Zen Browser

Zen Browser: first look at new open source Firefox-based browser

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Recently, there has been a bit of a revival when it comes to forks of the Firefox browser. After Mullvad Browser, it is now Zen Browser that is trying to win the Internet by storm.

The Firefox-based browser is available as an alpha at the time of writing. Despite that, it felt very stable during tests.

The details:

  • Zen Browser is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  • The browser is open source.
  • You can download an installer or a portable version.

Since it is based on Firefox, it shares many of its features with Mozilla’s browser. This includes most of the interface and settings, as well as support for extensions. The interface looks modern and clean.

Here are core differences to Firefox:

  • Tabs are displayed on the sidebar and not horizontally.
  • Split view support to display multiple sites at once.
  • Improved profile management controls.
  • Tab Groups support (coming soon)
  • Telemetry disabled by default.

There may be more. Feel free to leave a comment down below if you spot any other.

Using Zen Browser

Firefox users will feel at home when they use the browser. They can import browsing data and install Firefox add-ons in Zen Browser.

Chrome users who think Firefox looks dated may give the browser a try as well, especially since Chrome is soon disabling old extensions like uBlock Origin.

A core difference is that tabs are displayed on the sidebar on the left. There does not seem to be an option to move tabs to the classic horizontal position. Maybe that is coming at a later point.

The settings include a compact mode, which auto-hides the sidebar and displays it on hover. You may furthermore hide the top title bar as well in that mode.

Another option available is to make the URL bar floating when selected. This moves it to the middle of the browser window automatically.

The New Tab page displays just a search option by default. You can add recent shortcuts and Internet shortcuts with a click on the customize button. There is also an option to enable three types of wallpapers: solid color, abstract, or photos.

A sync feature is also available, which requires creation of an account. Major browser features, such as password management, spell checking, translations (via Firefox Translations), or Developer Tools, are also supported.

Closing Words

Zen Browser is updated regularly right now, but it is still an alpha that is in development. Most users may want to wait for the first stable release to give this browser a try, if they are interested in it.

Another thing that may need improving is that the website reveals little about the team behind the browser. While that is not always a necessity, it would improve trust in the project if that would be made clearer.

All in all, a browser to put on the watchlist to check out again in the future.

Have you tried Zen Browser? What is your take on the browser? Would you use it? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

Microsoft installs KB5001716 update on older versions of Windows

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

If you still run an older version of Microsoft’s Windows 10 or 11 operating systems, then you may have noticed that Windows update KB5001716 was installed recently on your devices.

It is an important update, here is why:

  • KB5001716 is an update for Windows Update Service components.
  • The update enables Windows to download and install new feature updates for the device automatically.
  • It furthermore detects issues with the Windows Update service and notifies you about any that it finds.

In other words, it is designed to push new versions of Windows onto systems that are no longer supported or about to reach end of support.

Microsoft supports consumer editions of Windows for 18 months. The systems receive security updates and other updates during that time. Updates stop once the version of Windows reaches end of servicing.

Microsoft notes:

f your device is out of support, it is no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft and may become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you update to the latest version of Windows. Each version of Windows is supported for 18 months. After support ends, you must update to a newer version of Windows to continue receiving Windows updates and security fixes.

Here is the (current) list of Windows versions that will receive the update:

  • Windows 11, version 21H2
  • Windows 10, version 22H2
  • Windows 10, version 21H2
  • Windows 10, version 21H1
  • Windows 10, version 20H2
  • Windows 10, version 2004

As you can see, Microsoft is pushing the update to all but the latest versions of Windows 11.

These versions of Windows do not receive the update at the time of writing:

  • Windows 11, version 23H2
  • Windows 11, version 22H2

While this won’t change anymore for Windows 10, expect Windows 11 Version 22H2 to be added to the list soon.

Most Windows users may want to upgrade to new versions of Windows, as it guarantees that security updates continue to be provided by Microsoft.

