connectivity Archives

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Breathing new Life into Old Devices with Windows 11 on Amazon WorkSpaces

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 2025, prompting businesses to consider alternatives like desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) solutions, such as Amazon WorkSpaces, due to many devices being incompatible with Windows 11. Organizations are repurposing older devices as clients for DaaS desktops to reduce costs and promote sustainability. Amazon WorkSpaces offers secure, cloud-based virtual desktops, enhancing security and business continuity while facilitating remote work. It has been recognized as a leading DaaS provider by Gartner. AWS announced compatibility with ChromeOS Flex in March 2025, making it suitable for repurposing older laptops. ChromeOS Flex requires minimal hardware specifications and simplifies IT management. Testing showed that a repurposed Dell E7440 laptop could effectively connect to a Windows 11 WorkSpaces desktop. The integration of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise on Amazon WorkSpaces allows users to utilize existing licenses at no extra cost. Amazon WorkSpaces operates on a pay-as-you-go model, supporting sustainability and cost savings while providing secure access to virtual desktops.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Minecraft Creator Weighs in on Stop Killing Games Initiative

Notch, the creator of Minecraft, has expressed support for the Stop Killing Games movement, which advocates for gamers' rights to access online and live-service games they have purchased. He highlighted concerns about the current state of digital gaming, where games are often sold as licenses rather than outright ownership. Steam has introduced a warning label on purchases to clarify that users are acquiring a license, which reflects limitations on gamers' control over their purchases. The Stop Killing Games movement aims to ensure guaranteed access to digital games even after official support ends and has gained over 1.2 million signatures in the EU. While Notch supports the movement, he chose not to sign the petition to avoid aiding AAA studios, preferring to compete with better terms for users. He advocates for studios to relinquish control over servers, shifting power dynamics in favor of the gaming community. If successful in the EU, the initiative could inspire similar legislative changes elsewhere.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Samsung’s alleged ‘Auto DeX’ leak is an Android Auto variant you might see

Samsung is reportedly developing a new feature called "Auto DeX" as an alternative to Android Auto, designed to work on smartphones in vehicles that may not support traditional automotive software. The user interface, shared by a tipster, includes an off-center box for primary content, a "Brief" tile, a music application, and dual app bars for ease of use while driving. "Auto DeX" may be inspired by Samsung's existing DeX technology and is expected to be compatible with One UI 7 and 8, particularly for the Galaxy S25 series and the latest foldable devices. The feature is still in early development and has not yet entered internal testing. This development recalls Google's discontinued Android Auto for phone screens, which allowed access to features directly from smartphones. Additionally, Samsung is working on its own version of Android's earthquake alerts.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Pixel July 2025 Update Brings Android 16 Fixes: Pixel 6a Gets Battery Controls, Pixel 9 Series Sees Wi-Fi and App Improvements

Google has begun rolling out the July 2025 update for Android 16, specifically for Pixel devices, with the build number BP2A.250705.008. This over-the-air (OTA) update focuses on bug fixes and performance enhancements, particularly for network connectivity and app rendering. The Pixel 6a is now part of the Google Battery Performance Programme, which aims to improve battery longevity and safety by introducing background controls that limit charging speed and capacity after around 400 charge cycles. Users may qualify for free repairs, partial refunds, or trade-in bonuses for battery-related issues. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 series receive performance enhancements, especially in app visuals and Wi-Fi stability. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series see general stability improvements, while the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold experience app optimization for display orientation. Notably, the update does not include the July Android security patch or a list of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). The update is available for the Google Pixel 9, 8, 7, 6, 6a, Fold, and Tablet.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Twitter Co-Founder Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat Aims to Kickstart the Offline Messaging Revolution

