voice input Archives

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

AI Mode takes the spotlight in the Google app’s latest revamp

Google Search has introduced AI Mode in its Android app, enhancing the user interface with shortcut icons for voice input and Lens, along with quick access to features like translation and homework assistance. AI Mode is being prioritized, with plans to replace existing shortcuts in the main Search bar with a dedicated icon for this feature. This change is currently in a limited testing phase and aims to streamline the interface by condensing options into three essential features. AI Mode has improved in summarizing complex information into digestible formats, although it may not yet fully replace traditional Google Search for all users.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

This week, a cumulative update for Windows has led to the uninstallation of the Copilot application for some users, and Microsoft is working to resolve the issue, advising affected users to reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store. New applications include FullUpdatesHistoryView, a Nirsoft tool that provides detailed information about installed Windows updates; GIMP 3.0, an updated open-source image editor with a new user interface and enhanced features; and the Perplexity AI application, which offers advanced search capabilities and supports text and voice input.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

3 Settings to Disable on Your Windows PC and Why?

Users can enhance their PC's privacy and performance by adjusting three key settings in Windows: 1. General Privacy Settings: Users should disable the default settings that allow tracking of user activity and sharing of data with Microsoft and third-party advertisers. This includes turning off personalized ads, tracking app launches, content suggestions based on activity, and sending diagnostic data. 2. Diagnostic and Feedback Settings: Users can prevent their PC from sending detailed reports about device usage to Microsoft by turning off optional diagnostic settings or selecting "Required Diagnostic Data." 3. Background Apps: To improve performance and reduce battery drain, users should disable the option that allows apps to run in the background. These adjustments help regain control over data tracking and optimize system efficiency.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

3 Settings to Disable on Your Windows PC and Why?

Many PC users experience security concerns and unusual system behavior, such as sluggish performance and excessive personalized ads, often due to default Windows settings that allow data collection and tracking by Microsoft. Users can regain control by adjusting settings to limit data tracking, improve system efficiency, and enhance privacy. Three key settings to disable include: 1. General Privacy Settings: Access through Windows key + I, then navigate to Privacy & security or Privacy, and click on General. Disable features that allow tracking of activity and data sharing with Microsoft and third-party advertisers. 2. Diagnostic and Feedback Settings: Found under Privacy & security or Privacy, select Diagnostics & feedback. Disable optional diagnostic settings that send detailed reports about device usage to Microsoft, or choose Required Diagnostic Data. 3. Background Apps: Go to Privacy & security or Privacy, then Apps permissions, and click on Background Apps. Toggle off "Let apps run in the background" to prevent apps from consuming resources when not in use. These adjustments can enhance privacy and system performance.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

Discord Messenger is a super lightweight app that requires only 64MB of memory and can connect to older versions of Windows

A new messaging application named Discord Messenger has been released to support users on older operating systems, including Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. It requires a minimum CPU of Pentium 4 and 64MB of memory. The application is compatible with Discord but only allows text messaging; features like voice and video chat are not included. Future enhancements planned for the app include a friend list, dark mode, voice input, nickname changing, and additional settings options. However, certain features such as friend requests and QR code logins will not be available. Discord has cautioned users that using third-party applications or modifying the official client violates their terms of service and could lead to account suspension.

AppWizard

February 6, 2025

Gemini app automatically opening your keyboard on Android

Google is enhancing the Gemini app on Android devices by enabling the keyboard to automatically appear upon launching the app, allowing users to start typing prompts immediately. This update is part of the latest beta version (16.4.36) of the Google app and has not yet reached the stable channel. The app's homepage maintains easy access to voice input and Gemini Live, with a 'plus' menu on the left side and Chats & Gems history at the top. Users can activate the Gemini overlay for voice input through a long-press of the power button or a corner swipe. Additionally, a "Talk Live about this" shortcut will appear above the "Ask Gemini" field when uploading images or PDF files.

AppWizard

February 2, 2025

I got tired of Google Calendar’s basic features, so I switched to this alternative app

Google Calendar has limitations that hinder productivity, such as difficulties in managing events across multiple accounts and a lack of advanced features like natural language processing for event entry. Alternatives like Business Calendar 2 offer robust features, including syncing across multiple Google accounts and natural language input. DigiCal combines calendar functionality with weather data but lacks natural language support. Notion Calendar provides an attractive user interface but has limited functionality. For users wanting enhanced widgets for Google Calendar, options like Calendar Widget by Home Agenda and Event Flow Widget are available. Business Calendar 2 is highlighted as the best alternative for its extensive capabilities.

AppWizard

December 8, 2024

If Gboard is the best Android keyboard, why do I like this alternative so much?

Gboard is a popular keyboard for Android users due to its integration with Google's ecosystem and features. HeliBoard is an alternative minimalist keyboard that focuses on privacy and simplicity. Transitioning to HeliBoard requires some customization, which may not appeal to all users. HeliBoard offers customizable aesthetics, three keyboard styles, and a dynamic color palette. It allows easy language switching but may lack dictionary support for some languages. HeliBoard prioritizes a streamlined experience, enhancing speed and efficiency by removing unnecessary features, although it supports basic functionalities like word suggestions and gesture typing, which need manual activation. HeliBoard does not collect usage data, ensuring user privacy, unlike Gboard. However, it may have bugs and issues that could frustrate users, making it less reliable for everyday use. Other alternatives to Gboard include Florisboard, Microsoft SwiftKey, FUTO Keyboard, and Unexpected Keyboard.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google Tasks sucks for chores, but this app makes them a cinch for me

Clean As Duck is a new Android app designed for managing household chores, offering a focused approach with chore templates categorized by room and appliance. Users can create custom rooms for specific needs, such as plant care, and utilize features like "Vacation mode" to pause tasks. The app aims to simplify chore management compared to traditional to-do list apps, which can be overwhelming for static tasks. However, it lacks features like appliance tracking and multi-device synchronization. Alternatives to Clean As Duck include Flatastic, Todoist, and Google Calendar, each offering different functionalities for chore management.

Winsage

October 1, 2024

Microsoft expands Copilot across the Windows ecosystem, with new Vision and Copilot PC features

Microsoft has introduced significant updates to its Copilot offering, enhancing user experience on Windows PCs and applications like the Edge browser. Key features include Copilot Vision, a tool embedded in Microsoft Edge that allows interactive engagement with web pages through voice input for real-time responses. Copilot Voice enhances mobile app interactivity, enabling natural conversations with the app. A new 'Think Deeper' mode in the Copilot browser chat allows for handling complex queries, such as planning events. Microsoft has also launched new AI capabilities for Windows on Copilot+ PCs, including a 'Click to Do' feature for activating functions via the Windows key and an AI-enhanced Windows Search that uses natural language processing to recommend settings and find files. The ecosystem around Copilot is expanding with third-party applications, and Microsoft is addressing security concerns with enhancements to Recall.