workspace Archives

Winsage

May 4, 2025

This incredible desktop replacement will change how you use Windows

Windows 11 has received mixed feedback from users, particularly regarding its limited customization options, such as the inability to reposition the taskbar. Seelen UI is a free application that offers extensive customization, allowing users to overhaul their user interface. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or GitHub, with the former recommended for easier updates. Upon installation, Seelen UI replaces the taskbar with the Seelen Dock and introduces a Fancy Toolbar for system stats. The Seelen Dock can be customized in size and position, offering more flexibility than Windows 11's default taskbar. Seelen UI also features a Windows Manager that organizes open windows in a cascading manner, enhancing productivity and allowing for further layout customization. Overall, Seelen UI encourages users to create a personalized desktop environment that boosts productivity.

Tech Optimizer

May 3, 2025

Extend the Amazon Q Developer CLI with Model Context Protocol (MCP) for Richer Context

Amazon Q Developer has introduced support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) in its command line interface (CLI), enabling developers to connect external data sources for more context-aware responses. This enhancement allows access to pre-built integrations and MCP servers, improving code accuracy, data comprehension, unit test generation, database documentation, and query execution without custom integration code. MCP serves as an open protocol that standardizes application integration with large language models (LLMs). Developers can configure MCP servers in a file named mcp.json, which can be stored in the home directory or project root. After implementing MCP, Q Developer can effectively explore database schemas and execute complex SQL queries, significantly enhancing the development experience.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

6 PowerToys tools that quietly make my day ten times easier on Windows

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several productivity-enhancing tools for Windows 11 users: - Keyboard Manager: Allows users to create custom shortcuts and swap keyboard layouts, such as changing the positions of the Y and Z keys on a QWERTZ layout. - Quick Accent: Simplifies typing accented characters by providing a flyout menu for selecting accents when holding down a letter and pressing Space. - New+: Introduces a template folder for storing frequently used documents, enabling quick generation of new files. - Workspaces: Lets users save and launch a specific layout of applications simultaneously, streamlining workflow. - PowerToys Run/Command Palette: Provides quick access to applications and commands through keyboard shortcuts, allowing for instant launching and execution of commands. - FancyZones: Enhances window management by allowing users to create custom layouts for snapping applications into designated zones on their screens.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Voice adds three-way calling support alongside its interface rework

Google has introduced a new update for its Voice app that enables three-way calling for Workspace subscription holders, allowing users to create conference calls by adding another participant. The update includes a refreshed user interface with more accessible key tools for managing calls, such as prominently displayed "Add" and "Merge" options. This feature is available to Google Workspace customers on Voice Starter, Voice Standard, and Voice Premier plans, as well as SIP Link Standard and SIP Link Premier customers. The rollout began on May 1 and is expected to reach all Google Voice users within approximately 15 days. Earlier in February, Google Voice added a "call delegation" feature, allowing users to transfer calls to another person with options for immediate transfer or confirmation before proceeding, including the ability to transfer calls from personal accounts to paid enterprise accounts.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

7 things I learned while making the perfect, productivity-focused desktop environment on Windows

Windows 11 has challenges for users seeking a productivity-centric desktop experience, prompting many to seek alternatives and customization utilities. Key elements for enhancing productivity include effective file management, quick access to applications, and tools to streamline workflow. For file management, users can benefit from dual-pane file manager alternatives like XYplorer, File Pilot, Files, and Total Commander, which improve efficiency beyond the default File Explorer. Customizing the Start Menu by relocating it to the left and using tools like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk can enhance productivity. Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar allows for quick access and utilizes jump lists for recent documents. Disabling the News & Interests widget can reduce distractions, and many users choose to remove Microsoft's Copilot due to unmet expectations. For desktop customization, tools like StartAllBack, Windhawk, Rainmeter, and PowerToys can improve both appearance and functionality. PowerToys offers over 20 utilities, including FancyZones for window management and PowerToys Run for quick application access, making it essential for optimizing workflow. Overall, effective file management, application accessibility, and thoughtful customization are crucial for enhancing productivity on Windows 11.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

The Gemini app is becoming more like NotebookLM in April’s Workspace feature drop

In the April 2025 Workspace feature drop, Google introduced new AI tools across Gemini, Gmail, Slides, and Chat. Gemini gained two features similar to NotebookLM: Canvas and Audio Overviews. Gmail can now automatically detect event invites in emails and prompt users to add them to their Calendar with one click. Additionally, Gmail will offer Contextual Smart Replies for efficient communication. Google Slides received a new design sidebar for easier presentation creation, allowing users to explore templates and add elements without leaving their current slide. For enterprise users, a board tab in Chat will enable teams to pin messages, files, and links, and a new HubSpot app for Google Chat will enhance workflow efficiency. These features are now widely accessible as part of the April 2025 update.

Winsage

April 19, 2025

5 Easter and spring Windows 11 themes to enjoy your Holiday

Windows 11 offers customizable themes to enhance your digital workspace for spring and Easter. 1. Chicks and Bunnies: A free theme featuring 14 high-definition images of bunnies and chicks, compatible with Windows 10 and 11. 2. Easter Theme: Includes 18 high-definition wallpapers with vibrant patterns and motifs for Easter, ideal for a wallpaper slideshow. 3. Happy Easter: Contains 19 high-definition images celebrating Easter with bright colors and joyful compositions, available for Windows 10 and 11. 4. Cherry Blossoms: Features 16 wallpapers showcasing cherry trees and scenic views, offering a serene alternative to Easter themes. 5. Spring Theme: Comprises 17 high-definition wallpapers depicting blossoming flowers and lush landscapes, celebrating the rejuvenation of nature.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

How to Set Up Windows Terminal with WSL, PowerShell, and CMD for Maximum Productivity

Windows Terminal is a unified interface that allows users to access multiple command-line environments, such as Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), from a single application. It features a tabbed interface for running multiple sessions and supports split panes for side-by-side work. Windows Terminal is pre-installed on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, while Windows 10 users can download it from the Microsoft Store. Users can add profiles for different shells, customize themes and appearance, configure startup actions, and define custom keybindings. The application enhances productivity by consolidating command-line tools and providing an organized workspace.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

My 5 favorite AI apps on Android right now – and how I use them

AI has integrated into daily life, especially for Android users due to Google's embedding of AI capabilities in the operating system. Key AI apps for Android include: 1. Google Gemini: The default AI app that enhances user experience without installation. It features Gemini Live for complex queries and can be used as a handy assistant. 2. Perplexity: An AI-driven query app with an intuitive interface for news summaries and organizing queries. It is free and serves as a default search engine for some users. 3. DeepSeek: An AI development firm from China offering two apps on Google Play: Deep Think (AI chatbot) and DeepSeek (AI assistant), which handles deep queries and basic searches. It is free but requires account registration. 4. Microsoft Copilot: A versatile AI tool for standard queries, drafting, and image creation. It summarizes news and requires a Microsoft account for access. 5. Opera's Aria: An AI tool integrated into the Opera browser, offering standard query capabilities and voice-to-text functionality. It requires installation but is free to use without a subscription.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Gemini app rolling out Google Photos integration on Android

Google is rolling out an integration of its Photos app with the Gemini application for Android users, allowing seamless access to backed-up images and videos. The integration includes two main components: one for locating images and videos using criteria such as facial recognition, location, date, keywords, and current conversations, and another for requesting details related to photos. Users can issue specific prompts to find their photos and ask for information about past events. To activate the feature, users must navigate to the Gemini app and select Google Photos from the profile menu. The rollout is currently limited to a select group of invited users on Android devices in the United States.