<?xml version="1.0"?>
<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>News: Software News</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/page/162/?d=2</link><description>News: Software News</description><language>en</language><item><title>Windows package manager WingetUI gets a redesign alongside a new name</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/windows-package-manager-wingetui-gets-a-redesign-alongside-a-new-name-r24047/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	WingetUI has received a new update today. The utility was recently renamed to UniGetUI. Martí Climent, the WingetUI developer has explained that he felt the need to rename the app as it supports various package managers now and not just Winget. He also noticed that users would confuse WingetUI with Winget itself, where the latter is Microsoft's own official package manager for Windows while WingetUI was designed as a GUI to manage Winget.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Aside from the name change, the app's Package Engine has also undergone a redesign.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="UniGetUI dark mode" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1720034957_unigetui_dark.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	RAM usage has also been lowered. There are several other changes too. The full changelog is given below:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<h3>
		Changelog
	</h3>

	<ul>
		<li>
			WingetUI is now UniGetUI. A new icon completes the rebranding
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>The Package Engine has undergone an entire redesign</strong>
			<ul>
				<li>
					Package managers that support so fetch packages via APIs (WinGet uses COM, NuGet-Based use REST nuget APIs, etc.). This leads to important speed improvements
				</li>
				<li>
					The way in which icons are loaded has been renewed. Package managers that support so will provide the icons directly to the packages.
				</li>
				<li>
					Microsoft Store (winget: msstore) packages show their screenshots on the details page.
				</li>
				<li>
					System WinGet is now used by default. Bundled WinGet is no longer used to fetch or to install packages.
					<ul>
						<li>
							WinGet Packages will not show ellipted anymore.
						</li>
					</ul>
				</li>
				<li>
					Lifecycle of Packages, PackageDetails and InstallationOptions have been modified to not have duplicated instances of the same data in ram. Package data that has been already loaded will not be loaded again, and will be recycled from an older load instead.
				</li>
				<li>
					Widgets for UniGetUI will now load packages faster, and does not rely on the interface as much as it used to.
				</li>
				<li>
					When a package manager is missing a dependency, the user will be prompted to install it.
				</li>
			</ul>
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Important improvements across the entire interface</strong>
			<ul>
				<li>
					The Software Pages have been rebuilt with <code>ItemsView</code> in favour of <code>ListView</code>. This decreases the amount of used RAM (70~100mb less aprox.)
				</li>
				<li>
					The Package Details page has been rebuilt with <code>RichTextBlock</code>. Content does not overflow and is overall better presented. Bold, italic and greyed out fonts are used to make the interface more understandable. Text and URLs can be copied.
				</li>
				<li>
					The Logs pages have been rebuilt, to provide more important information better. Different levels of logs have been introduced, easing the process of debugging and understanding issues.
				</li>
				<li>
					The Settings page has been reorganized into more coherent categories
				</li>
				<li>
					Improvements to ContentDialogs. Dialogs that do not prompt the user for a decision have a "Close" button at the top-right corner of the dialog.
				</li>
			</ul>
		</li>
		<li>
			The Package Engine has been internally decoupled from the Interface.
		</li>
		<li>
			The System Tray has new, pixel-perfect icons.
		</li>
		<li>
			The installer will ensure WinGet and Microsoft.WinGet.Client are present on the system.
		</li>
		<li>
			The installer will allow the user to not install Chocolatey
		</li>
		<li>
			Tons of bugfixes and improvements.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<h3>
		What's Changed
	</h3>

