app icon Archives

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5068861 & KB5068865 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5068861 and KB5068865 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing critical security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. The updates are mandatory and include the November 2025 Patch Tuesday security patches. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or download them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The build number for Windows 11 25H2 will change to Build 26200.7019, and 23H2 will update to 226x1.6050. New features include: - A revamped Start menu UI allowing removal of the Recommended feed. - Updated lock screen battery icons with color indicators and battery percentage. - A dedicated Microsoft 365 Copilot page for commercial devices. - Rebranding of the “Email & accounts” section to “Your accounts.” - Refreshed taskbar battery icons with clearer visual cues. - New Administrator Protection Preview feature for safeguarding admin rights. - API support for NIST post-quantum cryptography algorithms. Fixed issues include: - Taskbar app icon hover behavior. - Display issues in apps and browsers. - Context menu behavior in File Explorer. - Pen and handwriting input responsiveness. - Narrator launch issues during Windows setup. - Performance improvements in taskbar loading after sleep. This update is the final release for Windows 11 23H2, as support for this version ends today, and no optional updates will be released in December.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

New Android Gesture Will Let You Run Any App in a Floating Bubble

Google is enhancing the Android experience on tablets by introducing a feature that allows users to run any Android app in a floating bubble. This feature, referred to as "bubble anything," will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar and drop it into a corner of the screen, launching it in a smaller, movable window. This functionality aims to improve multitasking on Android tablets, aligning with existing features like split-screen mode. A new tutorial with animations will guide users on how to use the drag-to-float gesture. Currently, the bubble feature is limited to conversation notifications from select messaging apps, but the upcoming update will expand this capability to all apps pinned to the taskbar. The timeline for the release of this feature is uncertain, but development is ongoing.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

AppContext To Keep Apps Alive In Android

Google is set to enhance tablet multitasking in the upcoming Android Q release by introducing a new gesture that allows users to create a compact floating "bubble" window for any app. This feature will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to the screen's bottom corners, facilitating a more seamless app-switching experience. The floating windows will allow various applications, such as browsers and note-taking tools, to float above the main workspace, enabling users to engage with multiple applications simultaneously, particularly on larger devices. This enhancement aims to improve the user experience on Android tablets and foldable devices by providing a more intuitive multitasking environment. The feature will utilize the Bubbles API and is expected to be rolled out for user testing as part of Google's quarterly platform release schedule.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

Android on tablets is eyeing an upgrade that could finally ease app multi-tasking

Google is enhancing multitasking on Android tablets by introducing a feature that allows users to launch any app in a floating bubble. This feature, identified in the Android 2510 Canary build, enables users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to open it in a floating bubble window. It facilitates simultaneous use of applications like YouTube, Chrome, or Messages, improving workflow. Although not officially confirmed, it is speculated to be included in Android 16’s third quarterly release (QPR3) around March of next year. The floating bubbles feature enhances productivity by allowing users to stream, chat, or browse while engaged in other tasks, offering a more efficient alternative to split-screen mode. It is integrated into the taskbar and home screen for a more intuitive experience. This capability could transform Android tablets into effective multitasking devices, allowing users to manage multiple tasks without switching between apps and optimizing screen space on smaller tablets.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Windows 11’s Redesigned Start Menu is Now Available for Release Preview Testers

Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can now access a redesigned Start Menu and several new features through the KB5067036 update for the 25H2 and 24H2 versions of Windows 11. Key enhancements include: - A redesigned Start Menu that adjusts to screen size, with a scrollable “All” section and two views: ‘Category’ and ‘Grid’. A new mobile device button opens the Phone Link sidebar. - New battery icons on the taskbar and lock screen, with a green icon indicating charging and a yellow icon for low battery (20% or below). Users can display battery percentage in the system tray. - Copilot Vision integration in the taskbar, allowing users to hover over an app icon for a thumbnail preview and a “Share with Copilot” button to analyze app content. - Improvements in File Explorer, with recommended files accessible for personal and local Microsoft accounts (excluding EEA users) and new commands like “Open file location” and “Ask Copilot”. - Fluid Dictation in Voice Access for Copilot+ PCs, providing real-time corrections for voice dictation. - Click to Do improvements for Copilot+ PCs, enabling translation of on-screen text, unit conversions, table detection for Excel, and a Freeform selection mode. These features are expected to be available to non-Insiders later this month with the optional October update and a public rollout is anticipated next month during the November 2024 Patch Tuesday updates.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Messenger Is Discontinuing Its Windows and Mac Desktop Apps

