visual elements Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2025

The new Windows 11 Beta update makes widgets better than ever before

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11 Beta introduces the ability to read MSN articles directly from the Widgets feed, allowing users to access full articles, slideshows, and videos without using a browser. Users can customize the visibility of the MSN feed on their Widgets board. The update also enhances Copilot+ PCs with an AI-powered semantic search bar for natural language queries and improves the Narrator feature, which now analyzes screen content to provide descriptions of images and visual elements for visually impaired users.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

SpyNote Android malware resurfaces in campaign using spoofed app install pages

A report from DomainTools LLC reveals that cybercriminals are using newly registered domains to distribute the SpyNote Android remote access trojan (RAT) by creating fake websites that resemble legitimate Google Play app installation pages. These counterfeit pages often include familiar visual elements to deceive users into downloading harmful APK files, such as a site mimicking the TikTok installation page. The downloaded files typically contain variants of SpyNote, which can conduct surveillance, harvest sensitive information, and execute remote commands on compromised devices. The delivery mechanism involves a two-stage process where a dropper APK installs a secondary APK with core spyware functionalities, utilizing JavaScript to trigger downloads from fake install buttons. Common characteristics of the domains distributing SpyNote include registration with NameSilo LLC and XinNet Technology Corp., hosting on infrastructure linked to Lightnode Ltd and Vultr Holdings LLC, and the presence of SSL certificates. The malware delivery sites contain code in both English and Chinese, suggesting a Chinese-speaking threat actor may be involved. SpyNote has been associated with advanced persistent threat groups targeting individuals in South Asia, including those in the Indian defense sector. Once installed, SpyNote requests intrusive permissions to access SMS, contacts, call logs, camera, microphone, and location services, and employs persistence mechanisms that make it difficult to remove. DomainTools advises users to be vigilant against spoofed app pages and avoid sideloading APKs from unverified sources.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft redesigns Windows 11 24H2’s BSOD, drops QR code, frowning face, blue colour

Microsoft is retiring the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in favor of a new Black Screen of Death in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 build. The new design features a black background and omits the frowning face, which has raised concerns about clarity. The Black Screen of Death indicates a significant issue requiring a restart but resembles the Windows Update screen, potentially causing confusion. It simplifies the message to “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” reducing the amount of technical information previously provided, which could hinder troubleshooting for IT administrators.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows 11’s awful search is getting an AI boost soon, and that’s not all

Microsoft is set to release updates for Windows 11, including two preview builds—Windows 11 Build 26100.3613 and Windows 11 Build 26100.3624—available to Windows Insiders, with a rollout expected in April. Key features include: - Semantic search capability, allowing users to search using descriptive phrases, initially exclusive to Windows on Snapdragon PCs. - Enhanced Voice Access feature with a more flexible command structure for natural language control. - Live captions and real-time translation capabilities for Copilot+ PCs, supporting up to 44 languages, with translation from English to Chinese for Snapdragon users. - A new emoji interface accessible via a dedicated icon in the taskbar. - A redesigned Windows Settings interface featuring "cards" for quick access to CPU, memory, and storage specifications. - Refinements in CPU utilization monitoring in Task Manager. - A new Xbox gamepad keyboard interface for typing via an Xbox controller.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

When is Vibrant Visuals Coming to Minecraft? Release Date Tracker

Mojang has announced the Vibrant Visuals update for Minecraft, which will enhance the game's visual elements such as reflections, sunlight, water, and draw distances. The update is expected to significantly change the game's appearance while preserving its core essence. The release date is currently unconfirmed, but players on select devices in beta programs can experience it early. Key features of the update include improved shadows, volumetric fog, directional lighting, infinite clouds, thousands of crafted elements, accurate light rays, enhanced glow effects, and more realistic water visuals. The update will follow the upcoming Minecraft Spring to Life update, and players can also expect a new dried ghast that evolves into a happy ghast.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Frosthaven’s weighty tabletop tactics are coming to PC in early access this year

The game tutorial introduces players to key mechanics such as card selection for actions, the use of "burn" cards for temporary boosts, and the importance of positioning and teamwork. Players must manage their actions carefully, especially in prolonged battles. The author played as a "Banner Spear," a class that specializes in spear attacks and benefits from strategic positioning. During gameplay, the author learned the significance of advanced strategies and teamwork, particularly with a partner playing as a Deathwalker who utilized summons. An incident occurred where the author attempted to collect loot but forgot the rule that requires ending a turn on a hex to do so. The game's visual elements and user experience were praised, with expectations for improvements during the early access phase driven by community feedback.

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

I played the notoriously ratings-board-ravaged Manhunt 2 and was quite glad for the censorship actually

Rockstar Games was highly productive in the past, releasing over two titles each year, including notable games like Manhunt 2, Vice City Stories, Bully, GTA 4, and Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Over eight years, they produced four interpretations of Los Angeles, including GTA 5, San Andreas, and LA Noire. Manhunt 2 became a cultural artifact, generating controversy that influenced its marketing and public perception, particularly after being linked to a teenage murder incident. This led to significant censorship of the game before its release, resulting in a less graphic version. The PC version remains the only platform with the original takedown animations, while the PSP version offers a more sanitized experience. The audio elements of the game contribute significantly to its horror experience. The absence of a scoring system in Manhunt 2, which was present in the original, diminished player engagement. The game's narrative was perceived as predictable, and the character Danny Lamb appeared passive. Manhunt 2 is noted as one of the last pure stealth experiences from a major studio, marking a shift in the genre towards action hybrids.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Death Stranding 2’s PS5 release date is in June, let’s hope it doesn’t take eight months to hit PC this time

Hideo Kojima announced the official release date for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach as June 26, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5, with preorders for the Collector's Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition allowing early access on June 24. A 10-minute trailer featuring a soundtrack by Woodkid was released, showcasing visuals without significant plot details. The trailer includes imagery such as a winged cat and a cameo by Ma Dong-seok. The previous PC version of the game was released eight months after the PlayStation launch.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

4 ways to restart File Explorer in Windows 11

When File Explorer on Windows 10 or 11 has issues like freezing, it can often be resolved by restarting it. There are several methods to restart File Explorer: 1. From Task Manager: Press Win+Shift+Esc, go to the Processes tab, right-click Windows Explorer, and select Restart. 2. Kill explorer.exe and run a new instance: Open Task Manager, right-click Windows Explorer, choose End task, then click Run new task, type explorer.exe, and hit OK. 3. From the command line: Use PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the commands: - taskkill /f /im explorer.exe - start explorer.exe 4. Create a Batch File: Write the following in Notepad:


   taskkill /f /IM explorer.exe
   start explorer.exe
   exit

Save it with a .bat extension for quick access. These methods help restore access to files and folders when File Explorer is unresponsive.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

I made my dream Google widget with one of my favorite Android tools

The author previously used Nova Launcher to create custom widgets but found Google's existing widgets difficult to enhance. This led to the idea of creating a new widget using KWGT that serves as a centralized hub for Google services. The author aimed to build an "omniwidget" that organizes essential Google services while maintaining a customizable design. They downloaded KWGT Pro, added a 4x4 widget, and followed steps to create the widget's shape, buttons, and visual elements, including icons and a font. The widget features nine buttons for shortcuts to various Google services and includes a section for displaying time, date, and temperature. After completing the design and functionality, the author expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the potential for an official Google widget that offers customizable shortcuts.