bridging Archives

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

You can finally run Doom and other graphical apps in Android’s Linux Terminal

The July 2025 Android Canary build of the Linux Terminal app introduces the ability to run graphical Linux applications, allowing users to interact with a graphical interface via a new “Display” button. By typing ‘weston’, users can access a graphical environment with Weston preinstalled. Users can also enable hardware acceleration by creating an empty file named virglrenderer in the /sdcard/linux directory, which enhances performance for running demanding Linux software. The feature is currently available in the Canary build, with speculation about its rollout to Beta or Stable channels in the second quarterly release of Android 16, expected in December.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft’s phone app can now remotely lock your PC

Microsoft is introducing a new feature in the updated Link to Windows app for Android devices that allows users to remotely lock their PCs. This feature enhances security by enabling users to secure their PCs even when they are not physically present. The update also reorganizes the app's interface for improved usability and is available in version 1.25071.165 or higher.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Xbox to bring true cross-device gaming: Start on console, finish on PC

Microsoft is introducing a new play history feature for Xbox users, currently available to Xbox Insiders, which allows access to a comprehensive play history across consoles, PCs, and handheld devices. This feature records play sessions and save games in the cloud, enabling players to resume games from any device. The Xbox PC app now includes a “Cloud playable” filter in the library to identify console games available for cloud streaming. Additionally, a unified game progression feature allows players to start a game on one device and continue on another without losing progress. These updates signify a move towards true cross-device continuity for Xbox gamers.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Get a legit Windows 11 license for just $60 instead of the usual $139

Gabriela has over a decade of experience in technology writing and has contributed to respected consumer tech publications such as PCWorld, Macworld, PCMag, IGN, MakeUseOf, XDA, Android Police, and Pocket-lint. Her work includes news articles, product reviews, buying guides, and deal roundups, showcasing her versatility and depth of knowledge in the industry.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Microsoft Update Copilot Vision AI: Five New Business Use Cases

Microsoft has upgraded its Copilot Vision AI, now available to Windows Insiders, enabling the tool to scan and analyze all content on users' screens instead of just two applications at a time. This enhancement allows Copilot Vision to function as a comprehensive assistant, providing real-time insights and guidance across all on-screen content. Users must activate the feature through the Copilot application. The AI can interpret text, images, and application contexts simultaneously, offering contextual insights and verbal coaching across various professional applications. Key use cases for Copilot Vision AI include: 1. Customer Service and Support: Assists support representatives by providing real-time suggestions while navigating multiple systems. 2. Sales Process Optimization: Analyzes sales workflows to offer insights into prospect behavior and suggest optimal next steps. 3. Content Creation and Marketing Operations: Provides real-time feedback on visual consistency and brand compliance across design tools. 4. Project Management and Collaboration Enhancement: Identifies bottlenecks and suggests resource optimizations for project managers. 5. Training and Professional Development: Offers contextual coaching to guide employees learning new software systems. The upgrade aims to improve productivity and decision-making by addressing information fragmentation and workflow inefficiencies across organizations.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Now Microsoft’s Copilot Vision AI can scan everything on your screen

Microsoft's Copilot Vision tool has been updated to allow users to view their entire desktop, enhancing its previous capability of analyzing only two applications at once. Users can activate this feature by clicking the glasses icon in the Copilot app to select their desktop view. Copilot Vision provides real-time assistance by analyzing content, offering insights, and answering questions. It was initially tested for web browsing in Microsoft Edge and can now also respond to queries based on observations made through a mobile phone's camera.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Android’s Desktop Mode gets a handy shortcut to pin your favorite apps to the taskbar

Google is enhancing Android's Desktop Mode by introducing a "pin to taskbar" feature in the latest Android Canary release, allowing users to pin apps for quick access. This feature is available in the desktop mode launcher and enables users to easily add and remove apps from the taskbar. Currently, it is not integrated into the standard launcher. The feature is part of Google's efforts to make Android a competitive desktop platform. Its availability in Beta or Stable channels is uncertain, with potential inclusion in the upcoming Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 update or the stable QPR1 release anticipated for September.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

The power of game-based learning with Minecraft Education

Game-based learning through Minecraft Education effectively engages students across various subjects, promoting critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity while equipping them with essential digital skills. The platform offers ready-to-use, standards-aligned resources in subjects like coding, AI, science, history, and math, transforming education into an enjoyable experience. Minecraft Education prepares students for a digital world by providing hands-on experiences that enhance digital citizenship, responsible AI usage, and coding fluency. Specific programs include "CyberSafe AI," which focuses on digital citizenship and AI literacy; "Hour of Code," which involves solving coding puzzles in a theater setting; and "GameCode," where students create their own mini-games. The platform also addresses core subjects and STEM education through immersive experiences like "Ocean Heroes," which teaches marine conservation; "Data Explorers," which emphasizes data collection and analysis; "Ratio Riddles," which engages students with foundational math concepts; "Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage," which explores architectural history; and the "James Webb Space Telescope Challenge," which invites students to explore the universe. Minecraft Education fosters creative classroom environments through activities like "Wheel of Steve," which enhances collaboration and critical thinking, and "Renewtopia," which teaches about renewable energy sources. The platform supports educators with resources and a community to integrate game-based learning effectively.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey builds offline messaging app Bitchat that works without Wi-Fi or mobile network

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has launched Bitchat, a messaging application that operates independently of the internet or mobile networks, using Bluetooth mesh networking for secure and anonymous communication. The app, currently in beta testing, does not require phone numbers, email addresses, or user accounts, allowing encrypted messages to be transmitted directly between nearby devices. Messages are end-to-end encrypted and disappear by default, with no data stored on a central server. Bitchat also features group chat rooms, mentions using @handles, and password-protected conversations. A store-and-forward mechanism allows messages to be saved and delivered later. Dorsey plans to integrate Wi-Fi Direct support to enhance communication range and speed. The whitepaper discusses potential use cases for Bitchat, including disaster response and community coordination.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Bitchat Bluetooth Messaging App: Works Without Internet Or Phone Numbers; Check Privacy Features, Range, And How It Works

Jack Dorsey has introduced a messaging application named Bitchat, which operates without an internet connection or mobile network by utilizing Bluetooth technology. Users do not need to provide a phone number, email, or create an account. Bitchat employs end-to-end encryption, and messages disappear by default, with no data stored on central servers. The app is available in beta through TestFlight, and a technical whitepaper is accessible on GitHub. Bitchat uses a decentralized peer-to-peer system, allowing nearby devices to exchange messages directly, with the capacity to temporarily store messages for offline users. The app can extend Bluetooth's typical range of 100 meters up to 300 meters by relaying messages through multiple devices. Privacy features include opt-in-only bridging, channel-level permission controls, and cryptographic identity isolation.