desktop application Archives

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

4 Ways To Use Android Apps On Your Mac Or PC

You can access Android apps on your PC or Mac through various methods. 1. Phone Link: Windows 11 allows you to sync your Android phone with your PC using the Phone Link app, enabling you to send texts, make calls, browse photos, and launch Android apps. To set it up, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you need to install the Link to Windows app on your Android device. 2. Google Play Games: This desktop application lets you play Android games on Windows. Minimum requirements include Windows 10, 10GB SSD storage, 8GB RAM, and Intel UHD Graphics 630. You can download it from the Google Play Games website. 3. MuMuPlayer: An Android emulator that recreates the Android OS environment on your computer. It requires Windows 7 or later, a quad-core i5-7500 CPU, 4GB RAM, and 2GB free disk space. You can download and install it, then access the Play Store to run Android apps. 4. ScrCpy: An open-source tool for mirroring and controlling your Android screen on your computer via a wired connection. You need to enable Developer options and USB debugging on your Android phone, then connect it to your computer and run ScrCpy to mirror the screen. Each method has specific requirements and setup instructions.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

Meta removes Facebook Messenger app for Windows and Mac

Meta has ceased support for the Facebook Messenger desktop application for macOS and Windows, redirecting users to the web-based service at Messenger.com. The desktop version was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic but struggled against competitors like Zoom due to limitations such as participant caps and lack of screen-sharing. Signs of its closure appeared in 2023 with increased integration into the main Facebook app and changes to its technological foundation. By 2024, the Windows version had become a web application. Meta warned users to back up their chat histories, and those without a Facebook account can still access Messenger through Messenger.com.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Facebook’s Messenger desktop apps for Windows, Mac no longer available

The desktop version of the Messenger app developed by Meta has been discontinued for both Windows and Mac users. Meta notified users 60 days prior to the app's shutdown, encouraging them to uninstall it as it would no longer be usable. The app became unavailable as of a recent Monday, redirecting users attempting to download it to the Messenger or Facebook websites. Users can still access Messenger through web browsers and mobile devices. Conversations will remain intact if users enabled secure storage and set up a PIN before the app's deactivation, allowing them to log into the web version. Users without Facebook accounts can still access Messenger.com.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Meta Shuts Down Messenger Desktop App on Windows and macOS

As of December 15, 2025, Meta has ceased operations of the Facebook Messenger desktop client for Windows and macOS. Users are redirected to Facebook.com or Messenger.com based on their account type. The shutdown follows a decline that began in 2023 when Meta started reintegrating Messenger into the main Facebook app, which led to a deterioration of the desktop experience. The app transitioned to less effective platforms, and key functionalities such as screen sharing and support for large video calls were lacking, making it less competitive against platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Users are advised to activate Secure Storage on the web version to preserve end-to-end encryption keys and avoid losing encrypted chat histories stored on the desktop application.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

You can’t use Facebook Messenger’s desktop app anymore

Meta has officially discontinued the Facebook Messenger desktop application for Mac and Windows. Users are encouraged to transition to the web-based Messenger.com and the main Facebook website. Notifications will inform users of the app's shutdown, providing a 60-day window before access is blocked. The Messenger app for Mac is being deprecated due to its inability to compete with business-oriented alternatives like Zoom and its lack of essential features such as screen sharing. Meta's focus is shifting towards merging Messenger functionalities back into the Facebook app. Despite the app's discontinuation, core features like encrypted messaging and media sharing will continue to be available on the web version.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Facebook Messenger Desktop App Ends – Innovation Village | Technology, Product Reviews, Business

Meta is discontinuing the Facebook Messenger desktop application for Mac and Windows, effective December 15, 2025. Users will be redirected to the Facebook website or Messenger.com for messaging. The desktop app, launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, struggled against competitors like Zoom due to a lack of essential features. In 2023, Meta began reintegrating Messenger into the primary Facebook application. The Mac version used Catalyst, which faced criticism for not providing a native experience, while the Windows version transitioned to a progressive web app. Meta recommends users establish a PIN to safeguard their chat history and offers transition guidance for both operating systems.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Meta Shuts Down Standalone Messenger Desktop App on December 15, 2025

Meta Platforms Inc. will discontinue its standalone Messenger desktop application for Windows and macOS on December 15, 2025. Users will be directed to use browser-based access or the main Facebook platform instead. The Messenger app was introduced to compete with video communication tools but has seen a decline in usage as users prefer mobile devices and web browsers. The shutdown will affect businesses that use Messenger for customer service, impacting features like notifications and offline message queuing. Users have expressed frustration over potential loss of chat histories and concerns about increased dependency on Meta's web portal. Alternatives like Signal and Telegram may attract former users. Meta's decision reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing mobile experiences and could allow the company to focus resources on metaverse development and AI features.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Google Launches First-party ‘PC Connect’ Virtual Desktop App for PC Productivity & Gaming on Android XR

Google has launched a beta version of PC Connect, a virtual desktop application for Android XR users that allows streaming content from Windows PCs. The app is optimized for low latency and high frame rates, enabling responsive gameplay and crossover input control between the headset and traditional keyboard and mouse setups. A notable feature is the Gemini assistant, which recognizes streamed applications, and the auto-stereo feature that converts flat content into stereoscopic 3D in real-time. PC Connect is free, unlike its competitor Virtual Desktop, but currently does not support streaming PC VR content. There are questions about whether it uses a direct Wi-Fi link or requires an intermediary network for connectivity. At launch, there is no support for Mac users, but future updates may include it.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

The Messenger app for Windows and Mac will shut down on December 15, here is what to expect

Meta will discontinue its Messenger app for Windows and macOS on December 15. After this date, Mac users will be redirected to Facebook.com for messaging, while Windows users will be encouraged to use the Facebook desktop app. Access to the Messenger desktop app will be blocked, and users will need to uninstall it. The mobile version of Messenger will remain operational. Users should enable secure storage for encrypted chats to ensure successful transfer of chat history. They are also advised to back up important files and photos, check Messenger-only accounts, and prepare for workflow changes.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

1Password can now save passkeys directly in Windows 11

A new Windows API allows third-party applications to manage passkeys more effectively, with 1Password being the first password manager to adopt this innovation. The integration enables 1Password to act as the credential manager on Windows 11, allowing users to create and manage passkeys easily while using Windows Hello for authentication. This feature is available to anyone running the latest version of Windows 11 and the newly released MSIX version of the 1Password app. Users can enable the passkey feature through the 1Password application or manually in Windows settings. Once configured, Windows will use the selected credential manager instead of its default settings. Other password managers like Bitwarden and Dashlane may follow with similar support. Passkeys serve as a convenient alternative to traditional username and password combinations but do not replace existing credentials.