widget Archives

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

XBOX PC and Games

The PC is a popular platform for gamers, and Windows 11 enhances this experience with features tailored for gaming. It includes an integrated Xbox app that connects with third-party game stores and Microsoft's gaming ecosystem. The Game Bar allows users to capture screenshots, record video clips, and interact with friends on Xbox Live. Xbox Mode optimizes resource usage for gaming but is not enabled by default. Windows 11 comes with pre-installed gaming features, including the Xbox app and Game Bar, which can be customized through the Settings app. Users can configure display settings, connect an Xbox Wireless Controller, and customize the Game Bar and its widgets. The Xbox app allows users to manage their game libraries, access Game Pass subscriptions, and stream games via Cloud Gaming. Microsoft offers various Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers for access to a library of games. Xbox Mode provides a full-screen, controller-optimized interface that enhances gaming performance.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

This free app puts Microsoft to shame by bringing widgets to the Windows 11 taskbar

WidBar is a beta application for Windows 11 that allows users to integrate widgets into the taskbar, currently offering two widgets: "Now Playing" and "System Metrics." Users can drag and drop these widgets into a live preview of their taskbar and place them across multiple monitors. The native Widgets Panel in Windows 11 has 56 widgets but lacks a dedicated Now Playing widget, as media controls are only available in the Action Center. WidBar is gaining attention for its potential to enhance user experience and is being discussed in the tech community on platforms like Reddit.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Pixel testers are getting Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5: this is what’s important

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5, which includes the June security patch and fixes for disappearing widgets. The update is available for enrolled Pixel devices with the build number vCP31.260608.007. It addresses issues related to the Game Dashboard, download functionalities, and camera corrections. Despite these improvements, Pixel users have reported problems with 5G connectivity and display performance. The previous Beta 4 introduced May's security enhancements and a new feature called Screen Reactions for content creators. Users experiencing issues are encouraged to report them through the Issue Tracker.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

I finally found the best personal knowledge management tool on Android after years of switching back and forth

The author explored various personal knowledge management (PKM) tools on Android and initially avoided Obsidian due to dissatisfaction with its earlier mobile app versions, which felt cramped and outdated. However, after revisiting the redesigned Obsidian app, they appreciated its modern user interface and improved usability. Obsidian's use of plain Markdown files allows for better file management and future-proofing of notes. The app supports both quick capture of ideas and deeper exploration through linking notes and creating a cohesive knowledge base. Features like Quick Note, Daily Note widget, and Graph View enhance its functionality. Data syncing requires some setup, with options for Obsidian Sync or third-party solutions. Ultimately, Obsidian stands out as a customizable and long-lasting PKM tool for the author’s workflow.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

I changed one Android 17 setting and made my Pixel home screen so much cleaner

Google Pixel phones have received an update that enhances home screen customization, allowing users to remove the At a Glance widget and eliminate app names for a cleaner aesthetic. The Android 17 update introduces five app icon styles and shapes, including a Minimal option that aligns icons with a color palette, and a Create option for custom designs with six styles. The Google Pixel 10 is highlighted as the ideal device to experience these features and future updates.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Google Might Have Finally Fixed Android Auto’s Worst Connection Issue

Issues with Android Auto related to device connections have been prevalent, particularly for Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Google Pixel devices, due to software glitches. Google released Play Services version v26.15 in April to address these problems, but it did not fully resolve them. The latest update, Google Play Services v26.22, began rolling out on June 8 and includes bug fixes for device connection issues. The changelog notes '[Auto] Bug fixes for Device Connections related services.' Users can check for this version in the Settings app under Google > All services > System Services. Version 26.23, which is also rolling out, includes performance enhancements and bug fixes for system management and diagnostics. Additionally, Android Auto has undergone a significant update in 2026, introducing support for Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader and four new features, including expanded widget support.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

