Get Classic Start Menu & Disable Start Screen On Windows RT Tablets

by on
Leave a comment
The Start Menu vs. Start Screen menu has been going on endlessly since Windows 8 was first showcased by Microsoft to reveal the lack of a Start menu. Fans of the classic Start Menu have since released several third-party apps to bring it back on Windows 8 devices, and we have brought you several such tools here at AddictiveTips over the past few months, which you can check out in our compilation of best Windows 8 Start Screen modifiers and Start Menu apps. However, all these previously mentioned applications only work for the x86 and x64 versions of Windows, i.e. Windows 8 and if you have a Windows RT tablet that uses ARM architecture, you will not be able to take advantage of these apps. What we have for you today is a port of previously featured Classic Shell for jailbroken Windows RT tablets (like Microsoft Surface RT) that bring the Start Menu back on the device and disables the Start Screen. Read More

Echo Comics Is A Windows 8 Comic Reader With SkyDrive Support

by on
1
Even though comics are mostly a bunch of JPG images combined together in an archive, a dedicated comic app provides a better comic reading experience than a just a normal image viewer. CBZ and CBR are the two of the most famous formats for comics and there are numerous comic reading apps available that support these formats, providing you with special options such as bookmarking the place where you left reading the comic, offering multiple-page views, managing your comics library, and creating separate lists for your favorite comics. Previously, we have covered some good comic apps for both Windows 7 and Windows 8 (Modern UI) including the open-source MComix and ComiXology’s Modern UI comic reader. Tablets are great for reading comics and books, and Windows Store has been getting some very good comic readers by various developers. Today, we bring to your another comic reading app for Windows 8/RT called Echo Comics that lets you access CBZ and CBR comics stored in both your local drive and your SkyDrive account. Read More

Charming Reddit Is A Windows 8 Reddit Client Focused On Images

by on
Leave a comment
Reddit is among the most popular websites on the internet right now. It provides users with a platform to share social news and entertainment content in the form of a link, text or an image. Other users of the service can then express their opinion by voting it up or down, and leaving comments. Because of its huge community, it offers a great way to discover new and interesting information, and have a discussion on it with other people having similar interests but vastly varying opinions. Previously, we have covered some great Windows 8 apps such as ReddHub and Snoo that allow you to browse the content posted on reddit. Charming Reddit is another reddit client for Windows 8, but one that focuses on providing a better way to view images shared on the network. Read More

Capture Audio & Video From Desktop Or Webcam & Stream It To Another PC

by on
Leave a comment
We cover a lot of screenshot and screencast utilities here to help you capture and share your on-screen activity with others. Most screencast tools are limited in the sense that they only allow you to capture the screen video, and you have to use other software to record any audio over it. Today, we're bringing you a screen recording application called Shoot Your Screen that allows you to capture video from your screen and webcam, as well as the audio feed from a built-in or external microphone. You can choose a specific screen region for capturing the video feed and stop the capture after required number of seconds. Moreover, the application allows you to stream the feed over the internet without using a third-party streaming tool. Read More

Data Backuper Offers One-Click System Backup, Disk & Volume Cloning

by on
4
Normally, data backup applications allow you to create backups of files and folders without saving their original organization structure. For instance, if you have backed up three folders from different partitions, you will have to manually place them in their correct location when you are restoring them. One way to overcome this problem is by using a disk image backup tool that lets you generate a backup of all information on a disk, complete with the locations of files and folders, the Master Boot Record, and even information about the the empty space on your drive. It is the best solution for backing up complex folder structures if you want to be able to restore everything in its original form. Today, we have a backup tool called Data Backuper that allows you to create complete disk backups, partition backups, system backups (to backup system drive) as well as disks and partitions clones. The app's options allow you to check the integrity of a backup image, create bootable media from it, and even mount it to explore the contents via Windows Explorer without having to restore it first. Read More

