Do you want to know a secret? If you don’t like Windows 11, you don’t have to use it. Look, in 2022 there are plenty of legitimate alternatives. For example, you can buy a Mac or a Chromebook. However, if you want to use your existing computer, you can simply install a traditional Linux distribution such as Ubuntu.

One of the best Linux-based operating systems for Windows Switches these days is Zorin OS. This distro is based on Ubuntu, but improves on that distro by providing a more user-centric experience, especially for current Windows users. Today, Zorin OS 16.2 is released and the latest OS version makes it even easier to ditch Windows 11. You see, with Zorin OS 16.2, you can run Windows programs easily.

“For those who want to use Windows apps and games in the Zorin OS, we’ve made it easier to find and install Windows app support. Now you can simply open the Zorin menu, navigate to the section ‘System Tools’ and open ‘Windows App Support’ to activate it with one click”, explains the developers.

READ ALSO : UD-ULTCDL 13-in-1 Pluggable USB-C Tri-Monitor Docking Station is Refreshed and Discounted for Holiday 2022 Shopping

The developers add, “We’ve also expanded our built-in database that detects Windows installer files for popular apps and games. It provides even more personalized recommendations for alternatives to sideloading Windows executables, guiding you towards a better user experience. For example, launching the Windows installers for Epic Games Store or GOG Galaxy now prompts you to install the Heroic Games Launcher.”

READ ALSO : Transcend Unveils MTE250S PCIe 4.0 SSD

For those of you who want to learn more about Zorin OS 16.2 specifically, you can read the full release announcement here. Once you’re ready to download it (and possibly switch from Windows), you can download the Ubuntu-based distro here.

At its Build conference in May, Microsoft made its debut Project Volterra, a device powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform designed to allow developers to explore “AI scenarios” via Qualcomm’s Neural Processing SDK toolkit for Windows. Today, Volterra – now called Windows Dev Kit 2023 – officially went on sale, priced at $599 and available from the Microsoft Store in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, UK UK and USA.

Here’s how Microsoft describes it:

With Windows Dev Kit 2023, developers will be able to bring their entire app development process together on one compact device, giving them everything they need to build Windows apps for Arm, on Arm.

As previously announced, the Windows 2023 SDK packs a dedicated AI processor, called the Hexagon processor, complemented by an Arm-based chip – the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 – both provided by Qualcomm. It allows developers to build Arm-native and AI-powered apps alongside and with tools like Visual Studio (version 17.4 runs natively on Arm), .NET 7 (which has performance enhancements specific to Arm), VSCode, Microsoft Office and Teams and machine learning frameworks including PyTorch and TensorFlow.

Here is the full list of specs:

• 32GB LPDDR4x RAM
• Fast 512GB NVMe storage
• Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 Compute Platform
• RJ45 for Ethernet
• 3 USB-A ports
• 2 USB-C ports
• Mini DisplayPort (which supports up to three external monitors, including two at 4K 60Hz)
• Bluetooth 5.1 and WiFi 6

The Windows 2023 SDK arrives alongside support in Windows for neural processing units (NPUs) or dedicated chips suitable for AI and machine learning-specific workloads. Dedicated AI chips, which speed up AI processing while reducing battery impact, have become common in mobile devices like smartphones. But as applications like image upconverters and AI-powered image generators are increasingly used, manufacturers have been adding such chips to their laptops (see Microsoft’s own Surface Pro X and 5G Surface Pro 9).

The Windows 2023 SDK leverages the recently released Qualcomm Neural Processing SDK for Windows, which provides tools to convert and run AI models on Snapdragon-based Windows devices in addition to APIs to target separate CPU cores with different power and performance profiles. Using it with the Neural Processing SDK, developers can run, debug, and analyze the performance of deep neural networks on Windows devices with Snapdragon hardware, as well as integrate the networks into apps and other code.

The tooling benefits laptops built on the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 system-on-chip, like the Acer Spin 7 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13s. Designed to compete with Apple’s Arm-based silicon, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3’s AI Accelerator can be used to apply AI processing to photos and videos. Microsoft and Qualcomm bet use cases will grow with launch of Windows Dev Kit 2023; Microsoft, for its part, has started leveraging AI accelerators in Windows 11 to power features like background noise suppression.

