companion apps Archives

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2026

Norton 360 for Gamers vs Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes [2026]

Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes have adjusted their antivirus products to mitigate the negative effects on gaming performance. In June 2026, Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security both received a perfect AV-TEST score of 18 out of 18, while Malwarebytes achieved a 100% real-world protection rate in AV-Comparatives testing, though it had more false positives. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended for gamers due to its low frame-rate impact of 0-2%, while Norton 360 offers features for streamers and competitive players, and Malwarebytes serves as a lightweight secondary scanner. The value of gaming accounts has increased, making them targets for cybercriminals, with malware campaigns like Vidar 2.0 accounting for 41% of gaming-related malware detections. New malware families such as Katz and Bee specifically target Discord and gaming platforms. In terms of performance, Norton showed a 2-3% FPS decrease in Cyberpunk 2077, while Bitdefender's impact was only 0-2%, and Malwarebytes had less than 1% impact. Norton and Bitdefender are tied in detection capabilities, both scoring 18/18 in AV-TEST, while Malwarebytes had a 92.4% offline detection rate and 98.3% online. Norton includes a no-log VPN and gamer-tag monitoring, while Bitdefender offers identity protection without specific gamer-tag monitoring. Malwarebytes lacks a VPN and password manager. Pricing varies, with Norton starting at .99 for three devices, Bitdefender at .99 for one device, and Malwarebytes at .99 for one device. To switch antivirus solutions, users should back up their license keys, use removal tools, and ensure game-aware modes are active. Each product has unique strengths: Norton excels in gamer-tag monitoring, Bitdefender minimizes CPU usage, and Malwarebytes is lightweight but lacks additional features.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

These three Microsoft 365 apps lasted just one year before getting axed

Microsoft will retire the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps from its Microsoft 365 suite on December 16, 2026. These apps were launched a year ago to enhance productivity by providing quick access to information via the Windows 11 taskbar. However, their role has shifted from essential tools to supplementary resources, as users can access the same information through existing Microsoft services. Microsoft recommends alternatives such as Outlook, Teams, Windows Search, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for users to utilize after the retirement of these apps.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft 365 Companion Apps Are Being Retired

Microsoft will retire its Microsoft 365 companion apps for Windows 11, including the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps, by December 16, 2026. These apps were introduced at no additional cost to users with eligible Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses, with the Files and People apps debuting in March 2025 and the Calendar app in May 2025. Microsoft integrated its Copilot feature into these applications last October. Users are advised not to wait until the retirement date, as the apps will become non-functional prior to December 16. Administrators can remove these apps as needed, and Microsoft has provided a template for notifying users. Alternatives for functionality include Outlook, Teams, Windows Search Box, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Office applications.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft force-installed three apps on Windows 11, and now you have to delete them yourself

In early 2025, Microsoft introduced three applications—“People,” “Files,” and “Calendar”—as part of its “Microsoft 365 companions” initiative to enhance productivity. These apps were integrated into the Windows 11 taskbar for managing Microsoft 365 features. Microsoft planned to automatically install these apps on eligible PCs starting in late October 2025, but later decided to discontinue them. The companion apps will be retired by December 16, 2026, and users must manually uninstall them as they will not be removed automatically. To uninstall, users can go to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps or use PowerShell commands.

AppWizard

September 16, 2026

Android 17 QPR1 Drops: Top New Features, Customization & UI Changes Explained

Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR1, which includes user interface enhancements, multitasking capabilities, and digital wellbeing features. Key features include: - Pause Point: Introduces a delay before opening distracting apps, encouraging users to engage in calming activities. - Material 3 Blur Expansion: Adds background blur effects to various system surfaces, including the volume panel and power menu. - Multi-Screensaver Support: Allows users to select and switch between multiple screensavers. - Custom Ringtone Vibrations: Users can assign unique vibration patterns for individual ringtones. - Taskbar Recent Apps: Displays actual recent apps on large-screen devices. - HID Access: New APIs enable applications to interact with connected USB and Bluetooth peripherals. - Health Connect Tracking: Natively tracks distance and calories through a built-in step counter. - Media Player Tweaks: Enhancements to the media player carousel and screen recorder functionality. Android 17 QPR1 is initially available for eligible Google Pixel devices, with other manufacturers to follow based on their release schedules.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google’s AI Studio enables rapid Android app creation in minutes

