content Archives

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Spotify Adds In-App Messaging to Boost Social Sharing

Spotify is introducing an in-app messaging feature that allows users to engage in direct conversations within the app. This feature supports one-on-one chats and requires approval for new chat requests. Users can react with emojis, and messages are stored in the app's Messages section. The feature is currently available on mobile only for users aged 16 and older in select Latin and South American markets, with plans to expand to the US, Canada, Brazil, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Messages are encrypted during transit and at rest, but not end-to-end encrypted. Users can disable the feature if desired.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Still rocking Windows 10? It’s time to glow up with Windows 11 Pro at $13 (Reg. $199)

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, down from its regular price of 9. It features AI integration, a user-friendly interface, productivity tools like Snap layouts, security features such as biometric login and TPM 2.0, and an AI assistant called Copilot powered by GPT-4 Turbo. Additionally, it includes DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced gaming graphics.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Adobe Firefly joins forces with Gemini Flash 2.5 for seamless content creation

Adobe Firefly has integrated Gemini's Flash 2.5 Image to enhance its AI content creation capabilities. Users can switch seamlessly between Adobe apps during their creative process. Premium members have unlimited access to Gemini's features until September 1st, while free tier users can generate up to 20 pieces of media for free. The integration allows for greater flexibility in exploring creative ideas and ensures that user-generated content will not be used to train generative AI models. The Gemini 2.5 Flash Image is available in Firefly’s Text to Image module, Firefly Boards (beta), and Adobe Express.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify Launches In-App Messaging for Music, Podcasts, and Audiobooks – Tech | Business

Spotify has launched a messaging feature that allows users to share music, podcasts, and audiobooks within the app, aimed at enhancing its social aspect. This feature is limited to one-on-one conversations among users with existing Spotify connections. To start a conversation, a request must be sent and approved. Users can also receive chat requests from links shared on external platforms. Conversations can be accessed in a new Messages section, where users can react with emojis and revisit shared content. The feature is encrypted but not end-to-end, and Spotify will scan chats for harmful content. Users can report and block accounts, and have the option to disable messaging. Currently, the feature is available to users aged 16 and above in select Latin American markets, with plans for expansion. Both free and premium users can access it on mobile devices. Some users have raised concerns about the potential clutter from added features.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify adds messaging feature to strengthen social experience on app

Spotify has introduced a direct messaging feature to enhance social connectivity within its platform, allowing users to share music and podcasts without using external applications. The messaging function supports one-to-one interactions with individuals who have previously exchanged content, such as collaborators on playlists or users in Family and Duo plans. To initiate a conversation, users must send a request that the recipient must approve. Users can also enter chats via links shared on social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. The feature retains a history of shared content and users can organize conversations under a 'Messages' section. Users can react to messages with emojis, and Spotify ensures that messages are encrypted, though not with end-to-end encryption. The company will review messages for violations and users can report concerning content.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify introduces direct messaging with new in-app tool

Spotify has introduced an in-app messaging feature called “Messages” that allows users to share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks with friends. Users can send content, react with emojis, and manage message requests with options to block or filter harmful content. The feature aims to improve content discovery through personal recommendations rather than relying solely on curated playlists or algorithmic suggestions. It will be rolled out globally in phases to enhance user engagement within the app.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify Introduces In-App Messaging for Sharing Music Recommendations With Your Friends

Spotify is introducing a new feature called Messages, allowing users to share music, podcast, and audiobook recommendations within the app. This feature will be available to Free and Premium members aged 16 and older and will initially launch on mobile devices in select markets. Users can share recommendations by tapping the share icon next to their current listening selection and sending it to friends they've previously interacted with on the platform. The feature supports one-to-one conversations and is designed to complement existing social media channels. Spotify emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe environment, applying standard rules against illegal and harmful content and ensuring user data protection through encryption technology.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

5 “just-enough” open-source apps I install on every fresh Windows setup

A fresh installation of Windows provides a clean slate, but soon requires essential tools for tasks like file extraction, text editing, audio recording, and screen capturing. The following open-source tools are recommended: - 7-Zip: A lightweight file compression tool that supports various formats (.zip, .rar, .tar, .7z, .iso) and integrates into the right-click context menu. It is free and maintained by a community. - OBS Studio: An open-source software for gamers and content creators that excels in livestreaming and game recording, featuring customizable recording parameters and a replay buffer. - Audacity: A long-standing open-source audio editing software that is lightweight yet feature-rich, ideal for straightforward audio editing tasks and supports built-in effects and plugins. - Notepad++: An enhanced text editor that supports multiple programming languages and syntax highlighting, making it suitable for editing configuration files, with lightweight nature and plugin support. - ShareX: An open-source screenshot tool that offers advanced features and customizable workflows, improving upon the Snipping Tool for seamless screenshot management. The author values these tools for being free, open-source, and reliable, often preferring them over proprietary software.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify Launches In-App Messaging, Hoping New DM Feature Will Boost Listening and ‘Drive Hype’

Spotify is introducing a new feature called Messages that allows users aged 16 and older to engage in direct messaging within the app. This feature will launch this week in select markets on mobile devices. Users can share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks directly within Spotify, rather than relying on external messaging apps. The addition of Messages is based on user feedback indicating a desire for a dedicated space for sharing content. Users can message individuals they have previously interacted with, receive suggestions based on shared activities, and manage message requests. The feature includes options to block accounts and report inappropriate content, with industry-standard encryption for user data protection. To use Messages, users tap the share icon while listening to content, choose a friend, and send the message.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Spotify launches a messaging feature in a bid to become more social

Spotify has introduced a new messaging feature that allows users to chat with friends directly within the app. This feature retains a history of shared content and is currently limited to one-on-one conversations with individuals users have previously shared content with. Users on Family or Duo plans can connect through this feature, requiring approval for conversations. Users can access messages by tapping on their profile pictures, and they can react to messages with emojis. Messages are encrypted but do not use end-to-end encryption, and Spotify monitors them for compliance with policies. The feature is being rolled out to users aged 16 and older in select Latin and South American markets, with plans for expansion to other regions soon. Users have raised concerns about the app's interface, citing visual clutter, but there is an option to disable messages in the settings.