usability Archives

Winsage

July 31, 2026

Windows quality: an update on the commitment we made in March

In March, a commitment was made to enhance the quality of Windows, with a focus on several immediate changes including enhanced taskbar customization, meaningful AI integration, minimizing disruptions from Windows Updates, faster and more reliable File Explorer, greater control over widgets and feed experiences, a more straightforward Windows Insider Program, and improving the Feedback Hub experience. The core areas of focus are performance, reliability, and well-crafted experiences, with improvements already being rolled out to Windows Insiders and set to expand across Windows 11 PCs this fall. Recent updates include enhancements to the Windows Search Box, improvements for developers at Build 2026, advancements in WinUI 3, updates to the Taskbar and Start menu, simplified AI integration, foundational architecture enhancements for File Explorer, updates to widgets and feed experiences, the launch of the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), memory efficiency improvements, enhanced reliability for Windows Hello, changes to reduce disruptions from Windows Updates, and a simplified Windows Insider Program. Looking ahead, the team plans to bring enhancements to general availability while focusing on onboarding and setup, memory optimization for PCs with 8GB and above, family features, and improved voice interactions. Engaging with Windows Insiders has been a highlight, and the team remains committed to ongoing improvements based on user feedback.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Software takes center stage in this Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 leak

Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 5 on August 12 in New York City. Leaked images reveal the user interface of these devices. The Pixel 11 Pro features various menus, including the home screen layout, Emergency SOS setup, TalkBack accessibility options, and Visual Voicemail functionalities. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a centered app drawer and a camera interface with video controls on the left and shutter, lens switching, and gallery buttons on the right. The Pixel Watch 5 showcases a circular app grid, large touch targets, and a keyboard layout optimized for its round display.

Winsage

July 31, 2026

Windows NT 4.0 brought the Win95 UI to servers 30 years ago today — milestone unifying modern Windows OS hit RTM in the Pentium era

On July 31, 1996, Microsoft released Windows NT 4.0, codenamed Cairo, which integrated the Windows 95 interface into a 32-bit enterprise operating system. It was the last version to support multiple CPU architectures, including Alpha, MIPS, and PowerPC. Windows NT 4.0 included features such as the Start Menu, Taskbar, Task Manager, and support for advanced functionalities like the cryptography API and DirectX (v2). The minimum hardware requirements were a CPU of 33 MHz or better, 32MB of RAM, SVGA graphics, and a 256 MB hard disk. Following its launch, Microsoft introduced versions for embedded systems and a Terminal Server edition. The release of Windows XP in 2001 marked a shift away from DOS-based consumer operating systems.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Windows 11 is quietly installing OneDrive Photos, another image viewer that nobody asked for

In 2026, Windows 11 users noticed the unexpected addition of OneDrive Photos to the Start menu, a photo viewer and editor installed through a Windows Update or an update to the OneDrive sync client. OneDrive Photos is integrated into the existing OneDrive installation and operates via the executable file located at C:Program FilesMicrosoft OneDriveOneDrive.App.exe. It can scan local files for photos without requiring a Microsoft account and offers functionalities similar to the Microsoft Photos app. Users cannot remove OneDrive Photos independently from OneDrive, and to prevent its installation, OneDrive must be uninstalled entirely. The app includes features like AI-driven cloud search, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and a People section for organizing faces in images, with privacy assurances regarding facial data.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

The latest Windows 11 update highlights the part of Microsoft I genuinely enjoy covering the most

Windows Insiders can explore a new build of Windows 11 that enhances accessibility features, particularly the upgraded Voice Access with Voice Isolation, which filters background noise for better voice command control in noisy environments. This update allows users to navigate their devices using voice commands alone, with a dock displaying spoken commands for immediate feedback. Voice Access now offers three speech recognition modes: Voice Isolation, which requires a one-time voice setup; Remove background noise only, which eliminates non-speech sounds without additional setup; and No filtering, the default mode. Additionally, the Narrator feature has improved support for HID-compliant braille displays, enabling plug-and-play connectivity via USB or Bluetooth, including during the initial Windows setup for users who are deaf-blind. Compatible HID displays include the Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. Customization options for braille input and output are available in the Accessibility settings under Narrator.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

First look: Per-app zoom controls on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8, with pre-orders underway. A new feature in One UI 9 stable allows individual zoom controls for apps, enhancing user experience. This capability, initially found in the firmware of the Z Fold 8 Ultra, is now available as a Labs option on the standard Z Fold 8, accessible through Settings -> Advanced features -> Labs. Users can choose from five different zoom levels for each app, although Samsung's own apps are not currently supported. Testing shows varying results in different applications, with Chrome and Google Maps exhibiting different scaling behaviors. There are questions about whether this feature will remain exclusive to the Z Fold 8 and if it will be available across all devices in the Z8 lineup after retail sales begin on August 7.