Quickly Capture, Edit & Upload Screenshots & Webcam Images With EzSnap

by on
1
Yet another day, yet another screenshot tool and like always, it comes with a new function. We have covered a lot of screenshot tools in the past, many of them offering something unique to the users. While some, like Screen Sniper, allow you to capture and paste screenshots in bulk, while others, such as Free ShareShot, offer options for editing and optimizing the screenshots for direct printing and uploading. You can even capture screenshots of a remote PC without having physical access to it. EzSnap is another handy tool that allows you to quickly capture screenshots as well as photos using your webcam. You can also edit and upload the captured images, and view as well as sync your entire history and statistics in an online account, allowing you to access to all the images you capture from anywhere, at any time. Read More

Add Custom Program & Website Tiles In Bulk To Windows 8 Start Screen

by on
2
The Windows 8 Modern UI has had a mixed reception from its users, with some of them asking for a return to the conventional Windows style, and others welcoming the bold new look and feel. Most of the discussions have been about the Start Screen that has replaced the desktop in terms of being the default workspace, while the desktop has become more like another app running over the Modern UI framework. Whatever side you are on, one thing is for sure – if you want to continue using Windows, you will have to get used to the new interface. There are a lot of tools available that allow you to get the Start Orb back but if you want Windows 8 to look like Windows 7, why would you upgrade in the first place? At AddictiveTips, we often bring you tools that extend the functionality of Windows. The latest one we've come across is TileManager that allows you to create tile shortcuts in batch on the Start Screen. You can edit the names of shortcuts before placing them on the Start Screen, and change their icons. Read More

Find Great Movies To Watch With MovieNight For Windows 8 And RT

by on
1
Whenever someone else suggests a new movie, a lot of us check out its rating, cast and plot on the Internet before buying or renting it. You must be familiar with IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes as two of the most famous online databases used by people to look up information on movies, celebrities, TV shows etc. Based on your experience, you might have your own preferences among these sources; however, there is no doubt that both these services provide great analysis. Today, we have an app for Windows 8 called MovieNight that allows you to view movie ratings, look it up on Netflix, and buy it on Amazon, all from its Modern UI interface. In addition, you can see lists and details of the overall top movies, latest DVD releases, top rentals and movies up in theaters right now. Read More

Get Glitch-Free Window Border Transparency In Windows 8

by on
4
Other than replacing the Start Menu with the Start Screen, the removal of the Aero Glass effect has been one of the most noticeable changes in the Windows 8. This was possibly a move to make the dialog boxes look in harmony with the new Modern UI design principles. After all, the fogged, translucent window borders from Aero Glass didn't really match the squared corners and opaque graphical elements of the new look. However, there are still a lot of users looking for ways to get the old look back. Previously, we came across a tool called Aero8Tuner that allowed you to make window borders transparent, but it was quite buggy and distorted the windows when you moved them around. WinaeroGlass, is another tool to bring Aero Glass back to Windows, except that this one works really well and isn't riddled with bugs. Read More

Auto-Organize Files Into Custom Folders Based On Extensions

by on
4
Keeping our files organized goes a long way; with all our related files neatly organized together, it's easy to find our required files when we need them. With huge hard disks and broadband access becoming common, many of us don’t care about keeping everything organized anymore, and just keep on piling all our downloads in the default download folder. Later, the thought of going through such a huge pile often makes us shy away from the task. As a result, whenever you need a previously downloaded file, you have to do a manual search. One way to avoid all this mess is to transfer the files to different folders based on file types, as soon as they are downloaded. Desktop Intray lets you automate this process by organizing your files for you into folders of your choice, according to their types. Read More

Record Picture-In-Picture Skype Video Calls On Windows

by on
Leave a comment
Skype is unarguably one of the best communication clients for instant messaging, voice and video calling. It offers crisp video and audio quality over a stable connection, which is why, for users all over the world, it is a default medium for staying in touch with friends and loved ones. While being available to everyone for free, the premium account of Skype offers extended services, such as group video calls, screen sharing and file transfer capabilities. Apart from all these built-in features, there are a lot of plugins and third party applications that add to the usability of Skype, quite a few of which we have covered here at AddictiveTips. Today, we present to you another similar third party Windows application called Free Video Call Recorder for Skype that, as its name suggests, allows you to record Skype video calls. The app records both the video and audio feed from your own webcam and that of the other party. You can choose to record video from both sides in a picture-in-picture view, video from the other party only or just the audio from both sides. Keep reading past the break for further details on this nifty app. Read More

