closed ecosystem Archives

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

How AIM taught the internet to chat

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) was a transformative platform for online communication during the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a cultural phenomenon despite initial skepticism from AOL executives. It gained popularity as a means for users to connect with friends and express themselves through quirky screen names and away messages. AIM faced challenges in monetization and adapting its business model but left a significant mark on internet history. Its decline was influenced by the rise of social networks and mobile messaging apps. The story of AIM's impact is discussed in a recent episode of the Version History podcast.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging

Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp is rolling out interoperability features across Europe, allowing users to send messages to individuals on third-party applications starting in November 2024. This initiative is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires dominant tech companies to enhance competition by opening their platforms. Users will be able to communicate while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a process that has taken over three years to develop. Users must opt-in to receive messages from third-party applications, and the initial rollout is limited to specific partners. The interoperability allows for sharing text, images, voice messages, videos, and files. Meta's engineering team adapted WhatsApp's infrastructure to accommodate external services while upholding encryption standards. Concerns have been raised about potential security vulnerabilities and the implications of proposed regulations like "Chat Control" that could conflict with encryption efforts. This development could influence competitive dynamics in the messaging sector, providing smaller applications like BirdyChat and Haiket visibility by integrating with WhatsApp’s large user base. Compliance with the DMA helps Meta avoid fines while risking dilution of WhatsApp's market dominance. Privacy implications are a significant concern, with discussions around how interoperability could facilitate surveillance or compromise user security. Meta's journey involved regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with DMA objectives, and the success of this initiative could set a precedent for global standards in digital communication.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Android 17 to Make Installing Third-Party App Stores Easier than Ever

Google is introducing support for "Registered App Stores" with the upcoming Android 17 release, following a legal settlement with Epic Games. This initiative aims to simplify the installation process for competing app marketplaces on Android devices by allowing a single-tap installation for certified third-party app stores. Users will see a unified installation method with clear information about the store's registration status and permissions required for installation. Google has also committed to preventing hardware partners from imposing restrictive warning screens that could complicate this process. The changes are a result of the Epic v. Google legal dispute, and Google plans to implement these enhancements by the end of 2026.

BetaBeacon

November 14, 2025

“It just works”: Valve talk the Steam Frame, Android games on SteamOS, and putting a PC on your face

Valve has announced the Steam Frame, a new VR headset that aims to allow users to play as many VR and non-VR games as possible. The headset runs Steam games from its own onboard storage and uses controllers with a more conventional layout. The Frame's ARM-based Snapdragon chip poses challenges and opportunities for compatibility with Android VR games. Valve is working on platform crossover plans to allow Android VR titles on Steam, using an x86-to-ARM emulator called FEX. The Frame will be able to run PC games as well as Android VR games due to its SteamOS platform. Valve is focusing on providing a seamless gaming experience for customers without them having to worry about technical details. The Frame will also support mixed reality with the right third-party hardware additions.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Arattai Rising: Can India’s Homegrown Messenger Challenge WhatsApp’s Throne?

Arattai, a messaging app in India, gained significant traction in September and October 2025, reaching over 5 million downloads on certain days and surpassing established platforms like Telegram and Snapchat. Its rise was supported by media attention, endorsements from government officials, and alignment with Prime Minister Modi's Swadeshi initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's switch to Zoho email led to a 100-fold increase in Arattai's traffic within three days. The app offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls but lacks full encryption for text messages by default. It has a “secret chat” feature and plans to implement comprehensive encryption. User data is stored in Indian data centers, and the app aims to maintain a privacy-focused approach without relying on public cloud providers. Arattai faces challenges in competing with WhatsApp, which has over 500 million users and offers extensive features such as UPI payments and default encryption. For long-term success, Arattai needs to standardize encryption, enhance its infrastructure, and build an ecosystem with integrated payment solutions and business tools. Overcoming user inertia from WhatsApp, establishing a strong brand identity, and navigating regulatory scrutiny are also critical for its growth.

