virtual keyboard Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 17, 2025

Bitdefender Antivirus review

Bitdefender Total Security offers comprehensive antivirus protection, a VPN with a daily limit of 200 MB, and specific protections for cryptocurrency mining. The software includes multi-layered antivirus protection, real-time Advanced Threat Detection, Ransomware Remediation, a firewall, and an anti-spam feature. Performance testing shows minimal impact on speed, with quick scans completing in minutes and full scans taking about 30 minutes. Additional features include a secure browser for financial transactions, a virtual keyboard, a trial password manager, webcam and microphone privacy controls, and PC optimization tools. The user interface is designed for ease of use, with a customizable dashboard and intuitive navigation. Support options include phone, chat, and email, with quick transitions to live agents. Bitdefender typically retails at .99 annually, with competitors offering lower introductory prices.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

I’ll admit, Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update surprised me with its usefulness, providing accessibility fixes, a gamepad keyboard layout, and PC spec cards

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11, known as KB5053657, currently in its preview phase. This update includes significant accessibility enhancements in File Explorer, ensuring uniform text scaling across all elements. It introduces PC spec cards in the Settings app, providing insights into CPU, RAM, storage, and graphics card. A new gamepad keyboard layout allows typing via an Xbox controller, and a new emoji button has been added to the taskbar for emojis, GIFs, and clipboard access. Voice Access now supports Simplified and Traditional Chinese. The full release of these features is expected on April 8 as part of the April cumulative update.

Winsage

March 23, 2025

6 Windows features aimed at accessibility you didn’t know everyone should use

Microsoft's Windows 11 includes several accessibility features aimed at enhancing user experience. - Voice Access allows users to control their PCs with voice commands, operating in three modes: default, command-only, and dictation. It functions without an internet connection. - Live Captions automatically generate captions for any audio playing on the PC, aiding users in noisy environments or while multitasking. - Focus helps users minimize distractions by customizing notification settings and can be programmed to activate during specific activities. - Narrator reads text aloud from the screen, useful for managing extensive texts, with customizable settings for speed, pitch, and voice. - On-Screen Keyboard provides a virtual keyboard for input via mouse or touchscreen, customizable for usability. - Mouse pointer options allow users to adjust the size and color of the cursor and enable pointer trails for better visibility. Custom cursor designs can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11’s feature to allow typing with your Xbox controller has vanished in a blow for owners of handheld gaming PCs

Windows 11 users will not receive the new gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard as it has been temporarily shelved. Microsoft announced this pause in rollout due to unresolved issues, which was communicated through a recent Beta channel preview build. The feature had been in testing since early September 2024 and was expected to be available with the Windows 11 24H2 update at the end of October. The gamepad on-screen keyboard was designed to enhance typing convenience using an Xbox controller, incorporating shortcuts for functions like backspace and spacebar.

Winsage

September 29, 2024

Windows gaming handhelds show Windows Phone could make a comeback

PC gaming handhelds are gaining popularity, but the Windows operating system used on these devices presents challenges, particularly on smaller screens. Reviews of various handhelds, excluding the Steam Deck, indicate that while the hardware is impressive, the operating system experience is frustrating. Users face issues such as scaling challenges, a dominating virtual keyboard, and cumbersome desktop navigation. Although manufacturers have created custom software to improve the gaming experience, these solutions often fall short, leading gamers to revert to Windows for settings adjustments. SteamOS provides a better gaming environment but lacks the versatility of Windows, which can run nearly any game without limitations. Many users are unlikely to switch to Linux due to the limited software availability and the learning curve involved. Microsoft has previously developed a mobile operating system, Windows Phone, which featured a tile-based user interface suitable for touchscreens. This design could be adapted for PC gaming handhelds, leveraging the familiarity users have with organizing apps on mobile devices. Microsoft could either revisit these concepts for handhelds or revamp the Xbox interface for smaller screens, potentially licensing it to manufacturers for a more cohesive user experience.

Winsage

September 5, 2024

Couch PC gaming could get a whole load more convenient as Microsoft has started testing a virtual keyboard layout for controllers

Microsoft is introducing a new virtual keyboard layout for controllers in Windows 11, specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience by allowing users to type and navigate using an Xbox controller. This Gamepad keyboard layout will be integrated into the on-screen keyboard, making it easier for gamers to type without needing a traditional keyboard, especially for those gaming from a distance. The virtual keyboard aims to provide a practical solution for quick input needs during gameplay.