text-to-speech Archives

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Microsoft touts AI Dev Gallery for Windows

Microsoft has launched the AI Dev Gallery, an open-source application for Windows developers aimed at integrating AI functionalities into projects. Initially introduced as a concept in December 2024, it was officially showcased on April 22. The platform provides resources such as sample applications, model downloads, and exportable source code, and is available for download in preview format from the Microsoft Store. Key features include the ability to experiment with AI applications offline and a variety of interactive samples, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation, chat interfaces, object detection, text-to-speech/speech-to-text conversion, and document summarization and analysis, all designed to run locally on developers' machines.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Steam’s gonna start listing ‘adjustable difficulty,’ ‘save anytime,’ and other accessibility features right on a game’s store page soon

Video games are increasingly incorporating accessibility options to cater to a diverse audience. A new accessibility-support questionnaire has been introduced by Valve for developers on Steam, allowing them to specify various accessibility features in their games. The questionnaire includes options such as adjustable text size, narrated menus, and colorblind options. Valve plans to display these selected accessibility features on game store pages and will allow players to filter search results based on these features. While participation in the system is not mandatory, it is encouraged to enhance accessibility. The listed accessibility options cover gameplay, audio, visual, and input categories, including adjustable difficulty, custom volume controls, adjustable text size, and various input methods.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (KB5055642) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include: - New Text Actions in Click to Do: - "Practice in Reading Coach" allows users to enhance reading fluency and pronunciation. - "Read with Immersive Reader" offers a distraction-free reading environment with customizable text options. - Finding Photos Saved in the Cloud via Windows Search: Users in the European Economic Area can search for cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar by describing them. - Improvements for Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Improved Windows Search: Users can disable cloud content searching via settings. - File Explorer Changes: Folders opened from outside File Explorer will default to opening in a new tab if an existing window is open. - Widgets Improvements: Notification settings can be controlled per feed or dashboard. - Windows Security Update: Additional details for Pluton TPM chips will be displayed in the Windows Security app. - Settings Update: The printer renaming dialog has been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals. - Fixes: Resolved issues include Start menu crashes, color display issues in snap layouts, slow loading times for search, and voice typing issues in the Chinese layout. - Known Issues: Some apps may not install from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Recovery Environment may not function properly after the update. - Reminders: Users can remove Recall at any time, and updates in the Dev Channel are based on Windows 11, version 24H2.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

freeDictionaryApp: Open Source Android App That Helps You Get Information on a Word

freeDictionaryApp is a free and open-source dictionary application for Android, developed by Yamin Siahmargooei using Kotlin. It is based on the Free Dictionary API, which has not been updated in two years. The app features an intuitive user interface with a search bar, providing word types, definitions, examples, and a text-to-speech function. Users can save favorite words, access search history, generate random words, and share word details easily. However, it only supports single-word searches. The app can be installed via F-Droid or downloaded from its GitHub repository.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft releases KB5048667 update, removing another Windows 11 24H2 block and introducing a questionable change

Microsoft has updated Windows 11 to version 24H2 with the KB5048667 update, removing a compatibility block for USB scanners using the eSCL scan protocol. This change allows affected systems to install the update more smoothly. The update also modifies the date format on the taskbar, includes critical security fixes, and introduces several new features such as: - Rebranding of "Tailored Experiences" to "Personalized offers." - A shortened date and time format in the system tray, with an option to revert to the traditional format. - Access to jump lists for pinned apps in the Start menu. - Customizable touchscreen edge gestures. - Hiding of the IME toolbar in full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Sharing content directly to Android devices from File Explorer. - New placeholder messages in Dynamic Lighting Settings when no compatible device is connected. - Enhancements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. - New functions in Narrator scan mode for improved accessibility. The update can be accessed via Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Windows 11 build 27764 is out with Start menu improvements and more

