useful features Archives

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Messenger rolls out new safety, useful, and fun features

Meta has updated Messenger with new features focusing on privacy, usability, and enjoyment. Privacy and safety updates include the View Once Media option for single-view media messages, screenshot and screen recording blocks, in-app scam alerts via Spam Protection, and streamlined reporting and blocking of suspicious contacts. Usability improvements consist of HD photo sharing, enhanced HD video calls, noise-suppressed audio for clearer calls, and Siri integration for easier navigation. Expressive features allow users to personalize chats with themes, add music to notes, and use new sticker packs, including the Butterbear stickers. Social features encourage community building through Messenger Communities, enabling topic-based chats via QR codes, and engaging with public figures through Broadcast Channels.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Top 10 cool and useful features coming soon to Windows 11

Microsoft is developing several enhancements for Windows 11, with some features currently available in preview builds or requiring activation. 1. Improved Auto HDR: Available to all Windows Insiders, this feature will enable automatic HDR streaming for HDR-capable displays. 2. Small Taskbar Buttons: Code snippets indicate that Microsoft is exploring the return of smaller taskbar buttons, though it is not yet functional. 3. Gamepad Keyboard: Available to Windows Insiders, this feature allows typing using standard gamepad controls. 4. New Start Menu Layouts: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; new "Category" and "Grid" views are in development. 5. 6 GHz Hotspots: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; laptops with Wi-Fi 7 support will soon be able to create 6 GHz hotspots. 6. Redesigned Battery Indicator: Available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, this redesign will include battery percentage in the tray area. 7. File Explorer Improvements: Currently turned off, this will allow users to open links in new tabs instead of new windows. 8. New PC Spec Cards: Available for testing in the Insider Program, this feature consolidates essential PC specifications into one location. 9. New Share UI: Requires activation of hidden feature IDs; this will allow users to drag files to a dedicated tray for easy sharing. 10. AI-Powered Windows Search: Available for testing in the Insider Program and requires dedicated hardware, this feature will use natural language processing for easier file searches.

AppWizard

February 2, 2025

I got tired of Google Calendar’s basic features, so I switched to this alternative app

Google Calendar has limitations that hinder productivity, such as difficulties in managing events across multiple accounts and a lack of advanced features like natural language processing for event entry. Alternatives like Business Calendar 2 offer robust features, including syncing across multiple Google accounts and natural language input. DigiCal combines calendar functionality with weather data but lacks natural language support. Notion Calendar provides an attractive user interface but has limited functionality. For users wanting enhanced widgets for Google Calendar, options like Calendar Widget by Home Agenda and Event Flow Widget are available. Business Calendar 2 is highlighted as the best alternative for its extensive capabilities.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

I made the switch from Mac to Windows and I’m regretting it

The transition from a MacBook Pro to an HP Spectre x360 has highlighted significant differences between macOS and Windows 11. Windows 11, despite improvements in its user interface, suffers from inconsistent design elements, with modern apps contrasting sharply with older tools. First-party applications also show design discrepancies, and third-party apps on Windows often lack the quality and features found on macOS. Exclusive macOS applications, such as CleanShot X and MoneyCoach, offer superior functionality compared to their Windows counterparts. File management is notably better on macOS, with Finder providing a more efficient experience than File Explorer, and the Preview app offering useful features for PDF editing and image manipulation. Overall, the user experience on macOS is perceived as more polished and intuitive compared to Windows.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft just fixed 72 Windows security flaws — update your PC right now

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday updates for 2024 addressed 72 security vulnerabilities, including 17 classified as Critical, 52 as Important, and one as Moderate. One vulnerability, CVE-2024-49138, is actively exploited and relates to privilege escalation in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver. Microsoft has mitigated 1,088 vulnerabilities this year. The flaw allows attackers to gain elevated system privileges and has been recognized by CrowdStrike. It is the fifth actively exploited CLFS privilege escalation vulnerability since 2022 and the ninth patched this year. Microsoft is implementing additional verification steps for log files and has introduced new security mitigations using Hash-based Message Authentication Codes (HMAC). This vulnerability is listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog by CISA, requiring Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies to remediate it by December 31st. The most critical vulnerability this month is CVE-2024-49112, a remote code execution flaw affecting the Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Other significant remote code execution vulnerabilities include CVE-2024-49117 (Windows Hyper-V), CVE-2024-49105 (Remote Desktop Client), and CVE-2024-49063 (Microsoft Muzic). Users are advised to update their systems promptly and ensure Windows Defender is activated.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

