workspaces Archives

Winsage

December 18, 2024

PowerToys just fixed the one flaw stopping me from using one of the app’s best features

Microsoft's PowerToys version 0.87.0 includes several updates: - Workspaces now supports Progressive Web Applications (PWAs). - Advanced Paste introduces "Advanced AI" for clipboard transformations. - A feature in Workspaces allows users to move existing windows. - Mouse Jump has new customization settings for pop-ups. - New+ is now compatible with Windows 10. - Quick Accent enables selection of character sets in the UI. - Improvements in Awake, File Explorer add-ons, Keyboard Manager, Monaco Preview, Peek, PowerToys Run, Screen Ruler, and Settings have been made. - The Workspaces editor position is saved for consistent reopening, and issues related to application positioning and crashes have been resolved. - Documentation has been updated, and development has upgraded to .NET 9.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

PowerToys 0.87 is out with a new utility for Windows 10 users and a lot of improvements

The latest update for PowerToys, released in December 2024, includes the following enhancements for Windows 10 users: - New+ utility is now fully compatible with Windows 10. - Advanced Paste introduces "Advanced AI" using Semantic Kernel technology for clipboard transformations. - Workspaces now supports Progressive Web Applications and allows users to move existing windows. - Mouse Jump adds settings for customizing the pop-up appearance. - Quick Accent enables users to select displayed character sets in the user interface. Additional improvements include: - Advanced Paste now has an optional AI feature for clipboard transformations. - Awake has improvements in initialization, logging, and tray icon setup. - File Explorer Add-ons now utilize PerMonitorV2 DPI mode. - Keyboard Manager has added labels for IME keys and resolved an issue with the Shift key. - Monaco Preview supports .ahk and .ion files and adds syntax highlighting for .srt files. - Peek assesses local capabilities for image formats and resolves loading issues for the Code Files Previewer. - PowerToys Run includes a scoring function for WindowWalker plugin results and updates to the calculator plugin. - Screen Ruler can now display measurements in inches, centimeters, or millimeters. - Settings have been updated for milestone links, navigation bar icons, and accessibility issues. - Workspaces has improved features for window management and application version detection. PowerToys can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or GitHub.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Windows will support Meta Quest VR headsets as native displays

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 will support Meta Quest VR headsets as native displays, allowing users to stream their Windows environment directly to Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets. This integration enables users to access multiple virtual monitors wirelessly, with options for floating screens or a single expansive display. The feature also extends to Windows 365 Cloud PCs, allowing users to operate their entire computing environment through a Quest headset. Microsoft plans to roll out the public preview of this feature next month.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Microsoft is launching a $349 desktop PC that only runs Windows 11 by streaming it from the cloud — is this the future of desktop computing?

Microsoft has introduced its first dedicated desktop PC, the Windows 365 Link, priced at 9, set to launch in April 2025. This device operates exclusively through cloud technology, utilizing Windows 11 via the Windows 365 platform and is designed for enterprise customers. It measures 120 x 120 x 30 mm, features a fanless design, rapid boot times, and instant wake capabilities. It supports dual 4K displays and includes three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an audio jack, an Ethernet jack, DisplayPort, and HDMI. The device is powered by an Intel processor with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, relying on a constant internet connection to function. It will leverage Copilot+ features for enhanced functionalities and is expected to run a lightweight version of Windows, potentially based on the CorePC edition codenamed NXT. The Windows 365 Link aims to redefine the desktop experience, particularly in schools and flexible workspaces, catering to the growing trend of cloud computing.

Tech Optimizer

November 15, 2024

Warnings as remote working presents a significant cybersecurity concern

A study by Markel Direct surveyed 500 SME owners, revealing that 23% see securing remote workspaces as a primary challenge, ranking second among cyber security issues, while 62% are concerned about the sophistication of cyber threats. To safeguard data accessed by remote employees, 52% use VPNs, 48% train employees on secure practices, and 46% have remote access policies. However, 49% would not know how to respond to a cyber-attack, and 69% lack a cyber security policy. Proactive measures include 72% using antivirus software, 69% regularly updating software, and 52% adopting multi-factor authentication. Despite these efforts, 43% of SMEs do not train employees on best practices, and 53% lack cyber insurance. Rob Rees from Markel Direct highlighted the importance of having a robust cyber security policy and preparedness against AI-driven attacks. Markel Direct offers a cyber response helpline for policyholders.

