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Amazon is shutting down its app store on Android
AppWizard
February 20, 2025

Amazon is shutting down its app store on Android

Amazon will discontinue its Android app store and phase out its Coins digital currency on August 20, 2025. Users holding Amazon Coins will receive refunds. The app store will remain operational on Amazon's proprietary devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablet. The decision follows limited usage of the app store outside Amazon's devices and security concerns regarding malware in the app store. Amazon has been reevaluating its app distribution strategy, having previously discontinued its app store on Windows.
Android Automotive will be getting lots of new apps, starting next month
AppWizard
February 3, 2025

Android Automotive will be getting lots of new apps, starting next month

Google is launching a car ready mobile apps program next month to expand app availability for vehicles using Android Automotive OS. The program will focus on apps in specific categories, particularly video, gaming, and browsing, while ensuring they meet safety standards and quality guidelines. Apps designed solely for ARM devices will be excluded, but a compatibility mode will allow some non-compliant apps to function safely in vehicles. Eligible applications will be available for download starting February 2025, with potential support for Android Auto in the future. The availability of these apps will depend on vehicle certification by Google, and collaborations with OEMs are expected to increase the number of certified vehicles.
I Don't See a Reason to Switch to Windows from Linux Anymore in 2025
Winsage
December 17, 2024

I Don’t See a Reason to Switch to Windows from Linux Anymore in 2025

Users are increasingly favoring Linux over Windows in dual boot setups, often using Windows as a backup. The rise of web-based tools and Software as a Service (SaaS) has diminished the importance of the operating system choice, as essential services can be accessed through web browsers. Linux offers a variety of distributions tailored to different user needs, providing customization options that Windows does not. Gaming on Linux has improved with a growing library available through Steam and the introduction of handheld consoles like the Steam Deck. Many software developers are beginning to support Linux, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Surfshark VPN now available. Electron-based applications have increased the availability of productivity tools for Linux users. Linux is free from intrusive advertisements, unlike Windows 11, which can overwhelm users with promotional content. For containerization and self-hosting, Linux is considered superior due to its built-in tools and extensive documentation, offering more control and flexibility than Windows.
"One of the best" OLED laptops we have ever reviewed is now perfectly priced, thanks to this awesome early Black Friday sale
Winsage
October 24, 2024

“One of the best” OLED laptops we have ever reviewed is now perfectly priced, thanks to this awesome early Black Friday sale

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x has maintained its perfect score and improved since its launch. It features a Snapdragon X Elite processor and a 3K OLED display. The laptop has a recent price drop to 9.99. Its specifications include a 14.5-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPU, Qualcomm Adreno GPU, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, and a 70Whr battery. The dimensions are 325 x 225.15 x ~12.9mm, and it weighs 2.82lbs. The laptop is noted for its performance and battery efficiency, with increasing app availability for Windows on Arm.
Qualcomm’s canceled mini-PC could spell trouble with consumers down the line
Winsage
October 19, 2024

Qualcomm’s canceled mini-PC could spell trouble with consumers down the line

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite chips are key for AI PCs launched in 2024, enhancing performance and battery life. The company has canceled its Snapdragon mini-PC development kit intended for Windows on Arm, originally set for a June 2024 release, due to not meeting quality standards. Developers, including YouTuber Jeff Geerling, had received the mini-PC for review, noting it matched Apple’s M3 Pro performance but lacked Linux support and had resale restrictions. The cancellation may also be linked to the absence of an HDMI port, which could have caused delays in compliance testing. Qualcomm informed customers that a USB-C to HDMI dongle would be included with orders. Compatibility issues with Windows on Arm applications remain a challenge for Qualcomm, affecting its market reach. The canceled mini-PC was expected to help developers adapt applications for Windows on Arm, potentially increasing app availability. Qualcomm faces competition from Intel and AMD, who have formed the “x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group” in response to Qualcomm's challenges.
The death of x86 may be "severely exaggerated," but these native Arm apps are here to threaten Intel and AMD
Winsage
October 17, 2024

The death of x86 may be “severely exaggerated,” but these native Arm apps are here to threaten Intel and AMD

Several popular applications have been optimized for Windows on Arm, including NordVPN, Arc Browser, Foxit PDF Editor, and Notion, which now run natively on Windows 11 on Arm devices. Native applications typically offer better performance and efficiency compared to emulated ones. The Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors support a wider range of applications, contributing to the growth of the Windows on Arm app library. Microsoft and Qualcomm have collaborated to improve program performance on Arm devices, leading to a rise in native app availability. Some applications still rely on emulation, but many popular apps are transitioning to native Arm versions.
Huawei will replace Windows with homegrown HarmonyOS in upcoming PCs
Winsage
September 26, 2024

Huawei will replace Windows with homegrown HarmonyOS in upcoming PCs

Huawei plans to transition from Windows to HarmonyOS as its primary operating system for PCs, with the next generation of computers set to feature HarmonyOS Next by the end of 2024. The current lineup of PCs will be the last to use Microsoft's operating system. HarmonyOS Next will be a microkernel-based system, no longer incorporating AOSP code or Android compatibility, and will support its own native applications. Huawei accounts for approximately 10 percent of the 40 million PCs sold annually in China, competing primarily with Lenovo and HP. Despite significant investment, HarmonyOS Next faces challenges in user adoption and app availability, with limited gaming applications and developer support. Chinese state media claims over 10,000 apps and services are available on HarmonyOS, with clients like the Shanghai municipal government developing native applications.
WhatsApp, Messenger to allow messages from 3rd-party services in EU: Meta
AppWizard
September 7, 2024

WhatsApp, Messenger to allow messages from 3rd-party services in EU: Meta

Meta is transforming its messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger, in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) to allow users in the EU to integrate third-party messaging services. Users will be able to manage messages from different platforms, consolidating communications into a single inbox or maintaining separate folders for third-party chats. Meta has been developing these enhancements for six months, incorporating user feedback and introducing new notifications for third-party app availability. Features include reminders for new services, an onboarding process for third-party chats, and options for managing inbox settings. Additionally, Meta plans to add features such as reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts to enhance user interactions. By 2025, group messaging capabilities will be introduced, followed by voice and video calling features in 2027.
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