Capture & Paste Screenshots In Bulk With Screen Sniper

by on
Leave a comment
While explaining something to others, words alone are often not enough and if the explanation involves computer programs, screenshots can act as a major visual aid for the process. Moreover, they are a great way to make boring and complicated tutorials easy to understand and less dull for the readers. Previously, we brought you a list of 5 best free screenshot capturing apps for Windows and today, we have another useful screenshot capturing utility for you called Screen Sniper. It allows you to take high quality screenshots with a hotkey, and provides clipboard support to store and paste multiple screenshots in one go. Keep reading to find out more about the app. Read More

Cycle Through Multiple Clipboard Items With Ease Using RClipStep

by on
Leave a comment
The Windows Clipboard, one of the most extensively used features of Windows, makes use of your PC's RAM to store copied items on a temporary basis. Even though it proves to be a big time saver, the native Windows clipboard manager doesn’t have the ability to hold more than one copied item at a time. That is the reason why a lot of third party clipboard managers have surfaced to let users save as many copied items in the clipboard as they want. Some of them, like the previously covered ClipboardZanager, allows you to hold clipboard items in its memory even after the system reboots. Another useful clipboard tool called Save.me automatically saves everything you are working on, including text, images, URLs, files and folders. Today, we have another clipboard manager for you called RClipStep that lets you store multiple entries and cycle through them by repeatedly pressing V while pasting them using the Ctrl+V keyboard shortcut. Moreover, the application also saves copied text items and images in a folder, allowing you to keep them saved them for as long as you wish. Read More

Easily Tweak & Edit EPUB Books In Your Favorite Windows Text Editor

by on
4
EPUB is one of the most famous formats used by ebook publishers for publishing their books on multiple platforms. The reason for its popularity lies in the fact that it is designed for reflowable content, allowing the text to be optimally rendered by the reader software on any display device. The format is natively supported by all modern ebook readers such as Amazon Kindle series and Barnes & Noble Nook series, and a wide range of ebook reader apps available for PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Windows Phone and many other operating systems also have EPUB support. However, the tool we have today does not focus on reading EPUB files. Tweak EPUB is a portable application for Windows that enables you to edit EPUB files and save the edited versions while retaining all the original formatting. What's even better, it lets you perform the editing in your favorite text editor. Read More

Easily Edit, Watermark & Share Screenshots With Image Tools

by on
Leave a comment
Image editing applications come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them provide you with color correction controls like changing the hue, brightness, contrast and saturation, while others let you apply different filters to images. The problem with comprehensive image editors such as Adobe Photoshop is that the more options they have, the more difficult it becomes to learn them. There’s also another category of image-related applications: screenshot tools. If you have been a regular reader of AddictiveTips, you must have seen us review many, specially the ones that provide something extra to the users rather than just capturing plain screenshots. Today, we have one such utility called Image Tools that allows you to capture screenshots and edit local images such as adjusting brightness, gamma, contrast, format conversion, cropping, deborder, flip/ rotate, resizing, apply watermarks etc. When you are done, you can upload the images to IMDrops image hosting service directly from the tool to share them with others with a URL. More on Image Tools after the jump. Read More

EyePro Helps PC Users Rest Or Exercise Their Eyes At Regular Intervals

by on
1
Working continuously on a computer can put a lot of strain on your eyes and often results in a heavy head. A lot of people these days, either required by work or by their own choice, spend a lot of time in front of computers, which can leave adverse effects on their health. One way to avoid getting exhausted is to take small breaks in between your work as it keeps the mind fresh, helping you perform better in the long run. Taking breaks also helps in preventing eye and wrist muscle strain. Today, we have a comprehensive eye-care utility for you called EyePro that reminds you to take regular breaks after user-defined intervals. Moreover, all your work and break statistics are recorded and can be viewed to improve your routine. With each break notification, you are also shown an eye-care tip. More tips as well as different exercises for eyes can also be found in the app. Read More