	<ul>
		<li>
			[Not priority] Fix random mistakes in README (mainly typos) by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/tiagorangel2011" rel="external nofollow">@tiagorangel2011</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2011" rel="external nofollow">#2011</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Dotnet runtime bootstrapper by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/1970" rel="external nofollow">#1970</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Show 'Update' Button in Tray Notification When Only One Update is Available by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/CoolSpy3" rel="external nofollow">@CoolSpy3</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2055" rel="external nofollow">#2055</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update readme.md by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2057" rel="external nofollow">#2057</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Fix <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/issues/1995" rel="external nofollow">#1995</a>: [BUG] Notification tray icon by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/CoolSpy3" rel="external nofollow">@CoolSpy3</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2072" rel="external nofollow">#2072</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Winget COM API compatibility by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2035" rel="external nofollow">#2035</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			fix scoop-search autofix error by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/ercJuL" rel="external nofollow">@ercJuL</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2086" rel="external nofollow">#2086</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update installation step via Scoop by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/Goooler" rel="external nofollow">@Goooler</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2079" rel="external nofollow">#2079</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Adds additional description to package manager toggles by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/turw41th" rel="external nofollow">@turw41th</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2107" rel="external nofollow">#2107</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed a bug in package search by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/ArtyomZabroda" rel="external nofollow">@ArtyomZabroda</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2091" rel="external nofollow">#2091</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			README mistakes by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/skanda890" rel="external nofollow">@skanda890</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2126" rel="external nofollow">#2126</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update Code of Conduct, Contributing Guidelines and Security.md by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/skanda890" rel="external nofollow">@skanda890</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2127" rel="external nofollow">#2127</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update bug-issue.yml and hard-crash.yml to Correct spelling mistakes by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/skanda890" rel="external nofollow">@skanda890</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2130" rel="external nofollow">#2130</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Rebrand WingetUI to UniGetUI by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2032" rel="external nofollow">#2032</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Fix ParentContainsErrorRecordException if a Windows limited user resets Winget sources by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/pomodori92" rel="external nofollow">@pomodori92</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2150" rel="external nofollow">#2150</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Add Missing Line Break in CLI Parameters Section of README by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/CoolSpy3" rel="external nofollow">@CoolSpy3</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2175" rel="external nofollow">#2175</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Very basic start by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/Atrejoe" rel="external nofollow">@Atrejoe</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2176" rel="external nofollow">#2176</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Separate UniGetUI into modules by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2161" rel="external nofollow">#2161</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			ICU message format for translations by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/flatron4eg" rel="external nofollow">@flatron4eg</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2045" rel="external nofollow">#2045</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Use Windows display language instead of regional format by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/KimCM" rel="external nofollow">@KimCM</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2285" rel="external nofollow">#2285</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Better Package Manager Loggers by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2292" rel="external nofollow">#2292</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Keyboard navigation by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2307" rel="external nofollow">#2307</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update licenses, disclaimer on the about page by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2309" rel="external nofollow">#2309</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Package data lifecycle optimization by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2317" rel="external nofollow">#2317</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Decouple loading and "holding" packages from the UI - Creation of PackageLoaders by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2328" rel="external nofollow">#2328</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Replace ListView with ItemsView by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2335" rel="external nofollow">#2335</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Move message formatter in LanguageEngine, add locale for message formatter by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/flatron4eg" rel="external nofollow">@flatron4eg</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2326" rel="external nofollow">#2326</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update SECURITY.md by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/skanda890" rel="external nofollow">@skanda890</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2129" rel="external nofollow">#2129</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update bug-issue.yml by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/marticliment" rel="external nofollow">@marticliment</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2341" rel="external nofollow">#2341</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			This removes grammatical mistakes from the code. by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/skanda890" rel="external nofollow">@skanda890</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2340" rel="external nofollow">#2340</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update readme.md by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/skanda890" rel="external nofollow">@skanda890</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2360" rel="external nofollow">#2360</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update translations from Tolgee by @github-actions in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2363" rel="external nofollow">#2363</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Add translation string in the installer ("Install Chocolatey") by <a class="user-mention notranslate" href="https://github.com/mapi68" rel="external nofollow">@mapi68</a> in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2369" rel="external nofollow">#2369</a>
		</li>
		<li>
			Update icons and screenshots from the excel file by @github-actions in <a class="issue-link js-issue-link" href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/pull/2370" rel="external nofollow">#2370</a>
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	To download UniGetUI version 3.1.0, head over to this <a href="https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/releases/tag/3.1.0" rel="external nofollow">page</a> on its official GitHub repo.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-package-manager-wingetui-gets-a-redesign-alongside-a-new-name/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24047</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 2024 21:25:48 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft's Word, Excel, and PowerPoint web apps are getting file menu improvements</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsofts-word-excel-and-powerpoint-web-apps-are-getting-file-menu-improvements-r24046/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Earlier this week, Microsoft started rolling out some user interface improvements <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-updates-excel-on-the-web-with-a-revamped-user-interface/" rel="external nofollow">to the web edition of Excel</a>. Today, the company revealed that the web versions of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel are all receiving some film menu upgrades.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In a <a href="https://insider.microsoft365.com/en-us/blog/file-menu-improvements-in-word-excel-and-powerpoint-for-the-web" rel="external nofollow">post on the Microsoft 365 Insider blog</a>, the company stated that it has heard from a number of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel web users that finding the commands for the File menu in those apps can be difficult. It added:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		We heard you and are excited to share an overview of the changes we’ve designed to make the File menu more intuitive and lightweight.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="microsoft word" class="ipsImage" height="397" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1720028194_word-file-menu.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	One big improvement will let users change the name of a file in those web apps by just selecting the file's title at the top of the browser window. Once selected, the file name can be changed and saved. Also, web app users will be able to see a file's folder structure either by clicking on the cloud icon next to the filename in the upper title bar or by just clicking on the <strong>File</strong> menu to show the file location.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The familiar <strong>Save As</strong> command is now no longer needed for files in the web apps. Microsoft says those files will now always be saved and they can be created online or downloaded to a PC. If you want to save a file in a different format, you can now do so with the web apps by clicking on the File menu, followed by <strong>Export</strong>, instead of <strong>Save As</strong>. Finally, web users can now see both the <strong>Move</strong> and <strong>Version History</strong> commands on the File menu.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	These changes are starting to roll out now for the Word, PowerPoint, and Excel web apps for Targeted Release users. All users of these same apps should see the file menu improvements sometime in August 2024.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsofts-word-excel-and-powerpoint-web-apps-are-getting-file-menu-improvements/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24046</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 2024 21:23:39 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft fixed Edge crashes when deleting favorites</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-fixed-edge-crashes-when-deleting-favorites-r24045/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Microsoft Edge users, there is a small update for you to install. Microsoft pushed version 126.0.2592.87 to the Stable Channel to fix a bug causing browser crashes when deleting favorites in on-premises profiles. Here is the changelog:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		<strong>Version 126.0.2592.87: July 2, 2024</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Fixed various bugs and performance issues, improved reliability.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Improved reliability</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Fixed a browser crash that occurred when an on-premises sync user deleted a Favorite.
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	This update follows the one that was <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-fixes-edge-crashes-and-printing-issues-in-the-latest-update/" rel="external nofollow">released a few days ago</a>, where Microsoft fixed another crash-causing bug that would strike when interacting with large drop-down lists. That release also fixed printing issues and patched several security vulnerabilities (no security updates are present in version 126.0.2592.87).
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In addition to updating the desktop version of Microsoft Edge, the company released a minor update for Edge on iOS and Android. Sadly, its changelog does not contain much:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		<strong>Version 126.0.2592.86 (Android and iOS): July 2, 2024</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Fixed various bugs and performance issues.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Finally, there is an update for Edge Insiders in the Beta Channel. Like its mobile counterpart from the Stable Channel, Edge 127.0.2651.31 only fixes "various bugs" and improves performance.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	For those unfamiliar, Microsoft Edge updates itself automatically in the background and applies the latest patches when you restart the browser. However, you can always speed things up by heading to edge://settings/help and relaunching Edge. If you use Microsoft Edge on mobile, get the latest version <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-edge-ai-browser/id1288723196" rel="external nofollow">in the App Store</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.emmx&amp;hl=en&amp;pli=1" rel="external nofollow">the Google Play Store</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Microsoft Edge is currently the second most popular browser in the world. According to the latest findings from Statcounter, Edge holds 13.36% of the desktop browser market. On the mobile side, things are much grimmer: only 0.38% of the market uses Microsoft Edge, which is dominated by Chrome and Safari. You can learn more about the latest browser stats <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/statcounter-microsoft-edge-holds-1336-of-the-desktop-browser-market/" rel="external nofollow">in our dedicated coverage</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-fixed-edge-crashes-when-deleting-favorites/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24045</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 2024 21:22:19 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>The new Microsoft Teams now supports personal accounts on Windows 10, Mac and the web</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/the-new-microsoft-teams-now-supports-personal-accounts-on-windows-10-mac-and-the-web-r24044/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Microsoft Teams is one of the most popular enterprise communication and collaboration platforms. A few years ago, Microsoft made <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/personal-features-in-microsoft-teams-are-now-generally-available/" rel="external nofollow">Teams available for general consumers</a> for personal use. With a free Microsoft account, you can use Teams for personal use. Over the past few years, Microsoft has even added some features like Communities that are exclusive to Teams' personal users.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Until recently, the new Teams experience on Mac, Windows 10, and the web only supported enterprise accounts. Based on user feedback, Microsoft has now added support for personal accounts on these platforms. The new Microsoft Teams app on Windows 11 already supports all types of accounts. With this expanded support, the new Teams app can be used for personal, work, and school accounts on all platforms.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	As expected, the new Teams app on Windows 10, Mac, and the web allows you to access Communities. They are like Facebook Groups where community members can have discussions, share files and photos, join video calls, plan events, and more. Teams supports both public and private communities.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	When you use a personal account in Teams, you can create meetings (up to 60 minutes and 100 participants) with anyone. If you have multiple accounts logged in, you can select the Teams account you want to join with when joining a meeting. You can also enter a meeting as a guest without signing in.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The new Teams app for Windows 10 and Mac is available <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-teams/teams-for-home" rel="external nofollow">here</a>. You can access the new <a href="https://teams.live.com/" rel="external nofollow">web experience for Teams for Personal</a> by selecting the "Try the new Teams" toggle on the top left. In the coming weeks, the new Teams for Personal for Web will become the default experience for everyone.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	If you have feedback to improve the new Teams experience for personal use, you can post it <a href="https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/forum/96cb301f-c645-ed11-bba2-000d3a1f40b1" rel="external nofollow">here</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Source: <a href="https://insider.teams.com/blog/teams-for-personal-web/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/the-new-microsoft-teams-now-supports-personal-accounts-on-windows-10-mac-and-the-web/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24044</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 2024 21:21:28 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Intel 31.0.101.5594 non-WHQL graphics driver is out with fixes for Citrix Workspace</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/intel-3101015594-non-whql-graphics-driver-is-out-with-fixes-for-citrix-workspace-r24043/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Just a few days after releasing its latest <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/intel-3101015593-non-whql-driver-adds-final-fantasy-xiv-and-the-first-descendant-support/" rel="external nofollow">non-WHQL graphics driver</a>, Intel is back with another one under version 31.0.101.5594. It is a minor release with a single fix related to Citrix Workspace. And like other non-WHQL drivers, this one has not been certified by Microsoft, so it might be less stable than WHQL releases. If you do not need the fix listed below, feel free to skip version 31.0.101.5594.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Here is what was fixed in the Intel 31.0.101.5594 graphics driver:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		<strong>Intel Arc A-Series Graphics Products:</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Citrix Workspace application may exhibit sluggish behavior when interacting with a virtual desktop.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Intel Core Ultra with built-in Intel Arc GPUs:</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Citrix Workspace application may exhibit sluggish behavior when interacting with a virtual desktop
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Known bugs in the latest non-WHQL driver are the same as before:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		<strong>Intel Arc A-Series Graphics Products:</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			No Man’s Sky (VK) may experience an application crash during gameplay while changing window context with Alt + Tab.
		</li>
		<li>
			Enshrouded (VK) may experience an application crash during gameplay.
		</li>
		<li>
			Doom Eternal (VK) may exhibit intermittent flickering corruption in the game menu and during gameplay.
		</li>
		<li>
			Topaz Video AI may experience errors when exporting videos after using some models for video enhancements.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Intel Core Ultra with built-in Intel Arc GPUs:</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (DX12) may experience an application crash on loading to gameplay.
		</li>
		<li>
			PugetBench Extended Preset Benchmark may fail to complete on certain Adobe Premiere Pro Processing Tests.
		</li>
		<li>
			Topaz Video AI may experience errors on running certain benchmark tests.
		</li>
		<li>
			Procyon AI may experience an application crash while running benchmark with precision float32.
		</li>
		<li>
			Launching a game with Endurance Gaming engaged may result in VSync persisting on after disengaging Endurance Gaming during gameplay. A workaround is to relaunch the application.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Intel Core Processor (12th -14th Generation) Products:</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Dragon Quest X Online (DX9) may experience sporadic application crash during gameplay
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	You can install driver 31.0.101.5594 if your computer runs 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 with one of the following graphics products from Intel:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">
				Discrete GPUs
			</th>
			<th scope="col">
				Integrated GPUs
			</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				Intel Arc A-Series (Alchemist)<br>
				Intel Iris Xe Discrete Graphics (DG1)
			</td>
			<td>
				Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake)<br>
				Intel Core 14th Gen (Raptor Lake Refresh)<br>
				Intel Core 13th Gen (Raptor Lake)<br>
				Intel Core 12th Gen (Alder Lake)<br>
				Intel Core 11th Gen (Tiger Lake)
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Download the Intel 31.0.101.5592 non-WHQL driver <a href="https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/785597/intel-arc-iris-xe-graphics-windows.html" rel="external nofollow">here</a>. Full release notes are available <a href="https://downloadmirror.intel.com/826612/ReleaseNotes_101.5594.pdf" rel="external nofollow">here</a> (PDF).
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/intel-3101015594-non-whql-graphics-driver-is-out-with-fixes-for-citrix-workspace/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24043</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 2024 21:20:43 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>KB5039448: Microsoft released 1st Windows 11 24H2 (2024 update) setup upgrade</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/kb5039448-microsoft-released-1st-windows-11-24h2-2024-update-setup-upgrade-r24030/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Following the Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 10 and 11 under <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-kb5039211--kb5039217--kb5039214--kb5039225-june-2024-patch-tuesday-out/" rel="external nofollow">KB5039211 / KB5039217 / KB5039214 / KB5039225</a> and <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-patch-tuesday-kb5039212--kb5039213-updates-for-june-2024-are-now-out/" rel="external nofollow">KB5039212 / KB5039213,</a> respectively, Microsoft also released Windows 11 version 24H2 or the 2024 feature update for Windows 11. The release went live under <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5039239-microsoft-releases-windows-11-24h2-2024-update-but-you-may-not-get-it/" rel="external nofollow">KB5039239,</a> and it caught many by surprise as it was not supposed to be out until later in the year.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Turns out Microsoft pushed the update as Copilot+ PCs are starting to arrive, although it did add later that x86 systems were <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5039239-microsoft-releases-windows-11-24h2-2024-update-but-you-may-not-get-it/#:~:text=24H2%20is%20for-,all%20devices,-and%20not%20just" rel="external nofollow">technically compatible too</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Sometimes since then, Microsoft also released SafeOS dynamic updates for Windows 11 24H2. These dynamic updates add improvements to the Windows recovery environment or WinRE and the setup file. Earlier today, we covered the WinRE update earlier today which has been released under <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5041137-microsoft-released-1st-recovery-update-for-windows-11-24h2-2024-update/" rel="external nofollow">KB5041137</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Meanwhile, the dynamic update that improves Windows 11 setup binaries is available under KB5039448. Microsoft <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb5041137-safe-os-dynamic-update-for-windows-11-version-24h2-june-28-2024-77dd315c-45c9-456d-8ddd-89f908475224" rel="external nofollow">writes</a>:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		<strong>KB5039448</strong>: Setup Dynamic Update for Windows 11, version 24H2: June 28, 2024
