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Microsoft defends new Windows 11 Store UI, says impact is "very positive"
Winsage
December 16, 2024

Microsoft defends new Windows 11 Store UI, says impact is “very positive”

The Windows Store has been significantly enhanced in features and speed under Rudy Huyn's guidance, but the recent redesign of its user interface has received mixed reactions. Critics, including Albacore, have expressed dissatisfaction with the new UI, comparing it unfavorably to the earlier Windows 10 design and noting issues like misaligned text and diminished visibility of reviews. Despite these criticisms, the new design includes modern usability improvements, such as better readability of ratings and buttons. Rudy Huyn defended the redesign, citing positive results from extensive A/B testing and user feedback. Microsoft is committed to continuous improvement, conducting daily experiments to refine the Store's interface and testing other layouts. Recent updates have improved download speeds and integrated Winget for easier updates of Win32 applications.
The official "Bing Wallpaper app" does some nasty, malware-like things to Windows
Winsage
November 22, 2024

The official “Bing Wallpaper app” does some nasty, malware-like things to Windows

Microsoft has introduced the Bing Wallpaper app to the Windows Store, allowing users to update their desktop backgrounds daily with images from the Bing homepage. Concerns have been raised by developer Rafael Rivera regarding the app's security and privacy risks, including the automatic installation of Bing Visual Search, code for decrypting cookies from other browsers, integration of a geolocation web API, attempts to change default browser settings, and forced prompts to enable the Bing Search extension. Rivera has labeled the app as malicious and provided a list of extensions users may need to block. The online community has reacted negatively, with some users suggesting the possibility of a class action lawsuit. Alternatives to Bing Wallpaper exist that do not compromise user privacy, and Windows 11 offers built-in options for changing desktop backgrounds.
Windows 11 might not update if you have these apps
Winsage
October 28, 2024

Windows 11 might not update if you have these apps

Microsoft has implemented a thorough scan of hardware and installed software for potential incompatibilities before initiating Windows updates, pausing the process if any issues are detected. The rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update has seen an increase in upgrade blocks, affecting certain Asus laptops, integrated webcams, and fingerprint sensors. Specific incompatibilities include Gameloft’s Asphalt 8: Airborne, the Safe Exam Browser, Easy Anti-Cheat, various wallpaper customization tools, and Intel Smart Sound Technology, which requires a driver update. Microsoft is working to address these issues to minimize user intervention.
'Minecraft' is Also Now Dropping PC VR Support in 2025 in Addition to PSVR
AppWizard
October 23, 2024

‘Minecraft’ is Also Now Dropping PC VR Support in 2025 in Addition to PSVR

Mojang announced that it will discontinue support for VR platforms in Minecraft, with PSVR support ending in 2025 and PC VR headsets being phased out after March 2025. The final VR update will be released by March 2025, after which players can continue to access updates for the standard PC version. Minecraft Bedrock edition first introduced Oculus Rift support in 2016, followed by Windows VR headsets in 2017. Meta removed Minecraft from its Rift platform in 2021, leaving the Windows Store version as the official source for PC VR support. Alternatives for PC VR users include the Vivecraft mod for Minecraft Java and the unofficial QuestCraft mod for Quest users, both of which have cross-play limitations. Mojang confirmed that after the final update, VR/MR devices will no longer be supported, but players can still access their worlds and Marketplace purchases on non-VR devices.
Microsoft Store could soon run faster on Windows 11, gets Library and Downloads section
Winsage
September 18, 2024

Microsoft Store could soon run faster on Windows 11, gets Library and Downloads section

Microsoft is migrating the Microsoft Store to .NET 9 and Native AOT (Ahead-of-Time compilation) to enhance performance and user experience. The transition involves a phased update, starting with improvements to the underlying technology, followed by a refresh of the user interface to incorporate WinUI 3 elements. The Store is expected to launch more quickly due to direct code compilation, resulting in faster loading times. Recently, the Store introduced new “Downloads” and “Library” sections to improve management features, allowing users to manage updates and access all owned apps and games more easily. The updated version is available to all users, with the .NET 9-based Store set to roll out to testers soon.
10 Best Windows 11 Themes to Download for Free
Winsage
August 31, 2024

10 Best Windows 11 Themes to Download for Free

Windows 11 allows users to customize their experience through themes, which are collections of images that rotate automatically. The Windows Store offers a wide variety of themes, many for free. Notable themes include: 1. Springtime Art - Features 18 images, including cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji. 2. Architectural Structures - Contains 10 minimalistic and colorful wallpapers of man-made structures. 3. Cats Everywhere - A collection of 10 wallpapers showcasing playful cats. 4. Dogs in Winter - Offers 15 wallpapers of various dog breeds in snowy settings. 5. Glorious Blue - A 15-set theme featuring various blue hues. 6. World National Parks - Includes 18 wallpapers from national parks around the world. 7. Street Views - Contains 18 colorful, 4K wallpapers of urban landscapes. 8. Rain in the City - Features images capturing rainy city scenes. 9. Xbox Series X - A gaming theme with 16 4K wallpapers celebrating the Xbox console. 10. Stunning Cityscapes - Offers 9 breathtaking views of cities like Perth and Dubai. These themes cater to different preferences, enhancing the personalization of digital environments.
Farewell to Paint 3D: Microsoft Plans to Remove the App From Windows Store
Winsage
August 10, 2024

Farewell to Paint 3D: Microsoft Plans to Remove the App From Windows Store

Microsoft is winding down its Paint 3D application, which will cease to receive updates and be removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4. Users have reported seeing a banner within the app regarding this change. Paint 3D was launched in 2017 as part of the Windows 10 Creators Update, intended to combine 2D editing with 3D modeling. Despite initial praise, it faced criticism for lacking essential photo-editing features. In 2021, Paint 3D was removed from the default app installation list on Windows 10, requiring users to download it from the store.
Как скачать торрент на iPhone и iPad - CQ
TrendTechie
August 8, 2024

Как скачать торрент на iPhone и iPad – CQ

Users of Apple devices can access torrent trackers despite Apple's restrictions on the App Store. Torrents use peer-to-peer technology for file distribution, offering benefits like high download speeds and the ability to resume interrupted downloads. Apple does not support torrent tracker operations, but users can download torrents using alternative methods. One method involves using the "Documents: File Manager & Web" app to access a torrent site, copy a magnet link, and use a torrent downloading service like ZbigZ to download files. Another option is to use the iTorrent program, which is available through GitHub, requiring the AltStore for installation. The "Torrent Search" program allows users to find and watch movies or series without downloading them, while the Seedr program enables users to paste a torrent link and download files directly to a cloud service, with a built-in web player for viewing. However, files larger than 2 GB cannot be uploaded to Seedr.
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