Google has introduced enhanced web-based AI tools in its AI Studio platform, allowing users to generate complete native Android applications from natural-language prompts. This process enables individuals without programming skills to create installable APKs in minutes. The Build mode accepts plain-English descriptions to construct comprehensive native Android projects, which can then be customized in Android Studio. The tools support integration with third-party APIs and Web3 SDKs, allowing AI-generated apps to interact with blockchain functionalities. This development offers opportunities for the cryptocurrency sector, enabling decentralized finance protocols or wallet providers to create lightweight companion apps without extensive engineering teams. The integration with the Android ecosystem positions Google to reshape competitive dynamics in mobile app development. However, there are security concerns regarding the AI-generated code, particularly related to vulnerabilities in rapidly generated mobile apps that interact with smart contracts.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Exclusive: Android Auto is preparing home screen widgets — here’s your first look

Android Auto is set to introduce home screen widgets, codenamed “Earth,” allowing users to integrate widgets from mobile applications into the Android Auto dashboard. Currently, Android Auto features “Taskbar Widgets” for quick app controls. The new home screen widgets will enable users to select one widget to occupy one side of the home screen, taking up 35-40% of the width. To add widgets in the current beta version, users must navigate to Settings > “Customize Earth,” choose an app, confirm the selection, and manage the widget. Users need to grant permissions for widget creation, after which they can select from compatible apps. Widgets will display on the dashboard, with the Spotify widget showing playback controls but lacking song titles due to layout design limitations. Testing reveals varying performance levels among widgets, with the Pixel Weather widget functioning well when location access is enabled. Key limitations include the ability to display only one widget at a time, no option to add multiple widgets from different apps, limited size adjustment, and some widgets not functioning correctly due to design issues. Widgets that work well typically do not require opening their companion apps. Improvements and better compatibility are expected in future updates.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Windows Users Get Exclusive Taskbar Apps That Integrate with Microsoft 365

Microsoft is introducing three lightweight companion applications—People, File Search, and Calendar—designed to enhance the user experience for Microsoft 365 customers by transforming the Windows taskbar into a command center. These apps will be automatically launched upon startup and provide immediate access to Microsoft 365 functionalities. The People app allows users to initiate Teams calls and manage contacts, the File Search app simplifies file location across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and the Calendar app offers visibility into upcoming commitments and integrates with other tools. The rollout is scheduled for this month through standard update channels. This initiative reflects Microsoft's strategy to deepen integration of its services within the Windows experience, aiming to enhance user productivity and strengthen its competitive position. However, it has faced scrutiny from regulators, particularly the European Commission, regarding its bundling strategies, leading to commitments to unbundle Teams from its offerings and enhance interoperability with competing platforms.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Office 365 gets new ‘companion apps’ that live in the Windows taskbar

Microsoft has introduced mini-apps called Microsoft 365 companions for Windows 11 users, which include functionalities for People, File Search, and Calendar. Access to these companions is limited to organizations that opt into the beta features. The mini-apps reside in the taskbar, allowing users to access essential functions without launching full applications. The People companion enables quick access to contacts, the File Search companion allows seamless searching through cloud files, and the Calendar companion lets users join Teams calls directly from the taskbar. The status of these mini-apps within the Windows 11 ecosystem is uncertain, and while mobile versions may be forthcoming, there is no official confirmation from Microsoft yet.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft releases lightweight Office taskbar apps for Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing lightweight taskbar apps for Microsoft 365 on Windows 11, which will automatically launch at startup. The People companion app allows users to access an organizational chart and communicate via Teams or email. The File Search companion app enables quick retrieval of Microsoft 365 files by searching for file names, authors, or keywords, and includes a preview feature. The Calendar app provides an overview of upcoming events and allows users to search for appointments or join meetings. These apps are being rolled out to all business users of Microsoft 365 this month, with automatic installation for those who have Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 11, though IT administrators can prevent this, and users can stop the apps from launching at startup.