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Summary</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		This update makes improvements to Windows setup binaries or any files that setup uses for feature updates in Windows 11, version 24H2.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	In a Techcommunity <a href="https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/updating-windows-10-media-with-dynamic-update-packages/ba-p/982477" rel="external nofollow">blog post</a> about Windows 10 Dynamic Updates, Microsoft explained Dynamic Updates in more detail regarding its various components and uses. These packages include fixes to Setup.exe binaries, SafeOS updates for Windows Recovery Environment, and more:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		As soon as a Windows 10 feature update initiates, whether from media or a Windows Update service-connected environment, Dynamic Update is one of the first steps invoked. Windows 10 Setup reaches out to an Internet-facing URL hosted by Microsoft to fetch Dynamic Update content, then applies those updates to your OS installation media.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Content acquired includes:
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			<strong>Setup Updates</strong>: Fixes to Setup binaries or any files that Setup uses for feature updates.
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Safe OS Updates</strong>: Fixes for the "safe OS" that are used to update Windows recovery environment (WinRE).
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Servicing Stack Updates</strong>: Fixes that are necessary to address the Windows 10 servicing stack issue and thus required to complete the feature update.
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Latest Cumulative Update</strong>: Installs the latest cumulative quality update.
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Driver Updates</strong>: Latest version of applicable drivers that have already been published by manufacturers into Windows Update and specifically targeted for Dynamic Update.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		In addition to these updates, Dynamic Update will preserve Language Pack (LP) and Features on Demand (FODs) content during the upgrade process. These are not updates to LPs and FODs, but reacquisition to ensure the user has these elements present with the update completes.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	These dynamic updates are not pushed through Windows Update and are only available for manual downloading from the Windows Update Catalog website. You can find it <a href="https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB5039448" rel="external nofollow">here</a>. It is available for both Arm64 and AMD64 devices.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5039448-microsoft-released-1st-windows-11-24h2-2024-update-setup-upgrade/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24030</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:21:57 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft updates Excel on the web with a revamped user interface</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-updates-excel-on-the-web-with-a-revamped-user-interface-r24029/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Microsoft has been busy updating the Windows and Mac versions of its Excel spreadsheet app with new features over the past few weeks. They have included, among other things, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-adds-checkboxes-in-its-excel-windows-and-mac-apps-with-web-and-mobile-coming-soon/" rel="external nofollow">the addition of checkboxes</a>, new <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-365-insiders-can-try-out-new-regex-functions-in-excel-for-windows-and-mac-apps/" rel="external nofollow">Regular expression (Regex) functions</a>, and, most recently, adding <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-365-insiders-can-now-try-out-odf-14-support-in-word-excel-and-powerpoint/" rel="external nofollow">support for the ODF 1.4 file format</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	However, the web version of Excel is not being ignored. In fact, today, Microsoft announced that it is getting a facelift with a new user interface that adds some new functions.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p class="img-center">
	<img alt="excel on the web" class="ipsImage" height="499" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719946846_before_after_grid_mod_3.gif">
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	You can see the overall visual difference between the older version of Excel on the web and the new edition in the image above. <a href="https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/excel-blog/modernized-excel-grid/ba-p/4176473" rel="external nofollow">In a blog post</a>, Microsoft talked more about the new Excel web app update. One big change is that it should be much faster to resize any rows and columns in Excel with the new web version. Users can move their cursor over the border of an Excel row or column header. They can then click on that border and hold the handles so they can resize a row or column.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The new Excel web edition should also make it easier to add any new rows and columns. Just take the cursor, hover it over a row or column header, and then click on a circle. It should turn to a "+" icon where you can then click it again to make a new row or header.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Here are some of the other new functions in Excel on the web:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<ul>
		<li>
			Show hidden rows or columns with one click and get a complete view of your data instantly. Just hover over the row or column header and then select the small arrows that appear.
		</li>
		<li>
			Keep important headers or columns visible as you scroll to ensure that important information stays visible, no matter how far you scroll down or across your spreadsheet. To do so, drag the handles in the top left corner of the headers and drag them to the desired position. To change existing freeze panes, just drag the freeze pane line.
		</li>
		<li>
			Effortlessly rearrange elements in your worksheet with drag and drop, making data organization a breeze. To try the drag and drop feature, select any row or column, hold and drag when the cursor shows the hand icon, and then drop in any other row or column
		</li>
		<li>
			Highlight important cells to emphasize critical information and improve readability. To use this feature, just select a row, column, range of cells, or individual cell.
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	All of these features should be available now for all Excel web users.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-updates-excel-on-the-web-with-a-revamped-user-interface/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24029</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:20:40 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>KB5041137: Microsoft released 1st recovery update for Windows 11 24H2 (2024 update)</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/kb5041137-microsoft-released-1st-recovery-update-for-windows-11-24h2-2024-update-r24026/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Following the Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 10 and 11 under <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-kb5039211--kb5039217--kb5039214--kb5039225-june-2024-patch-tuesday-out/" rel="external nofollow">KB5039211 / KB5039217 / KB5039214 / KB5039225</a> and <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-patch-tuesday-kb5039212--kb5039213-updates-for-june-2024-are-now-out/" rel="external nofollow">KB5039212 / KB5039213,</a> respectively, Microsoft also released Windows 11 version 24H2 or the 2024 feature update for Windows 11. The release went live under <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5039239-microsoft-releases-windows-11-24h2-2024-update-but-you-may-not-get-it/" rel="external nofollow">KB5039239,</a> and it caught many by surprise as it was not supposed to be out until later in the year.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Turns out Microsoft pushed the update as Copilot+ PCs are starting to arrive, although it did add later that x86 systems were <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5039239-microsoft-releases-windows-11-24h2-2024-update-but-you-may-not-get-it/#:~:text=24H2%20is%20for-,all%20devices,-and%20not%20just" rel="external nofollow">technically compatible too</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Sometimes since then, Microsoft also released a SafeOS dynamic update for Windows 11 24H2. This dynamic update adds improvements to the Windows recovery environment or WinRE and should help the recovery of a device in case something goes south.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The update is available under KB5041137, and Microsoft <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb5041137-safe-os-dynamic-update-for-windows-11-version-24h2-june-28-2024-77dd315c-45c9-456d-8ddd-89f908475224" rel="external nofollow">writes</a>:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		<strong>KB5041137</strong>: Safe OS Dynamic Update for Windows 11, version 24H2: June 28, 2024
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Summary</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		This update makes improvements to the Windows recovery environment in Windows 11, version 24H2.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	In a Techcommunity <a href="https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/updating-windows-10-media-with-dynamic-update-packages/ba-p/982477" rel="external nofollow">blog post</a> about Windows 10 Dynamic Updates, Microsoft explained Dynamic Updates in more detail regarding its various components and uses. These packages include fixes to Setup.exe binaries, SafeOS updates for Windows Recovery Environment, and more:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		As soon as a Windows 10 feature update initiates, whether from media or a Windows Update service-connected environment, Dynamic Update is one of the first steps invoked. Windows 10 Setup reaches out to an Internet-facing URL hosted by Microsoft to fetch Dynamic Update content, then applies those updates to your OS installation media.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Content acquired includes:
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			<strong>Setup Updates</strong>: Fixes to Setup binaries or any files that Setup uses for feature updates.
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Safe OS Updates</strong>: Fixes for the "safe OS" that are used to update Windows recovery environment (WinRE).
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Servicing Stack Updates</strong>: Fixes that are necessary to address the Windows 10 servicing stack issue and thus required to complete the feature update.
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Latest Cumulative Update</strong>: Installs the latest cumulative quality update.
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Driver Updates</strong>: Latest version of applicable drivers that have already been published by manufacturers into Windows Update and specifically targeted for Dynamic Update.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		In addition to these updates, Dynamic Update will preserve Language Pack (LP) and Features on Demand (FODs) content during the upgrade process. These are not updates to LPs and FODs, but reacquisition to ensure the user has these elements present with the update completes.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	These dynamic updates are not pushed through Windows Update and are only available for manual downloading from the Windows Update Catalog website. You can find it <a href="https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB5041137" rel="external nofollow">here</a>. It is available for both Arm64 and AMD64 devices.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5041137-microsoft-released-1st-recovery-update-for-windows-11-24h2-2024-update/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24026</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:54:10 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Windows 11 is close to becoming most popular OS on Steam</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/windows-11-is-close-to-becoming-most-popular-os-on-steam-r24025/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Although Windows 11 is gaining users again (according to third-party statistic services), the OS is still <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/statcounter-nearly-30-of-all-windows-pc-are-now-running-windows-11/" rel="external nofollow">pretty far away from its predecessor</a>, which will soon be <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-will-get-five-years-of-additional-support-thanks-to-0patch/" rel="external nofollow">out of official support</a>. However, on the gaming side, things are seemingly going much better for Windows 11. In its latest Steam Hardware &amp; Software Survey, Valve reports that Windows 11 is very close to becoming the most popular operating system on Steam.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In June 2024, Windows 11 increased its market share by 0.55 points. It now sits at 46.63%, less than 3% away from Windows 10. Speaking of the latter, Windows 10 lost 0.93 points. The aging operating system currently holds about 49.42% of all Windows users on Steam.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Windows 7 and 8.1 are still alive and kicking. 64-bit Windows 7 has 0.4% (+0.02), and 64-bit Windows 8.1 has 0.08%. Overall, 96.61% of all survey participants reported using Windows to play games from Steam (+0.40%). Linux is in second place with 2.08% (-0.24), and macOS is third with 1.31% (-0.16 )
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	For those unfamiliar, Steam Hardware &amp; Software Survey is a monthly survey Valve conducts to help developers better understand the situation on the market, how to optimize their products, and more:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		Steam conducts a monthly survey to collect data about what kinds of computer hardware and software our customers are using. Participation in the survey is optional, and anonymous. The information gathered is incredibly helpful to us as we make decisions about what kinds of technology investments to make and products to offer.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Here is what was happening on the hardware side in June 2024.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th colspan="4" scope="row">
				Steam Hardware Survey - June 2024
			</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<th rowspan="1" scope="row" style="text-align:right">
				Processors
			</th>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				Intel<br>
				66.80% (-0.04)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				AMD<br>
				33.15% (-1.54)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				Microsoft<br>
				0.05% (+0.01)
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th rowspan="1" scope="row" style="text-align:right">
				CPU Cores
			</th>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				6 cores<br>
				32.63% (-0.47)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				8 cores<br>
				20.61% (-0.57)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				4 cores<br>
				19.27% (-1.32)
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th rowspan="1" scope="row" style="text-align:right">
				Memory
			</th>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				16GB<br>
				47.23% (+0.15)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				32GB<br>
				29.38% (+0.66)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				8GB<br>
				11.45% (-0.60)
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th rowspan="1" scope="row" style="text-align:right">
				GPU Models
			</th>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				Nvidia RTX 3060<br>
				5.50% (-0.51)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				Nvidia GTX 1650<br>
				4.04% (-0.34)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti<br>
				3.46% (+0.27)
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th rowspan="1" scope="row" style="text-align:right">
				Video Memory
			</th>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				<p>
					8GB<br>
					34.79% (+0.56)
				</p>
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				12GB<br>
				17.79% (+0.36)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				6GB<br>
				13.77% (-0.38)
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th rowspan="1" scope="row" style="text-align:right">
				Display Resolution
			</th>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				1920 x 1080<br>
				57.47% (-0.61)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				2560 x 1440<br>
				19.38% (+0.66)
			</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">
				3840 x 2160<br>
				3.71% (-0.02)
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	You can check out more information on the <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/Steam-Hardware-Software-Survey-Welcome-to-Steam" rel="external nofollow">official Steam Hardware &amp; Software Survey page</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-is-close-to-becoming-most-popular-os-on-steam/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24025</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:52:38 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>PowerToys 0.82 brings new features and improvements for existing modules</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/powertoys-082-brings-new-features-and-improvements-for-existing-modules-r24024/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	It is time for PowerToys users to hit that update button and move over to a newer version. PowerToys 0.82 is now rolling out with stability, bug fixes, improvements, and a bunch of new features for existing modules. There are no new "toys" in today's release, but Microsoft promises to release something new in the next update under version 0.83.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Here are the update highlights:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<ul>
		<li>
			New feature added to PowerRename to allow using sequences of random characters and UUIDs when renaming files.
		</li>
		<li>
			Improvements in the Paste As JSON feature to better handle other CSV delimiters and converting from ini files.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed many crashes that were reported to Microsoft servers.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed UI issues that were reported after upgrading to WPF UI on Color Picker and PowerToys Run.
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	The rest of the changelog includes the following:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		<strong>Advanced Paste</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Fixed an issue causing external applications triggering Advanced Paste. (This was a hotfix for 0.81)
		</li>
		<li>
			Added a GPO rule to disallow using online models in Advanced Paste. (This was a hotfix for 0.81)
		</li>
		<li>
			Improved CSV delimiter handling and plain text parsing for the Paste as JSON feature.
		</li>
		<li>
			Added support to convert from ini in the Paste as JSON feature.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed a memory leak caused by images not being properly cleaned out from clipboard history.
		</li>
		<li>
			Added an option to hide the UI when it loses focus.
		</li>
		<li>
			Improved telemetry to get better data about token usage and if clipboard history is a popular feature.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Color Picker</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Fixed the opaque background corners in the picker that were introduced after the upgrade to WPFUI.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Developer Files Preview (Monaco)</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Improved the syntax highlight for .gitignore files.
		</li>
		<li>
			Checking for the sticky scroll option in code behind was being done twice. Removed one of the checks.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Environment Variables Editor</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Added clarity to the UI section tooltips.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>File Explorer add-ons</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Fixed a crash when the preview handlers received a 64-bit handle from the OS.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed a crash when trying to update window bounds and File Explorer already disposed the preview.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Find My Mouse</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Added the option to have to use the Windows + Control keys to activate.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Hosts File Editor</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Improved spacing definitions in the UI so that hosts name are not hidden when resizing and icons are well aligned.
		</li>
		<li>
			Added horizontal scroll instead of wrapping in the additional lines dialog.
		</li>
		<li>
			Improved the duplication check's logic to improve performance and take into account features that were introduced after it.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Installer</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Fixed the remaining install failures when the folders the DSC module is to be installed in isn't accessible by the WiX installer for user scope installations.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed an issue causing ARM 64 uninstall process to not correctly finding powershell 7 to run uninstall scripts.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Peek</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Prevent activating Peek when the user is renaming a file.
		</li>
		<li>
			Added support to preview special folders like Recycle Bin and My PC instead of throwing an error.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed a crash caused by double releasing a COM object from the module interface.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Power Rename</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Improved apostrophe character handling for the Capitalize and Titlecase renaming flags.
		</li>
		<li>
			Added a feature to allow using sequences of random characters or UUIDs when renaming files.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>PowerToys Run</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Improved the plugin descriptions for consistency in the UI.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed UI scaling for different dpi scenarios.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed crash on a racing condition when updating UWP icon paths in the Program plugin.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed PowerToys Run hanging when trying to close an unresponsive window in the WindowWalker plugin.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed the example in the UnitConverter description to reduce confusion with the inches abbreviation (now uses "to" instead of "in").
