user experience Archives

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

I build helpful smart home automations with this Nest feature in the Google Home app

The Google Home and Nest ecosystems enable automated smart home functions through preset commands that trigger actions based on specific conditions. The Google Home app has been redesigned to simplify the creation of automations, allowing users to build custom automations or use Gemini, an AI tool that generates automations. Google has also introduced Google Home Premium, an AI-driven subscription service that replaces Nest Aware. The new automations editor enhances user experience and offers more versatile automation options. The Google Nest Hub Max is highlighted as a key device that integrates seamlessly with the Google Home app for effective automation control.

Winsage

May 25, 2026

5 things Microsoft isn’t fixing with Windows 11 that I’d love to see happen

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with significant updates, including a revamped Windows Update, performance improvements, and customization options for the Start menu and taskbar. The company is addressing device driver issues and engaging with the Windows 11 community for feedback. Users desire features such as a toggle to eliminate advertisements and recommendations, the option to remove references to OneDrive, Bing, Edge, and Game Pass, and the ability to disable web search results in Windows 11 search. The requirement for a Microsoft account for Windows 11 installation has frustrated users who prefer local accounts, prompting calls for the restoration of this option. Users also seek meaningful control over default app installations and the ability to turn off telemetry easily, as current settings are complex. Additionally, there are long-standing projects in Windows 11 that require completion, such as fully integrating dark mode, incorporating the Light Switch feature from PowerToys, and accelerating the migration of legacy features from the Control Panel to the Settings app.

Tech Optimizer

May 25, 2026

Avast One review: Robust protection at a reasonable price… but with some compromises

Avast One is an antivirus solution that offers protection against various digital threats, including AI-generated scams and deepfakes. It features an AI assistant that analyzes texts, links, and images for suspicious content. The starting price is .99 per year, and it supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with device support ranging from 1-10 for consumers and 1-999 for businesses. Key features include malware protection, ransomware protection, identity theft protection (Ultimate only), webcam protection, a VPN (Ultimate only), a password manager, cloud backup (Business only), a firewall, and a secure browser. The free version provides basic virus and malware protection, while the Premium Security plan starts at .99 for the first year and the Ultimate plan starts at .99. Performance tests show minimal impact on gaming experiences, and the software offers various scanning options. The interface is user-friendly, though some features require higher-tier plans. Avast provides 24/7 support through email, chat, and telephone, but the chat system requires preliminary questions to be answered.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

From beta test to launch: Clemson students help shape music messaging app, and gain real-world experience in the process

Clemson University students are participating in the beta testing of a music messaging app, initiated by alumnus J.D. Tuminski, a former vice president of digital marketing at Def Jam Recordings. The project involves students from various disciplines who are providing feedback on the app's features while gaining experience in digital marketing and user experience design. This collaboration offers students practical knowledge, enhances their resumes, and helps them build professional networks, while their evaluations will influence the app's final version to meet user needs.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

We tested Advanced Shader Delivery on the RX 9070 XT in six games — up to 95% improvement in load times and 33 percent faster 1% Low FPS

Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) significantly reduces load times and improves frame rates in games. In tests across six titles, loading times improved by up to 95%, and certain games showed enhancements in 1% low FPS metrics. ASD allows precompiled shaders to be included with game downloads, preventing shader compilation stutter. Forza Horizon 6 saw load times decrease from 48 seconds to 2 seconds (96% improvement), while The Outer Worlds 2's load time dropped from nearly three minutes to 9 seconds (95% reduction). Ninja Gaiden 4 experienced smoother gameplay with ASD enabled, despite no pre-compilation step. Avowed's load time improved by 78%, reducing the wait by over two minutes. Hogwarts Legacy had a 56% reduction in load time, while Silent Hill f did not benefit from ASD in terms of load times but still faced shader compilation stutters.

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Windows 11 brings back taskbar positioning and resizing, but longtime users will notice key differences

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to the Taskbar in Windows 11 with the latest preview build (26300.8493) from the Experimental channel for version 25H2. Users can now reposition the Taskbar to any edge of the screen—top, bottom, left, or right. The Taskbar can also be resized, allowing users to reduce its height and button size without needing a system restart. The option to change the Taskbar position is available under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, and resizing options are found in the same section. However, the implementation lacks the intuitive drag-and-drop functionality present in Windows 10, requiring users to navigate through settings for adjustments. Additionally, when the Taskbar is vertical, the year is shown in an abbreviated format, and seconds are omitted from the time display. The auto-hide feature has some issues, and the tablet-optimized Taskbar is limited to the bottom position.

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Windows in Transition: From Tool to Entry Point into the Microsoft Ecosystem

Windows 7 was launched in 2009 and was known for its reliability and user-friendly interface. Windows 8, released in October 2012, marked a significant shift in Microsoft's approach by prioritizing touch control and eliminating the classic Start menu, which alienated desktop users. Windows 7 introduced features like Libraries and Windows Media Center, many of which were removed or obscured in later versions. Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020. Windows 10, launched in July 2015, reintroduced the Start menu and offered a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users. Windows 11 was launched on October 5, 2021, with stricter hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, which excluded many existing PCs from upgrading. The evolution of Windows reflects a trend towards integrating Microsoft services and subscription models, diminishing user autonomy. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pressuring users to transition to Windows 11 or consider alternatives.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

I’ve used the new Google Health app for a week, and I hate it

User feedback on the new Google Health app revealed mixed sentiments: 28% praised it as "gorgeous and so useful," 26% found it visually appealing but cumbersome, 10% appreciated its functionality but disliked the aesthetic, 20% expressed indifference, and 16% had not transitioned from Fitbit. The app's design features lengthy text explanations from the Google Health Coach that overshadow vital statistics, diminishing usability. The Fitness and Sleep tabs also exhibit design flaws, with excessive scrolling and text before essential metrics. Users cannot easily move tiles or customize the home screen, limiting visibility for health data. Suggested improvements include presenting metrics and graphs upfront, allowing tile customization, resizing the home screen tile section, prioritizing workouts in the Fitness tab, and displaying sleep statistics before interpretations in the Sleep tab.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

Gemini Live redesign now works with more ‘Connected Apps’ on Android

Gemini Live on Android has expanded its integration capabilities, allowing access to a wider range of first- and third-party "Connected Apps." The update introduces a new floating interface that integrates Gemini Live into the text chat experience. Previously, it connected only with Google services and select third-party alternatives. The first-party app list now includes services such as Home, Hotels, Flights, Workspace, Image generation, Shopping, Utilities, YouTube, YouTube Music, and Spotify. The Utilities section introduces timers and alarms, but the ability to send Messages via Gemini Live is still forthcoming.

Winsage

May 23, 2026

I tested Windows 11’s return of taskbar positioning and resizing, and it’s not the classic Windows 10 experience

The Taskbar in Windows 11 will receive enhancements allowing users to reposition and resize it, similar to features in Windows 10. The latest build, 26300.8493, enables placement of the Taskbar at any screen edge—top, bottom, left, or right. The interface will adapt to the Taskbar's position, with the Start menu and Search opening downward when docked at the top. In a vertical layout, the year will be abbreviated, and seconds will not be displayed. Users can ungroup app labels using the "Never combine" option when the Taskbar is on the left or right. The new "Taskbar position" setting is found under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar in the "Taskbar behaviors" section.