workspace Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

4 apps you should use instead of Google Docs

The author experienced file management issues with Google Docs due to its lack of a folder system, leading to a search for alternatives. 1. Notion: Offers seamless transition from Google Docs, with essential formatting tools, auto-save, user-friendly sharing, and offline access. It is highly customizable but has a steep learning curve compared to Google Docs. 2. Obsidian: Focuses on privacy with local file storage by default, allowing offline access without internet. It offers cloud synchronization for flexibility but is ideal for users who prefer keeping documents off the cloud. 3. Simplenote: A simple app for creating notes and to-do lists with easy sharing and document pinning. It lacks a folder organization system, which may limit its use for extensive document collections. 4. WPS Office: A robust alternative that supports document creation, presentations, and spreadsheets, with a built-in PDF reader. Its interface resembles Microsoft Word, but it is owned by a Chinese company, raising some privacy concerns despite end-to-end encryption. The author also mentions Evernote and Google Keep as other options, with Evernote's free plan becoming less appealing and Google Keep being simpler but limited for extensive document needs.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

This overlooked Gmail setting fixed my biggest problem with the Android app

The Gmail Android app has a new subscriptions tab, Material 3 Expressive animations, and integration with Gemini. Users can remove the Meet tab by going to the menu, selecting Settings, choosing their email address, scrolling to the Meet section, and unchecking the box next to "Show the Meet tab for video calling." This process needs to be repeated for each email account managed in the app. Users with a Google Workspace account may also see a Chat tab, which can be disabled in the General section of email settings.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

New ‘Google app for Windows’ brings Spotlight-esque local, Drive, web, and Lens search

Google has introduced an experimental "Google app for Windows," designed to provide a centralized platform for accessing files, applications, and web content. Users can access information quickly by pressing Alt + Space, which opens a search field for local files, Google Drive, installed applications, and web content, with results organized for easy navigation. The app includes Knowledge Panel-like responses, a section for launching applications, and direct access to Google Drive and web search results. It features AI Overviews and AI Mode for enhanced productivity, as well as a Google Lens function for translating or copying text and images. Currently in the experimental phase, the app is available through Google Labs, exclusively in English for users in the United States, and requires a personal Google Account. It is compatible with Windows 10 and newer versions and can be downloaded from Google Labs.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Hate Windows 11’s vibe? Make it look more like Linux or MacOS

The author, a long-time Linux enthusiast, critiques the Windows user interface, particularly its lack of customization compared to Linux. They review Seelen UI, a customizable desktop environment for Windows, which enhances the Windows 11 experience with features like tiling windows, a media module, and various themes. Installation can be done via the Microsoft App Store or by downloading a binary installer, requiring Microsoft Edge and WebView. The customization process is user-friendly, allowing users to adjust settings and apply themes, resulting in a more visually appealing desktop.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

Upgrade your PC to Windows 11 Pro for just $13

Microsoft is offering a Windows 11 Pro license for .97, down from 9, until October 5. Windows 11 Pro includes features like a seamless interface, Snap Layouts, improved voice typing, powerful search, an AI-powered assistant, and enhanced gaming capabilities. It also provides essential applications for professionals, advanced cybersecurity features, and supports touchscreen functionality.

Winsage

September 14, 2025

Windows 10 is almost dead — here’s my top 5 Windows 11 picks to get before the deadline

The end of Windows 10 support is on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Users can enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security updates if they wish to retain Windows 10. Lightweight options like Tiny11 Build can help older PCs, but Windows 11's hardware requirements may prevent some users from upgrading. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices risks missing essential security updates, making hardware upgrades advisable. Recommended devices for Windows 11 include: - Laptop: Acer Aspire Go 15, featuring an Intel Core i3-N305 CPU, a 15.6-inch display, priced under 0, with up to 10 hours of battery life. - Desktop: Dell XPS 8950, suitable for office use and gaming, especially with Nvidia RTX GPUs. - Gaming Desktop: Acer Predator Orion 5000, known for performance and value, often available for less than ,799 during sales. - Mini PC: Geekom A5 2025 Edition, priced around 9, supports up to four monitors, and has upgradeable components. - All-in-One PC: MSI Modern AM271P 11M, featuring a 27-inch display, suitable for everyday tasks, bundled with a keyboard and mouse. - 2-in-1 Laptop: Microsoft Surface Pro 11, equipped with a Snapdragon X-series chip, designed for both casual browsing and intensive tasks.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