		</li>
		<li>
			Brought the acrylic background back and applied a proper fix to the titlebar accent showing through transparency.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed an issue causing the transparency from the UI disappearing after some time.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Quick Accent</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Added support for the Crimean Tatar character set.
		</li>
		<li>
			Added the Numero symbol and double acute accent character.
		</li>
		<li>
			Added the International Phonetic Alphabet characters.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed the character description center positioning.
		</li>
		<li>
			Added feminine and masculine ordinal indicator characters to the Portuguese character set.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Screen Ruler</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Updated the default activation hotkey to Win+Control+Shift+M, in order to not conflict with the built-in Windows Explorer shortcut that restores minimized windows (Win+Shift+M).
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Settings</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Disabled the UI to enable/disable clipboard history in the Advanced Paste settings page when clipboard history is disabled by GPO in the system. (This was a hotfix for 0.81)
		</li>
		<li>
			Updated Advanced Paste's Settings and OOBE page to clarify that the AI use is optional and opt-in. (This was a hotfix for 0.81)
		</li>
		<li>
			Corrected a spelling fix in Advanced Paste's settings page.
		</li>
		<li>
			Added localization support for the "Configure OpenAI Key" button in Advanced Paste's settings page.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed extra GPO warnings being shown in Advanced Paste's settings page even if the module is disabled.
		</li>
		<li>
			Fixed a crash when a PowerToys Run plugin icon path is badly formed.
		</li>
		<li>
			Disabled the experimentation paths in code behind to improve performance, since there's no current experimentation going on.
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	You update to PowerToys 0.82 by navigating to Settings &gt; General and clicking "Check for updates." Alternatively, <a href="https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/releases" rel="external nofollow">download the installer for version 0.82 from GitHub</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/powertoys-082-brings-new-features-and-improvements-for-existing-modules/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" data-controller="core.front.core.autosizeiframe" data-embedauthorid="109212" data-embedcontent="" src="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/456302-microsoft-powertoys-0820/?do=embed&amp;comment=1832186&amp;embedComment=1832186&amp;embedDo=findComment#comment-1832186"></iframe>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24024</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:49:39 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft confirms OneDrive shared folders are indeed turning into internet shortcuts</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-confirms-onedrive-shared-folders-are-indeed-turning-into-internet-shortcuts-r24018/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Last month, we were tipped about a OneDrive issue by a Neowin reader wherein shared folders were suddenly turning into <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/onedrive-shared-folders-on-windows-11-suddenly-became-internet-shortcuts-like-some-virus/" rel="external nofollow">internet shortcuts</a>. We investigated and found that the issue was fairly widespread with many users across various forums complaining about the bug and they had to do with workarounds.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Now on one of the Microsoft forum threads, Mia.H, a moderator and Microsoft Agent, has responded confirming that Microsoft is looking into it. The response is thoroughly detailed and goes into the impact summary, latest update, and current status:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		This appears to be a known issue currently affecting OneDrive shared folders. Users from different regions have reported the same issue beginning approximately June 2024. We've summarized the main points of our current situation in this issue, you can review them at your convenience:
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		1-&gt; <strong>Impact Summary</strong>:
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Many customers worldwide have reported that their OneDrive shared folders have become inaccessible as regular file folders in File Explorer and instead appear as internet shortcuts. The reported issues include:
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Shared Folder Visibility - Users can see shared folders in a web browser, but these folders appear as link files (.URL) in File Explorer, which open the OneDrive website rather than displaying the folder contents.
		</li>
		<li>
			Synchronization Issues - Shared folders are not syncing properly with OneDrive on the desktop. Attempts to add these folders to "My Files" result in creating internet shortcuts instead of actual folders.
		</li>
		<li>
			Access and Sync Problems - Users are unable to sync shared folders with their local devices, resulting in workflow disruptions and inability to access files offline.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		2-&gt; <strong>Latest Update:</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		This issue may be due to an internal error affecting data synchronization and handling within the OneDrive service. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is actively working on a resolution.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Efforts are underway to restore proper access to affected shared folders. Initial steps include investigating the issue's root cause and implementing fixes to ensure shared folders appear correctly as file folders in File Explorer.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		A comprehensive analysis is being conducted to determine the exact cause of the issue. Preliminary findings suggest a possible misconfiguration or recent update affecting shared folder handling and synchronization processes.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		3- &gt; <strong>Current Status</strong>:
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Some users have reported temporary workarounds, such as accessing shared folders directly via OneDrive web interface -
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Microsoft internal engineers are closely monitoring the service and implementing fixes to ensure stability and proper synchronization of shared folders.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		We fully understand the inconvenience and disruption caused by this issue. Our team is actively addressing it and working hard to fix it as soon as possible. We are still gathering and monitoring many cases and thread behaviors, so we can always follow up with any new updates or fixes that come up.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	You can find the answer in <a href="https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/onedrive-shared-folders-are-only-available-via/6a309530-2ac2-40e8-b38e-5710bc6a1aa4" rel="external nofollow">this thread</a> (spotted by <a href="https://www.drwindows.de/news/onedrive-geteilte-ordner-erscheinen-nur-noch-als-links-neue-erkenntnisse" rel="external nofollow">Dr. Windows</a>).
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Hence, if you are one of the users facing this problem, the good news is Microsoft is aware of and is investigating it. Hopefully, the root cause will be identified soon and a fix will be deployed.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-confirms-onedrive-shared-folders-are-indeed-turning-into-internet-shortcuts/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24018</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:17:26 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Linux Mint 22 Beta has Linux 6.8, Cinnamon 6.2, new wallpapers, and better Software Manager</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/linux-mint-22-beta-has-linux-68-cinnamon-62-new-wallpapers-and-better-software-manager-r24017/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	The Beta version of Linux Mint 22 "Wilma" has <a href="https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4725" rel="external nofollow">just been released</a> complete with a summary of the <a href="https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_wilma_whatsnew.php" rel="external nofollow">new features</a>. Despite a long wait since Ubuntu 24.04 LTS was released in April, Linux Mint 22 doesn't really include too many changes that users will notice.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Before we get onto an overview of what's new, here are the download links for the Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce editions of Linux Mint 22 Beta:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ul>
	<li>
		<strong><a href="https://mirrors.layeronline.com/linuxmint/testing/linuxmint-22-cinnamon-64bit-beta.iso" rel="external nofollow">Cinnamon</a> </strong>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong><a href="https://mirrors.layeronline.com/linuxmint/testing/linuxmint-22-mate-64bit-beta.iso" rel="external nofollow">MATE</a> </strong>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong><a href="https://mirrors.layeronline.com/linuxmint/testing/linuxmint-22-xfce-64bit-beta.iso" rel="external nofollow">Xfce</a></strong>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The main addition in this update that people will notice is the <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/the-linux-mint-software-manager-now-loads-faster-and-is-more-secure/" rel="external nofollow">new Software Manager</a>, changes have been made so that the main window opens instantly, even before the content has loaded. The Software Manager has also been updated to include a warning that a flatpak package is unverified - the Mint team recommends against installing those.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Unverified flatpaks in Linux Mint Software Manager" class="ipsImage" height="658" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719883186_mintinstall2.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	One of the best background changes in this update is the language support, before this release, things were a little hackish because, at the end of an installation, preinstalled languages that were no longer needed were not removed from the system as expected. In this version, this has been rectified and unused languages will be removed at the end of installation to help save a "significant amount of disk space post-installation."
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Further, these ISOs come with English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, Dutch, and Italian language packs so you can use these languages during an offline installation. If you have internet, other language packs can be used.<br>
	Here are some new technologies shipping with this update:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<ul>
		<li>
			Linux Mint 22 ships with modern components and the new Ubuntu 24.04 package base.
		</li>
		<li>
			To guarantee better compatibility with modern hardware, the kernel is version 6.8 and Linux Mint 22.x point releases will follow the HWE series.
		</li>
		<li>
			The default sound server switched to Pipewire.
		</li>
		<li>
			The Software Sources received support for the new Debian DEB822 format.
		</li>
		<li>
			Themes were updated to support GTK4.
		</li>
		<li>
			JXL support was added to Pix and a new thumbnailer was implemented for it.
		</li>
		<li>
			All software using libsoup2 was migrated to libsoup3.
		</li>
		<li>
			HiDPI support improvements were made in the boot sequence, in Plymouth and Slick-Greeter.
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	While these are some nice changes, this release doesn't come without a few issues. The main one is that a number of GNOME applications have moved to libAdwaita and stopped supporting the system theme. Rather than fixing the issue, the team decided to remove the GNOME Font Viewer and downgrade the following apps back to their GTK3 versions: Celluloid, GNOME Calculator, Simple Scan, Baobab, System Monitor, GNOME Calendar, File Roller, and Zenity.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The team didn't say what their long-term plan was in regard to these programs but continuing to use old versions is not going to be sustainable because new features won't be added and bugs could be found. It's possible that we see the Mint team fork them and add them to its Xapps collection.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	If you use the Cinnamon edition, you'll get the new Cinnamon 6.2, here are the release notes for that:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		Nemo actions can be organized neatly thanks to a new Layout Editor.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Separators and submenus can be added.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Labels and icons can be overridden to tune actions to your liking in your context menu.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		Cinnamon 6.2 also features many bug fixes, performance improvements and the following changes:
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Less printer added notifications (silenced for 2 hours)
		</li>
		<li>
			Wayland support: Clutter polkit agent
		</li>
		<li>
			Spices: keybindings support
		</li>
		<li>
			Better avatar support in polkit agent and user applet
		</li>
		<li>
			Workspace switcher: middle click removes the workspace being hovered
		</li>
		<li>
			Keybindings: ability to search by binding
		</li>
		<li>
			Cornerbar applet: shift+click action added
		</li>
		<li>
			Applets: improved precision in reporting VPN and battery states
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Finally, you can see some thumbnails of the new artworks. If you want to use them, why not give Linux Mint 22 Beta a spin? You can find the wallpapers in <strong>/usr/share/backgrounds/</strong> if you want to copy them and take them to your preferred operating system.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Background in Linux Mint 22" class="ipsImage" height="568" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719882890_backgrounds.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	With the Beta FINALLY out of the door, the Beta period should last for about two weeks and then we will get the final release. As Mint is based on <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/ubuntu-2404-launched-from-canonical-with-frame-pointers-set-up-by-default-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Ubuntu 24.04 LTS</a>, it will get security updates until 2029. It comes with Linux 6.8 which was released in March and it will follow the hardware enablement series at point releases to ensure newer hardware is supported over time.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/linux-mint-22-beta-has-linux-68-cinnamon-62-new-wallpapers-and-better-software-manager/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24017</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:16:19 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft 365 Insiders can now try out ODF 1.4 support in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-365-insiders-can-now-try-out-odf-14-support-in-word-excel-and-powerpoint-r24016/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	If you are a member of the Microsoft 365 Insider program, you can now get new beta versions of the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps for both Windows and Mac. These beta versions include support for the latest edition of the OpenDocument format, ODF 1.4.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In a post on the <a href="https://insider.microsoft365.com/en-us/blog/microsoft-365-apps-now-support-opendocument-format-1-4" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft 365 Insider blog</a>, the company stated that with this change, ODF files in these apps will only be saved in the new ODF 1.4 version. Older files that were made and saved with ODF 1.3 and earlier versions can still be opened in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but when people save them in those apps, they will switch to the ODF 1.4 file version. Microsoft says that some of the older Office apps that supported the ODF 1.3 format can still open files saved as ODF 1.4, but they won't be able to access the new features in the latest version.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	All users have to do is open an existing file, or launch a new file in Word, Excel, and/or PowerPoint, and then go to the File section, and then click on the Save As option. They can then find the folder for the saved file.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	After that they can click on the <strong>Save as type </strong> down arrow, followed by selecting the <strong>OpenDocument Text (*.odt)</strong> in the Word app, <strong>OpenDocument Spreadsheet (*.ods)</strong> in Excel, or O<strong>penDocument Presentation (*.odp)</strong> in PowerPoint. They can then click on<strong> Save</strong>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Microsoft listed some of the new features ODF 1.4 adds to each of these apps:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		<strong>Word</strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Tables in shapes: Tables are now allowed within shapes. Previously, only textboxes allowed tables.
		</li>
		<li>
			Lists from zero: Lists that start at 0 are now supported.
		</li>
		<li>
			Non-overlapping images and shapes: ODT files now support the option to prevent images and shapes from overlapping with other images and shapes.
		</li>
		<li>
			Number list formats: Previously, ODT files supported only a subset of the number list formats available in Word. Now, all formats are supported.
		</li>
		<li>
			Odd and even page breaks: If you add a section break and specify an even or odd page, that will now be saved to the ODT file.
		</li>
		<li>
			Additional writing modes: New writing modes have been added to the ODT specification. If you have certain languages enabled, you’ll be able to use them in tables and paragraphs where supported for .docx files.
		</li>
		<li>
			Decorative objects: A new accessibility attribute to specify that an object is purely decorative and may be ignored by assistive technologies.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>Excel </strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Error values: Minor adjustments were made for persisting error values to an ODS file.
		</li>
		<li>
			Filter by color: Added support to save color filter settings to an ODS file (with certain restrictions).
		</li>
		<li>
			Text direction: Minor improvements to load text rotated 90° clockwise or counterclockwise.
		</li>
		<li>
			Decorative objects: A new accessibility attribute to specify that an object is purely decorative and may be ignored by assistive technologies.
		</li>
	</ul>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		<strong>PowerPoint </strong>
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
			Page numbers: ODP files now support slide numbering starting from 0. Previously, support was only for values starting from 1.
		</li>
		<li>
			Table cell text direction: ODP files now support 90° and 270° rotated text direction within table cells.
		</li>
		<li>
			Decorative objects: A new accessibility attribute to specify that an object is purely decorative and may be ignored by assistive technologies.
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Microsoft 365 Insiders in the Beta Channel can check out ODF 1.4 support in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with Windows on version 2404 (Build 17531.20078) or later or on the Mac apps with version 16.84 (Build 24041420) or later. There's no word on when ODF 1.4 support will enter general availablity.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-365-insiders-can-now-try-out-odf-14-support-in-word-excel-and-powerpoint/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a><span style="display: none;"> </span>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24016</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:15:44 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft Designer adds support for creating custom greeting cards</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-designer-adds-support-for-creating-custom-greeting-cards-r24015/</link><description><![CDATA[<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Microsoft designer" class="ipsImage" height="456" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719863678_microsoft-designer-greeting-cards.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	More and more new features are being added to the Microsoft Designer app, which lets users type in some text prompts to create AI-generated artwork and graphics. Today, the company has revealed it has added a feature in Designer specifically for making AI-created greeting cards.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In a <a href="https://insider.microsoft365.com/en-us/blog/create-custom-cards-for-any-occasion-with-greeting-cards-in-microsoft-designer" rel="external nofollow">post on the Microsoft 365 Insider site</a>, it states:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		Greeting Cards is a fast and intuitive tool that turns your text description into a personalized greeting card tailored to your unique style and message. The front of the card features an AI-generated design inspired by your description. The inside includes an editable message for that extra personal touch.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Now, when users sign into their Microsoft account and head to the <a href="https://designer.microsoft.com/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft Designer</a> site, they can navigate to the new Greeting Cards section. They can choose to check out the section's <strong>Explore Ideas</strong> tab to see if there's already a greeting card design they like. If that's the case, they can simply make some changes to the text prompt below to customize their design.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Alternatively, users can simply type in their own test prompts in the <strong>Description</strong> box found in the Greeting Cards section. Then, they can click on the <strong>Generate</strong> button and see four different designs based on that prompt.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	You can pick from one of those designs or rewrite your prompt in case none of them work for you. All of the designs get automatically saved to the <strong>My Creations</strong> tab in case you might want to use one or more later.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	When you pick your favorite greeting card design, you can then click on it and select <strong>Edit text</strong> to create your own message inside the card. After that, click on the <strong>Looks Good</strong> button, and finally, click the <strong>Download</strong> option. The card is saved on your device as a vertical PNG file, which works well on mobile devices. It's available now in English, but there's no word on if other languages will be supported.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-designer-adds-support-for-creating-custom-greeting-cards/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24015</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:14:35 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft puts final touches on its new ad within Windows 11, rolls it out to Canary Channel Insiders</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-puts-final-touches-on-its-new-ad-within-windows-11-rolls-it-out-to-canary-channel-insiders-r24010/</link><description><![CDATA[<h3>
	The latest Insider Build of Windows 11 includes an ad for Game Pass within the Settings app.
</h3>

