availability

AppWizard
May 20, 2025
Google has announced a collaboration with Skylum to bring Luminar, a photo editing software, to Android and ChromeOS devices. Luminar is designed to provide an optimal user experience across various devices, adapting to different screen sizes and aspect ratios. The software includes AI-powered editing tools such as Enhance AI, Relight AI, and Sky AI, along with traditional manual editing functions. Luminar is available for download from the Google Play store, with monthly subscription plans starting at a specified amount, annual plans offered at a discounted rate, and a lifetime license available.
AppWizard
May 20, 2025
Google's advancements in AI Mode and Search include the rollout of a custom version of the Gemini 2.5 model, enabling users to pose complex queries. Project Astra introduces multimodal capabilities, allowing real-time conversations with Gemini using device cameras. The AI can process website elements and perform tasks like adding items to shopping carts or creating travel itineraries. Users can ask AI Mode to find specific tickets or activities tailored to their interests, with curated suggestions provided. AI Mode will enhance online shopping by integrating with the Shopping Graph, offering visually engaging product listings and a virtual "try-on" feature. Users can upload photos to experiment with outfits and track prices for products. The virtual try-on experience is being rolled out in Search Labs for U.S. users, with full availability of AI Mode in the U.S. starting today.
AppWizard
May 20, 2025
In the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 release, Google redesigned the recents screen to improve user experience by making the app context menu more accessible. The new interface includes a pill-shaped button displaying the app's name and a downward arrow for additional options. The redesign addresses discoverability issues by allowing users to easily identify apps corresponding to task previews. The context menu offers seven primary actions: “App info,” “Split screen,” “Pin,” “Pause app,” “Screenshot,” “Select,” and “Close,” with the “Save app pair” option appearing only for split-screen tasks. Aesthetic enhancements include pill-shaped containers for the “Screenshot” and “Select” buttons and a blurred background of the user's wallpaper, aligning with Google’s Material 3 Expressive theme.
Winsage
May 20, 2025
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a lightweight, open protocol functioning as JSON-RPC over HTTP, facilitating standardized discovery and invocation of tools. MCP defines three roles: MCP Hosts (applications accessing capabilities), MCP Clients (initiators of requests), and MCP Servers (services exposing functionalities). Windows 11 will incorporate MCP to enable developers to create intelligent applications leveraging generative AI. An early preview of MCP capabilities will be available for developer feedback. MCP introduces security risks, including cross-prompt injection, authentication gaps, credential leakage, tool poisoning, lack of containment, limited security review, registry risks, and command injection. To address these, Windows 11's MCP Security Architecture will establish security requirements for MCP servers, ensuring user safety and transparency, enforcing least privilege, and implementing security controls like proxy-mediated communication, tool-level authorization, a central server registry, and runtime isolation. MCP servers must comply with security requirements, including mandatory code signing, unchanged tool definitions at runtime, security testing, mandatory package identity, and declared privileges. An early private preview of MCP server capability will be offered to developers post-Microsoft Build for feedback, with a secure-by-default enforcement strategy planned for broader availability. Microsoft aims to enhance defenses continuously and collaborate with partners to bolster MCP's security framework.
AppWizard
May 19, 2025
Android 16 will introduce Auracast, allowing Google Pixel users with compatible devices to connect multiple Bluetooth headphones to a single Pixel phone for audio sharing. This feature can be accessed on Google Pixel 8 series or newer devices, and it relies on Auracast technology. Users can enable audio sharing through Developer Options, which is also available on Android 15 devices. Compatible earbuds or headphones must support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, with examples including Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and 3 Pro. To initiate audio sharing, users must access the Audio sharing page in the Settings app and follow specific steps to create a broadcast. The public debut of this feature is confirmed for Pixel phones with the release of Android 16, but the exact timeline is uncertain.
AppWizard
May 18, 2025
Cloud Imperium Games has raised over 0 million for Star Citizen through various funding methods over thirteen years. Recently, a new ship upgrade caused significant backlash from the community, with nearly 2,000 forum responses expressing discontent. Players criticized the introduction of purchasable flight blades, with some feeling disillusioned about investing further in the game. Despite the criticism, some players remain excited about the Greycat MTC, a planetary exploration vehicle priced at . In response to the uproar, Cloud Imperium Games announced that flight blades would be available for in-game currency in the upcoming June patch and acknowledged the need for better alignment between store items and in-game availability. The development of Star Citizen and its single-player counterpart, Squadron 42, continues, with Chris Roberts suggesting Squadron 42 may launch in 2026.
Winsage
May 18, 2025
Microsoft is adding a Phone Link panel to the start menu of Windows 11 to improve the user experience for managing Android devices. The panel provides an overview of the Android device's status, including connection status and battery level, and features direct access buttons for Messages, Calls, and Photos. It includes a 'Recent' section for the latest phone calls, text messages, and images, while notifications can be received as banners. The Phone Link app can also stream Android apps to Windows 11 PCs, with file transfer capabilities through a 'send files' button. This feature is being rolled out to all Windows 11 users after being available to Beta and Dev channel users for several months.
AppWizard
May 17, 2025
World of Warcraft's patch 11.1.5 has faced backlash from players due to numerous bugs and the implementation of time-gated content. Senior game director Ion Hazzikostas acknowledged that the launch did not go as planned and highlighted issues with the Flame's Radiance events, which were a key feature of the patch. Other anticipated features, including a bad-luck protection system and a dual-boss raid mode, experienced delays, leading to player disappointment. Hazzikostas noted that the decision to stagger releases aimed to prevent player overwhelm but resulted in frustration over the lack of content at launch. Bugs from previous patches re-emerged, attributed to the accelerated eight-week patch schedule, which is the fastest in the game's history. Developers are using hotfixes to address issues quickly, but this can complicate resolutions. Hazzikostas emphasized the importance of quality over quantity and stated that the team is committed to improving their processes based on the challenges faced with this patch.
AppWizard
May 17, 2025
This week, the Humble Store has released two bundles for PC gamers: a charity bundle for diabetes research featuring games like The Walking Dead and the Batman Telltale Series, and the Team17 Chains of Command collection with three tiers of games including Narita Boy and Hell Let Loose. The Epic Games Store is offering free games Dead Island 2 and Happy Game until May 22, along with a mystery freebie announcement on the same day. Steam is hosting three free events for House Flipper 2, Foundry, and Legacy: Steel & Sorcery. The GOG store has discounted DRM-free games, including pixel-art titles, tactics games, and simulations. Availability and pricing may vary by region.
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