Computers

Microsoft is rolling out an icon redesign for Windows 10

And a tonne of other changes!

Published

March 25, 2021

Shivam Vahia

Windows operating system, as we know it, is more than two decades old. A lot has changed, but a lot still hasn’t. In what can be called a revamp of the UI, Microsoft is finally changing the icons on an app called File Explorer, after a very long sabbatical.

The first and most prominent change is the addition of new icons in File Explorer. Microsoft has slowly made changes to the icons in Windows 10 over the last year, recently changing the icon for Notepad.

“Several changes, such as the orientation of the folder icons and the default file type icons, have been made for greater consistency across Microsoft products that show files,” says Amanda Langowski, Microsoft’s Windows Insider chief. “Notably, the top-level user folders such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads, and Pictures have a new design that should make it a little easier to tell them apart at a glance.”

Although this might not be a major change when it comes to the entire operating system, it is one of the ways how Microsoft is showing the modern look. Microsoft’s changelog for Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 21343 is long and exhaustive and includes several changes and improvements.

And most importantly, this tiny change shows us how software delivery has changed since its inception. From burning the OS on a CD to directly downloading unlimited OTA updates, Windows 10 is truly the last desktop operating system from Microsoft.

The operating system continues to receive endless updates that sometimes bring major changes, like moving the Internet Explorer browser to Edge, to smaller changes that are most-often go unnoticed.

Here’s a list of all the changes or improvements included in the Windows 10 build 21343:

We’re changing the name of the Windows Administrative Tools folder from Start to Windows Tools. We are working to better organize all the admin and system tools in Windows 10.
[News and interests] Update on the rollout: following our last update on languages and markets, this week we’re also introducing the experience to China! We continue to roll out news and interests to Windows Insiders, so it isn’t available to everyone in the Dev Channel just yet.
We are now rolling out the new IME candidate window design to all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel using Simplified Chinese IMEs.
We’re updating the “Get Help” link in the touch keyboard to now say “Learn more”.
We’re updating File Explorer when renaming files to now support using CTRL + Left / Right arrow to move your cursor between words in the file name, as well as CTRL + Delete and CTRL + Backspace to delete words at a time, like other places in Windows.
We’ve made some updates to the network-related surfaces in Windows so that the displayed symbols use the updated system icons we recently added in the Dev Channel.
Based on feedback, if the Shared Experiences page identifies an issue with your account connection, it will now send the notifications directly into the Action Center rather than repeated notification toasts that need to be dismissed.

Computers

Acer expands SpatialLabs developer tools

Enabling the stereo 3D experience

Published

May 31, 2023

GadgetMatch

Acer has expanded the developer tools for its SpatialLabs technology, providing professionals even more avenues to develop glasses-free, stereoscopic 3D experiences when using SpatialLabs Pro devices.

The updates include a SpatialLabs Unity plug-in, a SpatialLabs Pro-certified Acer OpenXR runtime to allow developers to use OpenXR protocols when creating stereo 3D content, and the Acer SteamVR Bridge.

Unity Plug-in

Acer’s Unity plug-in helps to extend its reach to more creators in various fields, including architecture, construction, education, medicine, and more.

Developers can take advantage of the Unity plug-in’s existing tools and verticals to enhance their experiences and help present their models in their true 3D form on Acer SpatialLabs Pro devices, without the need for glasses.

OpenXR Runtime

Meanwhile, OpenXR Runtime is now SpatialLabs Pro devices conformant.

This means XR developers now have the option to choose from Acer’s devices for glasses-free stereoscopic 3D.

They may also take advantage of OpenXR’s cross-platform and high-performance API for faster innovation while utilizing Open XR-compatible apps such as Autodesk VRED 2023 and Blender.

SteamVR Bridge

Lastly, Acer’s proprietary SteamVR Bridge driver is now available for developers of VR applications so they can convert creations on SpatialLab Pro devices for clear and captivating imagery without the need for VR headsets.

The SpatialLab Pro devices may also be used to leverage SteamVR Bridge and NVIDIA Omniverse for more viewing options for enhanced stereo 3D projection of complex graphics, visual effects, and simulations.

Accessories

Acer has an eco-friendly mesh Wi-Fi 6E router

The Acer Connect Vero W6m

Published

May 31, 2023

GadgetMatch

Acer isn’t just about computers. The company just unveiled its first ever eco-friendly Wi-Fi 6E router, the Connect Vero W6m. It promises enhanced connectivity, coverage, and security features.

Made with PCR materials on its chassis and an Eco mode for efficient energy consumption, the compact Connect Vero W6m is powered by a quad-core 2Ghz processor.

It supports Wi-Fi 6E Tri-Band AXE7800 while being cyber security compliant. It is also the first Wi-Fi 6E mesh router to pass EU EN 303 645 (RED) cyber security standards.

When it comes to performance, the Wi-Fi mesh router provides speeds of up to 7.8gps to deliver fast and stable internet connections online. It also has a dedicated WPS button for network security setups.

The router can also be paired with up to four units for an incredible network coverage area of up to 465 square meters on a dual mesh system and 930 square meters on a quad mesh system, effectively eliminating dead spots in the process.

Computers

Lenovo releases latest ThinkStation P3 desktops, ThinkPad laptops

Power and performance

Published

May 29, 2023

GadgetMatch

Two months after releasing its AMD Ryzen-powered ThinkPad laptops, Lenovo has announced the availability of the latest ThinkStation P3 series desktop workstations and next-gen ThinkPad laptops.

All devices are powered by the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors and NVIDIA RTX graphics, while offering improved memory and storage capacities to support even the heaviest workloads for various professionals.

Limitless possibilities: ThinkStation P3 series

Lenovo’s latest ThinkStation P3 series desktops come with refined form factors, making them space-savers while being versatile and powerful.

Tower

Up to 13th Gen Intel Core processors
Up to NVIDIA RTX A5500 graphics
Up to 128GB DDR5 memory
Six storage drives
Four PCIe expansion slots
Expanded chassis to support power supplies up to 1100W
Up to 26TB storage options for data-heavy applications

Ultra

Space-saving chassis, four-liter volume
Up to RTX A5500 graphics
Optional BMC for advanced remote monitoring and systems management

Tiny

Fits any location with its one-liter volume
NVIDIA T1000 graphics for up to six displays

Relentless innovation: ThinkPad P series

Meanwhile, the latest ThinkPad laptops champion power, premium design, and durability. The latest P series models provide human-centric innovations designed for hybrid work, so professionals can enjoy power and performance on the go.