time-saving

Winsage
April 16, 2025
Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.
Winsage
April 11, 2025
Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed Microsoft's recent innovations, including the Windows 11 Feature Tracker, insights from Microsoft Build, advancements in consumer AI, and updates from the gaming sector, particularly Xbox. A new free newsletter offers three time-saving tips every Friday, and subscribers receive complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. The Windows 11 Feature Tracker aims to be a comprehensive resource and may evolve into a web app or wiki. The Windows Insider Program's Beta build for 23H2 introduces changes to file new tabs and new windows, while a nostalgic taskbar icon scaling feature is returning in the Dev and Beta (24H2) versions. Intel has discontinued its Unison app and service. The Build session catalog emphasizes AI developments, with sessions covering Windows Copilot Runtime and productivity enhancements. Microsoft unveiled new Copilot features at a consumer AI event, including web actions and memory personalization, and integrated Copilot Search into Bing. Concerns about AI's impact on human intelligence were discussed, particularly in relation to a Twitter debate on Microsoft's AI demo of Quake II. Microsoft announced an Xbox Games Showcase for June, with updates to the Edge Game Assist feature and GTA V available on Game Pass starting April 15. The Nintendo Switch 2 will support ray tracing and DLSS, though its release is delayed due to tariff challenges. Apple Music for Windows now supports Dolby Atmos, and notable software includes Notion, Typora/iA Writer, and Proton Pass. This week's RunAs Radio episode focuses on Application Risk in Security Copilot. The Heart Cut #02 from the East London Liquor Company is recommended for a unique tasting experience.
AppWizard
March 14, 2025
Google has expanded its Google Play Games on PC platform to support native PC games in addition to mobile offerings. This initiative aims to help developers connect with a larger player base. The expansion includes a Play Games PC SDK for native PC games, featuring in-app purchase integration, enhanced security, simplified game packaging, and an earnback bonus of up to 15 percent. Mobile games will now be available on PC by default, with developers able to opt out. A “playable” badge will indicate games that meet performance requirements, while an “optimized” badge will show adherence to Google’s quality standards. The platform now supports AMD desktop PCs and laptops, and introduces new features like controls customization and a game sidebar for quick adjustments.
Winsage
March 1, 2025
The default file manager on Windows, Windows Explorer, often lacks functionality for power users, leading many to seek alternative file managers or enhancements. QuickLook allows users to preview files, while the Explorer Tab Utility introduces a tabbed layout. TeraCopy is an add-on that replaces the native file copying system, offering features such as the ability to skip problematic files during transfers, queue multiple copying tasks sequentially, and maintain a log of file transfers. TeraCopy integrates with the Windows shell and learns user habits for quicker access to frequently used folders. However, its user interface may be intimidating for beginners due to the abundance of information displayed. TeraCopy has become essential for enhancing file copying efficiency.
Winsage
December 9, 2024
Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting users of Windows 11 24H2, specifically impacting Outlook functionality for those using Google Workspace Sync. Users may experience Outlook failing to launch, and attempts to uninstall or reinstall Google Workspace Sync may be unsuccessful, often resulting in an error message related to MAPI. The latest version of Google Workspace Sync (4.3.68.0) resolves this issue, but until users install this update, a compatibility hold will prevent the rollout of Windows 11 24H2. Users still facing the hold after 48 hours of updating should contact Google Workspace Support. Additionally, Microsoft plans to transition from Outlook Classic to the new Outlook for Microsoft 365 Enterprise users starting in April 2026. This new version will feature modern capabilities and customizable options while allowing users to revert to the Classic version if needed. The transition will primarily affect Microsoft 365 Enterprise licensees, with at least 12 months' notice provided for any changes. The shift does not apply to perpetual licenses or on-premises accounts.
AppWizard
December 6, 2024
The latest update to the Blackmagic Camera app for Android (version 1.5) introduces live syncing of media to Blackmagic Cloud, allowing users to access footage directly in DaVinci Resolve workstations linked to their project. It also includes support for wireless remote lens controls, such as the Tilta Nucleus II, expanded device compatibility with Oppo Find X8, X8 Pro, and Redmi Note 13 series, fixes for green screen issues on Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14T, an Italian translation, and performance and stability improvements.
Winsage
November 9, 2024
The Windows 11 24H2 update, released on October 1, 2024, has caused issues with the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut, leading to black screens or freezes for some users. Microsoft is aware of the problem and plans to release a patch in December 2024. Users have suggested workarounds, such as disabling Game Mode, delaying the update, or reverting to a previous version of Windows 11.
Winsage
October 24, 2024
Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2, identified as KB5044384, which includes several new features: - Users can customize the functionality of a dedicated Copilot key to launch different applications. - Users can disable notification suggestions from specific apps directly from the notification or through Settings. - A new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard is available, designed for use with Xbox controllers. - The Narrator feature has a new shortcut (Narrator key + Ctrl + X) to copy the last spoken text to the clipboard, and it can now automatically read email contents in the new Outlook for Windows app. Microsoft is gradually deploying these features and encourages users to enable the “Get the latest update as soon as they’re available” option in Windows Update settings for prompt updates.
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