<p>
	<img alt="VNyF6XDDRcdy6uWM2Tao4a-650-80.jpg.webp" class="ipsImage" data-ratio="71.38" height="464" width="650" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VNyF6XDDRcdy6uWM2Tao4a-650-80.jpg.webp">
</p>

<p>
	<em><span class="caption-text">The Windows 11 Settings app will soon feature an advertisement for Game Pass.</span> <span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Microsoft)</span></em>
</p>

<h2 id="what-you-need-to-know-3">
	What you need to know
</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
		Microsoft shipped a pair of Windows 11 Insider builds recently.
	</li>
	<li>
		Windows 11 Build 26244 is available for those in the Canary Channel, while those in the Beta Channel can install Windows 11 Build 22635.3858.
	</li>
	<li>
		The Canary Channel build adds a controversial advertisement in the Settings app and a prompt to add a recovery email for your Microsoft account.
	</li>
</ul>

<p>
	 
</p>

<hr>
<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Windows 11 Insiders have a new build to install on their PC if they're in the Canary or Beta Channels. Microsoft rolled out the updates late last Friday, giving Insiders a chance to try out the latest features and fixes for Windows 11. Changes in the builds include a controversial new ad within the Settings menu and improvements to backing up your settings.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The new ad within the Settings app has been in testing for a while and is expected to make its way to general users later this month with a Patch Tuesday update. The "feature" is already available in a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/the-wait-is-almost-over-windows-11-will-finally-feature-an-ad-for-game-pass-in-the-settings-app-next-month" data-component-tracked="1" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/the-wait-is-almost-over-windows-11-will-finally-feature-an-ad-for-game-pass-in-the-settings-app-next-month" rel="external nofollow">preview build of Windows 11</a>. The ad will only appear for those who play games on their PC. Users also need to use a Microsoft account on Windows 11 and be on either Windows 11 Home or Pro to see the ad.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	On the topic of Microsoft accounts, Microsoft is adding a banner to the Settings app prompting users to add a recovery email address for their Microsoft account.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Microsoft outlined the changes in the builds in separate blog posts (<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-component-tracked="1" data-hl-processed="none" data-url="https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2024/06/28/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-26244-canary-channel/" href="https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2024/06/28/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-26244-canary-channel/" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow">Build 26244</a>, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-component-tracked="1" data-hl-processed="none" data-url="https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2024/06/28/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-22635-3858-beta-channel/" href="https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2024/06/28/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-22635-3858-beta-channel/" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow">Build 22635.3858</a>)
</p>

<h2 id="section-windows-11-build-26244-changes-and-improvements">
	<span>Windows 11 Build 26244: Changes and Improvements</span>
</h2>

<h2 id="general-3">
	General
</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
		This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="windows-backup-3">
	Windows Backup
</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
		If you have both Personalization and Other Windows settings toggled on under <strong>Settings &gt; Accounts &gt; Windows backup</strong>, many of your sound settings (including chosen sound scheme) will be backed up which can be restored via the Windows Backup app.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="settings-3">
	Settings
</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
		To ensure you don’t lose access to your Microsoft account, we’re beginning to roll out a new banner with a “Add now” button under Settings &gt; Account for adding a recovery email address if you haven’t added one for your Microsoft account yet. This will only show if you are signed in with a Microsoft account.
	</li>
	<li>
		We are introducing a new Game Pass recommendation card on the Settings homepage. The Game Pass recommendation card on Settings Homepage will be shown to you if you actively play games on your PC. As a reminder – the Settings homepage will be shown only on the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 and if you’re signed into Windows with your Microsoft account.
	</li>
	<li>
		We’re beginning to roll out a change that redirects links for the Fonts Control Panel page to the Fonts settings page at Settings &gt; Personalization &gt; Fonts. Insiders who see this change can still access the Fonts Control Panel UI by navigating to the system fonts folder in File Explorer and a link to the system fonts folder is also provided on the Font settings page.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="section-windows-11-build-22635-3858-changes-and-improvements">
	<span>Windows 11 Build 22635.3858: Changes and Improvements</span>
</h2>

<h2 id="file-explorer-3">
	File Explorer
</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
		The preview thumbnail title in the taskbar, ALT + Tab and Task View for File Explorer windows will now indicate if that window includes multiple tabs.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="windows-share-3">
	Windows Share
</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
		We’re rolling out some minor UI changes to simplify the Windows share window which removes the search box.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="for-developers-3">
	For Developers
</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
		Updated the logic for the “End Task” option in the taskbar so that it no longer shows a Not Responding dialog to give confirmation before ending the task.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="other-3">
	Other
</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
		Updated the Run dialog to now follow text scaling (Settings &gt; Accessibility &gt; Text size).
	</li>
</ul>

<div id="slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-wrvUSF7wyXS62kdRqDDFFK">
	<div data-hydrate="true">
		<div>
			 
		</div>

		<p>
			<a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/microsoft-puts-final-touches-on-its-new-ad-within-windows-11-rolls-it-out-to-canary-channel-insiders" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
		</p>

		<p>
			<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
		</p>

		<p>
			<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
		</p>
	</div>
</div>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24010</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:20:12 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Windows 11's new Start menu sidebar for Phone Link is unnecessary and only adds more clutter</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/windows-11s-new-start-menu-sidebar-for-phone-link-is-unnecessary-and-only-adds-more-clutter-r24009/</link><description><![CDATA[<h3>
	Microsoft is building a new sidebar for the Start menu that isn't very functional and adds questionable interface elements.
</h3>

<p>
	Microsoft recently started rolling out a preview of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/microsoft-unveils-major-windows-11-start-menu-upgrade-integrates-phone-link-messages-and-notifications" data-component-tracked="1" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/microsoft-unveils-major-windows-11-start-menu-upgrade-integrates-phone-link-messages-and-notifications" rel="external nofollow">new floating sidebar</a> experience for the Start menu, which brings direct access to your mobile device using the Phone Link app on <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="/windows-11" data-component-tracked="1" data-hl-processed="none" data-url="https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11" rel="external nofollow">Windows 11</a>. However, this feature doesn't seem to be the best approach or even necessary, and here's why.
</p>

