timekeeping Archives

Winsage

August 5, 2025

2025 One Hertz Challenge: Analog Clock For Microsoft Windows

A contributor named glgorman has submitted an entry for the One Hertz Challenge, which is an analog software clock designed for Microsoft Windows. The project is in its early stages and features code that computes geometric objects like points, lines, and circles without branch instructions. It includes calculations for the angle of the sun to accurately cast shadows from the clock hands onto the clock face. The project is inspired by Euclid’s Elements, a significant historical geometry text. Additionally, it explores creative designs that emphasize date display and use colors instead of traditional clock hands.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

This open-source tool gave me the Windows desktop I’ve always wanted

JaxCore is an open-source suite designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience through customization. It operates as a collection of plugins and tools built on the Rainmeter platform, providing users with various widgets for their desktops. JaxCore simplifies the customization process with pre-made tools and allows for deeper customization for those familiar with coding. The suite includes modules like YourFlyouts, YourMixer, ValliStart, Keylaunch, and IdleStyle, as well as widgets such as ModularVisualizer, ModularClocks, ModularPlayers, and Plainext. Although JaxCore is no longer under active development, users can still utilize it, though they may encounter bugs. The author successfully customized their desktop with a media player, clock, and revamped start menu, enhancing their workflow and aesthetic experience. They express a desire to further explore JaxCore and other customization tools.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Windows 10 might be at death’s door, but Microsoft hasn’t finished trying to force Bing and Edge on its users

The June update for Windows 10, identified as KB5060533 for version 22H2, introduces a feature where the taskbar clock displays seconds in the calendar panel. However, it also includes a new feature that promotes Microsoft services, specifically Bing and Edge, by showcasing popular public events instead of personal reminders in the calendar panel. This change directs users to information from Bing displayed in Microsoft Edge, potentially impacting user experience negatively. The update notes referred to the changes as providing a "rich calendar experience," which may not align with user preferences. Windows 10 is approaching its End of Life in October 2025, and Microsoft may be trying to maintain user engagement despite the upcoming transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

Microsoft is bringing back Windows 10’s second hand display after backlash

Microsoft removed the clock display from the flyout menu of Windows 10’s taskbar calendar to eliminate the seconds display, which was consuming additional processing resources. In response to user backlash, Microsoft plans to reintroduce the seconds display with the upcoming cumulative update for Windows 10, designated as Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5912 (update KB5058481), which is currently available to Windows Insiders and expected to roll out to all users later this month.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

Windows 10 Annoying Feature Cancellation Has Just Been Reversed

Microsoft has confirmed that the seconds display will be reinstated in Windows 10, as noted in the release notes for Windows 10 Build 19045.5912, which stated, “Brings back the clock view that displays seconds onto the calendar that was once removed.”

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Windows 10: Update Makes Annoying Change That Windows 11 May Fix

A recent update to Windows 10, specifically KB5055518, has removed the digital clock from the Calendar Flyout, which previously displayed the current time including seconds. This change affects some users while others still have access to the old Calendar flyout. Users who relied on this feature for precise timekeeping may find it bothersome, as the taskbar does not show seconds without modifying Registry settings. Upgrading to Windows 11 is suggested as a potential remedy, especially since support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, after which users will need to pay for additional support. Windows 11 preview builds include a feature to show time in the Notification Center, indicating Microsoft's awareness of the demand for time visibility.