 150,000 reviewers; features a dual-pane layout, cloud storage integration, file management across various storage options, batch renaming, and AES encryption. 2. Cashew - Expense Budget Tracker - Rated 4.8 stars; provides visual representations of spending, tracks subscriptions, and securely backs up data via Google Drive. 3. RunPee - Rated 4.7 stars with over 500,000 downloads; notifies users of optimal restroom break moments during movies and provides summaries of missed scenes. 4. Orbot: Tor for Android - Rated 4.0 stars; connects users to the Tor network for enhanced online privacy and allows for device-wide or app-specific encryption. 5. Libby, the Library App - Rated 4.8 stars; connects users to their local library's digital collection for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks, supports offline reading, and integrates with Kindle devices. 6. Image Toolbox - Edit & Convert - Rated 4.7 stars; offers photo editing capabilities, file format conversions, and an OCR feature for text extraction. 7. MacroDroid - Device Automation - Rated 4.4 stars; allows users to create custom automation workflows with over 80 triggers and 100 actions. 8. Hermit - Lite Apps Browser - Rated 4.6 stars; enables the creation of lightweight web-based applications with features like ad blocking and dark mode. 9. Bitwarden Password Manager - Rated 4.8 stars; provides secure password management with end-to-end encryption and syncing across devices. 10. ReadEra - Book Reader PDF EPUB - Rated 4.8 stars; supports various document formats, offers an ad-free reading experience, and includes features like bookmarks and text-to-speech.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Microsoft is updating Windows 11’s Snipping Tool with option to add text to screenshots

Microsoft has transformed the Snipping Tool into a multifaceted application, adding features like video creation and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for text extraction from images. Recently, new text editing capabilities were discovered, allowing users to insert text when editing screenshots. This feature was demonstrated by a user on X, and while Microsoft has not officially commented on it, the potential applications include simple annotations and creative projects. Windows Insiders are expected to be the first to access these new tools, although a release timeline is not yet clear.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

I tried every unusual Android app you suggested, and these 3 are my favorites

Stellarium is an app that provides detailed information about celestial bodies, featuring enhanced graphics, intuitive navigation, and a Visibility feature that helps users determine optimal viewing times for celestial events, although this feature requires a premium subscription. Fooview acts as a multifunctional shortcut hub with over 100 customizable options, allowing users to access various functions through a hot zone overlay, but may have a steep learning curve and requires multiple permissions. Ampere tracks battery parameters and provides real-time data on wattage, featuring a clean interface that adapts to the battery's state, though some features require a fee for access.

Winsage

October 24, 2025

Windows 11’s Snipping Tool just got a Google Lens-like feature – here’s how to use it

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 has been upgraded to include a visual search engine that utilizes Bing to provide additional information about captured content, such as images, text, and mathematical equations. Users can perform a visual search by capturing content on their screen and then right-clicking the image to select "Visual Search with Bing," which redirects them to Bing for related search results. The tool allows users to translate text, copy visible text, and solve mathematical equations. Users can also mark up, edit, and fine-tune images, with built-in OCR technology for text extraction. To use this feature, users need to ensure they have the latest version of the Snipping Tool, which can be updated through the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

11 things I love (and hate) about Windows 11 after using Windows 10

The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has prompted users to reflect on the differences between the two operating systems. Key observations from a week-long comparison include: - Windows 11 features an upgraded Windows Explorer with tabbed browsing for better file management. - The Screen Capture tool in Windows 11 allows for seamless screen recording, improving upon the previous version. - Windows 11 includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities in the Snipping Tool, enabling easy text extraction from images. - It comes with bundled applications like Clipchamp, Copilot, and an upgraded Photos app, which enhance functionality compared to Windows 10. - Performance metrics suggest Windows 11 can be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10. - Windows 11 is designed to offer better security for personal information and system integrity. Negative aspects of Windows 11 include: - Increased surveillance and personalized advertising, making it harder to use without a Microsoft account. - The Start button has been relocated to a central position, which some users dislike, though customization options are available. - The right-click menu has become more cluttered, making essential options harder to find. - Microsoft is phasing out security updates for Windows 10, raising concerns for users who have not transitioned to Windows 11.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft begins testing built-in GIF maker on Windows 11

Microsoft is enhancing the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 by introducing a feature that allows users to create GIFs. This feature is currently in early testing with Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, with a broader rollout expected soon. Users can select a specific area of their screen to record and then convert the recorded video into a looping GIF. The Snipping Tool will also allow users to choose between high and low resolution for their GIFs and includes a new text extraction mode for copying text from images, as well as a visual search feature for identifying items in screenshots.