<h2 id="the-problem-3">
	The problem
</h2>

<p>
	First, the company touts the experience as a feature that allows you to stay connected and effortlessly access your mobile device. However, the interface is nothing more than a collection of links to features inside the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/tag/phone-link" data-component-tracked="1" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/tag/phone-link" rel="external nofollow">Phone Link</a> app. 
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The interface dynamically shows a few notifications from emails and messages and some phone details like battery and Bluetooth, but nothing more. You cannot interact with your messages, photos, or calls. Anything you click will open the Phone Link app on that specific feature, including opening a photo, sending or reading a text, or making and receiving calls. 
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In other words, aside from the few alerts, you cannot do anything with this experience since you still have to open the Phone Link app to perform any task.
</p>

<div>
	<div>
		<p>
			<picture><source sizes="(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oUJgDHHDV99P3GecF7kVMY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oUJgDHHDV99P3GecF7kVMY-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oUJgDHHDV99P3GecF7kVMY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oUJgDHHDV99P3GecF7kVMY-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oUJgDHHDV99P3GecF7kVMY-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oUJgDHHDV99P3GecF7kVMY-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w" type="image/webp"></source></picture>
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			<img alt="Start menu and Phone Link" class="ipsImage" height="720" width="720" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oUJgDHHDV99P3GecF7kVMY.jpg">
		</p>

		<p>
			<em><span>Phone Link is an amazing feature, but does it really need to be in the Start Menu? </span><span itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)</span></em>
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			Also, if your phone is already connected to your computer, you probably already have the Phone Link app running on the desktop. As such, having multiple entry points for the same features seems redundant. Furthermore, remember that once you set up your phone, notifications will appear on the desktop and in the "Notifications" panel.
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			Even further, most users keep their most frequently used apps pinned in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-to-change-settings-for-taskbar-on-windows-11" data-component-tracked="1" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-to-change-settings-for-taskbar-on-windows-11" rel="external nofollow">Taskbar</a>, which means that trips to the Start menu are less frequent. Therefore, if you depend on this integration to access your phone, you'll have to access the Start menu more often. Otherwise, you'll be better off using the Phone Link. (Personally, sometimes, I go days without opening the Start menu.)
		</p>

		<div>
			<div>
				<p>
					<picture><source sizes="(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ySw8zEvsAjuJf3sWdRQZk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ySw8zEvsAjuJf3sWdRQZk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ySw8zEvsAjuJf3sWdRQZk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ySw8zEvsAjuJf3sWdRQZk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ySw8zEvsAjuJf3sWdRQZk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ySw8zEvsAjuJf3sWdRQZk-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w" type="image/webp"></source></picture>
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>

				<p>
					<img alt="Phone Link app" class="ipsImage" height="720" width="720" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ySw8zEvsAjuJf3sWdRQZk.jpg">
				</p>

				<p>
					<em><span>Using Phone Link to manage messages from Windows 11.  </span><span itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)</span></em>
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>

				<p>
					I understand this is an early preview, and the design might change in the future. However, Microsoft has a history of calling "integration" simple interface elements that only provide links to drive users to other apps and services, which makes me skeptical and wonder if we're not already seeing the final design of this feature.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>

				<div id="slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qAmvCncgpiTKQ6kobVYyJG">
					<div data-hydrate="true">
						<p>
							For instance, when the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/windows-11-copilot-getting-started-interacting-with-the-chatbot-preview" data-component-tracked="1" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/windows-11-copilot-getting-started-interacting-with-the-chatbot-preview" rel="external nofollow">Copilot</a> (formerly known as Bing Chat) feature was added to the operating system, the company marketed it as an integration. However, it was simply a button that opened the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/tag/microsoft-edge" data-before-rewrite-redirect="/microsoft-edge" data-component-tracked="1" data-hl-processed="none" data-url="https://www.windowscentral.com/tag/microsoft-edge" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/tag/microsoft-edge" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft Edge</a> browser on the Copilot web page. (To this day, clicking that "Copilot" button from the Windows Search homepage behaves like a link that opens the chatbot AI on the web browser.)
						</p>

						<p>
							 
						</p>

						<div>
							<div>
								<p>
									<picture><source sizes="(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7dG9ocmcS8T8KiALJ3kMzM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7dG9ocmcS8T8KiALJ3kMzM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7dG9ocmcS8T8KiALJ3kMzM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7dG9ocmcS8T8KiALJ3kMzM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7dG9ocmcS8T8KiALJ3kMzM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7dG9ocmcS8T8KiALJ3kMzM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w" type="image/webp"></source></picture>
								</p>

								<p>
									 
								</p>

								<p>
									<img alt="Windows Search with Copilot link" class="ipsImage" height="720" width="720" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7dG9ocmcS8T8KiALJ3kMzM.jpg">
								</p>

								<p>
									<em><span>Copilot found its way into Windows Search, sort of.  </span><span itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)</span></em>
								</p>

								<p>
									 
								</p>

								<p>
									The other issue I notice often is that even though the company rolls out early previews of new features to testers in the Windows Insider Program to get feedback, here is when I think many times Microsoft misses the opportunity to make a feature awesome from the get-go. 
								</p>

								<p>
									 
								</p>

								<p>
									The reason is that the company usually quickly builds and rolls out new features. As a result, sometimes, these features are rushed to users and later improved through updates, but more often than not, when those updates arrive, users are no longer interested because the feature wasn't complete from the beginning, and then we end up with features getting deprecated. 
								</p>

								<p>
									 
								</p>

								<p>
									We have seen many features added and later removed, such as <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-my-people-windows-10-fall-creators-update" data-component-tracked="1" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-my-people-windows-10-fall-creators-update" rel="external nofollow">Your People</a>, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-meet-now-windows-10" data-component-tracked="1" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-meet-now-windows-10" rel="external nofollow">Meet Now</a>, Chat, and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/whats-new-with-copilot-on-windows-11-version-24h2-2024-update" data-component-tracked="1" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/whats-new-with-copilot-on-windows-11-version-24h2-2024-update" rel="external nofollow">the Copilot sidebar</a> — to name a few.
								</p>

								<p>
									 
								</p>

								<div>
									<div>
										<p>
											<img alt="Show mobile device in Start" class="ipsImage" height="720" width="720" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6omUKzRLupHy9hNQyXSp8X.jpg">
										</p>

										<p>
											<em><span>You will at least be able to turn it off.  </span><span itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)</span></em>
										</p>

										<p>
											 
										</p>

										<p>
											The good news is that the "Start" settings page also has a new "Show mobile device in Start" toggle switch to turn this feature on or off when connecting a phone to your computer. 
										</p>

										<h2 id="the-solution-3">
											The solution
										</h2>

										<p>
											In my opinion, the Phone Link sidebar for the Start menu is unnecessary since it's redundant and adds more clutter. In this particular case, Microsoft should be working on bringing back Live Tiles within the menu, the ability to resize the Start menu, or other ways to customize the experience without adding more clutter. 
										</p>

										<p>
											 
										</p>

										<div>
											<div>
												<p>
													<img alt="Resize Start menu" class="ipsImage" height="720" width="720" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NQShhYNY69wTdqSipdmUpn.jpg">
												</p>

												<p>
													<em><span>A resized Windows 11 Start Menu.  </span><span itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)</span></em>
												</p>

												<p>
													 
												</p>

												<p>
													However, if the company is internally planning to open up the sidebar to allow other apps to show different elements, then Microsoft should make a better effort to communicate while developing new features. (I still think the floating sidebar is not a good interface design approach.)
												</p>

												<p>
													 
												</p>

												<p>
													For example, Microsoft should say something along the lines of: This is the design we have today, and you can now perform these actions. However, our plan is to build these tools and settings so you can perform these tasks and make the feature work this way. Also, here's a mockup of the final version we intend to release. 
												</p>

												<p>
													 
												</p>

												<p>
													If the company were to lay out the plan for a feature clearly, users wouldn't be quick to rush to a conclusion about a feature.
												</p>

												<p>
													 
												</p>

												<p>
													It's important to note that an early version of this new sidebar interface for the Start menu was <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-component-tracked="1" data-hl-processed="none" data-url="https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/windows-adds-custom-widgets-called-companions-to-the-start-menu-heres-how-to-make-and-use-your-own" href="https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/windows-adds-custom-widgets-called-companions-to-the-start-menu-heres-how-to-make-and-use-your-own" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow">previously found in preview builds of Windows 11</a>, and the design suggests that the company may not limit the sidebar to the Phone Link app. Instead, the feature will open to third-party apps, so developers can add widgets and other functionalities to the right or left side of the Start menu. 
												</p>

												<p>
													 
												</p>

												<p>
													The Phone Link sidebar for the Start menu is currently available for users with devices enrolled in the Beta Channel. It's only available for Android phones, but the company is also working to bring the support to iPhone.
												</p>

												<p>
													 
												</p>

												<p>
													<a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/new-start-menu-phone-link-only-adds-clutter" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
												</p>

												<p>
													 
												</p>

												<p>
													<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
												</p>

												<p>
													<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
												</p>

												<p>
													<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
												</p>
											</div>
										</div>
									</div>
								</div>
							</div>
						</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>
</div>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24009</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:17:48 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft's Weather app now displays more ads</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsofts-weather-app-now-displays-more-ads-r24007/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	It's raining ads in Windows 11. The Microsoft Weather app in the operating system now displays more ads.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	You may recall that a year ago, Microsoft had actually <a data-wpel-link="internal" href="https://www.ghacks.net/2023/05/15/microsoft-removes-msn-and-most-ads-from-windows-11s-weather-app/" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">removed the ads</a> from the app, and it appeared that the company had finally listened to feedback from users. But the annoying banners are back, and there's two of them now on the Forecast page. For those unaware, the old version of Microsoft Weather was a UWP app, but the company replaced it with an Edge WebView, which is a container that uses the Edge Engine. In other words, the Weather app is technically just a web wrapper for <a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">MSN.com/weather</a>. You can test this yourself, just open the website in your browser and temporarily disable your ad blocker to take a look at the ads, now open the desktop app, and you can see that the same ads appear in the Weather app.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<img alt="Microsoft-MSN-Weather-app-displays-ads.j" class="ipsImage" data-ratio="75.10" height="442" width="720" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Microsoft-MSN-Weather-app-displays-ads.jpg">
</p>

