tiles Archives

Winsage

May 5, 2025

I finally set up ExplorerPatcher on Windows, and I should have sooner

Windows 11 has received both praise and criticism, particularly regarding certain regressions compared to previous versions. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that restores familiar features from Windows 10, such as the Start menu and taskbar. It allows users to revert to the Windows 10 Start menu, which is more efficient and includes a resizable pinned area and an All apps list. The taskbar is also transformed to resemble Windows 10, offering individual icons for functions and expanded customization options. Additionally, ExplorerPatcher revives the Ribbon UI in File Explorer, enhancing usability despite the loss of tab support. However, users may experience occasional bugs, and the last update was in November 2024, raising concerns about ongoing support.

Winsage

May 4, 2025

Microsoft says it accidentally broke Windows 10 Start menu, taskbar recent files feature

On April 22, Windows Latest reported that the jump list feature for live tiles in the Start menu was missing, a situation confirmed by Microsoft. This issue arose after updates released post-February 25, disrupting users' access to recently opened files or photos. The problem was linked to Microsoft's integration of a new Microsoft account control experience into the Start menu, which began with the Windows 10 KB5052077 optional update. Microsoft stated that this was not an intentional change and was under investigation. Following the April 2025 Update, the issue became more widespread. However, Microsoft has since rolled back the changes to the Start menu UI, restoring the recent section for affected users, and tests indicated that the jump list functionality has been reinstated across most devices.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

LEGO Minecraft The Ghast Balloon Village Attack (21273) Review

The LEGO Minecraft set The Ghast Balloon Village Attack (21273) consists of 555 pieces and is priced at .99. It includes six minifigures: Steve, Natalie, Dawn, a villager, and two piglins. The set features several builds, including a brick-built iron golem, Steve’s Lava Chicken restaurant, a crafting shack, a fountain, and a ghast balloon designed to appear floating with a disc shooter for launching fireball tiles. The set is noted for its exclusive minifigures but requires additional purchases to complete the full cast. The ghast balloon is highlighted as a standout feature, while many builds are described as relatively simple. A 20% discount is suggested to enhance its appeal.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Windows 10’s April update stealthily removed this Start menu feature

Microsoft's April update for Windows 10, designated as KB5055518, has removed the jump lists feature, which allowed users to access recent files associated with applications. This change has caused frustration among users, and the reason for the removal is unclear, with no official statement from Microsoft. Users can restore the jump lists by uninstalling the update, but this would also eliminate important security enhancements included in it.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

Dwarf Fortress sells 1 million copies on Steam, so now Bay 12 Games can afford that ‘little party’ it planned

Dwarf Fortress has sold over 1 million copies on Steam since its launch, as announced by publisher Kitfox Games. The game, previously available for free for nearly two decades, gained popularity after its Steam release in late 2022, selling half a million copies in two months. The updated user interface and hand-drawn tiles attracted both new and long-time players. Following an adventure mode update, sales predictions were confirmed less than three months later. Tarn and Zach Adams, the game's creators, have hinted at celebrations for this milestone. Kitfox indicated that the game is entering a new development phase with a focus on new features and enhancements. Ongoing projects include improvements to siege mechanics, site building in adventure mode, and revisions to subterranean layers.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Windows 11 Deadline Approaches: Microsoft Offers 7 Reasons To Upgrade Now

In 2015, Microsoft launched Windows 10 with a decade of support, ending on October 14, 2025. The company is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, highlighting features such as a revamped Start Menu, Snap layouts for window organization, multiple desktops, widgets for personalized updates, Focus sessions for task management, Windows Hello for facial recognition login, and Dark Mode for eye comfort. After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive software updates. However, the reception of Microsoft's tips for upgrading has been mixed, with some critics describing the support document as lacking substance and containing inaccuracies.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Pixel Weather is my favorite weather app; there’s just one problem with it

Google's Pixel Weather app was launched alongside the Pixel 9 series and is noted for its user-friendly design and comprehensive data offerings. It provides hourly and 10-day forecasts, sunrise and sunset times, humidity levels, visibility, air quality, and UV index, all presented in an easily digestible format. The app features an AI Weather Report for quick summaries and has a visually engaging design with bold temperature displays and animated backgrounds. Customization options allow users to rearrange tiles and widgets according to their preferences. Currently, Pixel Weather is exclusive to Pixel devices, limiting its accessibility compared to other essential apps available to all Android users. There is a suggestion for Google to make Pixel Weather available on the Play Store for all Android devices, potentially retaining some exclusive features for Pixel users.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

I hope these 3 long-lost Microsoft Windows 8 features stay gone forever

Windows 8 introduced a new interface that replaced the traditional Start Menu with a full-screen tile layout, leading to negative user feedback due to its touchscreen optimization and disruption of productivity for desktop users. The tile interface featured constantly updating tiles that distracted users, while Metro apps had a restrictive design that complicated tasks like image editing. The Charms bar was criticized for unintentionally activating and interrupting workflows. Despite some improvements like Fast Startup, the overall reception was poor, prompting Microsoft to release Windows 8.1, which reintroduced the Start Button. The subsequent launch of Windows 10 received a much more favorable response, indicating a shift in Microsoft's strategy away from the controversial elements of Windows 8.