uBlock Origin Archives

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Lilbits: AI-enhanced search for Windows PCs and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Recent advancements in laptop technology have introduced high-performance neural processing units from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, enabling on-device artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft initially planned to launch its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs but delayed it due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is now testing a new AI-enhanced search function that allows users to search for files, settings, or documents by description. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out Local Semantic Search to Windows Insiders with Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, which allows searching by description in File Explorer, Windows Search, or Settings, and can be disabled for certain folders.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Lilbits: Microsoft keeps adding AI to Notepad, a fix for broken Chromecasts, and Android 16 Beta 3

Microsoft Notepad has introduced new features, including a spell checker and an AI-powered Rewrite utility, aimed at enhancing user experience. The latest update includes a Summarize tool for generating concise summaries of selected text, available to Windows Insiders with a Microsoft account and a subscription to Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro. Notepad version 11.2501.29.0 is rolling out in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. Additionally, the Windows Snipping Tool (version 11.2502.18.0) has been updated to allow users to draw straight lines during screen capture annotations. Android 16 Beta 3 is introducing "platform stability" and accessibility enhancements. Google is working on a fix for 2015 Chromecast devices affected by an expired certificate.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Copilot updates, PowerToys updates, new Windows 11 builds, and more.

Windows 11 24H2 is experiencing performance throttling issues when applications are minimized, but the 0x80131500 Store error has been fixed. Windows 10 has regained its status as the most popular operating system on Steam, according to Valve's February 2025 survey. Microsoft has launched a native Copilot app for Windows 11 and 10 in the Insider program, featuring a XAML-based interface. PowerToys has been updated to version 0.89, enhancing tools like Advanced Paste and FancyZones. Microsoft Edge 134 has been released with improved Teams link handling, while Firefox 136 introduces vertical tabs and HEVC support for Linux users. Microsoft will discontinue Publisher in 2024 and has launched a support page for alternatives. The Xiaomi 15 smartphone received positive reviews for its build quality and fast-charging, while AMD's RX 9070 XT graphics card received a perfect score for performance. Upcoming Game Pass titles include Monster Train and Galacticare, and Amazon Prime Gaming is offering 20 PC games this month. A remake of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 is set to release on July 11.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Microsoft’s new Edge Add-ons site might keep you away from the Chrome Web Store

Microsoft has enhanced the user experience of its Edge browser by integrating Chrome extensions and promoting its redesigned Edge Add-ons website, which improves navigation and usability. The updated site features enhanced autosuggestions for finding and installing extensions, including a "Get" button for direct installation. While Edge can run Google Chrome extensions, some users prefer the Edge Add-ons store for a Microsoft-centric experience. Certain extensions remain exclusive to the Chrome Web Store, as developers often prioritize Chrome due to its larger market share. Users can access these extensions through the Chrome Web Store on various Chromium-based browsers, including Edge. Currently, extensions like uBlock Origin work on Edge, but their future compatibility is uncertain.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

6 ways you can speed up browser performance on Windows

Google Chrome was initially praised for its speed and efficiency, but users have reported lag over time, a trend also seen in other browsers like Edge, Firefox, and Vivaldi. To enhance browser performance, users can take several actions: 1. Regularly review and remove unnecessary apps and extensions, as they consume system resources. 2. Use features that allow inactive tabs to enter "sleep" mode to conserve memory and processing power. 3. Consider disabling the tab-sleeping feature on high-spec computers to avoid delays when accessing frequently used tabs. 4. Utilize script-blocking extensions like uBlock Origin Lite to prevent scripts from hindering browsing speed. 5. Clear the browser cache regularly to refresh performance and load the latest versions of web pages. 6. Enable page preloading to anticipate and load links in the background, reducing wait times. Firefox is generally noted for superior speed and features compared to Chrome, and exploring alternative browsers and extensions can enhance productivity and privacy.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

uBlock Origin alternative AdGuard fixes Windows-induced BSOD, promises dark mode everywhere

Brave has committed to supporting uBlock Origin despite Google Chrome's decision to disable it. AdGuard has released version 7.19 for Windows, which includes a feature for users to apply a dark theme to webpages using Userstyles. The update also addresses improvements and fixes, including resolving a BSOD issue related to the netio.sys driver and integrating updated drivers for network traffic filtering. Additional improvements include support for the Floorp browser and updated translations. This version will be the last to support Windows 7 and 8.1.