Users who do not want to upgrade yet or want to keep full control over the updating, may want to prevent the installation of KB5001716.

If the update is installed already, you may check out my guide on uninstalling Windows updates and blocking them afterwards.

Closing Words

Several Windows 10 and 11 versions reach end of servicing in the coming months. While most devices should be upgraded to a newer version by then, there will always be systems that are left behind.

In most cases, this may not be a deliberate decision and the update may help these users in keeping their systems supported.

Which version of Windows, if any, do you run currently? Any particular reason for that, if you do not run the latest version?

Chrome

Keep on blocking in a free world: how to switch from Chrome to Firefox

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Google Chrome users who have extensions installed may soon have some or even all of their installed extensions disabled by Google.

While all browser extensions may be impacted, it is ad blockers and privacy extensions that are impacted the most.

One example: uBlock Origin, arguably the most loved and powerful content blocker available for browsers, will not be offered anymore for Chrome and all other Chromium-based browsers.

This means that you cannot install the browser extension anymore in Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Opera, and myriads others.

One exemption: Brave Software revealed recently that it plans to continue support for uBlock Origin. This would be the one exemption at the time of writing.

The developer of uBlock Origin has created a lite-version of the extension. Called uBlock Origin Lite, it remains available for Chrome. Its functionality is reduced, however.

Furthermore, users of Chrome who use uBlock Origin need to download and install uBlock Origin Lite manually. A click on the “find alternative” button in Chrome

How to find out if you are impacted by the change

Chrome Extensions Support
Google Chrome highlights extensions that will soon no longer be compatible with the browser

Do the following to find out if extensions that you have installed in Chrome are impacted:

  • Load chrome://extensions/ in the browser’s address bar. You may also open the page manually by going to Menu > Extensions > Manage Extensions.
  • If you see “These extensions may soon no longer be supported” at the top, you are affected by the change.

Tip: you can check out a detailed guide about this here.

Google lists all incompatible extensions. Each features a “find alternative” button, which opens a special page on the Chrome Web Store that highlights extensions that continue to remain compatible with Chrome in the future.

For uBlock Origin, Google suggests the following options:

  • uBlock Origin Lite
  • Adblock Plus
  • Stands Adblocker
  • Ghostery Tracker & Adblocker

While all block ads, none offers the functionality of uBlock Origin.

What you can do about it

You have just a few options at this point:

  1. Keep on using Chrome until Google disables the extensions. You may then extend support for about a year using Enterprise policies.
  2. Keep on using Chrome and use a different browser extension that works for you, hoping that Google does not introduce any other changes in the future that may impact it.
  3. Switch to Brave Browser. This is a valid option only if you want to keep on using uBlock Origin, AdGuard, uMatrix, or NoScript.
  4. Switch to Firefox or a Firefox-based browser. The extensions, including uBlock Origin, remain available and maintained for Firefox.

The first option is valid for all Chromium-based browsers, but it is temporary only. Google will remove the Enterprise policy next year, and that marks the end of support in Chrome.

As you see, you have a few options only. While you could keep on using a Chromium-based browser, Brave Browser, it is unclear for how long Brave will support the four special extensions.

Admittedly, it is also unclear for how long Mozilla will support the old extensions system. If it sees an uptick in users, as some Chrome users may migrate to Firefox because of the changes Google implements, it could very well be for a long time.

Are you affected by the change? Do you have any extensions that you rely on that would make you switch browsers, if your current favorite would not support them anymore? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

Android

Google Play Store could soon takeover updates for sideloaded apps

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Android Authority reports that Google is working on a new Play Store feature to take over ownership of sideloaded apps. This would allow Google Play to update apps not installed via the official Store.

A feature introduced in Android 14 allows application stores to update ownership of apps. When you download an app from a Store, this store has ownership. This means that it is responsible for pushing updates and other changes. It may also have the power to delete apps.

