user experience Archives

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Got a Pixel phone? Grab these 5 Google apps because they’re not installed by default

A curated list of recommended Google apps for Pixel phones includes: - Chrome Beta: Offers multiple account support, allowing seamless management of different Gmail accounts without logging out. - Google Maps Go: A lighter version of Google Maps that enables simultaneous navigation and exploration for nearby places. - Gallery: An efficient alternative to Google Photos that organizes media files offline and includes light facial recognition. - Google Translate: Translates text, audio, and images across languages, supporting offline translations, useful for travelers. - Google Go: A lightweight app for less powerful devices that includes features like incognito searching and a built-in reader mode. Honorable mentions include Google News, Google Tasks, Google Fit, Find Hub, and Photoscan.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Google Messages could get a dedicated spot to see all media from your chats

Google is experimenting with a swipe feature in its Messages app to improve navigation through pictures and videos, allowing users to reply to media without being redirected to the main chat. This update includes a quick-access bar for reactions and comments on media, and a dedicated media overview section for accessing older shared images and videos. These features are currently in testing and are expected to be available to all users in the coming months.

Winsage

June 7, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: Is Windows in trouble?

This week’s episode of the Windows Central Podcast features hosts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden discussing the performance of Windows 11 on gaming handhelds and the challenges Microsoft faces due to setbacks with Windows Core OS and Windows CorePC. They also examine the latest designs of the Windows 11 Start menu and discuss the capabilities of Bing Video Creator, highlighting the impact of artificial intelligence on content creation.

Winsage

June 7, 2025

‘Screenbox’ Is a Sleek and Capable VLC-Based Video Player for Windows

Screenbox is a free and open-source video player designed for Windows 11, offering a user-friendly interface and extensive media format support. It is built on the LibVLCSharp framework, ensuring compatibility with all media formats supported by VLC. The application features a visually appealing interface with essential buttons, support for YouTube's keyboard shortcuts, picture-in-picture functionality, and a media library that includes default video and music folders with options to add more directories. Screenbox is suitable for both casual file playback and organization of media libraries.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has made significant updates for users in the European Union and European Economic Area, including the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store while still receiving app updates, a reduction in notifications related to Edge, and increased control over web searches in Windows. This week features discounts on various applications, with some offers extending beyond a single week. Notable new or improved Windows apps include: - Fences 6.0: An updated desktop management tool that allows users to organize programs and links into customizable groups with new tab support. - Start Everywhere: An application launcher that complements the Windows Start Menu, enabling users to launch applications from any screen corner using mouse clicks, hotkeys, or active corners. - VeraCrypt 1.26: An open-source encryption software that allows users to encrypt their entire system, individual hard drives, or specific partitions, with new protective measures against screen recordings and captures.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

This app has been shipping with Windows for decades, and it needs to go away

The Character Map is a tool in Windows designed to help users access uncommon characters and symbols not available on the keyboard. However, it is considered convoluted and unnecessary due to its complicated access process and cumbersome selection method. Microsoft has introduced a more efficient emoji keyboard in Windows 11, which allows users to quickly select symbols by pressing Windows + . (period) and is more user-friendly than the Character Map. The emoji panel saves the last twelve used symbols for easy access. It is suggested that the Character Map would be better suited as a feature within Microsoft Office, where symbol selection is more relevant. The Character Map is viewed as one of several outdated features in Windows 11 that may need removal to improve the user experience.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Gemini app ‘Scheduled Actions’ are official, rollout begins for automated tasks

Google has started rolling out the "Scheduled Actions" feature in the Gemini app for Gemini AI Pro and Ultra subscribers as of June 6. This feature allows users to automate routine tasks, such as receiving a morning email summary. Future enhancements announced during the I/O 2025 event include the Deep Think upgrades and 2.5 Flash improvements, which aim to increase Gemini's speed and efficiency and enhance its reasoning capabilities. Extensive testing will be conducted to ensure users benefit from these advancements.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Why I Use simplewall Instead of Windows Firewall (And You Should Too)

Simplewall is a rule-based firewall controller for Windows that enhances the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) without replacing it. It allows users to manage network access for applications and services with a user-friendly interface, supporting advanced features like filtering rules by IP, port, or protocol. Users can create tailored profiles for different scenarios and have comprehensive control over network interactions, including blocking telemetry data and automatic updates. Simplewall is lightweight, portable, and operates without background processes or telemetry, ensuring a straightforward user experience. Setting up simplewall involves downloading it, extracting the files, and enabling filters, allowing users to establish a functional firewall profile quickly. While it offers many advantages, such as being open-source and compatible with older Windows versions, it may be overwhelming for beginners and lacks detailed app profiling compared to premium firewalls.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

I wish this version of the Microsoft Store shipped 10 years ago

The Microsoft Store is undergoing significant changes to improve user experience, including a personalized homepage that showcases apps tailored to individual interests, accelerated search functionality for easier app discovery, and integration with Windows search. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced over 150 changes to the Store, focusing on user feedback to enhance engagement and satisfaction. The Store is used by over 250 million users each month, and strategic leadership changes have contributed to an improved user experience.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Google testing Generative AI weather summaries for Search

Google is testing a generative AI weather summary to enhance user experience for weather updates, providing a comprehensive overview between hourly and 10-day forecasts. This feature is currently limited to Southern California, including cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, and is accessible only to users signed into their Google accounts via the Google app and mobile web searches. It does not extend to the Google Weather app. Additionally, the Pixel Weather app has introduced a pollen tracker in the U.S., featuring a five-day view of pollen levels and insights into seasonality and cross-reaction data.