tweaks Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

8 classic Windows features you can bring back with free tools

Windows 11 has introduced a range of tools and solutions to help users restore familiar features from previous versions of Windows. 1. GadgetPack: Revives Gadgets from Windows Vista for Windows 10 and 11, modernizing them with new functionalities like clipboard history, battery meters, and multi-core CPU monitors. 2. Media Player Classic - Home Cinema (MPC-HC): An alternative to the classic Windows Media Player, offering robust support for modern file formats and additional features. 3. OpenShell: A tool that restores the classic Start menu experience, allowing customization to resemble styles from Windows 95, XP, or Vista. 4. ExplorerPatcher: Restores classic taskbar functionality, including resizing and moving options, and reverts File Explorer to earlier command bars and context menus. 5. Task Switcher Options: ExplorerPatcher also allows users to customize the task switcher to resemble earlier Windows versions, including simplified views. 6. WinAero Tweaker: Provides a theme that evokes the Aero style of Windows 7, enhancing the nostalgic aesthetic. 7. Windows Photo Viewer: Can be re-enabled through a registry tweak, allowing users to access the familiar image viewing experience without additional software.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Can you still enable classic Alt+Tab in Windows 11 24H2?

Microsoft has removed the classic Alt+Tab interface in Windows 11, particularly with the 24H2 update, and has made it impossible to restore this feature through registry tweaks or third-party applications. Users have attempted to create a DWORD value named AltTabSettings in the Windows Registry to revive the classic menu, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. The modern Alt+Tab layout introduced in the 22H2 update features larger icons and thumbnails, contrasting with the minimalist design of the classic interface. The removal of the classic Alt+Tab is viewed as a significant loss for users who appreciate retro-themed aesthetics in their operating system.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

Tech Optimizer

December 24, 2024

How To Secure Your Data in the New Year with Norton VPN

- It is important to assess online security as part of digital well-being. - Norton provides tools to enhance internet security, including VPNs, password managers, and antivirus software. - A VPN (Virtual Private Network) secures online activities, especially on public WiFi, by masking the IP address and minimizing tracking. - Norton offers various VPN plans: VPN Standard, VPN Plus (covers up to five devices and includes protection against viruses and malware), and VPN Ultimate (beneficial for families). - A password manager allows users to maintain one secure password for all accounts and securely stores login information. - Norton’s Password Manager is free with Norton VPN Plus and Norton VPN Ultimate plans and generates complex passwords. - Antivirus software scans devices for malware and viruses, with Norton offering a 100% Virus Protection Promise and dark web scanning for compromised personal information. - The Norton VPN Ultimate plan includes features for managing screen time and blocking inappropriate content for families. - Norton offers up to 54% off the first year for annual plan subscriptions.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Ready to ditch Windows? 5 factors to help you decide between Linux or MacOS

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, leaving users vulnerable to security threats without updates. Upgrading to Windows 11 requires hardware compatibility checks. MacOS is free but requires expensive Apple hardware, while Linux can be downloaded for free and installed on multiple machines. MacOS limits users to three hardware options, whereas Linux offers a wide range of hardware choices and customization options. MacOS is user-friendly but less customizable, while Linux provides extensive personalization. Open-source Linux software typically receives faster security updates compared to proprietary systems like MacOS. Both Linux and MacOS are reliable, with Linux often considered more stable than MacOS.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Cyberpunk 2077’s new update secretly added a Balatro-based sidequest, among other unlisted changes

CD Projekt RED released a substantial update for Cyberpunk 2077, called the 2.2 update, which includes an enhanced photo mode, new vehicles from Autofixer, and the ability to save and apply custom car coatings. Players can now have Keanu Reeves as a passenger who provides commentary. A new sidequest inspired by the roguelike game Balatro has been added, along with a treasure hunt related to Joker cards. Additional enhancements not listed in the patch notes include a new street race in Watson, new color variants for weapons, and adjustments to the counterpunch mechanic. The update raises questions about CDPR's previous statement regarding the 2.1 update being the last major one.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Gemini website tweaks text field, adds model info to Android app

Google is refining the user interface of its Gemini platform, enhancing the web and Android app experiences. The text field on the Gemini website now mirrors the mobile app design, with the 'plus' or "Upload Image" icon repositioned to the far left. Advanced subscribers have access to options like Images, Files, Drive, and Code folder through this menu. The “Ask Gemini” feature follows the upload icon, and the microphone icon has been updated for a polished appearance. The pill-shaped text box has changed from a raised container to a thin outline. The Android app is introducing model identification features, displaying “Gemini Advanced” on the homepage and “1.5 Pro” in chat conversations. A “Saved info” option has also been added to the account menu, directing users to gemini.google.com/saved-info.

AppWizard

December 10, 2024

Cyberpunk 2077’s surprise new update lets Keanu ride shotgun through the streets of Night City and makes some PC-specific improvements—and it’s out now

CD Projekt has released the Cyberpunk 2077 2.2 update, which includes new features for vehicle customization and photo mode enhancements. The update introduces a color-changing CrystalCoat system for various vehicles, allowing players to customize their cars. The TwinTone system enables players to scan and save vehicle color schemes. Photo mode improvements include a free drone camera, increased camera range, full collision options, a lock camera feature, precise camera control, custom aspect ratios for PC screenshots, a characters tab for spawning NPCs, adjustable lighting, a depth of field fix, and an effect intensity slider. New character customization options are available, and players are encouraged to explore Night City for hidden secrets. The update also includes quest adjustments, bug fixes, and gameplay tweaks, such as fixes for katana animations and HUD visibility issues. Phantom Liberty-specific updates address various quest-related bugs. Miscellaneous fixes include sound adjustments, voiceover corrections, and ray-traced shadow improvements. PC-specific enhancements allow for key rebinding and performance optimizations.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Microsoft ramps up pressure on users running Windows 11 on unsupported PCs

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025 and is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. Users upgrading to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware will see a watermark on their desktop and receive notifications about incompatibility. Unsupported PCs may not receive critical updates, and damages may not be covered under warranty. Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on incompatible systems is not recommended and may lead to compatibility issues. Users have a 10-day window to revert to Windows 10 after upgrading. Despite resistance to Windows 11, its adoption is gradually increasing, with Windows 10 holding a 62% market share compared to Windows 11's 35%. Some users are using workarounds to install Windows 11 on incompatible systems, and experiences vary among those running it on unsupported hardware.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 to get another big update in December. Here’s what’s coming.

Microsoft is releasing a significant update to Windows 11 24H2 in December, coinciding with the last Patch Tuesday of the year. The update includes security enhancements and new features such as: - A simplified system tray that allows users to condense the date and time display, hide the notification bell icon, and manage visibility through settings. - Enhanced jump lists that enable launching items with administrative rights using Shift + Enter and will also be available in the Start menu for supported system apps. - A centralized Dynamic Lighting settings page for RGB-supported devices, allowing users to set new directional patterns for Wave and Gradient effects. - Improvements in the Task Manager's Performance section, displaying detailed information about storage types (SSD or HDD) and bus types (NVMe or SATA). - Support for dark mode and text scaling in the Disconnect and Logoff dialog boxes, along with new touchscreen edge gestures and shortcut hints in Narrator.