Welcome to the August edition of Technology Today
Quick tech news for the busy professional! Here you will find:
- Windows 11: unlocking productivity
- Microsoft: what’s new?
- Tech Facts: did you know?
- Q & A: what everyone’s asking
- Quiz Time: test your team!
Unlock these productivity gems in Windows 11
Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has been continuously updated, bringing new features and improvements to make your life easier. But while big announcements like the AI assistant Copilot and expanded hardware support grab headlines, there are some lesser-known features that deserve your attention too.
These hidden gems can make your Windows 11 experience quicker and easier, helping you stay productive and organised.
One of the most helpful features in Windows 11 is Focus mode. Picture this: You’re deep into an important project, and suddenly, notifications start popping up – emails, instant messages, reminders. It’s hard to maintain focus with all these interruptions. Focus mode comes to the rescue by silencing them.
To activate it, click the bell icon at the bottom right of your screen and select “Focus” from the menu. This will give you a 20-minute period with no interruptions, which you can pause anytime. It’s your digital “Do Not Disturb” sign.
Another great feature is Live captions. Imagine you’re in a noisy office or maybe you have some difficulty hearing. Understanding audio and video files can be challenging. Windows 11 has built-in live captioning that automatically generates captions for your content.
You can activate it from the Accessibility settings (go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions) or by pressing Windows Key + Ctrl + L. The first time you use it, you’ll need to agree to Microsoft’s voice processing terms and download a speech pack. After that, captions will appear at the top of your screen, making it easier to follow along with any audio or video.
If you find typing tedious, you’ll love Voice typing. This lets you dictate text instead of typing it. To start, press Windows Key + H. Make sure you have a microphone connected (your webcam mic works fine). Click the mic button that appears, and you’re ready to go. You can even set it up to automatically punctuate your sentences. Voice commands like “stop listening” or “ignore that” help you control the flow of dictation. It’s a real time-saver for writing emails or documents.
And if you want a tidy and efficient desktop, Start menu folders are a game-changer. To create a folder, right-click an app and select “Pin to start.” Then drag another app over it, and they’ll combine into a folder. You can rename the folder and move it to the top of your Start menu for quick access to your most-used apps. It’s a simple way to keep things organised and within reach.
Finally, there’s the Snapping bar. If you’re a multitasker, this feature is a lifesaver. It lets you snap windows into various layouts on your screen. Drag a window to the top of the screen, and a set of layout options will appear. You can place windows in different positions, making the most of your screen space. You can also use the Windows key + arrow keys to snap windows into place. If you don’t see the snapping options, you can turn them on in Settings > System > Multitasking.
These features may not seem huge but they can really enhance your Windows 11 experience. Try them out and see how much time you can save.
What’s new to Microsoft?
Better coordination, wherever you work from
If some of your team work from the office while others are remote, collaborating and coordinating for meetings can be a little more challenging.
Microsoft Places is a new AI-powered tool that can change all that. It helps employees coordinate in-office time, book rooms, and desks, and see coworkers’ schedules. It integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and Teams, to make planning easier and boost workplace connections.
Did you know?
Tech Facts:
- Certain fonts use less printer ink and cut costs over time. The classic Times New Roman is one of the best standard ink-saving fonts you can use.
- The US Air Force used PlayStation 3s, but not for gaming. They used 1,760 consoles to create the world’s 33rd-fastest computer inside their research laboratory.
- Apple’s iTunes has some interesting terms and conditions. By agreeing to them, you’re agreeing not to build nuclear or biological weapons with iTunes.
Q & A
Q: Should I upgrade to Windows 11 or wait for Windows 12?
A: At time of writing there’s no release date set for Windows 12. But we do know support for Windows 10 will end next year, so upgrading to Windows 11 is a good idea.
Q: Switching from window to window is a real pain when I’m busy. Is there an easier way?
A: Try split screen. Hover over the Maximise button of a window and choose Snap Layouts. This is only available in Windows 11 though. If you need help upgrading, get in touch.
Time for a Tech Quiz!
- What was the original name for Amazon.com?
- What does the word “Android” mean?
- Why was the QWERTY keyboard designed?
- What was a computer mouse first called?
- Nomophobia is a phobia of what?
See answers below
That’s all for today, folks!
Until next time,
The GZD team
Quiz answers:
1. Cadabra Inc
2. Human with a male robot appearance (gynoid is the female equivalent)
3. To slow down typing speeds and therefore reduce jamming (on typewriters)
4. X-Y position indicator for displays
5. Being without a working mobile phone
