dedicated user base Archives

Winsage

March 24, 2025

OneNote to perish alongside Windows 10

Microsoft has announced that support for the Windows 10 version of OneNote will end in October 2025. Users are encouraged to transition to OneNote for Windows within Microsoft 365 and uninstall the outdated app to continue receiving new features and security updates. Starting in June 2025, users will experience slower synchronization speeds, and by July 2025, in-app banners will be introduced to prompt users to switch.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Windows 7 is not forgotten

Mozilla has extended support for Firefox 115 ESR on unsupported versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, until March 2025. Initially set to end support in September 2024, Mozilla reassessed the situation due to the continued presence of users on Windows 7 and decided to extend support for an additional six months. Mozilla plans to reassess its support strategy in August of this year. Meanwhile, the latest versions of Firefox, including version 135 on the Release Channel and version 128 on the Extended Support Release Channel, are available for users on newer operating systems.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Amazon Appstore will no longer be available on Android

Amazon will discontinue its Appstore for Android devices effective August 20, 2025, and will also terminate its Coins digital currency program. Users will lose access to the Appstore on Android devices, but any coins held in accounts by that date will be eligible for a refund. The Appstore will continue to operate on Amazon's proprietary devices, including Fire TV and Fire Tablets. Additionally, Amazon will end support for its app store on Windows, which had allowed Android applications since March 5, 2025.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Steam users can download and keep 4 bonus free games right now

Steam has released four new free games for PC gamers: 1. Escape 51 - A puzzle adventure where players control a small alien trying to escape a research facility using stealth and problem-solving skills. 2. Mindbug Online - A streamlined card battler featuring fast-paced, turn-based card duels where players summon creatures to outwit opponents. 3. Mini GUNN - A 2D fighter that offers multiplayer battles with stunts and bullet-deflecting maneuvers, inspired by Samurai GUNN 2. 4. Temple of Shadows - An action-adventure game where players, as archaeology student Sebastian Harrington, search for a missing professor while exploring ancient ruins and solving puzzles.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Steam now confirms you’re buying a license, not a game — here’s why that sucks

Valve's update to the Steam storefront clarifies that purchasing a game on Steam grants a license rather than ownership, stating that "The Content and Services are licensed, not sold." This change has raised concerns among Steam's 123 million active users, especially in light of California's “AB 2426,” which requires digital storefronts to inform consumers that they are acquiring a license instead of outright ownership. The law affects various digital products, and non-compliance could lead to fines. An example of the implications of this shift is seen with Ubisoft's The Crew, which was delisted from Steam, resulting in users losing access to the game. This situation has prompted some users to reconsider their purchasing habits and consider physical copies for true ownership.

AppWizard

September 27, 2024

KakaoTalk’s massive user base

As of December 2023, the most popular mobile messaging apps in South Korea are: 1. KakaoTalk - Leading app with a user-friendly interface and extensive features for personal and business interactions, including integration with services like banking and gaming. 2. LINE - Popular among younger users, known for its vibrant stickers and community engagement. 3. WhatsApp - Despite being globally dominant, it has a dedicated user base in South Korea, valued for its focus on privacy and security. 4. Telegram - Favored for its enhanced privacy features and group functionalities, including robust encryption and large channel creation capabilities.

AppWizard

August 12, 2024

Nova Launcher founder addresses app’s status and future after layoffs

Kevin Barry, the lead developer of Nova Launcher, is now the sole remaining member of the Nova team following layoffs at Branch Metrics that affected over 100 employees. He has always been the primary contributor to the project, although Rob Wainwright and Cliff Wade were also part of the team. Nova Launcher is a third-party home screen launcher for Android that allows extensive customization. Since its acquisition by Branch Metrics in 2022, it has improved through insights into user behavior. Barry reassured users that he is committed to continuing development, with an upcoming 8.1 patch in progress, albeit with a reduced scope compared to previous updates.

Winsage

August 10, 2024

Farewell to Paint 3D: Microsoft Plans to Remove the App From Windows Store

Microsoft is winding down its Paint 3D application, which will cease to receive updates and be removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4. Users have reported seeing a banner within the app regarding this change. Paint 3D was launched in 2017 as part of the Windows 10 Creators Update, intended to combine 2D editing with 3D modeling. Despite initial praise, it faced criticism for lacking essential photo-editing features. In 2021, Paint 3D was removed from the default app installation list on Windows 10, requiring users to download it from the store.

AppWizard

June 27, 2024

RIP ICQ: Pioneering Internet Messenger Shuts Down After 28 Years

ICQ, the internet messenger, officially shut down after 28 years. Initially developed by Israeli programmers in 1996, it revolutionized real-time text chatting and was later acquired by AOL. Despite dwindling popularity, ICQ maintained a dedicated user base and was even cited as an alternative messaging platform in 2018. The platform's closure on June 26 marked the end of an era in internet history.

AppWizard

April 3, 2024

Google’s graveyard keeps growing, Google Podcasts is the latest victim

Google Podcasts will no longer be available after April 2, with a grace period until July to export subscriptions. This decision is part of Google's strategy to consolidate its podcasting services under the YouTube brand.