In a blog post shared with TechCrunch ahead of today’s announcement, Microsoft notes that developers “will need to install the toolchain as needed for their workloads on Windows Dev Kit 2023” and that certain tools and services “may require additional licenses, fees, or both.” ”

“More apps, tools, frameworks, and packages are being ported to natively target Windows on Arm and will arrive over the coming months,” the post continues. “In the meantime, with Windows 11’s powerful emulation technology, developers will be able to run many unmodified x64 and x86 apps and tools on their Windows SDK.”

Whether the Windows SDK reverses the fortunes of Windows on Arm devices, which have largely failed to take off, remains to be seen. Historically, they were less powerful than Intel-based devices while suffering from compatibility issues and exorbitant prices (the Surface Pro X cost over $1,500 at launch). Performance of emulated applications on early Arm-powered Windows devices tended to be poor, and some games only launched if they used a particular graphics library, while drivers for the hardware only worked if specifically designed for Windows on Arm.

Windows on Arm’s situation has improved lately, thanks to more powerful hardware (like the Snapdragon 8cx Gen3) and Microsoft’s App Assurance program to ensure work and enterprise apps work on Arm. But the ecosystem still has a long way to go, with Unity – one of the most popular game engines today – only this morning announcing a commitment to allow developers to target Windows on Arm devices for performance natives.

Microsoft wants to remove barriers and make it more seamless to connect to what matters across platforms and devices. Accessing your iPhone photos in Windows is a big step forward.

At a recent event showcasing the next step for Microsoft Surface, Microsoft announced, among other things, that thanks to a new integration with iCloud and the Photos application in Windows 11, you will be able to access all your photos and videos from your iPhone directly in the Photos application. Microsoft has started rolling out an update to the Photos app for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel with this new integration, which should be available later for Windows 11 users.

This new feature comes after Microsoft updated its own Photos app a few weeks ago – for Windows Insiders, again – with a series of improvements to the app, which is the key piece of software for organizing your pictures in Windows. According to Microsoft, “the update brings a beautiful gallery, making it easier to browse, find, manage, and consume your photo collection. It also lets you easily back up your photos with OneDrive, enjoy powerful experiences on Windows devices and provides a delightful “Memories” experience.

From Clipchamp to the new Photos app

The updated Photos app, which will replace the current Photos app experience, was introduced after Microsoft launched Clipchamp, the company’s new inbox video editor, which aims to make creative easy, fast and fun video on Windows, an application mentioned by the ProVideo Coalition before. Microsoft also noted, then, that “because Clipchamp is equipped with all the basic tools you’d expect, like cropping and splitting, along with more professional features like transitions and animated text, the new experience of Photos app no ​​longer includes the legacy video editor, so if you prefer to continue using the old Photos app, it will still be available in the Microsoft Store.

Now the “bridge” between Windows and iOS is being added to the updated Photos app, as Microsoft announced the company is taking steps “to remove barriers and make it more seamless to connect to what matters on platforms and devices,” adding “we’re thrilled to announce that we’re making it easier than ever to access the photos and videos on your iPhone, and the entertainment you love from Apple on Xbox consoles and Windows devices.

The Apple TV app is coming to Windows 11

Thanks to a new integration with iCloud and the Photos app in Windows 11, you’ll be able to access all your photos and videos from your iPhone directly in the Photos app. It’s seamless, just install the iCloud app for Windows from the Microsoft Store and choose to sync your iCloud photos. Now available for Windows Insiders, this experience will be available to all customers on Windows 11 in November.

According to Microsoft, the iCloud Photos integration is a game-changer as it removes all barriers for users who use both iOS and Windows and want/need to access their images from any system. The “bridge” between the systems doesn’t stop there as Microsoft has also announced that Apple Music will be available on the Xbox, joining Apple TV, which is already there as an option. Microsoft also announced that Apple Music and the Apple TV app will launch on Windows next year. Previews of these apps will be available in the Microsoft Store later this year.

Integrations like these, Microsoft says, as a final note, “are just one of the ways we’re making Windows available to more people with great experiences you love on every device. that you are using”.

Microsoft released Windows 11 Build to Insiders in the Dev Channel with new features. Right-clicking on the taskbar after installing the build will redirect users to the task manager.

“We’re starting to roll out a new setup experience for widgets. Windows Insiders who are also Office Insiders can now try out the new Outlook for Windows,” the company said.