<h3>
	<strong>Microsoft Weather app displays ads on every page</strong>
</h3>

<p>
	<a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/06/30/windows-11s-msn-weather-app-now-has-more-ads-and-new-features/" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">Windows Latest</a> spotted the addition of more ads in the Weather app, and it gets worse. The advertisements are persistent, i.e. they are pinned, so they are always displayed even when you scroll down the screen.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<img alt="Microsoft-Weather-app-displays-ads-on-ev" class="ipsImage" data-ratio="75.10" height="387" width="720" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Microsoft-Weather-app-displays-ads-on-every-page.jpg">
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Ghacks can confirm that the ads appear in the app, the main page displays the banners on the right side of the screen. But that is not the only place where you will encounter the ads, they actually appear in every page in the Weather app. Switch to another tab in the sidebar, and you will notice that the ads appear there too. The ads are shown on the left side of the screen in the Map pages. There are no options to hide or close the ads, unless you block some servers via the hosts file, but it may take some effort to dig in to find the information.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<img alt="Microsoft-Weather-app-shows-ads-on-every" class="ipsImage" data-ratio="75.10" height="540" width="695" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Microsoft-Weather-app-shows-ads-on-every-page.jpg">
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	That's a shame, because the weather info is actually pretty good. But here is the good news, the advertisements only appear in maximized mode, so all you need to do is use the app in the smaller window. The bad news is that this trick only works with the main page, i.e. the Forecast tab in the Weather app, so the ads still appear on all the other pages.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<img alt="Hide-ads-in-Microsoft-Weather-app.jpg" class="ipsImage" data-ratio="75.10" height="540" width="695" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hide-ads-in-Microsoft-Weather-app.jpg">
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The ads are not the only annoyances in the Weather app, you will also see news articles from various outlets, and most of these maybe irrelevant to the location, unless you change the Edition (region) in the App's Settings. You may want to consider using <a data-wpel-link="internal" href="https://www.ghacks.net/2022/11/08/portmaster-1-0-released-open-source-application-firewall/" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">Safing's Portmaster</a> app, or AdGuard, or set up Pi-hole via Docker, to block ads system-wide in Windows 11.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	On a side note, the Weather app now has a fluent design with blur and transparency effects that can be seen in the menu, main page, and the tiles. The sidebar has some new options, you can now switch between the daily, weekly, monthly, forecasts, maps and other data.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Microsoft's ad strategies have been rather pushy, and anti-consumer. The Redmond company has been pushing ads aggressively in various apps, including Game Pass ads in the <a data-wpel-link="internal" href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/05/13/microsoft-is-testing-game-pass-ads-on-the-settings-homepage/" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">Settings app</a> in Windows 11. We have also seen promotions for Microsoft 365 in the Start Menu, the Settings, and the <a data-wpel-link="internal" href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/02/02/microsoft-sneaks-ads-into-the-new-outlook-for-windows/" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">new Outlook app</a>. Even Windows Defender displays a warning to set up OneDrive to protect yourself from ransomware attacks.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>


<div id="div-gpt-ad-1524862513262-0">
	 
</div>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/07/01/microsofts-weather-app-now-displays-more-ads/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24007</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:14:03 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft stops the rollout of new Windows 11 features in Dev Channel due to unknown issues</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-stops-the-rollout-of-new-windows-11-features-in-dev-channel-due-to-unknown-issues-r24006/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Windows Insiders, head's up: Microsoft paused the rollout of new features in build 26120.961 from the Dev Channel. Quietly and without any notifications (spotted by @<a href="https://x.com/phantomofearth/status/1807799929210818727" rel="external nofollow">PhantomOfEarth</a> on X), Microsoft posted the following update in the original blog post from June 28, 2024:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		UPDATE 6/30: We have temporarily paused the enablement of these features to investigate a few issues reported by Windows Insiders. We plan to begin the enablement again shortly.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Sadly, there is no information on the specific issues Microsoft is talking about. At this point, we can only guess what forced Microsoft to halt the rollout.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	As a reminder, the Windows 11 Dev Channel features in question are narrator improvements with voice access support, the new account manager in the Start menu, Windows Share upgrades, new emoji, Windows Backup improvements, a bunch of modernized UIs for the Settings app, and various fixes for Task Manager, graphics, virtual desktops, and more. You can check out the complete list of what you can no longer get <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/users-of-windows-11-insider-dev-channel-build-26120961-kb5038575-will-see-new-features/" rel="external nofollow">in this post</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	This is not the only update that has been recalled recently. Last week, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-pauses-windows-11-kb5039302-rollout-as-it-breaks-pcs-and-causes-infinite-restarts/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft pulled the plug</a> on <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-kb5039302-is-out-with-new-emoji-file-explorer-improvements-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">KB5039302</a>, the latest non-security update for Windows 11. It was breaking computers with virtualization software, causing infinite boot loops with no hope of getting to the desktop. Microsoft <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-resumes-the-rollout-of-botched-kb5039302-windows-11-update/" rel="external nofollow">restored the update</a> a couple of days later.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	That is the nature of early updates, regardless of whether they are from the Windows Insider Program or a non-security update preview. If you want to keep your computer as stable as possible, stay away from those things and keep its Windows Update running as is. Microsoft also allows pausing Windows Update for up to seven days, which is a viable option for those who do not want their systems to install the latest updates as soon as possible.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-stops-the-rollout-of-new-windows-11-features-in-dev-channel-due-to-unknown-issues/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24006</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:11:40 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft adds Copilot analysis of handwritten notes in OneNote for Windows for Insiders</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-adds-copilot-analysis-of-handwritten-notes-in-onenote-for-windows-for-insiders-r24005/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Microsoft continues to add more Copilot features in its productivity apps, including its popular OneNote note-taking app. Right now, Microsoft 365 Insiders have the opportunity to test out a new Copilot feature in OneNote for Windows that's likely been highly anticipated by many of its users.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In a post on the Microsoft 365 Insider site, the company said that handwritten notes can now be analyzed by the Copilot AI assistant. Copilot was previously able to scan and analyst typed in text in the OneNote app but being able to scan handwritten notes will come in handy as well.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="onenote microsoft" class="ipsImage" height="473" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719847200_ink-copilot-via-ribbon-1024x673.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	There are actually two ways that Copilot can be launched to analyze handwritten text. One is clicking on the <strong>Copilot</strong> icon that's on the OneNote app's ribbon. That will open the Copilot pane on the side where you can type in a text prompt asking it to scan the notes.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The other method is to select some handwritten notes on the app via your finger, your mouse, or your stylus/pen. You can then click or tap on the <strong>Copilot</strong> icon. It should launch a menu with several choices for changing those notes, including a summary, a rewrite, or creating a To Do list from those notes.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Microsoft 365 Insiders can download and use OneNote on Windows with Version 2404 (Build 17628.20006) or later to check out the new Copilot handwritten note feature. There's no word on when this will become generally available for all OneNote users.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In just the past few weeks, Microsoft 365 Insiders have been able to try a number of new OneNote functions, They include the addition of <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-adds-support-for-loop-components-in-onenote-apps/" rel="external nofollow">Loop components in the app</a>, along with <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-365-insiders-can-try-out-a-new-interactive-ink-tutorial-in-onenote-for-windows/" rel="external nofollow">a new interactive ink tutorial</a>, Insiders can also try out a new <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-365-insiders-can-try-the-new-eyedropper-color-tool-in-onenote-for-windows/" rel="external nofollow">Eyedropper color tool in OneNote</a> that support the creation of custom pens in any image, shape, or inked notes.
</p>

<p>
	 
	</p><p>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-adds-copilot-analysis-of-handwritten-notes-in-onenote-for-windows-for-insiders/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
	</p>


<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24005</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:08:53 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Statcounter: Nearly 30% of all Windows PC are now running Windows 11</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/statcounter-nearly-30-of-all-windows-pc-are-now-running-windows-11-r24004/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	It's a new month, and Statcounter has a new batch of stats for you to check out. As we head into the second half of 2024 and get closer to Windows 11's third birthday, the operating system is climbing to its highest point. According to Statcounter's latest findings, Windows 11 has reached almost 30% of all Windows PCs, which is a new all-time high for the operating system.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In June 2024, Windows 11 increased its market share by 2.14, climbing up from 27.67% to 29.71%. Earlier this year, Statcounter reported <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-reaches-70-market-share-as-windows-11-keeps-declining/" rel="external nofollow">a two-month decline</a>, which made Windows 11 the first OS to lose customers mid-cycle. However, it is now catching up and picking up some good steam.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Of course, it is still far away from Windows 10. Even though the aging OS is bleeding users, it still holds an overwhelming 66.1%. That is a decline of 2.23 points in one month.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Slow but steady, customers will continue upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 in light of its upcoming end of support in October 2025 (Microsoft is already displaying <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/so-it-begins-microsoft-starts-showing-full-screen-ads-about-the-end-of-windows-10-support/" rel="external nofollow">full-screen ads about that</a>), but things like <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-will-get-three-years-of-extended-security-updates/" rel="external nofollow">the Extended Security Update program</a> and <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-will-get-five-years-of-additional-support-thanks-to-0patch/" rel="external nofollow">unofficial solutions like 0patch</a> will help the OS stay afloat for years to come.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	It will be very interesting to see how much time it will take for Windows 11 to dethrone Windows 10. You can expect a more significant decline after October 2025 as <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/report-windows-10-end-of-life-is-expected-to-boost-pc-sales-in-the-us/" rel="external nofollow">analysts predict</a> more users will upgrade their PCs after Windows 10 is out of free support.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Here is what the Windows market looks like as of July 1, 2024, according to Statcounter:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ol>
	<li>
		Windows 10: 66.1% (-2.23)
	</li>
	<li>
		Windows 11:29.7% (+2.14)
	</li>
	<li>
		Windows 7: 2.95% (+0.09)
	</li>
	<li>
		Windows 8.1: 0.4% (-0.03)
	</li>
	<li>
		Windows XP: 0.39% (+0.02)
	</li>
</ol>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="A chart showing Windows version market share from june 2023 to june 2024" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719816797_statcounter_june_2024_windows.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Keep in mind that third-party analytic services are never 100% accurate. Only Microsoft can know for sure how many devices each Windows version has, but <a href="https://developer.apple.com/support/app-store/" rel="external nofollow">unlike Apple</a>, Microsoft never shares detailed breakdowns of its desktop OS market.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	You can learn how Statcounter prepares its report in the <a href="https://gs.statcounter.com/faq#methodology" rel="external nofollow">FAQ section</a> on the official Statcounter website.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/statcounter-nearly-30-of-all-windows-pc-are-now-running-windows-11/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24004</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:07:20 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Statcounter: Microsoft Edge holds 13.36% of the desktop browser market</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/statcounter-microsoft-edge-holds-1336-of-the-desktop-browser-market-r24003/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	In June 2024, not much changed in the desktop browser market. Statcounter's latest findings align with the previous months, where Chrome sits completely untouched in the first place, Microsoft Edge is second, Apple's Safari is third, and Firefox is fourth. Last month, Microsoft Edge slightly increased its market share, reaching a new all-time high.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	According to Statcounter, Google Chrome currently holds 64.69% of the entire desktop browser market. In June 2024, its share decreased by 0.18 points. The remaining 35% are split between multiple browsers. Microsoft Edge has 13.36%, which is a new record for the browser and a +0.24 points increase.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Apple's Safari, the only non-cross-platform browser in the list, is third. Statcounter says Safari currently holds 8.99%, which is also a 0.24% increase <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-edge-reaches-its-all-time-new-high-of-1314-in-the-desktop-browser-market/" rel="external nofollow">over the previous month</a>. Firefox is fourth with 6.53% (-0.11 points), and Opera is fifth with 2.91% (-0.32 points).
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ol>
	<li>
		Google Chrome: 64.69% (-0.18 points)
	</li>
	<li>
		Microsoft Edge: 13.36% (+0.24 points)
	</li>
	<li>
		Apple Safari: 8.99% (+0.24 points)
	</li>
	<li>
		Firefox: 6.53% (-0.11 points)
	</li>
	<li>
		Opera: 2.91% (-0.32 points)
	</li>
</ol>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	On the mobile side of the market, Chrome and Safari hold the overwhelming majority of all users. Google Chrome has 66.98% (+1.02 points), and Safari has 22.81% (-0.66 points). Samsung Internet is third with 4.26% (-0.16 points). As for Microsoft Edge, it is still far behind all the other competitors. It only has 0.38% (+0.04 points)
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ol>
	<li>
		Google Chrome: 66.98% (+1.02 points)
	</li>
	<li>
		Apple Safari: 22.81% (-0.66 points)
	</li>
	<li>
		Samsung Internet: 4.26% (-0.16 points)
	</li>
	<li>
		Opera: 1.90% (-0.26 points)
	</li>
	<li>
		UC Browser: 1.59% (+0.11 points)
	</li>
</ol>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	You can learn more about Statcounter's latest findings <a href="https://gs.statcounter.com/browser-market-share/mobile/worldwide/#monthly-202306-202406" rel="external nofollow">here</a>. There is also fresh data about Windows market share, which you can check out <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/statcounter-nearly-30-of-all-windows-pc-are-now-running-windows-11/" rel="external nofollow">here</a>, where Windows 11 nearly reached 30%. Keep in mind that Statcounter's reports are not 100% accurate. Click <a href="https://gs.statcounter.com/faq#methodology" rel="external nofollow">here</a> to learn more about how the company gathers its data.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/statcounter-microsoft-edge-holds-1336-of-the-desktop-browser-market/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">24003</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:06:08 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft fixes Windows 11/10 blocking updates with 0x80245006 error</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-fixes-windows-1110-blocking-updates-with-0x80245006-error-r23996/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Microsoft has fixed multiple Windows bugs and issues this past week both on Windows 11 as well as 10. First up, we had the <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-fixed-open-with-windows-10-taskbar-bug-in-kb5039299/" rel="external nofollow">"Open with" dialogue issue</a> on the Windows 10 taskbar. On the topic of Windows 10, multi-monitor monitor setup users would find icons jumping back and forth between the two screens, which has now been <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-finally-fixes-windows-10-desktop-icons-jumping-between-monitors/" rel="external nofollow">resolved as well</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Over on the Windows 11 side, Microsoft also <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-resumes-the-rollout-of-botched-kb5039302-windows-11-update/" rel="external nofollow">resumed the rollout</a> of a problematic Windows 11 update which led the company to <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-pauses-windows-11-kb5039302-rollout-as-it-breaks-pcs-and-causes-infinite-restarts/" rel="external nofollow">pause the update</a>. Meanwhile, others found that they were unable to download the June Patch Tuesday updates for <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-patch-tuesday-kb5039212--kb5039213-updates-for-june-2024-are-now-out/" rel="external nofollow">Windows 11</a> and <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-kb5039211--kb5039217--kb5039214--kb5039225-june-2024-patch-tuesday-out/" rel="external nofollow">Windows 10</a> as it would lead to a "0x80245006" error.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The issue was brought up by a Windows 11 Forum user <a href="https://www.elevenforum.com/t/windows-update-error-0x80245006.26120/" rel="external nofollow">Draken</a> who wrote:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		Hi i recently do a Win 11 repair (reset) and now when i press search at Windows Update i have the error 0x80245006 and Win Update dont search and find anything ... I google it and do many "solutions" but nothing works .
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Another user <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1700039/i-cant-update-windows-error-code-0x80245006-bitdef" rel="external nofollow">N K Evinrude</a> posted about the issue on the Microsoft Learn forum and suspected that a Bitdefender VPN update may be related:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		I can't update windows. Error code: 0x80245006. I also use Bitdefender as well as Bitdefender VPN. Bitdefender VPN was just updated.
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>