Jack Dorsey is developing Bitchat, a decentralized messaging application created over a weekend. It operates on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, allowing devices within a 300-meter range to exchange encrypted messages without the need for internet connectivity or phone numbers. Bitchat forms a dynamic mesh network where messages can hop through nearby devices if a direct connection is unavailable. Messages are end-to-end encrypted, stored only on the sender's and receiver's devices, and disappear after a set time. Users can create group discussions, called "rooms," with hashtags and passwords, and a "Panic Mode" feature enables quick data deletion. Bitchat includes store-and-forward messaging for offline users and has plans for a Wi-Fi Direct update. The app does not collect personal information or track user activity, making it suitable for use in regions with censorship or network issues. Its beta launch on TestFlight quickly reached 10,000 users, and it features a minimalist interface for ease of use. The open-source code is available on GitHub for developer contributions.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Twitter co-founder launches Bluetooth-only messaging app

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, has launched Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app that operates over Bluetooth without the need for internet or phone numbers. Currently in beta testing via Apple's TestFlight, Bitchat uses local Bluetooth mesh networks to relay messages, ensuring encrypted conversations that disappear by default. Users can create password-protected group chats and future updates may include Wi-Fi Direct support. The app is designed for use in situations with compromised internet access and does not collect user data or require accounts. A whitepaper on GitHub outlines its technical framework aimed at resisting censorship. While still in early testing, the app's effectiveness at scale is yet to be evaluated, and there are no announcements for an Android version or public launch plans.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

No Internet, No Problem: Jack Dorsey Unveils Bluetooth Messaging App ‘Bitchat’

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has launched a messaging app called Bitchat, which enables communication without internet connectivity using Bluetooth mesh networking. Bitchat operates on a peer-to-peer basis, does not require user accounts, and ensures messages are encrypted and temporary, without interaction with a central server. Users can communicate within a 300-meter radius, and messages can be relayed to others beyond direct Bluetooth range. The app features password-protected group chats, delayed message delivery for offline users, and will support Wi-Fi Direct for improved range and speed. All messages are stored solely on users' devices and are designed to disappear over time. Bitchat is described as a decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging application resilient to network outages and censorship. The beta release quickly filled all 10,000 slots, indicating significant interest.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey quietly dropped a game-changing chat app and it’s already full: All about it

Tech entrepreneur Jack Dorsey has launched a decentralized messaging application called Bitchat, designed to function independently of the internet and without the need for personal information. The app facilitates peer-to-peer messaging through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks, allowing communication over distances greater than 300 meters without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. It is currently in beta testing via Apple’s TestFlight. A whitepaper on GitHub details its functionality, with each phone acting as both sender and receiver for multi-hop message transfers. Bitchat prioritizes user privacy by not requiring a phone number or email address. Messages are temporarily stored on devices, with an automatic caching system to ensure delivery when the recipient reconnects to the network. The app features a tiered message retention system, where standard messages are deleted after 12 hours and “favourites” are kept indefinitely. It uses end-to-end encryption with Curve25519 and AES-GCM for data protection. The app includes user mentions, topic-based rooms, and password protection for secure communications, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional centralized messaging platforms.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey’s New Private Messenger App Doesn’t Need an Internet Connection

Jack Dorsey has launched a beta project called Bitchat, a private messaging app that uses mesh networks and Bluetooth technology to facilitate communication without internet connectivity. Bitchat allows direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity and features automatic message relay to extend its range. The app prioritizes user privacy by not requiring phone numbers or permanent identifiers and ensures end-to-end encryption. Dorsey emphasizes the app's independence from traditional internet infrastructure, making it resilient to outages and censorship. The project is still in its early stages, and its technical robustness remains to be evaluated.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

‘bitchat’ Jack Dorsey’s New Side Project Is A Bluetooth Messenger App; The Internet Begs ‘No More Chatting Apps’

Jack Dorsey, former CEO and co-founder of Twitter, is developing a Bluetooth-based messaging application called Bitchat, which enables communication without internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, or cellular service, using peer-to-peer connections over distances up to 300 meters. The app is currently in the testing phase on TestFlight, which has reached its capacity of 10,000 users. Dorsey has expressed interest in learning about Bluetooth mesh networks and related technologies through this project. The app has sparked discussions about mesh networks and resilient communication, but it has also received mixed reactions, with some users expressing skepticism and concerns about potential misuse.