The option to change ownership was designed initially to prevent the installation of apps from a store that differed from the original.

Now, it appears that Google is working on a feature that allows Play Store to take over ownership. It seems that this is a manual process, for now at least.

The main benefit of this is that users may then update apps through the Play Store, provided that the app is also hosted on Google’s store for Android.

A leaked screenshot shows the listing of an app that was not installed from Google Play. The app shows an “update from Play” button. When users activate the button, Play Store is taking over ownership to update the app. Future updates will then be provided via Play Store and not the original Store.

Third-party app stores may also be able to use the feature in the future.

Closing Words

While the changing of ownership may be useful in some cases, for example when the original owner is no longer available or an app is no longer available in the original store, it may also cause issues for certain apps, especially if they differ from the Play Store version.

This should not work for apps that are not offered on the Play Store. Certain kinds of apps, including apps that let users download videos from YouTube, are disallowed on the Play Store. They can, however, be installed from third-party stores.

The best option to avoid this for now is to ignore the “update from Play” button when browsing the Play Store. It remains to be seen if Google will implement other changes related to the taking of ownership.

Do you sideload apps on Android? If so, what is your preferred download source for apps? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Logitech Mouse

Mouse as a Service – Logitech thinking about the “endless mouse”

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

If you thought that we are at a point where every company under the sun has introduced a subscription-based service, then you may not have heard of Logitech’s idea — Mouse as a service (MaaS), also called the “endless mouse”.

The idea behind endless mouse is simple: create a mouse that buyers may use forever, but link software updates to a subscription plan.

In other words, if you want to keep the software of your mouse up-to-date, you need the subscription plan. Endless mouse therefore does not only mean a mouse that you use until you die, it also means endless money in the pockets of Logitech. Brilliant!

It is arguable if software updates make or break a mouse. There is a chance that Logitech is going to design the mouse in a special way. Take a cue from HP and require Internet connection before the mouse starts working and Logitech can check that the user has a valid subscription.

It sounds like a nightmarish idea. A toned-down variant could be a replacement service. Whenever your mouse dies or misbehaves, you will get a replacement mouse immediately from Logitech.

Logitech is probably not the only company that is trying to come up with ideas to improve revenue by creating new subscription services.

ArsTechnica has the details. The endless mouse is not a product that Logitech is working on currently, but it is discussed there. Once the idea is planted, Logitech could very well test the waters. Ars speaks of a $200 mouse for enthusiasts plus subscription money. Though, the subscription could be used to subsidize the price of the mouse.

Closing Words

Mouse as a Service, or endless mouse, sounds like something that could never work. The real question here is this: what is in it for the user? What advantage does a user have when that specific mouse is bought with that subscription plan in tow?

What does it offer that justifies the price and frequent payments? It cannot just be the mouse’s hardware and technology, as other mouse manufacturers offer similar functionality. This leaves software as the only differentiating factor. Good luck with that.

Why not buy three of four mice that are good for most users and tasks, and be done with that. Sustainability may be an argument for some.

What is your take on this? Would you pay for hardware that is linked to a subscription fee?

Skype

Skype is getting the Anti-Windows treatment: Microsoft removes all ads

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Is anyone still using Skype? Microsoft has just released a new development version of Skype and it comes fully loaded with new features and improvements.

Probably the biggest one is that Microsoft is removing all ads from Skype. The company announced the new Skype release on its Answers website.

There, Microsoft bids farewell to “ads in Skype channels and beyond”. It confirms that Skype is going ad-free, which means that users will no longer see ads in channels, in chats, or elsewhere.

We’re excited to announce that Skype is now ad-free! Our latest update removes all ads from Skype channels and the entire Skype platform, ensuring a smoother, decluttered and more enjoyable user experience.

Note: The change has not yet landed in stable versions of Skype. Microsoft has not revealed when it plans to make that version of Skype ad-free.