Encrypt Text & Images As Playable MIDI Files With CipherTune

by on
Leave a comment
Transferring sensitive information from one device to another can be risky. Data theft has become quite common, and with nearly all of our information exchange and management going digital, unauthorized access to your sensitive information by others can have quite damaging consequences for you. Even though some countries have started to toughen up their cyber crime laws, our data security is primarily in our own hands. If you are trying to transfer important data over the internet in the form of an email, or carrying it around on a USB flash drive, it is a good idea to have it encrypted so that in case it gets into wrong hands, no one else can view the information. However, people with proper knowledge and skill can still crack encrypted files when they come across them. You can avoid this by encrypting your files in such a way that they appears to be something else. Today, we present to you a Windows app called CipherTune that allows you to encrypt text and images and make them appear as MIDI files. The resulting MIDI files contains actual music from an instrument of your choice, and can be played in any supported media player without revealing the encrypted content. More on CipherTune after the jump. Read More

Search For Definitions & Translations Anywhere In Android With AntTek’s Floating Dictionary

by on
2
Floating apps are a great way to take advantage of both the bigger screen space and the faster processor that you get these days with tablet devices and large-screen smartphones. After the first floating app came out around 6 months ago, we are seeing a lot of them appearing in the Play Store. The best thing is that they are not restricted to a specific function and can be used to do anything intended by the developer, such as Floating Browser Flux! that lets you browser the internet using a floating interface, and Floating YouTube Popup Video, a floating player for YouTube that can work over any other app window. Today, we present to you probably one of the most useful tools that can be used as a floating app: a dictionary. AntTek Dictionary allows you to search for words against multiple online dictionaries and related services including Google Dictionary, Wikipedia, Google Translate, Bing Translate and more. The app also sports a floating GUI that allows you to search for words while you are using other apps such as a browser, allowing you to multitask without having to change the focus from the primary app. More on AntTek Dictionary after the jump. Read More

Listen To Your Google Play Music Library On Windows 8 With gMusic

by on
1
Google Play Music is Google's answers to the iTunes Store, Amazon MP3 and the like. It is a cloud-based music service by Google that allows users to listen to music and buy new tracks and albums from the Play Store. The mobile app for Google Play Music comes installed by default on Nexus devices and can be installed from Play Store on other devices running Google's Android mobile operating system. Using a Google account, you can also access the player from your web browser. It hosts both free and paid music depending on whichever mode of distribution the artist or the record label chooses. Each user is allowed to upload up to 20,000 of their own songs to the service for free and music can be played online as well as stored on your device for offline playback. Being a mobile platform, Windows 8 and RT-powered tablets are a great option for people who like to carry their devices around but if you are already an Android user, buying the same songs again from Xbox Music for your Windows 8 device seems like a waste of money. Today, we bring to you an app for Windows 8 called gMusic that allows you to access your Google Play Music library and listen to all the songs on your Windows 8 and RT device. It also allows you to rate songs, create playlists, and browse for new music from within the app. Read More

Easily Save Images From Web Browsers To Predefined Folders Using Hotkeys

by on
4
Ever since the first image was uploaded on to the internet in 1992, billions of images have made their way over the world wide web. Every single day, countless blogs, social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter, and image hosting services like Imgur, Flickr and deviantArt add to this bulk, thanks to their users uploading millions of images. Sometimes, we come across an image and like it so much that we feel like downloading it and saving it in our computer. Every browser allows you to download images by right-clicking over them and choosing the save picture option. However, if there you need to download a lot of images, for instance a complete album, you need to go over every image, right-click it and choose the save option, which can prove to be quite monotonous, tedious and time-consuming. Some websites allow you to download complete albums as zip files, but  this feature is not available on most websites and web services. Today, we present to you an AutoHotKey-based application called SavePictureAs that lets you save pictures with a hotkey, enabling you to save a lot of your time. You can specify 5 different save locations for easy management of saved files, and use different hotkeys to save the images to each of the locations. Read More