visual updates Archives

Winsage

April 20, 2025

Windows 11’s File Explorer is getting visual updates, and you probably won’t even notice them

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that allows users to apply their selected accent color to the selection box in File Explorer, moving away from the traditional gray or white. Users can modify their accent color through Settings > Personalization > Colors, choosing either automatic selection based on their background or a manual option. Additionally, Microsoft is refining the visual aspects of progress bars in File Explorer, with the storage progress bar now in a darker blue shade and the file transfer progress bar redesigned to a flatter, darker green tone.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Google TV app may be getting a blue makeover and fresh features (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing its Google TV app with aesthetic and functional improvements. The app will feature a new color palette, replacing dark gray accents with a vibrant blue. Enhancements to the search functionality will include a list of recent searches for easier access to previous queries. Additionally, a new feature called the “Hot and New Tab” is in development, which will showcase trending and newly released content.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Windows 11 minor new features: advanced passkey manager, colourful Ctrl Alt Del UI, and more

Windows 11 is set to receive updates including an advanced passkey manager with a new "advanced options" page for better device management, synchronization of passkeys across compatible devices, and a "View passkey" dropdown menu for filtering passkeys. The Ctrl+Alt+Del screen will now reflect the user's chosen accent color. Additionally, a new keyboard shortcut, Ctrl + Alt + Minus, will allow users to toggle between zoom levels in the built-in magnifier, with broader rollout expected in early 2025.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

Blizzard’s pulling of Warcraft I & II tests GOG’s new Preservation Program

GOG has enhanced the networking code for Warcraft I and refined the DirectX wrapper for Warcraft II, improving compatibility with modern monitor resolutions. GOG's commitment to preserving classic games includes the Warcraft series and may extend to other titles facing diminishing publisher interest. However, GOG faces limitations in modifying certain games due to rights issues, which complicates ensuring compatibility with modern systems. Warcraft II: Remastered allows players to toggle between classic and remastered graphics, enhances support for widescreen monitors, and increases the number of selectable units. The 2020 release of Warcraft III Reforged received significant backlash, criticized for its execution and lack of polish, while the remastered versions of the first two Warcraft games feature numerous visual updates for the UI and improved gameplay experience.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

New Windows 11 Beta Build 22635.4440 adds revamped Windows Hello experience

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Preview Build 22635.4440 (KB5045889) to Beta Channel Insiders, featuring a redesigned Windows Hello user experience aimed at improving authentication. The update includes enhanced visuals for Windows Hello across various platforms, a new credential user experience for passkeys, and general improvements and fixes. The Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard has been temporarily disabled, and issues causing touch keyboard crashes have been resolved. The updates are being gradually rolled out, and users can enable the toggle in Settings > Windows Update to receive them.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

It’s subtle, but it’s there: Google tests design change for the Android YouTube app

YouTube is updating its interface with several changes aimed at improving user experience. The "Home" icon will be redesigned with an expanded roof for better balance, the "Plus" button will change from a white circular design, and the "Subscriptions" icon will simplify by reducing horizontal lines from two to one. The bottom bar will transition from a translucent quality to a blurry effect with splotches of white, although details for Light mode are unclear and the update is currently limited to a small group of Android users. Additionally, some subscribers will test a feature that integrates long-form video recommendations into the YouTube Shorts feed.

AppWizard

August 6, 2024

Minecraft Players Argue Over Which In-Game Creature Needs a Visual Refresh

The Minecraft community is advocating for visual updates to classic mobs, as many have remained unchanged since the game's launch 15 years ago. Players have expressed a desire for enhancements to various entities, including the Creeper, Skeleton, rabbit, Enderman, and Ghast, citing their outdated designs compared to newer mobs. Suggestions include redesigning the Creeper for a more organic appearance and improving the textures of the Skeleton. The community also believes that original animal mobs like pigs, cows, chickens, and sheep need revamping. While Mojang has not announced any official updates, they have a history of incorporating community feedback into the game.

Winsage

August 2, 2024

KB5040529: Microsoft quietly releases optional Windows 11 24H2 update for manual download

Microsoft released non-security Windows preview updates KB5040527 for Windows 11 and KB5040525 for Windows 10, along with an update for Windows 11 version 24H2 (KB5040529). The updates are rolled out in gradual and normal phases. Key features of the updates include: Gradual Rollout: - New Emoji Support: Introduction of Emoji 15.1, including new emojis like horizontal and vertical head shake, phoenix, lime, brown mushroom, and broken chain. - Start Menu Enhancements: New account manager feature and ability to drag apps from the Start menu to the taskbar. - Windows Backup Improvements: Backup of sound settings with "Remember my preferences" option. - Lock Screen Updates: Display of sports, traffic, and finance content alongside weather updates. - File Explorer Enhancements: Dragging files between breadcrumbs in the address bar. - Settings Modifications: New page for managing linked devices, "Add now" button for recovery email, Game Pass recommendation card, and visual updates for dialogs. - Windows Share Features: Prevention of accidental closure of the share window, QR code generation, emailing oneself, direct sharing to Microsoft Teams, and a new Copy button. - Task Manager Improvements: Updated DDR speed units, quicker process handle release, enhanced reliability, efficient process sorting, and better accessibility. Normal Rollout: - Widgets Update: Visual upgrade of taskbar icons for Widgets. Quality Enhancements: - Addition of PC Manager for devices in China. - Resolved issues with USB controller share button and Game Bar. - OneDrive as RemoteApp in Azure Virtual Desktop. - Enhanced packet drop collection support in Virtual Filtering Platform. - Adjustments to cache size display behavior in Windows Server vNext. - Improvements to Group Policy Preferences Item Level Targeting and Local Users and Groups. - Updates to Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist. - Resolved LSASS intermittent failures during specific logging settings. - Addressed WLAN card responsiveness issues in NetAdapterCx module. The KB5040529 update is compatible with AMD64 and Arm64 systems.

AppWizard

May 16, 2024

[Exclusive] Key to design is inclusivity and exploration: WhatsApp’s Idit Yaniv

The WhatsApp design team is committed to making intentional updates to the app while maintaining core attributes of simplicity, reliability, and privacy. Recent modifications include changes to the color palette and attachment tray to enhance user experience across different operating systems. The team values user feedback, as seen in the decision to switch from blue to the iconic WhatsApp green on iOS after exploring over 35 color variations. Future developments may include deeper Dark Mode on Android and 'themes for chats' for more customization options. Integration of Meta AI within WhatsApp is also being considered to offer new communication possibilities.