user customization Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Wear OS 6 will bring Facer back onto Android smartwatches; we asked Facer what to expect

Wear OS 6 will support third-party watch face stores like Facer, which were restricted on Wear OS 5. Facer collaborated with Google to ensure watch faces feature "instant syncing" with Pixel Watches. Third-party faces must utilize the Watch Face Format (WFF), but many older animated and 3D watch faces will not sync. The rollout of Wear OS 6 is anticipated to begin in late summer or early fall 2025. Developers are encouraged to create watch face marketplaces using WFF, addressing previous challenges in promoting watch faces through the Play Store. Facer, TIMEFLIK, WatchMaker, Pujie, and Recreative will be among the first to offer their watch faces on Wear OS 6 devices. The WFF format uses cached sensor data to minimize battery consumption. Facer is preparing to unveil thousands of watch faces for Wear OS 6, available for free or through a premium subscription model. Some legacy faces will be adapted to the WFF standard, but not all previous favorites will be available. Facer aims to equip developers with tools for creating WFF-compliant watch faces and plans to introduce new features and partnerships this summer.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft confirms new “Advanced” Settings for Windows 11

Microsoft introduced the 'Advanced Settings' page in Windows 11 at the Build 2025 developer conference, replacing the 'For Developers' tab and enhancing user customization. It can be accessed via Settings > System > Advanced and offers features such as showing file extensions, hidden and system files, full paths in the title bar, options to run applications as different users, and visibility of empty drives. A new section for 'File Explorer + version control' allows users to link Git repository folders, improving workflow for developers. The 'Advanced Settings' page will be open-sourced on GitHub for ongoing maintenance and updates.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

4 Windows versions Windows 12 should shamelessly imitate

Windows 12 is speculated to potentially launch in two to three years, following the end of support for Windows 10. It may draw inspiration from previous successful versions like Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10, focusing on user customization, performance, and reducing bloatware. Windows 11, launched six years after Windows 10, introduced a new visual style and features but faced criticism over hardware requirements. Windows 12 is expected to build on Windows 11's foundation with incremental improvements and enhanced support for ARM processors.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Take Control of Your Notifications with Samsung’s One UI 7 Beta

Samsung's One UI 7 update, based on Android 15, introduces a new "Filter notifications" feature that allows users to categorize non-urgent alerts into groups within the notification panel. This feature includes three toggles: 1. Old Notifications: Filters out outdated app notifications. 2. Background Notifications: Filters notifications from apps running in the background. 3. Minimized Notifications: Allows users to manually minimize certain alerts. Grouped notifications will still be visible but organized under a "More notifications" card. The stable version of One UI 7 is expected to be released between January and February of the following year.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

How to make Windows search use Google instead of Bing

The Windows search function allows users to quickly access installed programs and perform internet searches using Bing as the default search engine. Many users prefer Google over Bing due to better search results. The MS Edge Redirect tool enables users to redirect searches from Bing to Google or other search engines. To use the tool, users must install it and select the Active Mode option during installation, which leads to a configuration page where they can choose to replace Bing with Google or select from ten other search engines. The tool also allows customization of shortcuts linked to Edge and Microsoft services, enabling users to substitute services like MSN Weather and MSN News with alternatives of their choice.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

10 tweaks you didn’t know you can make in Windows 11 with the Group Policy Editor

Windows 11 Pro editions and above include access to the Group Policy Editor, allowing users to modify various settings that enhance their experience. Users can disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus, bypass Windows Update safeguards, disable USB drives, disable OneDrive, stop automatic driver updates, stop toast notifications, block software installations, prevent unexpected restarts, disable Command Prompt and PowerShell, and block access to the Control Panel and Settings apps. Each of these adjustments can be made by navigating through specific paths in the Group Policy Editor and applying the necessary changes.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Microsoft now allows you to reprogram the Windows Copilot key, but there’s a catch | Tom’s Hardware

Microsoft has introduced the ability to reprogram the Copilot key on Copilot+ PCs and future keyboards in the latest Windows 11 insider preview build 22635.4225. Users can customize the key's functionality to launch other applications instead of the default Copilot AI assistant. The reprogramming is done through the Settings app, where users can select an alternative application that is "MSIX packaged and signed." This requirement ensures security and privacy but limits users to certified apps. Third-party software solutions are available for more extensive remapping options. The Copilot key corresponds to the F23 key, allowing users to bind other applications and specific key combinations to it.