Category: Software

Earlier in February 2022, Google introduced a freeware lightweight Chrome OS Flex. This operating system can be installed on any PC, including aged hardware. Chrome OS Flex grew out of Newerware's CloudReady project. The Newerware company was acquired by Google at the end of 2020.

Microsoft has released updated versions of the Camera and Media Player apps for Windows Insider members on the Dev channel. New versions will be available in the Microsoft Store in the coming hours.

Microsoft has released a new stable version of PowerToys 0.60 that goes even better with Windows 11. Its tools now appear in the modern compact menus directly, "always on top" now uses rounder borders for highlights, and more. Besides Windows 11-specific improvements, there are fixes and new capabilities in FancyZones, PowerToys Run, and other apps.

Microsoft has updated both stable and preview versions of Windows Terminal. The stable version 1.14 includes everything from the previously released preview. So the preview channel now hosts a newer version 1.15 that adds a new mark mode that allows selecting the text in terminal using the keyboard only, and several other improvements.

Microsoft is working on a new OneDrive app that receives a design overhaul. It gets a touch of Windows 11 appearance, which is mostly notable when you open its settings. The company has already added such settings to several built-in apps, e.g. Notepad.

Microsoft is reportedly working on a "lite" version of the Outlook app for Android. The lite version could eventually replace the current Outlook for Android client. However, it seems much more logical for Microsoft to have both applications simultaneously.

MSEdgeRedirect is a must have tool for everyone who aren't happy with Bing integrated too much in Windows 11. The app allows you to use alternative search engines where possible. Also, it makes it possible to open links in your favorite web browser instead of Edge. This affects all links in all apps, including apps from the Store, and links in the Settings app. Version 0.7 of MSEdgeRedirect further expands its capabilities to image searches, and includes reliability fixes.

ViVeTool is one of the tools that need no introduction for enthusiasts. The app is the real game changer when it comes to hidden features and "controlled roll-outs" in Insider builds of Windows 10 and Windows 11. If something new is not available in your most recent Insider release, it is a matter of a couple commands to get it working. Tabs in File Explorer, new Search applet, and tens of other features were revealed with ViveTool. This excellent piece of software has now reached version 0.3.1 that brings with it a lot of novelties.

With version 22H2, Microsoft has made the Microsoft Account requirement mandatory for all editions of the OS. The change wasn't welcomed by the community, so enthusiast quickly found ways to bypass it. Now those who use Rufus to create a bootable media, can now use the tool to install Windows 11 without creating a Microsoft Account and made the setup program less annoying.

Microsoft has released a new cross-platform Microsoft Defender app for consumers. On Windows, it acts as an additional dashboard for the built-in anti-virus, while on other platforms it includes the Defender engine.