Microsoft has released a new preview build for Windows Insiders, designated as 27764, in the Canary Channel. Key enhancements include: - Start Menu: Users can access jump lists by right-clicking pinned apps. - Dynamic Lighting: A placeholder message appears when no compatible devices are connected, and new directional options have been added to the Wave and Gradient effects. - Input: The IME toolbar will be hidden in full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Narrator: New shortcuts allow users to skip links and jump to lists in scan mode. - Speech in Windows: Improvements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities, with prompts for manual language file updates. Resolved issues include: - A bugcheck issue causing PAGEFAULTINNONPAGEDAREA errors. - File Explorer improvements to prevent hanging with numerous media files. - Fixes for widget text overlapping on secondary monitors. - Resolution of mouse cursor visibility issues when pointer trails are enabled. - Corrections for HDDs being misidentified as SSDs in Task Manager. - Addressing lag and screen tearing on secondary monitors. - Fix for Excel hanging when opening certain files. Known bugs include: - Issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning to the Canary Channel. - Rollbacks during installation of Canary builds. - Ongoing work to resolve issues with accent-colored window borders, window shadows, and animations.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Windows 11 KB5048667 & KB5048685 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5048667 for version 24H2 and KB5048685 for version 23H2. These updates are mandatory and include December 2024 Patch Tuesday security enhancements. The build number for Windows 11 24H2 will change to 26100.2605, and for 23H2 to 226x1.4602. Key changes include the removal of the bell icon from the taskbar, a shortened date and time display, and support for jump lists in the Start menu. New features include: - A section for touchscreen edge gestures in Settings. - The IME toolbar will hide in full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Users can share content to an Android device via File Explorer if Phone Link is configured. - New directional options for the Wave effect in Dynamic Lighting Settings. - Administrative privileges for jump list items when holding Shift and CTRL. - Enhancements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. - Fixes for excessive spacing in File Explorer, search box truncation, app window clustering, Mica rendering issues, lag on secondary displays, pointer location circles, clipboard history accuracy, and new functions in Narrator scan mode. The updates are being rolled out gradually.

Winsage

November 23, 2024

Previewing Recall with Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 (KB5046723) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing features like Recall (Preview) and Click to Do (Preview) for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Users can join the Dev Channel by registering for the Windows Insider Program and selecting the Dev Channel in the settings. Recall allows users to search for previously interacted items on their PC using AI, requiring Windows Hello for authentication and enabling BitLocker and Secure Boot. Users can manage saved snapshots, delete unwanted ones, and ensure their data remains private. Recall detects sensitive information and does not save such snapshots. Click to Do integrates with Recall to enhance productivity by offering actions for recognized text and images within snapshots. This feature is also currently exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. The update includes various improvements and fixes across Windows 11 PCs, such as enhancements to Windows Hello, Narrator, and speech functionalities. Known issues with Recall and Click to Do will be addressed in future updates.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 KB5046740 update released with 14 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the November 2024 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, designated as KB5046740, which includes 14 enhancements and fixes, particularly for File Explorer, Clipboard history, and secondary displays. This update is part of Microsoft's optional non-security preview updates, allowing Windows administrators to test upcoming features and fixes. Notable features include improved content sharing with Android devices via File Explorer, enhancements to text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities, and resolutions for technical issues like lag on secondary displays and empty Clipboard history. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.2454 and introduces changes such as a shortened date and time in the system tray, rebranding of Tailored Experiences to Personalized offers, the ability to open jump list items as an admin, and fixes for pointer location circles on some displays. Microsoft will not release a non-security preview update in December 2024 due to limited operations during the holidays but will provide a monthly security release. Known issues affecting gamers on Windows Arm devices and certain USB DAC sound systems have been acknowledged. The Windows 11 24H2 update began rolling out in October, serving as a comprehensive upgrade for devices on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 KB5046740 is out with a ton of new features for jump lists, taskbar, more

Microsoft has released C-updates for Windows 10 and 11, including the KB5046740 update for Windows 11, which introduces new features and improvements. Key updates include: - The "Tailored Experiences" feature is now called "Personalized offers." - The system tray now shows a shortened date and time, with options to manage notifications. - Right-clicking pinned apps in the Start menu reveals jump lists. - A new section for touchscreen edge gestures has been added. - The IME toolbar hides during full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Users can share content directly to an Android device via File Explorer. - New placeholder messages and controls have been added to the Dynamic Lighting Settings page. - Jump lists can now be opened with administrative privileges by holding Shift and CTRL. - Improvements have been made to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. - Various fixes have been implemented for display issues, mouse pointer location, clipboard history, Task Manager, and other system functionalities. A known issue affects Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.2454, preventing Roblox from being played on ARM devices, with a workaround available by downloading the game from the official website. The update can be accessed through Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.