user feedback Archives

Winsage

June 2, 2025

‘Two firm promises of USB-C on Windows 11’ — How Microsoft plans to eliminate connectivity confusion

USB-C ports are standard on contemporary Windows laptops, but not all deliver the same performance. A recent blog post by Microsoft revealed that 27% of Windows PCs with USB4 ports experience a "limited functionality" notification when connecting peripherals. This issue arises from inconsistent USB-C implementations by manufacturers, often leaving users unaware of their ports' capabilities. To address these challenges, Microsoft is updating the Windows 11 Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to ensure that laptops shipping with Windows 11 version 24H2 will have WHCP certification. This certification guarantees universal USB data, charging, and display support across all USB-C ports, and full compatibility for USB4 ports with 40Gbps performance with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripherals. The WHCP will enforce minimum capabilities for each USB-C version, requiring USB-IF certified silicon in certified laptops, ensuring USB Power Delivery capabilities for all ports, and mandating DisplayPort Alt Mode for external display support. Additionally, a new requirement for Microsoft's driver stack will ensure PCs receive the latest USB driver updates. USB4 introduces two performance tiers: 40Gbps and 80Gbps. New laptops with USB4 connections at 40Gbps will be required to ensure compatibility with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 accessories. WHCP certification will also apply to 80Gbps USB4 ports, mandating 80Gbps transfer speeds and a specific mode for high-resolution displays. The WHCP certification will be enforced through a Hardware Lab Kit, incorporating user feedback and automated testing.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft Edge Game Assist is now available

Microsoft Edge Game Assist is now available to all users on Windows 11, following its preview launch last November. It is an in-game browser designed specifically for PC gamers, allowing players to access game guides, connect with friends, and listen to music without leaving their games. Users can open Game Assist by pressing Win+G, which integrates features like tips for popular games, access to platforms like Discord and Spotify, and the ability to pin content above the game. The tool is designed to enhance multitasking and maintain immersion during gameplay. Feedback from the preview phase has led to improvements in the interface and functionality, including keyboard shortcuts and enhanced support for over 80 games. Game Assist is available wherever Microsoft Edge is accessible, with enhanced content currently offered in English only.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

The best password managers for Android of 2025: Expert tested

Safeguarding personal information like login credentials and credit card details is crucial for Android users, and a password manager is essential for generating and securely storing strong, unique passwords. Bitwarden is highlighted as the best free password manager due to its open-source nature and robust encryption, allowing unlimited credential syncing across devices. It features autofill, secure note storage, a password generator, encrypted sharing, biometric unlock, and passkey support. 1Password is recommended for its user-friendly interface and security features, offering a library of over 20 credential types, autofill capabilities, and a feature called Watchtower for security alerts. It requires a subscription after a 14-day trial. Keeper is noted for its user-friendly onboarding process and enterprise-level security, accommodating various record types and offering features like account recovery and offline access, but it may be less appealing for budget-conscious users. Proton Pass, an open-source option from the creators of Proton VPN and Proton Mail, emphasizes privacy and offers features like password health alerts and hide-my-email aliases, although it currently lacks some functionalities of more established managers. Overall, Bitwarden is the top choice for cost-effective password management, while 1Password is recognized for its user experience.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Google tweaks the Pixel Launcher in Android 16 QPR1 to leave more space for your apps

Google has released the first beta build of Android 16 QPR 1 for Pixel devices, introducing Material 3 Expressive design changes. The At a Glance widget has been resized, allowing for an additional row on the home screen for app icons and widgets. Users receive a notification about the new layout upon installation. The lock screen has also seen a similar reduction in the widget size to support new lock screen widget features.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Have Less Than Two Weeks With These Five Games

Five titles are set to leave Xbox Game Pass after May 31, requiring subscribers to purchase them individually to continue playing. Subscribers can receive a 20 percent discount on these games while they are still available. The departing games include: 1. Remnant 2 (Metacritic Score: 85) - A sequel where players face new creatures and bosses. 2. Humanity (Metacritic Score: 86) - A puzzle-action game where players command crowds as a dog. 3. Cassette Beasts (Metacritic Score: 83) - An indie RPG focused on collecting monster forms for battles. 4. Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath (Metacritic Score: 80) - A chaotic battle against evil forces in a survival setting. 5. Firework (Metacritic Score: N/A) - A horror puzzle game involving a police investigation in a mountain village. Once these titles leave, their return to the service is uncertain.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

Microsoft is bringing back Windows 10’s second hand display after backlash

Microsoft removed the clock display from the flyout menu of Windows 10’s taskbar calendar to eliminate the seconds display, which was consuming additional processing resources. In response to user backlash, Microsoft plans to reintroduce the seconds display with the upcoming cumulative update for Windows 10, designated as Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5912 (update KB5058481), which is currently available to Windows Insiders and expected to roll out to all users later this month.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

Windows 10 Annoying Feature Cancellation Has Just Been Reversed

Microsoft has confirmed that the seconds display will be reinstated in Windows 10, as noted in the release notes for Windows 10 Build 19045.5912, which stated, “Brings back the clock view that displays seconds onto the calendar that was once removed.”

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Why KakaoTalk’s typing indicator is getting on some Koreans’ nerves

KakaoTalk introduced a beta feature called a typing indicator, which displays a three-dot animation when someone is composing a message. This feature has received mixed reactions from users, with many expressing discomfort about sharing their typing status, comparing it to formal communication tools. Users have voiced their dissatisfaction online, with some questioning the necessity of this update and expressing concerns about the platform evolving into one similar to workplace messaging applications. KakaoTalk allows users to disable the typing indicator in the Settings under the Kakao Lab section. Additionally, Kakao Lab includes other features like AI tools for summarizing chat conversations.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Microsoft Update Fails—New Download Breaks Windows

Users are experiencing BitLocker Recovery screens and Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) after installing the Windows 10 update KB5058379. This mandatory update addresses significant security vulnerabilities, but Microsoft claims to be unaware of any new issues. Some users have found that disabling Intel TXT can help complete the installation. Reports include a user experiencing consistent BSODs after the update and another who resolved boot issues by changing BIOS settings. The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching on October 14, but Microsoft 365 applications will still receive security updates afterward. Windows 11 users are not affected by these issues.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Windows 11’s May update brings a heap of new features

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11, KB5058411, includes enhancements and security fixes. Key features include AI integration in Windows Search for natural language queries, direct access to Microsoft 365 content in File Explorer (subscription required), improved performance for file opening and ZIP unpacking, and aesthetic updates to the interface. The update also removes the blue background for desktop shortcuts based on user feedback and implements various bug fixes. The update will download and install automatically for Windows 11 24H2 users, with an option for manual installation through Windows Update.