The latest version will support third-party widgets and new video calling features for Microsoft Teams chat. The video call feature will preview users’ video stream to fix your appearance or spot any background issues before starting a call.

Moreover, the version has a snipping tool that will save screenshots automatically.

According to reports, third-party widgets can only be tested locally on the latest version of Insider Preview for now. It will appear in the Microsoft Store once the build is officially released. At this point, widgets can be created for packaged Win32 applications. Progressive Web App (PWA) widgets are planned as part of Microsoft Edge 108, The Verge reported.

More and more high-resolution displays are quietly including HDR capabilities as an added feature, and now Windows 11 will help ensure they’re used to the best of their ability with the new Windows HDR Calibration app.

The Windows HDR Calibration app, available for free from Microsoft through the Microsoft Store, was a small app Microsoft released alongside Windows 11 2022 (22H2) Update. It doesn’t seem to depend specifically on Windows 11 22H2, although it does require Windows 11.

The app comes with relatively strict hardware requirements: you’ll need an AMD Ryzen with integrated Radeon graphics or an 11th Gen (Ice Lake) or better Intel Core chip. Alternatively, the app will work with just about any CPU with a discrete GPU (AMD RX400 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 1000 or later). Of course, you’ll also need an HDR-capable display.

Are you looking for an HDR screen worthy of the name? Check out our guide to the best monitors.

What is HDR, again?

As our introduction to HDR on PC explains, high dynamic range content more closely emulates the light range as it transitions from the deepest blacks to the brightest. If you’ve ever looked at a dark scene and noticed a faint glow even around pitch black scenes, it’s not HDR. HDR basically asks the screen to make those black scenes as dark as possible, but turn up the brightness if necessary. When configured correctly, HDR makes for a nice upgrade in picture quality.

What our explanatory article describes in more detail can be summed up briefly: HDR works best when the display is capable of both high contrast ratios (for the darkest shades) and high light output (for the darkest shades). brighter). This can be achieved in several different physical ways. An important clue, however, is your display’s HDR rating: an HDR10 or HDR400 display might not put out enough light to make HDR really effective, but an HDR1000 display does.

There is another important point: In the Settings menu of Windows 11 (System > Display > HDR) Windows should tell you if your screen is approved for HDR. This is important, as it communicates to the Windows 11 operating system that HDR is enabled. “HDR-certified displays generally perform just fine without any additional calibration,” notes Microsoft’s HDR Calibration Windows app page. “However, you should still consider using the Windows HDR Calibration app on your HDR display.”

In other words, if your screen is certified, it probably already works fine, although the app can tweak it further. If Windows doesn’t point out that your display is certified (even if the box says so!), the Windows HDR Configuration app is just what you’ll need.

Overall, setting up your HDR display is a simple process, only takes a few minutes, and there’s even a quick fix if you think you’ve messed it up.

How to use the Windows HDR Calibration app

Luckily, a vendor recently offered me to evaluate an Innocn display for related testing of USB-C dongles and Thunderbolt docking stations. Innocn, a Chinese brand I had never heard of, sent me the Innocn 27M2U, a 27-inch 4K HDR1000 display. Although it was configured at the factory, with an HDR1000 label on the box, Windows did not report it as a certified HDR display, perfect for setup with this new app.

(One note: For best effect, make sure the display is connected directly to your laptop or desktop, rather than via a USB-C dongle or Thunderbolt hub. While I’ve found that a cable direct Thunderbolt to USB-C connection between my laptop and display enabled HDR, but not routing through a USB-C DisplayLink dock – great for productivity, but not for HDR movies or gaming.)

• Time to complete: 5 minutes
• Tools needed: none
• Materials required: Windows 11 PC, HDR-capable monitor, display cables
• Cost: $0

1.

Make sure your display is HDR compatible and HDR is enabled

Mark Hachman / IDG

Enabling HDR capabilities on your screen varies from screen to screen, so your best bet is to follow the instructions in your manual. This almost certainly means using your monitor’s on-screen display and navigating a few menus.

Your monitor may have more than one HDR option, such as “HDR Design” or “HDR Gaming”. Choose the one that suits you.

Some of our older HDR400 test monitors developed an ugly bluish cast when HDR was enabled. You can certainly run through the setup process to see if that goes away, although they might not work very well with HDR enabled.

If your screen also has post-processing effects enabled by default, you may or may not want to disable them! Establishing the right HDR “look” for your display is largely subjective – choose what works for you.