Linkora: The Ultimate Open Source Tool to Organize Links on Android

Linkora is a FOSS Android application developed using Kotlin that helps users manage and organize links in one accessible location. It allows users to add links easily, categorize them into folders, and offers features such as archiving, copying, sharing, and searching for links. Users can create new panels for specific topics and customize their viewing experience with different layout options. The app supports data migration in JSON and HTML formats and is available for installation on F-Droid, with its source code hosted on GitHub.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Create an Android App Without Coding – Best No Code Builder

Platforms like Yourmodule allow users to create apps without coding skills. Yourmodule offers a user-friendly interface, customization options, and useful features such as push notifications. Users can select from various templates and utilize drag-and-drop tools for app development. The platform provides scalability and support resources, making it accessible for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The app creation process is streamlined for ease of use, allowing users to preview their app before publishing it on the Google Play Store.

Tech Optimizer

November 27, 2024

Top 5 Free Antivirus Protection Programs (2025)

Free antivirus software provides essential protection against viruses, malware, and online threats without cost. Key features often include real-time scanning, automated updates, and basic security measures. Notable free antivirus programs for 2025 include: - Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition: Offers real-time protection, on-demand scanning, and anti-phishing features with low system impact. - Avira Free Security: Includes real-time protection, web protection, a VPN, a password manager, and a system optimizer. - Sophos Home Free: A cloud-managed solution that uses AI for threat detection and includes parental controls. - AVG AntiVirus Free: Known for reliable protection against malware and includes a ransomware decryption tool. - Microsoft Defender: Built into Windows, it provides decent protection and receives regular updates. Choosing the right antivirus depends on individual needs; options vary in features and performance impact. Free antivirus programs typically lack advanced features found in paid versions, such as comprehensive malware detection, firewall protection, and priority customer support. Independent labs test antivirus software for effectiveness, focusing on detection rates, false positives, and performance impact. Some free antivirus tools offer additional features like password managers and limited VPN access, but many advanced functions require payment. Overall, while free antivirus solutions may not be as comprehensive as paid options, they still provide solid protection for everyday users.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

Meta improves calls and adds useful features in Messenger

Meta has introduced several enhancements to its Messenger app, including HD video call support, which is automatically enabled on Wi-Fi and can be activated during mobile data calls. Users can adjust noise suppression settings and audio output preferences in the Call Settings menu. The app now allows users to leave voice or video messages. AI-generated backgrounds are accessible during calls by entering a description, and AI-generated image creation is available in Messenger chats, as well as on Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, hands-free calling and messaging through Apple's Siri voice assistant have been implemented, allowing users to send messages or initiate calls without direct interaction with their devices.

Winsage

November 12, 2024

6 core apps Microsoft Needs to fix on Windows

Microsoft has been enhancing its default applications since the launch of Windows 11, but several core applications still do not meet user expectations. 1. File Explorer: Despite a modern UI and tab addition, it struggles with performance, especially with large files and OneDrive, and retains outdated design elements. 2. Microsoft Photos: The app has performance issues with high-resolution images and lacks native support for the HEIC format, requiring a paid extension for access. 3. Microsoft Store: Users experience slow browsing and page loads, and the app selection is inferior to the Mac App Store. The review system also needs improvement. 4. Outlook: The web-based version is slow, resource-intensive, and lacks features from the previous desktop version, frustrating users. 5. Copilot: The initiative is web-based and disrupts workflow, lacking integration and useful features, which diminishes usability. 6. OneNote: It has synchronization speed issues, missing edits when switching devices, and lacks support for Aptos fonts, with AI features feeling less fluid compared to competitors.