dedicated space Archives

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

Facebook Messenger’s Desktop App Is Officially Dead

As of December 15, 2025, Meta has retired its native Messenger applications for Mac and Windows, directing users to the Facebook website for conversations. The desktop app was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic but struggled to compete with platforms like Zoom. In 2023, Meta began integrating Messenger into the main Facebook app, indicating a decline in the app's standalone importance. The desktop version faced criticism for its technical evolution and was downgraded to a progressive web app on Windows. Users were advised to set up a PIN to preserve chat history before the transition, with Facebook account holders directed to Facebook.com and non-Facebook users to Messenger.com.

Winsage

December 18, 2025

2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience

In 2025, the Microsoft Store on Windows attracted over 250 million monthly users and introduced new offerings, including productivity tools like Raycast, Noteastic, and Cephable, as well as popular games such as Fortnite and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Accessibility apps like DotVista and applications like RunCat 365 and Adobe Premier Elements 2026 were also launched. In collaboration with Tencent, the catalog in China expanded to include mini apps and games like Rednote and Fire to the Zombies. The 2025 App Awards winners were announced, recognizing exceptional value for Windows users. The Microsoft Store introduced Special Events to help users discover timely content within their favorite apps. A dedicated Themes department was launched to simplify the process of personalizing computing environments. Enhancements made since June focused on providing a tailored experience, with personalized content available on home and app pages. The app installation process was streamlined with multi-app install features and improved methods for finding and launching apps through the Windows Search Bar. The AI Hub was refreshed to help users discover AI-powered apps, with new app badges indicating AI capabilities. Copilot now assists with Store browsing in the U.S., and finding Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot has been made easier. Key improvements included quicker navigation, improved error handling, the ability to uninstall apps directly from the Library, better update orchestration, and enhanced search functionality.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft is about to kill my favorite Edge feature — and Copilot is to blame

Microsoft is transforming Windows 11 to include more artificial intelligence capabilities, leading to mixed user reactions. Pavan Davuluri stated that users can disable AI features if they find them unappealing. In Edge, the Sidebar app list is being retired, and new apps can no longer be added, which has disappointed users who valued the ability to pin websites and web apps. The retirement of the Sidebar coincides with the introduction of Copilot, suggesting a strategic move to prioritize Copilot. The Sidebar has been a useful multitasking tool for users, and its removal could disrupt workflows. The icon for the Sidebar has been repurposed for Copilot, indicating competition between the two features. Users feel that the promotion of Copilot may overshadow other features like the Edge Sidebar.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

Google’s Gemini App Revamp: Inside the Android Redesign Reshaping AI Interfaces

Google has updated its Gemini app for Android, introducing a redesigned homepage, a true black dark theme, and a new ‘My Stuff’ feature. The update aims to enhance user experience by making interactions more intuitive and organized, following a previous redesign in September. The gradual rollout starts with select users on Android. The black dark theme is optimized for OLED screens, reducing eye strain and improving battery efficiency. The ‘My Stuff’ hub centralizes user-generated content, addressing organization issues from earlier versions. The update aligns with Google’s broader AI strategy, integrating with services like YouTube and Google Maps. The app now supports better organization tools, including a refreshed conversation view. Users have praised the dark theme and streamlined interface. Analysts suggest these updates could be pivotal in the AI race, enhancing Gemini's competitiveness against rivals like OpenAI. Some users have noted minor rollout delays, indicating a need for wider availability.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Google Photos could get an ‘Ask’ button to make finding memories effortless

A new "Ask" button may soon be added to the Google Photos photo viewer, allowing users to query their library without switching screens. This feature, currently in testing, uses AI to interpret conversational prompts for searching photos. Additionally, there are references to a potential "Outfits collection" that could organize wardrobe photos, possibly linked to Google’s Doppl virtual try-on technology. The Ask Photos feature is currently limited to users in the United States and accessible through a separate tab in the Photos app for eligible users. The shortcut button and the Outfits collection remain unconfirmed for a broader rollout.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

My favorite space sandbox is going huge with a new megastructure expansion that connects the entire galaxy together

The Megatech DLC for Astroneer is set to be released on November 20 and will introduce new features such as the construction of megastructures, a new celestial body called the Orbital Platform, and the ability to cultivate alien flora through the Biodome. The expansion will also include a Museum for showcasing technology and collectibles. Additionally, a Distribution Launcher System and an Intermodal Terminal will be added to enhance resource transfer between planets. The DLC will be compatible with existing saves, and players can wishlist it on Steam for notifications upon release.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar at 40% Off, 50K Units Already Gone on Amazon

The Minecraft Advent calendar has become a best-seller, with 50,000 units sold on Amazon in the past month. It features 300 pieces, including 24 hidden gifts that build into a Minecraft winter village. The set includes iconic characters like Alex, Steve, a Creeper, and various mobs, along with a fold-out playmat for play. The calendar is compatible with other LEGO Minecraft collections and costs under nine cents per brick. It has a 4.8 rating from 90 reviews.

AppWizard

September 26, 2025

Android users will now be able to test an unreleased YouTube AI feature

YouTube has launched "YouTube Labs," an initiative to engage testers in developing AI features for its platform, starting with the YouTube Music app. The first experiment involves new "AI music hosts" that provide commentary, trivia, and interesting facts during music playback. Participation is currently limited to select testers in the U.S., with sign-ups beginning on September 26. YouTube aims to deepen user engagement with music through this initiative. The AI hosts are designed to create an entertaining experience, similar to Spotify's AI DJ. YouTube has previously explored various AI capabilities, including features for Premium subscribers and the "Ask about video" feature, which allows users to ask questions and receive tailored responses. Additionally, a test earlier this summer provided Premium users with AI-generated video summaries, categorized as "Highlights," to help them find relevant content quickly.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Google is working on making it easier than ever to find your Call Notes (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing its Phone app with a new filter that allows users to separate calls with Call Notes from their call history. This feature, which is part of the app's updates, will help users access important information from past conversations more easily. The Call Notes feature, launched in 2024, transcribes conversations and generates summaries, but finding these notes in a long call history can be difficult. The new "Notes" filter will provide a dedicated space for accessing Call Notes. This feature is currently exclusive to Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series devices in the United States, and Pixel 9a users will not have access to it.

AppWizard

September 4, 2025

Introducing Messages, A New Way To Share What You Love on Spotify with Friends and Family

Spotify is rolling out a new feature called Messages for users aged 16 and older in select markets, available on mobile devices. This feature allows users to share Spotify content such as music, podcasts, and audiobooks through one-on-one conversations, enhancing social interactions within the app. Users can initiate messages by selecting friends they've previously interacted with and can react with emojis, send texts, and share content back and forth. The app will suggest friends based on prior interactions and shared content. Users can also report inappropriate content and block others if needed. Messages are encrypted for security, and Spotify will continue to enhance the feature in the future.