2.

Make sure HDR is enabled for your display in Windows 11

Mark Hachman / IDG

Make sure HDR is enabled in Windows 11 by going to Settings menus, then System > Display > HDR. Make sure you choose the right display!

Make sure HDR is enabled by turning on the appropriate toggle switches. Some choices are yours. If you’re setting up a laptop screen, you might want to turn off HDR to save power if you’re running on battery power.

3.

Launch the Windows HDR Calibration application on the correct screen

Mark Hachman / IDG

Launch the Windows HDR Calibration app and drag it to the display you want to configure. The app will not work (and will let you know) if it is opened on a display that is not HDR capable.

4.

Start browsing the Windows HDR Setup app setting the minimum luminance

Mark Hachman / IDG

The first thing the Windows HDR Setup app asks you to do is set the minimum brightness. Adjust the slider at the bottom of the screen until the “window” icon disappears into black, as indicated by the icons on the far right.

5.

Set the maximum luminance in Windows HDR Setup app

Mark Hachman / IDG

Repeat this step, just adjusting the maximum luminance. Again, adjust the slider until the window pane disappears. The focus here is on the brightest details your HDR monitor can display.

6.

Adjust full-frame luminance with Windows HDR Setup app

Mark Hachman / IDG

By now you should be moving through the HDR setup app pretty quickly. The only difference here is that you adjust the luminance of the display as a whole.

In some screens, it really doesn’t matter. The Innocn 27M2U, however, uses local dimming – it uses an array of independent LED backlights which can be switched on or off. (It helps with contrast.) In this case, you can (hopefully) ensure that the display is throwing the same amount of light onto the screen.

seven.

Adjust color saturation with Windows HDR Setup app

Mark Hachman / IDG

Here you can theoretically adjust the color display on your HDR monitor when HDR is on or off. This is extremely Depending on your monitor and the three test screens we used, we couldn’t detect any difference when adjusting the slider.

8.

Review the changes made in the Windows HDR Setup app

Mark Hachman / IDG

Here you will see what changes, if any, have been made to your HDR display output using the Windows HDR Setup app. (The only reason you don’t see any difference here is that we previously configured the display and the changes, if any, were too subtle to see.)

By clicking Finish will save the color profile you set up through the HDR setup app.

9.

Afraid of having missed something? Here’s how to remove this color profile

Mark Hachman / IDG

The new HDR color profile you just saved can be managed in Windows Control Panel. Select the Begin button, type color managementthen select the profile from the list of results.

You will notice that there is an “ICC (advanced color) profile” for each display. You can set this profile as default profile, Where delete it entirely if you don’t like the results. Note that you are free to create as many color profiles as you want for the screens supported by the application. You may want different profiles for gaming, watching movies, etc. Or not! You are free to experiment as you wish.

Microsoft is reportedly testing a new version of the Windows 11 Photos app. Not only does it offer an exciting new look, but it also has a few other improvements. The most notable change is a new gallery view that will offer a new way to browse your photos. Microsoft Dave Grochocki in a blog post, said the new, redesigned view will make it easier to navigate, find, manage, and consume how users access photos in the app. The new update will also bring improvements to the “Memories” feature.

While these features are exciting, they also have a downside, which is that you won’t be able to use the legacy app’s video editor. Instead, users can use Clipchamp, Grochocki’s recommended video editing app. It was added to Windows 11 in March. However, if you want to access legacy apps i.e. video editor, it is available on Microsoft Store as “Microsoft Photos legacy.”

Currently, the redesigned Photos app will first roll out to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel starting next week and will be available to everyone in October, according to Microsoft and Windows device manager Panos Panay. We expect it to arrive during the October 12 event that Microsoft just announced. Also read: Windows 11 2022 is rolling out; Know how to download here

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s big update to Windows 11 is rolling out for everything added like improved Snap layouts, system-wide live captions, voice access for control PCs, Smart App control for added security and much more. The version also has system-wide live captions to automatically generate captions from any form of audio content on Windows 11. Additionally, it has voice access which allows users to control their PC and create text using their voice. There is also a Natural Voices for Narrator feature. The new Windows 11 2022 update is rolling out in over 190 countries. Windows laptop and PC users running Windows 11 can update their devices by opening the Windows Update settings screen.