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

Google’s new rules could wipe out sideloading and alternative app stores, F-Droid warns

F-Droid has raised concerns about Google's upcoming developer verification rules, which require all Android apps to be linked to verified developer identities, including personal information and app identifiers. F-Droid argues that these regulations could threaten the existence of alternative app stores by preventing them from offering apps directly, as they cannot control the necessary keys or IDs. The platform emphasizes that it cannot compel open-source developers to register with Google, stating that the new rules would effectively end the F-Droid project and similar sources for free/open-source app distribution. While Google claims the verification process will enhance security, F-Droid points out that malicious apps have still appeared on the Play Store despite existing protections. The platform advocates for user autonomy in running any programs on their devices and is urging regulators to examine Google's plans, which they view as monopolistic. Google plans to implement these verification requirements in phases starting in September 2026, but asserts that developers can still distribute apps directly through sideloading or other app stores.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Xbox Mode is Set to Transform Your Handheld PC into a Gaming Powerhouse

Microsoft has introduced Xbox Mode for Windows 11, which is part of the Windows 11 25H2 update. This feature allows handheld gaming PCs, such as the Asus ROG Ally and MSI Claw, to operate similarly to dedicated gaming consoles by launching directly into the Xbox PC app and bypassing the traditional Windows desktop. It frees up approximately 2GB of memory for a more efficient gaming experience and provides a streamlined interface that aggregates games from multiple platforms. The mode includes a Game Bar for easy access to controls and a revamped task view for switching between applications. Users can still run Windows applications within this mode, and early adopters have successfully implemented it on devices like the original ROG Ally. Setting up this mode involves installing a Release Preview version of Windows 11 and making registry adjustments, which can lead to instability if not done carefully.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Windows isn’t an OS, it’s a bad habit bordering on addiction

Microsoft's Windows operating system has approximately 1.5 billion users globally, but faces stagnation as many users find Windows 10 satisfactory and are reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft is pushing Windows 11 aggressively, incorporating AI features and nudging users toward paid services, which raises concerns about user experience. The company is uncertain about its future direction, with Project Hudson Valley fading away and the potential for a subscription-based licensing model. In corporate environments, IT departments often prioritize compliance over user needs, leaving employees with limited choices. Some users are exploring alternatives like macOS or Linux, seeking better alignment with their values. Resources are available to help users transition gradually from Windows 10 to alternatives, and maintaining a dual-system approach can ease this process.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Here’s why you should reinstall Windows 11 every two months – no, I’m not kidding

Windows has evolved through various versions, creating a strong connection among users. Bugs can arise from updates, driver issues, or upgrades, and it is often advised to avoid upgrades in favor of fresh installations. Corrupted registry files and mislabelled directories can lead to resource consumption by background programs. A dual-storage drive system is recommended, designating a fast drive for the OS and a slower drive for media and backups, facilitating easier reinstallation. This setup encourages robust backup practices and helps maintain system integrity. Windows Defender is highlighted as an effective antivirus solution, and preparation for installation, including having necessary drivers on a USB stick, is crucial. A proactive approach to system maintenance can enhance the Windows experience.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

3 times Microsoft has tried (and failed) to reinvent PC gaming

Microsoft has faced criticism from the PC gaming community due to frequent Windows updates causing crashes and altering features. The Universal Windows Platform (UWP), introduced in the mid-2010s to unify operating systems, faced backlash from gamers for restricting access to game files and complicating third-party software use. Many developers bypassed UWP, leading Microsoft to reintroduce Win32 games by 2019. DirectX 10 was exclusive to Windows Vista, resulting in only 87 games being developed for it due to the unpopularity of Vista and lack of backward compatibility. Games for Windows Live (GFWL) aimed to bring Xbox Live to PC but became frustrating due to its closed ecosystem, leading to accessibility issues and unplayable titles after server shutdowns. Microsoft has since improved the gaming experience on Windows, focusing on user choice and compatibility, with features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage integrated into Windows 11.