UI elements Archives

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Windows 11 Dark Mode Is Getting A Key Upgrade And It’s About Time

Microsoft is testing an enhanced dark mode experience for operating system dialog notifications in Windows 11 build 26100.5061, released on August 14. This feature is currently not universally accessible, as it remains concealed within the operating system's files. Advanced testers have identified and enabled these features using tools like ViVeTool, although caution is advised due to potential risks. Despite the introduction of dark mode in 2016, many areas of Windows still operate in light mode, and certain UI elements may not transition to dark mode. Users have expressed frustration over the timeline for a cohesive dark mode experience, contrasting it with Apple's seamless implementation in macOS.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Heads up, Galaxy users: One UI 8 Beta arrives for more devices next week

Samsung is expanding its One UI 8 Beta starting August 11, initially for the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Galaxy Z Fold 6 in markets like India, Korea, the U.K., and the U.S. In September, the beta will include the Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Tab S10 series, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A35 5G. Samsung plans to extend One UI 8 to more Galaxy Watch 8 models later this year. The update will feature advanced multimodal capabilities, enhanced Galaxy AI functionalities, and updates to core apps like Samsung Health and Calendar. A refreshed Quick Share UI and improved accessibility options will also be included. Users must sign up through the Samsung Members app to participate in the beta program.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Hate Windows 11? Here’s how you can make it work more like Windows 10

User feedback has significantly influenced the evolution of Windows 11, particularly regarding changes to the user interface that differ from Windows 10. Early adopters expressed frustration, but many have adapted over time, while some still prefer the previous interface. Microsoft removed a considerable amount of legacy code, overhauling key components like the taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer, which has disoriented some users. Microsoft has responded to feedback with updates, including the reinstatement of the Task Manager option in the taskbar's right-click menu and improvements to search functionality in version 22H2, as well as a redesign of File Explorer in version 24H2. Users can reposition the taskbar and Start button, but the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen is still missing. A significant redesign of the Start menu is being tested. Keyboard shortcuts can help users navigate the new layout, and users can disable the widgets feature through Taskbar settings. Third-party applications like ExplorerPatcher, Open Shell, Start11, and StartAllBack offer customization options to revert to a more traditional layout, though they may pose compatibility risks with future updates.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

New Android TapTrap attack fools users with invisible UI trick

A new tapjacking technique called TapTrap can exploit user interface animations on Android devices, bypassing the permission system and potentially allowing access to sensitive data or harmful actions. TapTrap operates with zero-permission applications, layering a transparent activity over a malicious one. This vulnerability exists in both Android 15 and 16. Developed by researchers from TU Wien and the University of Bayreuth, TapTrap manipulates activity transitions using custom low-opacity animations, making risky prompts nearly invisible to users. An analysis of nearly 100,000 apps revealed that 76% are vulnerable to TapTrap due to specific conditions related to activity launching and animation handling. The attack has been confirmed on Android 16, including tests on a Google Pixel 8a. GrapheneOS has acknowledged its vulnerability to TapTrap and plans to include a fix in its next release. Google is aware of the issue and intends to address it in a future update.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge UI Now 40% Faster on Average, Key UI Elements Load Up to 4x Quicker

Microsoft has updated its Edge browser, achieving a First Contentful Paint (FCP) of under 300 milliseconds by using its WebUI 2.0 architecture instead of the traditional React framework, resulting in a 40% average reduction in load times for thirteen core features. The updated settings UI shows a fourfold improvement in performance compared to the previous version. This release builds on enhancements from May 2024, which improved launch times by 42-76%, and an optimization effort in February 2025 that targeted fourteen interface subsystems. Internal tests confirm the settings panel now consistently renders in under 300 ms. Microsoft plans to extend these performance improvements to Print Preview and Extensions management throughout 2025.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge is now faster than ever — again — with 40% quicker load speeds

Microsoft Edge has introduced a significantly improved user interface with a First Contentful Paint (FCP) time of under 300 milliseconds. Since February, load times have been reduced by an average of 40% across 13 features, including enhanced settings navigation, an AI-powered Read Aloud feature with multi-language support, a Split Screen function for seamless task transitions, and more responsive Workspaces. These improvements are attributed to the implementation of WebUI 2.0, which streamlines code bundles and reduces JavaScript for UI initialization. The Edge team also reported a 9% increase in speed as measured by Speedometer 3.0 earlier this year. Additional features like sleeping tabs and startup boost have been added to enhance performance, with plans for further improvements in Print Preview and Extensions.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Google Chat is trying out an Expressive new look

Google is implementing its Material 3 Expressive design language across various Android applications, including Gmail and the stand-alone Chat app. The latest update for the Chat app (version 2025.06.15.771788943.Release) features interface modifications that enhance background colors for better visual contrast. The stand-alone Chat app differs from Gmail's Chat interface by lacking thin dividers between entries. The updates are being rolled out gradually, with not all users receiving the new design at the same time.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

This app makes my Windows 11 PC look like Windows 7 — but it’s not for everyone

Explorer 7 is a customization tool designed to restore the Windows 7 taskbar and Start menu for users of Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. It allows users to modify accent colors and integrates familiar Windows 7 UI elements, although it lacks the Aero effect in app windows and retains a modern appearance in File Explorer. Setting up Explorer 7 requires registry edits and Windows 7 installation files, with no built-in method to revert changes. Limitations include compatibility issues with UWP apps, lack of support for multiple taskbars on different monitors, and potential inconsistencies with autoplay features. The project is aimed at enthusiasts seeking a Windows 7 experience, but its compatibility with future updates of Windows 10 and 11 may be uncertain.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

macOS 26 Tahoe vs Windows Vista: Who did glass better?

Apple announced a visual redesign called Liquid Glass, set to debut with macOS 26 Tahoe. This design features transparency effects in context and dropdown menus, system controls, and the Control Center, where elements exhibit a glass-like quality. The dock allows icons to have varying translucency, with options for classic, dark, clear, or tinted versions. However, some inconsistencies exist in the beta version, such as tinted icons lacking transparency. The glass effects are present in many of Apple's apps, with navigation panes on a glass-like surface and floating menu buttons that are translucent. In comparison, Windows Vista's Aero Glass was noted for its impactful use of transparency in title bars and window borders, creating a sense of depth and enhancing user experience. Although Apple's Liquid Glass is meticulously designed, it may come across as too subtle compared to the more pronounced Aero Glass effects. The impressions of macOS 26 Tahoe are based on the initial developer beta, and improvements are expected before its public release later this fall.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft is ruining Windows customization

Customizing a Windows PC has become increasingly complex and frustrating due to several factors. Microsoft has introduced more locked-down UI elements with Windows 10 and 11, which complicates the customization process. Frequent and substantial updates alter UI elements and introduce new features, creating challenges for developers of customization tools to maintain compatibility. Microsoft has also removed certain legacy features that facilitated customization, limiting the capabilities of these applications. Additionally, some customization apps are labeled as malware, discouraging users from installing them and hindering the customization ecosystem. As a result, many users feel that the joy of customizing their Windows experience has diminished, as streamlined interfaces lack the flair and personality of earlier versions.