Windows 11 should Sherlock this audio app — but I hope it doesn’t

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With Windows 11, switching audio devices has never been more straightforward, but remember there’s a small cost associated with this convenience. An application named SoundShift allows you quick control of your audio devices through keyboard shortcuts.

The application, SoundShift, provides an easy way to swap between different audio input and output devices of your connected devices instantly. You can customize keyboard shortcuts for this purpose, which enables you to adjust both input and output devices at once using just one shortcut.

Michal Leptuch, creator of SoundShift, provided me with the program’s code for testing purposes. After trying it out, I find SoundShift to be dependable, user-friendly, and resource-efficient.

You might be familiar with the creator of SoundShift. This same developer has previously been featured due to Calendar Flyout. Another application by this developer, Fluent Emoji Gallery, offers a useful tool for acquiring image files of various emojis.

SoundShift was introduced recently, seamlessly complementing Windows 11. Much like an app that you install just once, configure, and then utilize so frequently that it feels as if it’s an integral part of the operating system itself.

In fact, the app is so good that I think Windows 11 could Sherlock it in the future.

What is Sherlocking?

As an analyst, I’d like to introduce the concept of “Sherlocking,” which is when a tech giant introduces a native feature that mirrors a feature set previously exclusive to a third-party app. This term is often associated with Apple, but it could also be applied to Microsoft and Windows 11, as they have been known to adopt similar strategies.

Users of Windows might recall the time when f.lux was rendered obsolete by Microsoft’s rollout of the Night Shift feature on Windows 10 (and later Windows 11). While I believe that f.lux offers more functionality, it seems fair to assume that some users are content with utilizing only the Night Shift feature.

In most instances, specialized apps from external developers often provide more customized controls and unique features that aren’t found in applications developed by Microsoft or Apple. However, when built-in features meet all the necessary requirements, they are typically utilized first, instead of searching for third-party apps.

As a tech enthusiast, I find the term “Sherlocking” carries a negative connotation in our industry since it can significantly impact developers’ earnings. Imagine pouring all your efforts into creating an entire business based on a unique app, only for tech giants like Apple or Microsoft to mimic its standout features and offer them gratis. That’s a serious hit to the pocket!

I endorse applications created by Leptuch, finding them quite useful and often suggest them to my circle of friends. Additionally, I appreciate third-party developers who contribute to improving the Windows platform. It’s worth noting that I have been involved in app reviews for more than a decade and have personal relationships with many developers, which may influence my perspective.

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2025-04-30 20:09