Microsoft released its first major update for Windows 11 tuesday. The update includes new security, productivity, accessibility, and gaming features.

The operating system is fast approaching its first birthday. At launch, the new operating system brought dozens of new features to life, including a redesigned interface, widgetmore accessible Microsoft Teams experience, several desktop computers and Layouts and Snap Groupsas good as Android Apps.

Here’s what you can check out today:

Windows 11 update makes using your PC easier

The new Windows 11 update adds faster and more accurate search to the The start menu, Quick Settings, plus better coverage of local and current events on your Widgets board. In October, Windows 11 will get a long-requested feature: tabs in File Explorer.

Windows 11 now has more productivity tools

Launch of Windows 11 with features geared towards multitaskers and users who wanted more organization. With this new update, Snap Layouts, which neatly organizes open windows on your desktop, is more versatile with improved touch navigation and the ability to snap multiple browser tabs into Microsoft Edge.

To minimize distractions, the update introduces Focus sessions and a Do Not Disturb mode to minimize distractions. According to Microsoft, when you start a new Focus session, Windows automatically turns on Do Not Disturb. This mutes notifications, disables taskbar badges and app notifications in our taskbar. Focus also enhances the Clock app with timers to help you focus and remind you to take breaks.

Windows 11 update adds new accessibility features

Narrator, the built-in Windows 11 screen reader, will receive more natural voicesimproving the text-to-speech function.

Additionally, the new system-wide live captions will go beyond the live captions capabilities of individual apps. System-wide live captions will display at the top of the screen and below the camera by default, but users can change the location of the captions to the bottom of the screen or in a window separate float. Additionally, by capturing audio from the microphone, Live Captions can now transcribe in-person conversations.

Voice Access, still in preview, enhances existing voice commands by allowing you to control your PC and create text by voice. The first time you use voice access, you’ll follow an interactive tutorial on performing common tasks with your voice. The tool also provides real-time feedback if it doesn’t recognize a word.

Smart app control and security

Smart app control should give you more confidence when downloading apps on Windows 11, according to Microsoft. The tool prevents potentially malicious untrusted or unsigned applications, script files, and macros from invading your computer. Essentially, the tool predicts the security of an application in real time. The feature, built on the same AI used in Windows Defender Application Controlis available for personal or professional use.

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen can now identify when you enter your Microsoft credentials on a malicious app or hacked website, and send an alert.

The update also enables Hypervisor Protected Code Integrity, or HVCI, and Microsoft’s Vulnerable Driver Blocklist by default on all new Windows 11 devices. Microsoft has also improved Identity Protection and simplified password management in the update.

Best video calls and content creator tools

At launch, Windows 11 did Microsoft Teams more accessible. The latest update introduces Windows Studio Effects, which can improve audio and video calls. The new Windows Studio Camera uses Voice Focus to filter out background noise, a background blur tool, Eye Contact, to make it look like you’re still looking at the camera, and Auto Framing that keeps the camera with you when you move. .

The new Windows 11 update also adds the Clipchamp video editing app.

Gaming and Android apps

Windows 11 update makes it easier to access games with the new controller bar. This also provides an updated view of the Xbox Game Bar for faster access to recently played games and launchers. According to Microsoft, the update will also increase gaming performance optimizations that improve latency and unlock auto HDR and variable refresh.

Players can also see a new home page in Microsoft Edge which offers personalized stories, easy access to Xbox Cloud Gaming Library and recently played games. There is also a built-in feature called Clarity Boost for sharper graphics in cloud gaming.

When Windows 11 launched, the new OS’s partnership with Amazon brought Android apps to Windows PCs. This update expands the preview of the Amazon App Store and brings the total number of Android apps and games to 20,000.

Greener features

The latest Windows 11 update aims to make it easier to reduce your device’s carbon emissions. For example, when devices are plugged in, turned on, connected to the Internet, and if regional carbon intensity data is available, Windows schedules updates at times of day that can result in lower carbon emissions. Microsoft said it also changed the default power setting for Sleep and Screen off to reduce emissions when PCs are idle.

For more information on Windows 11, see how the latest operating system differs from windows 10 and how to download windows 11.

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Steps to buy keys and activate new software

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After following the link and receiving an OEM product key to the email address you entered during registration, navigate to Windows 10 Settings. Click Begin > Settings > System > About the program > Change product keythen enter your product key.

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