Meta is phasing out the native Messenger applications for Windows and macOS, directing users to the web version. The apps are no longer available for download, and they will cease to function after a winding-down period. Users are receiving notifications about the change, which will leave Messenger accessible only through web browsers. Enhancements such as end-to-end encryption and improved calling features are part of this web-focused evolution. Users can still access core functionality on Messenger.com but will lose some app-specific features, including a persistent menu bar icon and offline access. Meta encourages users to enable secure storage for end-to-end encrypted chats and offers a tool to download messages and media for local archiving. Messenger remains one of the largest chat platforms globally, with active user counts similar to Telegram. Competitors like Telegram, Discord, and Slack have different approaches to desktop messaging. Users can transition smoothly by utilizing the web version and configuring desktop notifications and shortcuts.

BetaBeacon

October 16, 2025

Android Auto isn’t losing access to its game collection after all

- Some Android Auto users noticed they were unable to access the GameSnacks app, but Google has fixed the issue and users need to update their Android Auto app. - Android Auto will no longer support Android 8.0/8.1, with the minimum requirement being Android 9.0 or above. - The settings section in Android Auto will have a different layout, showing only three items at once instead of four. - The app icon on the new media player UI will change color depending on the accent of the song playing, but this feature did not work for YouTube Music.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Android 16 Revolutionizes App Icons with Material You Customization

Google's Android 16 update introduces innovative app icon customization features, allowing users to modify app icons with various shapes, styles, and thematic integrations. The QPR2 beta mandates monochrome filters for all applications, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic across the home screen. Users can choose from five distinct icon shapes, addressing feedback on rigid designs. The update also includes forced dark mode and auto-theming for legacy applications, enhancing the overall user experience. Customizable Quick Settings panels and live notifications improve efficiency for power users. Starting October 15, 2025, developers will be required to provide adaptive icons due to new mandatory theming rules. Privacy features, such as protections against SMS one-time password hijacking, are also included.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

How to deactivate AI on your Android phone

Artificial intelligence is prevalent in tech products, including smartphones and household appliances, but many consumers want to disable these features due to their limited utility. For Google Pixel users, AI features can be disabled as follows: - To disable the Gemini assistant: Long press the app icon, select App info, and tap Disable. - To turn off AI Mode in the Google search bar: Tap the G icon, click on your profile photo, go to Settings, select Customize Pixel search box, and toggle AI Mode off. - To streamline Google Search: Open Chrome, visit TenBlueLinks.org, conduct a search, access the action menu, go to Settings, select Search engine, and choose Google Web in the Recently Visited section. - To manage AI features in Gmail: Open Gmail, access the hamburger menu, navigate to Settings, select your Google account, and deselect Smart features. - To disable Circle to Search: Go to Settings, scroll to System, select Navigation mode, and toggle Circle to Search off. - To turn off Gemini in Messages: Open Messages, select your profile photo, go to Messages settings, navigate to Gemini, and toggle Show Gemini button off. - To disable the Magic Cue feature: Access Settings, navigate to the Magic Cue sub-menu, and toggle all options off. For Samsung Galaxy users, AI features can be managed by: - Opening Settings, navigating to Galaxy AI, selecting Call assist, and toggling the feature off. This process can be repeated for each of the 12 options listed under Galaxy AI.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Warning: Beware of Android Spyware Disguised as Signal Encryption Plugin and ToTok Pro

Cybersecurity researchers have identified two Android spyware campaigns, ProSpy and ToSpy, targeting users in the United Arab Emirates by impersonating popular applications like Signal and ToTok. These malicious applications are distributed through deceptive websites and social engineering tactics, requiring manual installation from third-party sites. The ProSpy campaign, active since 2024, uses misleading sites to host compromised APK files marketed as upgrades to Signal and ToTok. The ToSpy campaign, initiated around June 30, 2022, also employs counterfeit sites to deliver malware. Both spyware variants aim to steal sensitive data, including contacts, SMS messages, and files. The ProSpy app, ToTok Pro, contains a button that redirects users to the legitimate ToTok download page, while the Signal Encryption Plugin misleads users into downloading the genuine app. Both spyware types exfiltrate data before user interaction and maintain persistence through a foreground service and Android's AlarmManager. ESET is tracking these campaigns separately due to their different delivery methods, and the identities of those behind the activities remain unknown. Users are advised to be cautious when downloading apps from unofficial sources.