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PowerToys has recently unveiled a suite of new utilities, enhancing user experience with innovative features designed to streamline mouse operations and improve accessibility. Among the highlights are two new utilities that focus on mouse functionality: Mouse Button Lock and CursorHide.
Mouse Button Lock and CursorHide
- The Mouse Button Lock feature allows users to press and hold a mouse button momentarily, after which the system continues to register the button as held. This is particularly beneficial for tasks requiring extensive dragging or selection, such as gaming or professional applications, and it significantly aids those who may struggle to maintain pressure on a mouse button for long durations.
- CursorHide complements this by concealing the mouse pointer after a brief period of inactivity, reappearing only when the mouse is moved. This feature can help reduce distractions while typing or engaging in focused tasks.
Command Palette gets a quick-access shelf
The latest build also introduces a quick-access shelf within the Command Palette, allowing users to pin their favorite commands for immediate access. This feature can be activated through Settings > Appearance > Compact mode, making it easier to launch frequently used commands with just a keystroke. Users can press Alt+1 through Alt+9 to execute pinned commands, or use Alt+Shift+number to select without running them. Additional functionalities include drag-and-drop reordering and right-click options for further actions.
- Settings search: A fuzzy search feature that directs users to options, extensions, commands, and shortcuts.
- Keyboard-first Dock: A new focus feature that allows users to navigate the dock using keyboard shortcuts.
- Copilot key support: Users can designate Command Palette as the Copilot key app in Windows Settings.
- Multiple clocks: Users can now pin multiple clocks, each configured for different time zones.
- Language and links: Options to select app language and copy links for commands or settings.
- Polish: Enhancements include sharper app icons and improved browsing speed.
ZoomIt adds snip dictation
In another exciting update, ZoomIt now features a Snip with dictation capability. This allows users to capture audio descriptions alongside their visual snips. By enabling this feature in ZoomIt settings, users can press Space while creating a snip to record their voice, which is then transcribed and can be pasted alongside the screenshot.
New command-line tools
PowerToys has expanded its command-line capabilities, allowing for more extensive scripting options. New tools include:
- Advanced Paste: Execute built-in and custom actions directly from the terminal.
- Light Switch: Manage themes and schedules with JSON output.
- Settings: View and manage enabled utilities even when PowerToys is not running.
- Peek: Preview multiple files and folders directly from the command line.
- PowerDisplay: Enhanced output format for easier script consumption.
- On your PATH: Commands for various utilities can now be executed from any terminal folder.
Keyboard Manager adds tap-alone remaps and easier editing
The Keyboard Manager has also seen significant improvements, introducing tap-alone remaps. This allows users to trigger different actions with a single key tap while maintaining its original function in combinations. Additionally, managing large remapping lists has become more user-friendly with new filtering options and bulk deletion capabilities.
Other notable changes
- Color Picker and Text Extractor: Both have transitioned to WinUI 3, enhancing their usability.
- FancyZones: Users can now switch layouts while dragging windows, with an optional layout name indicator.
- Peek: New features include read-only SQLite previews and improved navigation.
- Screen Ruler: Enhanced measurement capabilities to account for monitor scaling.
- Environment Variables: A new action to remove duplicates from PATH while maintaining order.
- Quick Accent: A searchable character reference for easy access to language sets.
- Grab and Move: Users can exclude specific apps from modifier-key behavior.
- Shortcut Guide: Added shortcuts for popular applications and improved indexing.
- Workspaces: Now prompts for confirmation before launching unverified apps with admin rights.
- Awake: Windows can now turn off the display while keeping the session active.
- New+: Addressed memory leaks and improved long-path handling in File Explorer.
- Settings: Introduced an interactive welcome scene and fixed memory issues during navigation.
PowerToys continues to be a favorite among Windows users, offering a comprehensive library of utilities that cater to both casual and power users alike. Its ongoing development not only enhances user experience but also serves as a source of inspiration for future Windows updates.
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