The new beta version of Skype includes other improvements, some of which are definitely noteworthy:

  • OneAuth for Skype supports Android and iOS now. The system unifies sign-ins. In other words, if you are signed into a Microsoft app, you will automatically be logged into Skype as well.
  • Revamped AI Image Creation. Now accessible via the chat window or the top bar. Microsoft says it does offer an enhanced user interface and better navigation as well.

Closing Words

I have to admit that I have not used Skype in a long time and I do not know how popular the solution still is. It is probably miles away from its prime, but it could still be the go-to tool for millions of users.

These will benefit from the removal of ads. While it is unclear when the change lands in the stable version of Skype, it cannot be too far away.

What about you? Do you still use Skype or do you prefer a different platform for chat and calls? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

Cassettes

This private media converter runs locally in your browser

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Sometimes, you may need to convert a file to another format. Maybe it is because the original file format is not supported by your application or a service, or because you would like to reduce its size.

Plenty of tools exist to do that using dedicated programs on all major operating systems. Many are easy to use, but it may still be necessary to download and install a program before it can be used.

File Converter is a free private online service that supports media conversions without all of that. Just launch the dedicated website of the service and start converting. There is no need to install software or extensions, and the developer says that everything happens right in the browser.

The main file converter interface.

In other words, you do not need an active Internet connection to convert files. In theory at last. Here is why:

  • To access the site, you do need to be online (there is no offline mode)
  • Furthermore, the FFMpeg WASM file needs to be downloaded.

Good news is that your files are not transferred to a server on the Internet during the process.

As far as file support is concerned, it is pretty good. The service supports a wide range of image, video, and audio file formats. To name a few: job, png, webp, webm, mp4, or mp3.

Use of the service is super-simple. Drop files on the designated area on the webpage, or click on it to open a file browser. Once you have added at least one supported file, pick the desired output format from the convert to menu.

Last step is to click on the convert files button to get the process started. Since it happens locally, performance depends on the local machine.

What are the downsides?

There are not many, but if you have converted media in the past you may have noticed that I did not mention customizations.

The reason for that is simple: there are not any. You cannot change anything, including:

  • Quality of images or audio files.
  • Resolution of videos.

If you need that, you need to find a different tool for the job.

Also, the digital file needs to be on the local device already. This is true for the majority of converters, maybe even all though.

Closing Words

If you need to convert a batch of media files to a different format, without changing anything else about them, then File Converter may be a suitable tool for the job.

If you need more control, you could check out the native FFMPEG or other programs, such as Handbrake for video, fre:ac for audio, or XnConvert for images.

What about you? Do you use online or offline media converters? If so, which do you use and why? Feel free to leave a comment with your preferred tools below.

Windows 11 Start Menu Companion Phone Link

Microsoft should add an option to hide the Windows Start menu

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

I use the Windows Start menu a few times per year. It is been replaced by the taskbar and other means to launch programs.

While I run a few searches per year, which open in the Start menu, I do not really use it for anything else. Also, I prefer to use the third-party tool Everything Search for searches, as it is better in most regards.

I have no need for the Start menu anymore

The Windows Start menu offers just a few functions:

  • Launch pad for installed apps.
  • Interface for search results.
  • Shutting down, logging out, or switching users.

I do not need these, with the exception of the occasional use for searches. Also, Microsoft is adding more and more elements to the Start menu that I do not need or want.

I’m talking about the recommendations section that you cannot disable fully, as well as various placements for what I would call advertisement for Microsoft-owned subscription services.

Launch pad for installed apps

All apps that I use regularly are pinned to the taskbar. To launch apps not pinned there, I have the following options:

  • Runbox: using Windows-R to launch, is fast. You need to know the name or shortcut though.
  • Terminal: not as straightforward as Runbox, still might appeal to some.
  • Search: the Search is linked to the Start menu, but it does not need it.
  • File Explorer: manually launching an executable, e.g., a portable app that is not listed in the Start menu by default anyway.