New, hidden features rolled out in Windows 11

Windows 11 offers several features to enhance user experience: - Snap Layouts: Hovering over the maximize button reveals a grid of layout options for arranging multiple applications on the screen. - Virtual Desktops: Users can create multiple desktops for different tasks by pressing Windows + Tab and selecting ‘New Desktop,’ allowing for easy switching with Ctrl + Windows + arrow keys. - Focus Sessions: Located in the Clock app, this feature allows users to set a timer to minimize distractions during work sessions. - Clipboard History: Accessed by pressing Windows + V, this feature provides a list of recently copied items and allows users to pin frequently used snippets. - Built-in screen recording: The Xbox Game Bar includes a screen recording feature activated by pressing Windows + G and clicking the record button or using Windows + Alt + R. - Dynamic Refresh Rate: This feature adjusts the screen refresh rate based on user activity to enhance scrolling smoothness and conserve battery life, found under Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. - Emoji and symbol picker: Pressing Windows + period (.) opens a menu for quick access to emojis, GIFs, and symbols.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Copilot on Windows 11 has a new “Home” UI and it feels like a Start menu for AI

Copilot on Windows 11 is being updated with a new "Home" tab that replaces the traditional chat-first interface. This Home UI serves as a central hub for accessing applications and files, resembling the Start menu. Users can toggle between the Home tab and the previous chat-focused interface. The Home tab features four dynamic cards that provide quick access to recently used files, but users must enable this feature in their settings. The "Jump back into your files" card pulls recent files from File Explorer’s Quick Access tab, offering options like Open, Attach to prompt, and Summarise. The "Attach to prompt" option allows users to drop files into the message compose box for analysis by Copilot. Other cards include access to previous conversations and a feature for document or code editing similar to ChatGPT’s Canvas. The "Get guided help with your apps" card displays recently used applications and initiates a Vision session for personalized assistance. Future updates are expected to introduce a ChatGPT-powered Agent that can open a terminal and browser within a Linux shell on an Azure cloud virtual machine, enabling automation of tasks. Microsoft aims to enhance Copilot's utility for managing documents and file searches on PCs.

AppWizard

September 4, 2025

Photo-to-video in Google Photos is getting a big upgrade with Veo 3

Google has upgraded its Google Photos app with the Veo 3 video generation model, allowing users to create six-second video clips from photos with improved quality. A new Create tab in the app provides access to various creative tools, including the Veo 3 feature, Remix, Highlight videos, collages, and animations. The photo-to-video capability, which was introduced over a month ago, now replaces the previous Veo 2 model. The Create tab features allow users to convert images into artistic styles, generate themed clips, and create collages and animations. The new features are currently available to users in the United States, with potential plans for a global rollout.

Winsage

September 3, 2025

Ready to ditch Windows 10? Don’t let these 7 Linux myths stop you

Linux has evolved into a user-friendly and visually appealing operating system, dispelling several myths that have hindered its adoption. 1. The market share for Linux on Steam has tripled in the past three years, indicating its growing viability as a gaming platform. 2. Linux desktop environments like KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, and MATE resemble familiar interfaces, easing the transition for new users. 3. The interaction model in Linux is similar to Windows, with graphical interfaces, file managers, task managers, and app stores available. 4. Linux is known for its stability, with some systems running for over 2,000 days without a reboot. 5. While the variety of Linux distributions can be overwhelming, major distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora offer sensible defaults for newcomers. 6. Linux is increasingly user-friendly for everyday consumers, with a vibrant community of desktop users alongside its traditional server and developer presence. 7. Many Linux distributions feature attractive designs and customizable interfaces, rivaling those of MacOS and Windows.