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AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Google just gave us our first look at what Samsung XR headset apps might look like

Samsung's XR headset, known as Project Moohan, will debut within the next year and is powered by the Snapdragon XR Plus Gen 2 chip. The Android XR developer blog features a six-second video showing app windows layered over real-world environments. Android XR has two modes: Home Space, which allows multitasking with multiple app windows, and Full Space, which offers a single window experience against a virtual backdrop. Home Space is the default view, with a toggle to switch between modes. Samsung's app windows are expected to reflect the aesthetic of One UI. Android XR will support various input methods, including hand and eye tracking, voice commands, keyboard and mouse, and dedicated controllers. CES 2025, starting January 7, will provide more information about the headset's features and capabilities.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to add your Android phone to Windows 11 File Explorer

To integrate your Android phone with Windows 11, you need a Windows 11 PC with the latest updates, an Android device running Android 11 or later, and the Link to Windows app installed on your phone. 1. Open the Link to Windows app on your phone and log in with your Microsoft account. Select ‘Go to device settings’ and tap ‘ADD COMPUTER’. Visit www.aka.ms/phonelink on your PC or scan the QR code displayed on your PC screen to establish the connection. 2. On your phone, grant permissions to view photos and send texts by selecting ‘View permissions’, then ‘Settings’, and enabling access for ‘Phone’, ‘SMS’, ‘Contacts’, and ‘Storage’. 3. In the Phone Link app on your PC, click ‘Open settings on mobile device’ to grant notification permissions on your phone by navigating to ‘Device and app notifications’, selecting the ‘Link to Windows’ app, and toggling on ‘Allow notification access’. 4. On your PC, go to ‘Settings’, select ‘Bluetooth & devices’, and enable ‘Allow this PC to access your mobile devices’ and ‘Phone Link’. In ‘Manage devices’, ensure your phone is toggled on and enable ‘Show mobile device in File Explorer’. 5. On your phone, go to ‘All file access’ settings, select the ‘Link to Windows’ app, and toggle on ‘Allow access to manage all files’. A confirmation message will indicate successful linking. 6. Your phone should now appear as a tab in File Explorer, allowing easy access to your mobile storage.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to Use Windows on Meta Quest 3 Headsets

At Ignite 2024, Microsoft announced enhanced support for Windows applications on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices, allowing users to access Microsoft’s suite of tools without additional software. Users can create multiple virtual windows for multitasking, such as switching between Microsoft Teams and spreadsheets. Previously, users accessed Windows apps via Air Link, Remote Desktop in Horizon Workrooms, or third-party software. The new integration allows streaming from a Windows 11 PC or virtual Windows Cloud PC, enabling quick access to Windows applications in an XR environment. This functionality includes creating multiple virtual monitors or a single large monitor while maintaining visibility of physical surroundings. The experience is supported by a program called “Volumetric Apps.” Microsoft has discontinued its “Windows Mixed Reality” platform but continues to support XR innovators. Microsoft also announced the end of software support for HoloLens 2 in 2027 and hinted at a new deal with Samsung for OLED displays for a future mixed-reality headset.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

5 ways to make Windows 11 boot faster without new hardware

Windows can exhibit sluggishness during boot times, which can be improved without hardware upgrades or reinstallation. 1. Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager to enhance boot times. 2. Adjust the Fast Startup feature in Control Panel, as it can sometimes hinder performance. 3. Reduce the operating system selection timeout in System Properties to streamline booting for users with multiple operating systems. 4. Uninstall unneeded applications to free up resources. 5. Ensure sufficient free space on your SSD, as full SSDs can degrade performance.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Permanently remove “Learn more about this picture” icon in Windows 11

Windows 11 users enabling the Spotlight feature for desktop backgrounds often encounter the "Learn more about this picture" icon, which many find distracting. Microsoft has not provided an option to remove this icon through Personalization settings, leading to significant feedback on the Microsoft Feedback Hub. Users can disable Spotlight entirely to avoid the icon or modify the Registry Editor to remove it while keeping Spotlight active. The steps include navigating to a specific registry path, creating a new DWORD value, and changing its data. Alternatively, users can use third-party applications like Explorer Patcher to hide the icon easily.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

How to enable and use Simple View on a Pixel phone

The Simple View feature was launched with the December Pixel Feature Drop as part of Android 15 for Google Pixel phones. It enhances accessibility by allowing users to modify multiple settings simultaneously, including larger text and icon sizes, a simplified home screen layout, simplified 3-button navigation, higher touch sensitivity, shortcuts for Contacts, Clock, and Weather apps, high-contrast wallpaper, an increased app grid to a 4x4 display, and locked suggested apps. Certain features are only available during the initial setup of the device. Users can enable Simple View by factory resetting their Pixel device or through the Settings app after setup, though some changes may not take effect afterward. Simple View is not available for the Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, or Pixel Tablet.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

5 ways to control your Smart home from your Windows PC

Smart home technology offers convenience and control through various applications. The Home Remote app connects to smart devices for a one-time payment, but does not support brands like Ring and Nest. SmartThings, acquired by Samsung, supports over 100 brands and 1,000 devices but has limitations in accessing device details and creating new automations. Microsoft's Phone Link app allows users to mirror Android apps on a PC, requiring the phone to remain unlocked. The Google Home Web Dashboard enables monitoring of Nest camera feeds and triggering automations set on mobile devices, but does not allow direct control of devices. Amazon's Alexa app is compatible with many smart home devices and is the only voice assistant available on Windows PCs, though it is not found in the Microsoft Store. Overall, managing smart home devices from a Windows PC may lack the depth of mobile applications.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Windows 11 now lets you easily change camera FPS (frame rate), quality and more

Microsoft has enhanced camera capabilities in Windows 11, allowing users to adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and sharpness through Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Camera. However, these features are not universally available across all cameras. In tests, the DJI Osmo Action 3 did not support these adjustments, while an HP Spectre did. Microsoft has acknowledged that some cameras may not appear on the Camera Settings page. In the Windows 11 Dev Channel Build 26120.2702, two new advanced camera options have been introduced: a Multi-app Camera feature that allows multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously, and a Basic Camera mode for troubleshooting. A third option is planned to let users select camera resolution and frame rate, with current options of 1920×1080 (16:9) and 1280×720 (16:9) at 30 FPS available for all cameras.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Samsung Dual Messenger v3.5 available for One UI 7 Beta devices

Samsung has released an updated version of its Dual Messenger app, v3.5, for Galaxy devices running on Android 15-based One UI 7. This version is currently available to users testing the One UI 7 Beta on the Galaxy S24 series in select regions. The update enhances compatibility with Android 15, allowing users to maintain two separate accounts for the same messaging application, each with its own contact list. Activation requires navigating through Settings to the Dual Messenger option and selecting a supported app. Additionally, Samsung may integrate Dual Messenger support into the One Hand Operation+ module of Good Lock for easier one-handed use.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

How to get started with Windows Recall on Windows 11

Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces a feature called Windows Recall, which captures and remembers on-screen activities using AI. Users can configure settings for Windows Recall, including opting in or out, adjusting storage allocations (25GB for 256GB SSD, 75GB for 512GB SSD, and 150GB for 1TB SSD), deleting snapshots, and filtering specific apps and websites. The feature can filter sensitive information and allows users to pause and resume snapshots. Users can search for past activities using natural language queries and interact with snapshots to perform actions like copying text or erasing objects. Windows Recall operates only when the device is in use and does not upload data to the cloud. The data remains on the user's device, with encryption for security. The feature supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.