user accessibility Archives

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Chrome for Android could be getting a major time-saving upgrade to make verification even easier

Chrome for Android is set to introduce an automatic detection and filling feature for SMS-based two-factor authentication codes, aimed at streamlining the user experience. This feature is currently available in the "Canary version" of Chrome but has not yet been activated for all users. Additionally, Google has released Gemini-powered accessibility updates, including expressive captions and an optical character recognition tool for screen readers.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft shares its process (and discarded ideas) for redone Windows 11 Start menu

Microsoft is testing a revamped Start menu for Windows 11, which retains familiar elements but offers reorganization and customization options. The redesign process included concepts that were ultimately discarded, such as a Windows XP-inspired sidebar, a full-screen Start experience from Windows 8, and various layouts emphasizing different functionalities. Ideas included an abundance of icons, thumbnail previews for recently opened files, a dedicated area for calendar reminders, and a "create" button suggesting generative AI capabilities. Microsoft engaged over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts for feedback to inform the redesign, aiming to enhance user experience while maintaining familiarity.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft is testing a new ‘Advanced Settings’ page in Windows

Microsoft is testing a revamped "Advanced Settings" page for its Windows Server operating system, which will replace the previous "For Developers" page. This new page aims to improve user accessibility by including features beneficial to a wider audience, such as the "End Task" option. It introduces a "long path" setting that removes the 260-character limitation on file paths, helping users avoid the "Path too long" error. The changes are currently exclusive to Windows Server but may extend to Windows 11 within the calendar year.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft has no plans to fix Windows RDP bug that lets you log in with old passwords

Microsoft has decided not to address a significant security flaw in the Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) that allows users to log in with outdated, cached passwords, even after those passwords have been changed. The company claims this behavior is intentional, designed to prevent users from being locked out of their machines. Microsoft does not consider this a security vulnerability, despite concerns that it creates a potential backdoor for unauthorized access. The issue has been known to Microsoft since at least August 2023, but they chose not to modify the functionality due to compatibility concerns with existing applications.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Gemini app update adds Android homescreen widget

The Gemini app has introduced a new Android homescreen widget that is now widely available to users. The widget is highly resizable, incorporates Dynamic Color, and resembles the revamped widgets of Google Keep and Drive. It features a sparkle icon that launches the app and keyboard, and includes buttons arranged within a rounded rectangle, with a Gemini Live shortcut. Users can expand the widget to access additional functionalities like speech-to-text and the Gemini camera, and it can be configured in various layouts, including a search bar and a grid of shortcuts. The widget is part of Gemini app version 1.0.751104895 and is compatible with Android 10 and newer versions. Users can add it to their homescreen by updating the app and selecting Widgets.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Windows isn’t an OS, it’s a bad habit bordering on addiction

Microsoft's Windows operating system has approximately 1.5 billion users globally, but faces stagnation as many users find Windows 10 satisfactory and are reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft is pushing Windows 11 aggressively, incorporating AI features and nudging users toward paid services, which raises concerns about user experience. The company is uncertain about its future direction, with Project Hudson Valley fading away and the potential for a subscription-based licensing model. In corporate environments, IT departments often prioritize compliance over user needs, leaving employees with limited choices. Some users are exploring alternatives like macOS or Linux, seeking better alignment with their values. Resources are available to help users transition gradually from Windows 10 to alternatives, and maintaining a dual-system approach can ease this process.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to stop pre-installing Chrome and its other apps on Android smartphones – The Times of India

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating Japan's anti-monopoly law by requiring Android smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications, which restricted competing search engine applications. Google incentivized manufacturers financially to designate Chrome as the default browser and not to preinstall rival search applications. The order mandates that Google stop these practices, prohibits the requirement for preinstallation of its apps, and requires the company to create compliance guidelines and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence for five years. Google had agreements with six manufacturers representing about 80% of Android smartphones in Japan. The investigation began in 2023, reflecting a trend of increased scrutiny of big tech firms globally.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Unlocking Multilingual App Development with Android Studio Translation Plugin

The Android Studio Translation Plugin is a tool for Android developers that facilitates the localization of applications by integrating directly into Android Studio. Key features include real-time translation previews, batch processing for multiple strings, a translation memory system for consistency, API connectivity with services like Google Translate, and support for over 100 languages. To set up the plugin, developers must install it through Android Studio's plugin marketplace, configure settings for source and target languages, and connect to a translation API. Translating an app involves selecting strings in the strings.xml file and using the plugin to translate them, with real-time updates in the layout editor. The plugin enhances developer workflow by automating localization tasks, reducing the risk of errors, and allowing for simultaneous translations. It also helps maintain translation consistency and improves app quality by identifying missing translations. Real-world use cases demonstrate its effectiveness in scaling applications for international markets, such as an e-commerce app that translated over 500 strings and an educational app that localized content for various Indian languages.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Google’s most useful, underrated service could soon have an app of its very own

Google's NotebookLM research assistant has been in development since 2023 and is designed to assist users in managing tasks and information. An app for NotebookLM is currently in development to improve accessibility on mobile devices, as the web interface has been cumbersome on smaller screens. The app announcement was made via the official NotebookLM X account, stating, “the NotebookLM app is coming soon!” The exact release timeline is not specified.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

This potential Pixel Screenshots update could really put the app in the spotlight

Google is developing a home screen widget for its Pixel Screenshots app, which will allow users to display the latest screenshot on their home screen for quick sharing or editing. The widget currently shows a single screenshot without customization options and is expected to be exclusive to the Pixel 9. The Pixel Screenshots app utilizes Google's Gemini Nano AI to organize and search through screenshots by text, dates, or specific details. Future updates are anticipated to introduce widget support and enhanced customization options.