visual enhancements Archives

Winsage

August 18, 2025

The latest Windows 11 update will fix a 10-year-old interface bug

The Windows 11 update 25H2 will focus on fixing bugs from the previous version 24H2 and will include enhancements, particularly to the dark mode. The dark mode will feature a more uniform appearance across all windows and system buttons, addressing previous inconsistencies where some elements appeared in light mode. Updates include a dark gray file copy interface and darker tones in confirmation windows, although some issues, such as light mode buttons in administrator permission windows, remain. These updates are currently available only through manual activation in Windows Insider builds and have not been officially announced by Microsoft.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Find Hub is the next Google app to get an Expressive coat of paint (APK teardown)

Google's Find Hub app, version 3.1.399-3, has introduced visual enhancements aligned with the Material 3 Expressive design philosophy. The Device details page now features a centered image of the device and larger, bolder headers. Additionally, the factory reset button is now located within a pill-shaped box.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

The ‘Compiling Shaders’ screen is the worst screen in gaming: here’s how to make it suck less

Developers are now compiling shaders before gameplay, leading to a shader compilation screen that displays a progress bar with potentially tens of thousands of shaders. This screen can frustrate players, who are left with nothing to do but watch the progress. Suggestions to improve this experience include integrating gameplay tips with the loading screen, using entertaining phrases during loading, compiling a single large shader instead of many small ones, introducing "No-Shader Saturdays" for gameplay without shader compilation, and allowing players to participate in the compilation process.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

8 new features arriving with the August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11

On August 12, 2025, Microsoft will roll out the August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11, which includes significant security enhancements and new features. Key improvements in version 24H2 include: - A complete reset feature for Windows Recall. - Enhanced AI actions for Click to Do. - A redesigned Search settings page. - A new gamepad keyboard layout with PIN sign-in support. - The Reading Coach app available through the Microsoft Store, allowing users to utilize Click to Do while on a snapshot. - A new action for Microsoft 365 Copilot subscribers called "Draft with Copilot in Word." - A new AI agent in the Settings app that improves the search experience using natural language. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature to minimize downtime from boot failures, enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users. - Upgraded Snap Layouts feature with inline descriptions. - Consolidation of "Search permissions" and "Searching Windows" into a single "Search" page. - Enhanced gamepad touch keyboard layout for quicker PIN sign-ins. - Replacement of the Blue Screen of Death with a new black error page that presents essential information. The update will be automatically downloaded and installed, with options for manual checks via Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

Windows 11 tests “shared audio” to play music via multiple devices, new taskbar animations

Windows 11 is introducing updates to its taskbar in build 26120.4733, featuring a new animation that activates when users hover over open applications. This includes a “fly up” animation that displays a thumbnail reflecting the actual size of the app window, which adjusts dynamically for smaller windows. Additionally, a size-adjusting animation will activate when hovering between thumbnails of varying dimensions. Windows 11 will also introduce a "shared audio" feature, allowing users to connect and play music through multiple audio devices simultaneously via Quick Settings, compatible with Bluetooth devices supporting version 4.0 or higher. These updates are currently being tested in preview builds.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

Zero Caliber 2 Highlights PC VR Upgrades And Launch Window

XREAL Games unveiled new gameplay footage for Zero Caliber 2 during the UploadVR Summer Showcase and announced a projected release window for its PC VR version on Steam, set for Q3 2025. The game, initially launched on Quest, is being adapted for PC VR with enhancements including advanced enemy AI, improved ragdoll physics, dynamic shadows, enhanced explosion and weapon effects, refined environments and lighting, and smoother vehicle animations. Several missions are being rebuilt, and character models are receiving further refinement. Additionally, Zero Caliber 1 is targeting a Q3 2025 launch on PlayStation VR2, with plans for Zero Caliber 2 on the same platform contingent on the performance of Zero Caliber VR. Currently, Zero Caliber 2 is available on Quest.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Android Auto’s Spotify update adds new playlist options for long trips

Spotify has updated its app to enhance collaboration with Android Auto, introducing the Spotify Jam feature that allows all vehicle passengers to contribute to a shared playlist by scanning a QR code. This feature is available to anyone, including those with free Spotify accounts, while the connected device must have a Spotify Premium account. The update also includes visual enhancements, such as a new floating Search button for easier access to a voice-powered search page, allowing users to select tracks from a list of results instead of automatically playing a suggested track. Additionally, the Downloaded section in the Spotify library has been made more prominent, with indicators for offline tracks, improving access for users mindful of data usage. Users can access these features by updating the Spotify app on their smartphones, with similar enhancements planned for vehicles with built-in Android Auto in the future.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

After 2 Years, the PC Version of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Finally Gets the Next-Gen Update

Bandai Namco announced that the Next-Gen Update for the PC version of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will be released on July 17, 2023. This update is a free upgrade for existing owners and includes visual enhancements such as improved lighting, vegetation, water effects, and higher-quality textures. The game originally launched on PC in 2020 and was well-received for its performance, with minimal stuttering and proper keyboard and mouse support. The update brings the PC version in line with enhancements previously made for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in January 2023.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

I made 21 tweaks in Windows 11 to increase gaming performance

Windows 11 provides several adjustments to enhance gaming performance, including: 1. Enable Game Mode: Prioritizes gaming processes. 2. Disable Memory Integrity: Can improve performance during gaming. 3. Disable Virtual Machine Platform: Turns off virtualization for better performance. 4. Change Power Mode: Set to "High Performance" for maximum resource allocation. 5. Enable Auto HDR: Enhances visuals for HDR-capable displays. 6. Enable Automatic Super Resolution: Upscales games using AI for better frame rates and image quality. 7. Change Game Default GPU: Set a specific GPU for individual games. 8. Install Games on Secondary Drive: Improves loading times, especially with SSDs. 9. Optimization for Windowed Games: Reduces input latency for windowed mode games. 10. Change Refresh Rate: Adjust to the highest available for smoother gameplay. 11. Disable Apps at Startup: Frees up system resources by minimizing startup applications. 12. Free Up Storage Space: Enhances system speed and gaming performance. 13. Install System Updates: Resolves performance issues and improves compatibility. 14. Update Graphic Drivers: Ensures optimal performance in games. 15. Debloat Setup: Uninstall unnecessary applications to free up resources. 16. Enable GPU Scheduling: Reduces latency by offloading tasks from the CPU. 17. Use DirectStorage: Allows faster asset loading from NVMe SSDs. 18. Enable Variable Refresh Rate: Synchronizes refresh rate with frame rate to reduce screen tearing. 19. Change Settings in Games: Adjust in-game settings for optimal performance. 20. Reset Your Computer: Restores system to optimal performance if issues persist.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Google Chat is trying out an Expressive new look

Google is implementing its Material 3 Expressive design language across various Android applications, including Gmail and the stand-alone Chat app. The latest update for the Chat app (version 2025.06.15.771788943.Release) features interface modifications that enhance background colors for better visual contrast. The stand-alone Chat app differs from Gmail's Chat interface by lacking thin dividers between entries. The updates are being rolled out gradually, with not all users receiving the new design at the same time.