Tech Optimizer

July 27, 2026

What to look for in antivirus software without the jargon

Shopping for antivirus software can be overwhelming due to technical jargon and extensive feature lists. Key considerations for effective antivirus software include: - Real-time protection: The software should continuously monitor activities and provide automatic protection against threats. - Malware and ransomware blocking: It should defend against various online threats, including malware, spyware, and ransomware. - Firewall protection: A firewall should monitor and block suspicious connections to enhance security. - Performance: The software should operate quietly in the background without interrupting daily tasks. - Frequent updates: Regular updates are essential to combat evolving online threats. - Scam protection: The software should flag suspicious links and messages to prevent cyberattacks before they reach the device. When choosing antivirus software, prioritize these features to ensure effective protection without complicating your life.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Everything we know so far about Windows 11’s big 2026 (26H2) update arriving this fall, including changes for Start menu, Taskbar, and Search

Windows 11's 2026 update, version 26H2, enhances the Start menu, Taskbar, and Windows Search. Taskbar Changes: - Users can reposition the Taskbar to the top, bottom, left, or right of the screen. - The interface adapts to the Taskbar's position, with the Start menu and Search opening downward when at the top. - Vertical Taskbar layouts have an abbreviated year display and lack a seconds option, but support app ungrouping and labels with the "Never combine" setting. - Users can reduce the Taskbar's size, which will also make icons smaller. Start Menu Changes: - Users can select from various size options for the Start menu, though drag-to-resize and full-screen layouts are not available. - Users can choose which sections ("Pinned," "Recent," and "All") to display. - A new setting allows users to hide their account name and profile picture while sharing screens. Search Changes: - The Search home page emphasizes recent searches and minimizes distractions from trending topics and promotional content. - Web results are prioritized over products or sponsored content when they are the best match. - Users can disable web results and Microsoft Store suggestions for a local search experience. - The ranking system prioritizes local content, ensuring apps, settings, and files appear before web results. - The Search box height has been increased by four pixels for improved usability.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

These 11 paid Android apps are worth every penny I spent

Stellarium Plus is a digital sky guide that shows celestial object positions and offers guided Tours and a calendaring feature. Buzzkill is a notification manager that allows personalized rules for alerts. Key Launcher Pro replaces the default Pixel Launcher with rapid search capabilities and additional features like Super Shortcuts and Focus Mode. Octopi Launcher Pro allows custom layouts for foldable devices, enhancing user experience through regular updates. KWGT Pro is a widget creation tool that enables device personalization with additional features in the Pro version. Tropical Hurricane Tracker provides timely updates on tropical weather conditions from NOAA and NWS, with an ad-free option available. PeakFinder identifies nearby mountains using the phone's camera and location, providing names and elevations. Hermit Premium transforms web pages into standalone web apps, enhancing privacy with an editable ad blocker and multiple profiles. Moon+ Reader Pro offers extensive customization for reading, including PDF editing tools. SuperDisplay provides low-latency connections that mimic a dedicated monitor. Tasker is an automation tool that allows users to create complex automation recipes for enhanced productivity.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Samsung may finally let you set screen zoom levels on a per-app basis

Samsung has unveiled its latest foldable devices: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Within the firmware of the Fold 8 Ultra, code suggests a new feature called "App screen zoom," which would allow users to set different screen zoom levels for individual applications. This feature is not yet visible in the device's display settings, as it is not operating on retail firmware. There is potential for this functionality to be available when the devices reach consumers next month and possibly extend to Samsung's broader lineup and the Android ecosystem. An APK teardown indicates this feature is a predictive tool based on preliminary code, with no guarantee of public release.