video conferencing Archives

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Data Doctors: How to work safely in a Windows 10 environment when security updates stop

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing all security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. Users have several options for transitioning to Windows 11: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC meets compatibility criteria (TPM 2.0 chip and newer processor). 2. Replace the computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on noncompliant systems, which carries risks such as lack of future updates and system instability. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily for business customers but potentially available for individuals. Running an unsupported operating system after 2025 is not advisable.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft Copilot+ Recall: who should disable it, and how

Microsoft's Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs was initially announced a year ago but delayed due to privacy concerns raised by cybersecurity experts. The updated version was released in April 2025 for Windows Insider Preview builds and rolled out more broadly in May. Key updates include requiring user permission for activation, encrypting database files with hardware-based Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and implementing a filter to prevent saving sensitive information. Recall is enabled on a per-user basis, can be uninstalled, does not require a Microsoft account, and processes data locally. However, it still has vulnerabilities, such as allowing access with a regular Windows PIN after initial biometric authentication and failing to consistently filter sensitive data. Recall can log interactions during calls and capture self-destructing messages, posing privacy risks. It can impact performance and battery life, especially during gaming. Users handling sensitive data or frequently using video conferencing may want to disable or remove Recall. Instructions for disabling or removing Recall are provided, along with precautions for those who choose to use it.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Nextcloud accuses Google of “Big Tech gatekeeping” over Android app permissions

Nextcloud, a self-hosted cloud platform, aims to empower users to control their data and offers services like video conferencing, file storage, and collaborative editing. Since mid-2024, its Android app has been limited to uploading only media files due to restrictions imposed by Google, frustrating users who cannot upload other file types. In a blog post from May 13, Nextcloud expressed dissatisfaction with this limitation, attributing it to Google's decisions. Despite maintaining read and write access to all file types since the app's launch, an update in September 2024 to restore full file access was denied by Google, which suggested users consider more privacy-focused alternatives. Nextcloud has received generic responses from Google regarding the situation.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Windows 11 KB5055627 update released with 30 new changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5055627 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which introduces new features and bug fixes. This update is part of optional non-security preview updates and does not include security updates. Users can install it via Settings under Windows Update or download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.3915 and includes features such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), improved Windows Search, Narrator enhancements, Phone Link, interactive Widgets, curated views in File Explorer, updated Settings for app recommendations, and Windows Studio Effects. It also addresses bugs related to blue screen errors, DHCP Client connectivity issues, Windows Hello functionality, and provides estimated offline times for updates. Notable issues include potential installation blocks for Citrix components and download issues for Roblox players on Windows Arm devices, with workarounds available.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Skype, Video Calling and Messaging App, Dead at 22

Microsoft has announced that Skype will be officially discontinued on May 5, 2025. Existing users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams or export their data before the shutdown. Skype was founded in 2003 and became popular for free calls and affordable rates for calls to traditional phones. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, but its attempts to modernize the service were unsuccessful. Microsoft has shifted its focus to Microsoft Teams, which launched in 2016, while Skype lost its popularity, especially with the rise of Zoom during the pandemic.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Three-Way Split-Screen: A Game-Changer for Android 16 and One UI 8

Android 16 could introduce a three-way split-screen mode for tablets, allowing users to run three apps simultaneously on a single screen. This feature, inspired by OnePlus' Open Canvas, aims to enhance multitasking capabilities for larger screens. Samsung's One UI 8, based on Android 16, may bring this feature to its tablets, improving productivity and app management for users. The introduction of this feature could revolutionize the way users interact with tablets, maximizing screen real estate and bringing Android tablets closer to competing with productivity-focused devices like iPads.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft adds new camera features to Windows 11

Microsoft has enhanced the camera capabilities within Windows 11, introducing features such as adjustable brightness and contrast settings, camera resolution and frame rate adjustments, and the ability for multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously. These updates aim to improve user experience and productivity, although their availability may vary by camera model. Beta testers can access these features by downloading version 26120.2702 from the Windows 11 Dev channel.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

Google Chrome is upgrading video recording on Windows 11 with better quality, low size

Google Chrome is enhancing its media recording capabilities by adding support for the HEVC codec, which will improve video recording quality and reduce file sizes for web-based video conferencing. The transition from older codecs like H.264, VP8, and VP9 to HEVC is underway, with recent code commits indicating progress in integrating HEVC support into Chrome on Windows 11. Users can test this functionality by enabling an experimental flag. The new feature will allow video recording in MP4 and MKV formats, but it is currently disabled by default and requires manual activation. Basic HEVC encoding is supported, but hardware compatibility is not verified, meaning encoding may fail on unsupported devices. Developers are advised to check hardware capabilities before using the MediaRecorder instance. Additionally, Chrome is developing a modern Task Manager for managing browser activities.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

5 open source tools to replace Microsoft apps on Windows

Windows users can find open-source alternatives to Microsoft's applications, which can help avoid subscription fees. 1. Thunderbird: A free, open-source email client from the Mozilla Foundation, it offers features like multiple account support, a unified inbox, advanced filtering, and calendar integration. The latest version, 128, includes a modernized interface called Nebula UI and is available on Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android. 2. Nextcloud: An open-source platform for personal cloud storage and collaboration, allowing users to host their files on personal servers. It offers file storage, syncing, and sharing, but lacks advanced chat or video conferencing features. 3. Joplin: An open-source note-taking application similar to OneNote, supporting multiple themes, Markdown formatting, and tagging. It features end-to-end encryption and a web clipper for Chrome and Edge, though its user interface may feel outdated. 4. Kdenlive: An open-source video editor that supports multi-track editing, various effects, and advanced tools like chroma keying and audio mixing. It is free to use and compatible with many video and audio formats. 5. LibreOffice: A free office suite that includes applications comparable to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It allows users to open, edit, and save Microsoft Office formats, although it lacks mobile versions and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux desktops.