writing Archives

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Your gaming PC is overdue for an upgrade—Windows 11 Pro can fix that

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. A Windows 11 Pro license is currently available for .97 until June 1 at 11:59 PM, requiring no subscription. Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced security, performance, and features, including DirectX 12 Ultimate for improved gaming, Snap layouts, virtual desktops, AI-enhanced voice typing, and Copilot powered by GPT-4 Turbo. It also includes security features like TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and biometric login.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Nextcloud cries foul over Google Play Store app rejection

Nextcloud, a European software vendor, has raised concerns about Google's treatment of its Android Files application, which has over 800,000 users. The issue centers on the "All files access" permission, which was revoked by the Play Store in 2024, impairing the app's functionality. Nextcloud argues that alternatives like the Storage Access Framework (SAF) and MediaStore API are inadequate for their needs. The app has been able to read and write all file types since its launch in 2016 without security concerns from Google until the recent revocation. Nextcloud claims that Google's policies are stifling competition and that they have faced bureaucratic inefficiencies in addressing their complaints. Despite having a fully functional version on F-Droid, the Google Play version is restricted. Nextcloud has previously lodged a complaint with the EU regarding Microsoft's anti-competitive behavior, and they express frustration over the lack of action taken. They believe larger tech companies are trying to suppress smaller competitors.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for only $15 — Get it before Windows 10 ends

Microsoft is phasing out updates for Windows 10, leading to increased vulnerability for users. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 and offers enhanced features and security, including biometric login, advanced antivirus defenses, and Smart App Control. It improves productivity with features like voice typing, a powerful search function, BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V, and Azure AD. Gamers benefit from DirectX 12 Ultimate for better graphics and performance. Windows 11 Pro includes the AI-powered assistant Copilot, which can answer questions, open applications, modify settings, summarize web pages, and integrate with GitHub. It also features Widgets, MS Teams, and touchscreen support. Users should check system requirements before upgrading.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Moon Studios founder says dev might go bust due to review bombing

Moon Studios, co-founded by Thomas Mahler, is facing financial difficulties due to negative reviews of their game No Rest for the Wicked, which have adversely affected sales. Mahler expressed concern on Discord about the studio's viability, emphasizing that independent studios do not have backing from large publishers. He urged fans to leave positive reviews to help improve the game's reception and ensure the studio's survival. This situation follows Moon Studios' recent declaration of independence, after previously achieving success with the Ori series, which sold over 15 million units.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

Finally, this Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 camping mod means I’ll never have to scour Bohemia for a place to sleep again

Players in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 face challenges finding beds for sleep, often encountering occupied camps or costly inn beds. A new mod by djb allows players to create their own camps anywhere in the game, enhancing the roleplaying experience. This mod integrates tents and campfires with the terrain and involves 1,500 lines of code. Players can set up camps without restrictions and have access to three tiers of camping equipment. The mod is designed for immersion and offers healing benefits from resting in camp beds, while also appealing to players who enjoy wilderness exploration.

BetaBeacon

May 9, 2025

Why Android’s hidden custom modes are such a productivity game-changer

- The custom mode feature was added to Android 15 QPR2 - The first step is to open the Settings app - You can set a schedule for your custom mode - Tap the Modes Quick Tile to select the mode you want to use - Remember to disable the mode when you're done with the task

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

“A Minecraft Movie” spawns chaos in theaters

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X have become crucial in shaping audience interactions with films, transforming word-of-mouth marketing into a global phenomenon that can significantly influence a film's box office performance. Audience reactions on social media can enhance a film's reputation, as seen with "A Minecraft Movie," which thrived on positive buzz despite initial skepticism. Conversely, negative feedback can lead to financial underperformance, as demonstrated by Disney's "Snow White." The in-theater experience has also changed, with audience behavior influenced by social media, leading to varied opinions on the impact of chaos during screenings.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Software engineer taught Microsoft Copilot to analyze Windows crash dumps

Software engineer Sven Scharmentke, known as Svnscha, has developed an open-source tool called mcp-windbg for crash dump analysis, available on GitHub. This AI-driven tool automates the execution of WinDBG/CDB commands, improving productivity in debugging tasks. Svnscha highlights the challenges faced during development, particularly in creating the interaction layer with Microsoft's Command-Line Console Debugger (CDB). The tool enables natural language crash analysis, contextual debugging, and root cause identification, benefiting software engineers and support teams. However, users are advised that a foundational understanding of debugging principles is necessary to effectively utilize the tool, which serves as a "simple Python wrapper around CDB."

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft unveils new AI agents that can modify Windows settings

Microsoft has introduced a suite of Windows experiences for Copilot+ PCs, featuring AI agents that help users adjust settings on their computers by interpreting user intent and automating tasks with consent. Users can communicate in natural language to receive guidance or have changes executed directly. This feature will initially be available to English-speaking Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered devices, with plans for broader support. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Windows search capabilities and expanding Click to Do actions, allowing users to schedule meetings, send messages, consult M365 Copilot, convert data in Excel, and draft documents in Word. Creative tools like Photos, Paint, and the Snipping Tool are receiving updates, including dynamic lighting controls in Photos, a sticker generator in Paint, and new capture capabilities in the Snipping Tool. Upcoming features for Windows 11 Insiders include a phone companion for the Start menu, AI-driven actions in File Explorer, and a new writing function in Notepad for generating text from prompts. Microsoft is also testing a "Draw & Hold" feature in the Snipping Tool and has introduced a text rewriting tool called "Rewrite."

Winsage

May 6, 2025

My week with Linux: I’m dumping Windows for Ubuntu to see how it goes

BitLocker encryption is enabled by default on most Windows 11 systems, which can hinder the installation of Ubuntu. To proceed with the installation, BitLocker was temporarily disabled through the Control Panel. A bootable USB drive for Ubuntu was created using Rufus with an SK hynix Tube drive. The Ubuntu 25.04 ISO file, known as "Plucky Puffin," was downloaded at 5.8GB in about a minute. The decision was made to install Ubuntu 25.04 instead of the more stable Ubuntu 24.04 LTS due to a desire for the latest features. The installation was planned for both a ThinkPad X1 Carbon and a custom-built desktop with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU.