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AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Survey reveals a surprising amount of love for this condemned Samsung app

Samsung has announced the discontinuation of its messaging app, Samsung Messages, effective July. The company is shifting its focus to Google Messages, which has been the default option since 2022. A reader poll showed that 66% of participants preferred Samsung Messages, while 11% believed it was time to retire the app, and 16% had already switched to Google Messages. Users expressed mixed feelings about the transition, with some frustrated by Google's dominance in messaging standards and others appreciating the RCS features of Google Messages. Concerns were raised about the functionality of Google Messages compared to alternatives, and some users reported having already transitioned to Google Messages prior to the announcement.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Microsoft’s lightweight email app is shutting down soon

Microsoft will retire its Outlook Lite app for Android on May 25, 2026. After this date, the app will still launch, but functionality will be limited, with mailbox access disabled. Users are encouraged to switch to the full Outlook app to maintain access to their emails and calendar items, as user accounts will not be deleted or disabled. An “Upgrade” option in the Lite app will direct users to the Outlook page on Google Play. Alternative email applications like Proton Mail and Gmail are also available for users who do not wish to use the full Outlook app.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Microsoft will shut down its Outlook Lite Android app on May 25

Outlook Lite will cease operations on May 25, following its phased retirement that began last October when it was removed from the Google Play Store. Launched in 2022, Outlook Lite was aimed at users in emerging markets with entry-level smartphones and limited network connectivity, achieving over 10 million downloads by 2024. After May 25, the app may still launch but will not display emails or calendar items. Users are encouraged to transition to alternative email clients, with Microsoft recommending the Outlook Mobile app as the primary replacement, which syncs existing emails and calendar entries. Organizations using Outlook Lite should update their internal documentation and guide employees toward alternative applications before the deadline. Other Android alternatives include Proton Mail, Spark Mail, and Gmail, although none match Outlook Lite's compact 5MB size.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Windows File Explorer is outdated, and these alternatives fit how you actually use your PC

Windows' File Explorer has limitations such as slow operations and minimal customization, prompting users to seek third-party file managers. FilePilot is a popular choice for its fast, simple, dual-pane interface that enhances speed and efficiency, particularly for bulk operations and multi-monitor setups. OneCommander features a modern design with a column-based navigation system, a preview panel, and color tagging for file organization, making it user-friendly while addressing multitasking issues. Directory Opus is recognized as a comprehensive solution with customizable layouts, scripting capabilities, and advanced search filters, catering to users managing complex datasets. Files is an open-source file manager known for its polished interface, tabbed browsing, dual-pane layout, and extensive customization options, providing a faster and cleaner alternative to Windows 11's Explorer. Each of these alternatives offers unique features that improve upon the limitations of File Explorer.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Russia sees WeChat, Douyin as models for its homegrown Max messenger

Russia is developing the Max messaging application, inspired by Tencent's WeChat and Douyin, to compete with Telegram. The Kremlin is promoting Max as an alternative to Telegram, which has faced user resistance due to perceived limitations in functionality. Kiriyenko, CEO of VK, highlighted that Max will adopt an open platform model similar to WeChat, integrating third-party chatbots, and noted that 500,000 companies have already registered on the platform. The Russian government aims to establish a robust "platform economy" to boost economic growth, leveraging partnerships and innovative services. Kiriyenko also expressed interest in utilizing Douyin's e-commerce strategies involving short video content.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

XChat Launch Sparks Questions About Competing with Messenger

The new messaging app "XChat" is set to launch in April 2026, aiming to compete with established platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp. It will feature advanced encryption tools for secure communication and focus on enhancing user experience. The success of XChat will depend on its ability to build a substantial user base in a saturated market, requiring innovative solutions and significant infrastructure investments. Industry observers are monitoring its potential to carve out a niche in the instant messaging market, while established competitors are updating their features in anticipation of this new entrant.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

One of our favorite games of 2025 is just $16 on GOG this week, and the dev says ‘if it’s still too expensive just pirate it honestly’

Skate Story is a game that combines skating and supernatural elements, allowing players to experience the perspective of a demon made of glass and pain. It was released in 2020 and is currently available on GOG with a 20% discount. The creator, Sam Eng, has openly encouraged players to pirate the game if they find it too expensive. The game has received critical acclaim for its unique premise and stylistic execution, with PC Gamer's Lincoln Carpenter praising its "stylish lunicidal skater" vibes. Skate Story is also available on Steam, but the promotional pricing is exclusive to GOG. Eng aims for the game to resonate with players.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Mozilla accuses Microsoft of running the old browser wars playbook to lock in AI dominance through Windows

Mozilla has accused Microsoft of using its dominance in the Windows operating system to marginalize competitors in the AI sector, particularly through the promotion of its Copilot feature. Mozilla claims that misleading update mechanisms are being used to push Copilot onto users and that system settings are being adjusted to hinder the performance of alternative browsers like Firefox. This situation is reminiscent of the 1990s browser wars when Microsoft bundled Internet Explorer with Windows to eliminate competition. In July 2025, Opera filed a formal antitrust complaint in Brazil against Microsoft, leading to an investigation into whether Microsoft was coercing hardware manufacturers to bundle Edge exclusively. A ruling against Microsoft could require a separation between the operating system and AI services. Microsoft's current strategy aims to control the AI inference layer, with each interaction through Copilot representing valuable data and monetization opportunities. Reports indicate that Microsoft is removing Copilot branding from standalone applications to further integrate it into the operating system. Despite Edge being the third most popular browser, Microsoft's tactics suggest a focus on securing AI infrastructure rather than just competing for browser market share. Regulatory scrutiny may increase due to ongoing antitrust challenges related to Microsoft's OpenAI investment and cloud AI bundling practices. The development of OEM relationships and potential resistance to Microsoft's requirements could significantly impact its integration strategy.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Fighting game YouTuber offers $10,000 bounty for upgraded netcode in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Maximillian Christiansen, known as Maximilian Dood, is offering a financial reward for integrating rollback netcode into Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which currently uses a delay-based netcode that affects gameplay. He previously invested nearly ,000 into a mod for Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite in 2024. Rollback netcode improves online play by anticipating player actions, resulting in a smoother experience compared to delay-based systems. Christiansen aims to enhance the online experience for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and draws inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. Melee community, which successfully implemented rollback netcode through an emulator wrapper.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Tap n’ go: Android’s rumored ‘Tap to Share’ UI might’ve just broken cover

A new report highlights Google's "Tap to Share" feature, which includes a redesigned sharing menu that aligns with Android 16 aesthetics. Users will initiate the transfer process by overlapping their devices, which will emit a glow to indicate successful completion. The user interface features a straightforward sub-menu with three selectable options for sharing. The upcoming Galaxy S26 series will have dual antennas to support this feature. The process may utilize NFC technology, with potential future iterations using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The design of the sub-menu has been refined to match Android 16's visual elements.