Tech Optimizer

November 5, 2024

Neon Authorize: Granular access controls at the database layer

Neon has launched Neon Authorize, a feature that enhances permission and access control management for developers using its serverless Postgres database. This feature incorporates Postgres Row-Level Security (RLS) to protect data from unauthorized access, allowing for the establishment of authorization policies at the database level. Recent findings from OWASP indicate that broken access control is a significant risk in web application security, with 94% of applications tested showing vulnerabilities. RLS enables database administrators to control user access at a granular level, making it particularly useful for multi-tenant applications. Neon Authorize simplifies the integration of authentication providers, allowing developers to authenticate database calls using JSON Web Tokens (JWT). Andy Young from Lockdown Ventures noted that adopting Neon Authorize improved security, simplified application code, and enhanced performance, with the migration process taking less than a day.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 Update Removes Xbox Gamepad Keyboard Feature After Bugs Plagued It

Microsoft has withdrawn the 'Gamepad keyboard' feature from the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update due to unresolved bugs. The feature, aimed at enhancing text input for Xbox controllers and other gaming devices, was disabled in the latest preview update, and users can no longer access it. Microsoft has not provided specific details about the bugs and has omitted the feature from their release notes, indicating a delay in its rollout. The Gamepad keyboard was first introduced in September 2024 and was expected to be part of the October update. Despite this setback, Microsoft has stated that the feature will return in future updates.

Winsage

October 23, 2024

I tried replacing the Windows 11 desktop with a web app, and I’m very excited for the future

Seelen UI is a web-based application designed to enhance the Windows 11 desktop environment by replacing the taskbar and window manager with a customizable interface. It features a floating taskbar that displays open applications and provides access to pinned apps and media controls, along with a menu bar for quick access to settings. Users can customize the toolbar layout, dock positioning, and background themes, although theme options are currently limited. The application requires Microsoft Edge and WebView 2 to operate. However, it has a steep learning curve due to a lack of comprehensive guidance, and its organization can be confusing. Future improvements are anticipated, including custom widgets and multitasking features.

Winsage

October 18, 2024

OpenAI Expands ChatGPT to Windows, Microsoft Benefits as AI Adoption Grows

OpenAI has released early beta versions of its ChatGPT desktop application for Windows, supported by Microsoft. The application is available for Plus, Enterprise, Team, and Edu customers, following the earlier macOS release. The Enterprise version is tailored for larger organizations, the Team version supports collaborative environments, and the ChatGPT Edu version is designed for the educational sector. ChatGPT Plus offers faster response times and the ability to design custom GPTs for a monthly subscription fee. The partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI is expected to positively impact MSFT stock as AI technologies gain influence in business.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Best Note Taking Apps On Android: Top Choices for 2025 – 9meters

Note-taking applications are essential for Android users, enabling idea capture, list-making, and information organization. In 2024, the top note-taking apps for Android are Google Keep, Evernote, and OneNote, each offering features like text notes, image storage, and voice memos. These apps prioritize user-friendliness and synchronization across devices, allowing offline functionality for note creation and modification. The leading note-taking apps in 2025 include: 1. Google Keep: Simple and integrates with Google services. 2. Microsoft OneNote: Organizes notes into notebooks and sections, allows attachments. 3. Notion: Versatile workspace with customization and databases. 4. Standard Notes: Privacy-focused with end-to-end encryption. 5. Joplin: Open-source with encryption and Markdown support. 6. Squid: Handwriting and stylus compatible. 7. Speechnotes: Voice-to-text and real-time transcription. 8. Evernote: Cross-platform with web clipper and tagging. 9. Simplenote: Clean interface with Markdown support. 10. FairNote: Encrypted with focus mode and organization tools. Key features of these apps include user-friendly interfaces, organizational tools like folders and tags, synchronization across devices, and enhanced capabilities for multimedia notes. Collaboration features, reminders, and advanced search capabilities further enhance their utility. Some apps cater to specialized needs, such as handwriting support or privacy-focused options.