	<p>
		I suspect that Bitdefender VPN update may be related, but I'm not sure what settings may need to be changed, what specifically those settings are, and where they need to be changed.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	However, that is unlikely to be the case as Microsoft has clarified that the error 0x80245006 Windows update issue has been resolved. On a Feedback Hub <a href="https://aka.ms/AAqzljf" rel="external nofollow">post</a> about the bug, a Microsoft employee Jennifer G, gave the following response:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		This should be resolved now - as always, please don't hesitate to file a new piece of feedback if you continue experiencing issues
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Therefore, if you were also unable to update Windows and were greeted with a 0x80245006 error, you should probably try it again now. If the issue persists, make sure to report the issue on Feedback Hub.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-fixes-windows-1110-blocking-updates-with-0x80245006-error/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">23996</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 06:56:56 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft is testing a major update for Weather app on Windows</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-is-testing-a-major-update-for-weather-app-on-windows-r23994/</link><description><![CDATA[<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Microsoft Weather app" class="ipsImage" height="439" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719809272_microsoft_weather_windows_app_update.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Windows 11's pre-installed weather app will soon receive a new update with some notable changes. These updates were highlighted by <a href="https://x.com/ChangeWindows/status/1806969750091616427/photo/1" rel="external nofollow">@ChangeWindows</a> on X (formerly Twitter), and a summary of the changes can be found below.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ul>
	<li>
		The existing two ad blocks on the Weather app's home page are still there.
	</li>
	<li>
		The home page top bar now has a Fluent-like design with rounded buttons and more.
	</li>
	<li>
		Previously, the home page title bar had the option to change between Light and Dark themes. Now, you can change the theme from the temperature unit selector pop-up and then the existing title bar button. Right now, it doesn't work the way we expect, but Microsoft may fix it in the upcoming updates.
	</li>
	<li>
		The new navigation control on the home page will have links to various sections on the page allowing you to jump between sections easily without scrolling up and down.
	</li>
	<li>
		There is a new light theme which looks pleasing to the eyes. Take a look at it below.
	</li>
</ul>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Microsoft Weather app" class="ipsImage" height="431" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719810744_microsoft_weather_app_light_theme.jpg">
</figure>

<ul>
	<li>
		The "SEE MONTHLY PLANNER" button is replaced by "SEE MONTHLY," and it will now just scroll down on the same page instead of opening a separate monthly overview page.
	</li>
	<li>
		The "WEATHER INSIGHTS" section is now replaced by the "Weather details" section, which will now display Cloud Cover, Wind, AQI, Visibility, Dew point temperature, Moon phase, and more.
	</li>
	<li>
		The new redesigned home page has the new Weather maps section with a new set of controls; take a look at it below.
	</li>
</ul>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Microsoft Weather Maps" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719811498_microsoft_weather_app_maps.jpg">
</figure>

<ul>
	<li>
		Scrolling further down, the new Monthly section on the new home page introduces two new ad blocks.
	</li>
	<li>
		The final section on the home page is the Weather trends section, which shows historical weather data of a location.
	</li>
	<li>
		Apart from the home page, the Weather app remains the same as before.
	</li>
</ul>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	This Weather update is currently rolling out gradually, so it may not be available to everyone yet. If you've already received it, we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	You can download the<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9WZDNCRFJ3Q2" rel="external nofollow"> MSN Weather app from the Microsoft Store.</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Image via <a href="https://x.com/ChangeWindows/status/1806969719162917019/photo/2" rel="external nofollow">@ChangeWindows</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-is-testing-a-major-update-for-weather-app-on-windows/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">23994</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 06:53:55 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft Designer now allows you to create both landscape and portrait images</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-designer-now-allows-you-to-create-both-landscape-and-portrait-images-r23993/</link><description><![CDATA[<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Microsoft Designer" class="ipsImage" height="428" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/07/1719803915_microsoft_designer_landscape_portrait_images.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Microsoft Designer is an AI-powered graphic design tool that lets you create stunning visuals and graphics for various platforms. With Designer, you can generate professional-quality social media posts, invitations, digital postcards, logos, website banners, and more. As of today, all the features in Microsoft Designer is available for free for everyone.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	One of the key limitations of Microsoft Designer was the size of the images it could create. Until recently, it only allowed users to create images in a square (1024 x 1024) format. Even though the square format may suit various needs, users were asking for more size options. Based on user feedback, Microsoft has now added support for two more sizes:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ul>
	<li>
		Portrait (1024 x 1792)
	</li>
	<li>
		Landscape (1792 x 1024)
	</li>
</ul>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The new portrait and landscape options will make Microsoft Designer even more useful for users since it will allow them to create desktop wallpapers, images for PowerPoint presentations, and more.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Recently, Microsoft <a href="http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-designer-adds-frame-image-and-collage-creator-for-some-extra-flair-to-ai-images/" rel="external nofollow">announced two brand-new features for Microsoft Designer</a>. First, the new Frame Image tool can add a personalized, AI-generated frame to any image. Second, the new Collage Creator feature allows you to add up to ten photos, and Designer will intelligently arrange them in a neat layout and enclose it in a custom-designed frame. Both the Frame Image and Collage Creator features are now available on the Microsoft Designer website in English to anyone with a Microsoft account.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		Frame Image and Collage Creator can be used to create anything from wedding and birthday invitations to vision and mood boards.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	In addition to adding new features to Microsoft Designer, Microsoft is also integrating it across its products and services. In April, Microsoft announced <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-photos-adds-support-for-editing-in-designer-for-some-windows-insider-members/" rel="external nofollow">Designer integration in the Windows Photos app</a>, which allows users to edit their photos in Designer with a single click. In May, Designer was integrated directly into Teams chats and channels, allowing users to create images during their work chat sessions.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Source: <a href="https://x.com/DerekJohnsonSV/status/1807451793116532871" rel="external nofollow">Derek Johnson (X)</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-designer-now-allows-you-to-create-both-landscape-and-portrait-images/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">23993</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 06:50:45 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft finally fixes Windows 10 desktop icons jumping between monitors</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/software-news/microsoft-finally-fixes-windows-10-desktop-icons-jumping-between-monitors-r23991/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	In October 2023, shortly after Microsoft started rolling out Copilot to Windows 10 users, the company discovered an <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-confirms-copilot-may-mess-with-desktop-icons-on-multi-monitor-setups/" rel="external nofollow">odd bug</a> that would cause desktop icons on multi-monitor systems to jump between displays when using Copilot. To prevent user frustration, Microsoft applied a compatibility hold, blocking affected Windows 10 users from updating to Windows 11 or even getting Copilot on their system. Now, all of that is finally fixed.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 users with multi-monitor systems can finally get Copilot on their PCs or update to Windows 11. The bug was resolved with a new Copilot experience, which is a part of <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-kb5039299-non-security-update-is-out-with-taskbar-and-jumplist-fixes/" rel="external nofollow">KB5039299</a>, the latest non-security update for Windows 10. However, the new Copilot experience is rolling out gradually, which means some users will get Copilot on their Windows 10 PCs a bit later than others.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Microsoft explains:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		We are gradually rolling out a new Copilot experience for devices with Windows updates released June 25, 2024 () or later. This new experience will resolve this issue for Windows 10, version 22H2. This update () was released on June 25, 2024, and you can expect to receive the new Copilot experience between now and the coming months.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	The new Copilot experience in question is the ability to pin Copilot to the taskbar like a regular app and have it work in a regular app window:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		We are advancing the Copilot experience on Windows. The Copilot app is now pinned to the taskbar and behaves like an app. This gives you the benefits of a typical app experience. For example, you can resize, move, and snap the window. For existing Windows 10 PCs, the timing of availability and delivery method will vary. This might not be available to all users because it will roll out gradually.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	You can learn more about the bug in the <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-10-22h2#3217msgdesc" rel="external nofollow">official documentation</a>. There are still a bunch of open issues with Windows 10. One is <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-confirms-bugs-with-profile-pictures-in-windows-11-kb5036893/" rel="external nofollow">preventing users from changing their local profile image</a> in the Settings app, and the other is causing <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-confirms-caching-issues-in-windows-10-kb5034203-and-newer-updates/" rel="external nofollow">problems with the Microsoft Connected Cache</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	As for Windows 11, Microsoft recently confirmed taskbar issues in <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-kb5039302-is-out-with-new-emoji-file-explorer-improvements-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Windows 11's June 2024 non-security updates</a>, which are <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-resumes-the-rollout-of-botched-kb5039302-windows-11-update/" rel="external nofollow">once again available</a> for download after a brief pause due to <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-pauses-windows-11-kb5039302-rollout-as-it-breaks-pcs-and-causes-infinite-restarts/" rel="external nofollow">significant bugs</a> on certain systems with virtualization software.
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<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-finally-fixes-windows-10-desktop-icons-jumping-between-monitors/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
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<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts</em></span>
</p>
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