Interface for search results

Search and Start menu are two separate functions, but they are linked as they use the same hull.

It would probably be easy enough to separate them, or split them again. Also, tools like Everything offer a better search experience in many cases.

Sign out or shut down

Windows offers plenty of options to do these, including:

  • Right-clicking the Start button.
  • Using Ctrl-Alt-Del.
  • Running shutdown /f from the command prompt window.

The Start menu is not going anywhere, quite the contrary

Microsoft works constantly on changing the start menu of its Windows operating system. It introduced the dual layout of the start menu in Windows 11 and has tweaked it since then.

It is also working on adding new account functionality to the start menu and extensions, which display content on the sides.

I do not really know how many Windows users use the Start menu on a regular basis. Many might. An option to hide the Start button would be an option to give users the option.

What about you? Do you use the Start menu on Windows? If so, for what specifically? Feel free to write a comment down below.

Google is testing a compact mode in Chrome

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Whenever there is an option to turn on a compact mode, I pick it. The main reason for that is that compact mode removes whitespace so that more content is displayed on the screen at the same time.

Google is testing a compact mode for its Chrome web browser. An experimental flag was added in Chrome Canary that adds the mode to the browser.

Compact Mode reduces the height of the user interface elements tabstrip and other toolbars, including the bookmarks toolbar. Google says that this frees up space for web content.

Here is how you enable it:

  1. Load chrome://flags/#compact-mode in the browser’s address bar.
  2. Set the status of the experimental flag to Enabled.
  3. Restart Google Chrome.
  4. Right-click on a blank spot on the tabstrip and select Toggle Compact Mode.

The change is immediate, a restart of the browser is not required. Repeat the steps listed above to restore the regular interface of the Chrome browser.

Chrome Compact Mode vs. Normal Mode

Here is a before and after screenshot for comparison:

The normal Chrome user interface
The normal Chrome user interface
The new Compact interface of the Chrome browser
The new Compact interface of the Chrome browser

The height of the toolbars is reduced, which means that they take up less space. It is a useful feature for users who want compact toolbars to free up room for web content displayed in the browser.

Note: Google lists compact mode as a prototype right now. Since it is an experimental flag, it is not guaranteed that the feature will make it into stable Chrome. It could change before it lands or it could be pulled entirely by Google before Stable users can set their sights on the feature.

Closing Words

I prefer compact modes, but this is not enough to convince me to make Chrome my default browser. It would go too far to list my reasons here, but I prefer browsers that are not run by advertising companies.

What is your preference? Compact Mode all the time or do you prefer other modes? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

X Data Sharing AI Grok Setting

X’s AI Grok uses your data for training by default – here is how you can turn that off

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

If you use X, you may have heard about the AI Grok already. Currently, xAI and Grok are playing catch-up with the current AI allstars. Plans are to push Grok to first place by the end of the year.

Whether that is going to happen or not remains to be seen. What is clear is that Grok, like any large language model, needs access to as much data as possible.

One source for such data is X itself. If you use X, your data on the site is used to train and fine-tune Grok by default.

X says that it is using posts, interactions, inputs, and results to train the AI on the site.

Block X from using your data to train the AI

If you do not want that, you may make a change in settings and also delete your conversation history.

Here is how that is done:

  1. Click on this link to open the setting directly on X.
    • If you prefer, you may also go there manually (Menu > Settings and privacy > Privacy and safety > Grok.
  2. Uncheck “Allow your posts as well as your interactions, inputs, and results with Grok to be used for training and fine-tuning”.
  3. Optional step: click on Delete conversation history to delete all interactions with Grok.

Note: Grok access is limited to X-subscribers at the time of writing. Your data may still be used to train the AI, even if you are not a subscriber or have used Grok in the past.

Once you have made the change, Grok will no longer use your posts on Twitter for training.

Now you: do you use X? What is your take on the default setting? Feel free to leave a comment down below.