PowerToys 0.1 Arrives With Improvements to Several Utilities

Microsoft released PowerToys 0.1, featuring several enhancements: - The Shortcut Guide now appears as a side pane, detecting the active application and displaying relevant shortcuts. - The Command Palette includes an extension gallery for easy management of extensions and supports multiple monitor configurations, along with a new Battery widget. - PowerDisplay has improved startup speed, monitor identification, and settings preservation, with a new Max compatibility mode. - ZoomIt now supports a webcam overlay during recordings and allows appending multiple clips with transitions. - Transition to .NET 10 has optimized performance, reduced installation size by 15%, and improved the auto-update feature. Quick Access and Workspaces have migrated to WinUI with a refreshed UI. - Additional improvements include the Keyboard Manager using the new WinUI editor, a Refresh Connections feature in Mouse Without Borders, enhanced high DPI and multi-monitor reliability in Quick Accent, an option to disable file preview tooltips in Peek, and various calculator enhancements in PowerToys Run. PowerToys can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, Windows Package Manager (winget), or the web.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage

PowerToys has released version 0.100.0, introducing several new features and enhancements: - Command Palette now includes an Extension Gallery for managing extensions directly. - Improvements to Command Palette include enhanced parameter pages, bookmarks for inline parameters, and better accessibility. - Dock feature enhancements allow for separate customization for each monitor and drag-and-drop functionality. - Performance Monitor introduces a Battery widget and dock bands for CPU, memory, and network metrics. - Calculator enhancements include new functions and improved error messaging. - Reliability improvements include a pinned commands section and smoother navigation. - FancyZones received updates for better localization and guidance. - File Explorer fixes address crashes related to Markdown previews. - File Locksmith improvements enhance handling of Unicode file paths. - Grab And Move has been fully released. - Image Resizer supports live settings reload. - Keyboard Manager editor is redesigned and enabled by default. - Mouse Without Borders adds quick access to refresh connections. - Peek's settings allow toggling of file preview tooltips. - PowerDisplay is optimized for better performance. - PowerToys Run improves calculator functionality and documents third-party plugins. - Quick Accent updates enhance UI consistency and language support. - Settings interface has been refreshed for better usability. - Shortcut Guide redesigned for reliability and includes built-in manifests. - Workspaces has a modernized editor. - ZoomIt introduces webcam overlay capabilities and improved recording features. - Development tools and dependencies have been updated for smoother contributions.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Windows 11’s Widgets panel is still a wasteland, even after Build

Microsoft's Build conference highlighted tools and hardware for enhancing the developer experience for Windows applications and AI agents, with a focus on refining Windows 11 and its applications through Windows K2. The Widgets panel, accessible via the weather icon or WIN+W shortcut, has not received significant attention and currently offers only 56 widgets, with few providing genuine utility. Notable widgets include MagicPods, Calendar Flyout, and some utilities, but overall, the panel is seen as lacking. Despite improvements in the Microsoft Store and a growing library of applications, the Widgets panel remains underdeveloped, with only minor enhancements made, and its future is uncertain.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

7 widgets I always add to my home screen on every Android phone

App widgets enhance the functionality of smartphones by providing quick access to information and features. The battery widget offers a comprehensive overview of battery levels for connected devices, displaying detailed information that surpasses the Quick Settings panel. The Brave browser widget features prominent bookmarks, a built-in search bar, and a shortcut for opening private tabs, improving the browsing experience. The Gemini widget allows immediate access to shortcuts for conversations, prompts, and screen sharing, replacing the traditional search bar. The Digital Wellbeing widget displays daily screen time usage and the three most-used apps, promoting mindfulness about device engagement. The Samsung Health widget tracks step count and daily activity, while Google Fit provides similar functionality for non-Galaxy phone users, emphasizing fitness monitoring. Google Maps includes location-sharing widgets for quick access to safety and coordination features with loved ones. The Google Keep widget facilitates quick note-taking, offering shortcuts for various types of notes, making it a versatile tool for users. Maintaining a balance between utility and clutter is important, and widget stacks in One UI can help organize the home screen efficiently.