desktop applications Archives

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.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Perplexity brings its Comet browser to Android

Perplexity has launched its AI-powered browser, Comet, for Android users, integrating a built-in AI assistant for interactive content engagement. Comet is one of the first AI-centric mobile browsers, following its desktop release for Perplexity Max subscribers. The Android version includes features like voice mode for conversational interactions and the ability to request web content summaries, but it currently lacks syncing for browsing history and bookmarks between mobile and desktop. Future updates are planned to include syncing capabilities, a fully agentic voice mode, and a built-in password manager. Users can still use Android's existing password management features while using the browser.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

New Dev and Beta Build Enables New Agentic Features

Microsoft has released new preview builds of Windows 11 version 25H2, specifically build 26220.7262, to the Dev and Beta channels within the Windows Insider Program via cumulative update KB5070303. Key updates include: - An experimental toggle for AI components that allows users to enable or disable agentic features. - High-definition voices in Narrator and Magnifier for U.S. English users, featuring one male and one female voice powered by Azure-based text-to-speech models. - An upgrade to the Narrator tool, which can now read mathematical equations in Microsoft 365 desktop applications. - Improvements to the Click to Do context menu for easier access to actions like Copy, Save, Share, and Open, with automatic appearance for large images or tables. - Other adjustments include the temporary disabling of Image Object Selection, minor enhancements to Teaching Tips and Pen Input, and ongoing configuration of the AI Actions feature, along with various bug fixes.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Microsoft: Windows bug blocks Microsoft 365 desktop app installs

Microsoft is addressing an issue preventing users from installing Microsoft 365 desktop applications on Windows devices due to misconfigured authentication components. The affected versions are Microsoft 365 desktop apps version 2508 (Build 19127.20358) and version 2507 (Build 19029.20294). Microsoft is working on reconfiguring the authentication components, with a resolution expected to be deployed soon. The issue has been classified as incident OP1186186, indicating a critical service disruption. Additionally, another problem, tracked as MO1176905, is affecting some admins and users by restricting access to various Microsoft 365 services due to a misconfiguration related to Microsoft 365 Group SecurityEnabled settings. Recently, Microsoft resolved a bug related to Microsoft Intune and mitigated a DNS outage that affected global customers.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

New ChromeOS update makes leaving Windows easier than ever: Here’s why many users might switch

Google's November 2025 update to ChromeOS introduces enterprise-grade virtualization, allowing Chromebooks to stream and run legacy Windows applications through Cameyo. This update enables users to access full-featured desktop applications without traditional Windows installations. Enhancements in generative AI, including Gemini and intelligent file suggestions, are also part of this update. ChromeOS now features AI-generated recaps, personalized activity suggestions, and a Focus mode to minimize distractions. The operating system can be installed on older Windows PCs or Macs for free through ChromeOS Flex, offering quick boot times and automatic security patches. While ChromeOS excels in speed and efficiency for general tasks, it does not natively support resource-intensive software, which remains a strength for Windows.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Lenovo says upcoming Android PCs will have “limited desktop features, app compatibility issues” and more problems when compared to Windows PCs

Lenovo has provided insights on Google's upcoming Android PC platform, highlighting its suitability for lightweight tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. However, it warns of limitations compared to traditional systems like Windows 11, including restricted desktop features, app compatibility issues, and gaming performance constraints. Users may face a learning curve due to the lack of advanced file management and multitasking capabilities. Android PCs are not designed for high-performance gaming and may struggle with desktop-class applications. Despite these drawbacks, Lenovo believes Android PCs could perform well in the low-end market, especially on older hardware or low-powered devices, offering better energy efficiency than Windows 11. Qualcomm supports the potential of Android PCs, predicting they will improve over time, with rumors suggesting initial device shipments could begin next year.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

Qobuz launches Android TV app (but there’s a catch)

Qobuz has launched an Android TV app that allows users to access its catalogue of 100 million tracks on their televisions. The app is available on the Google Play Store and is compatible with all devices that support Google TV, including brands like Sony, TCL, and Hisense. Users can easily download the app, log in, and start streaming, with features like playlists, albums, and personalized recommendations designed for larger displays. However, the app has a limitation where all audio is resampled to 48kHz due to the Android TV operating system, regardless of the original quality. This means that users connecting their TVs to soundbars or AV receivers will also experience this limitation. While casual listeners may find the app satisfactory, dedicated Qobuz subscribers seeking high-resolution audio may prefer alternatives like the NVIDIA Shield or dedicated streaming DACs to avoid the resampling issue. The 48kHz cap is a restriction of the Android platform, not Qobuz itself.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

KB5067115 Enhances Windows on Arm with Improved 64-bit App Emulation via Prism

Microsoft has updated its Prism emulator in the Windows 11 25H2 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115), enhancing support for 64-bit x86 CPU features on Arm devices. This update improves app compatibility and performance for devices like the Surface Pro X and Lenovo ThinkPad X13s. It introduces Emulation Settings in Properties for developers to adjust emulation behavior for 32-bit applications. Additionally, the update includes the Ask Copilot feature in the taskbar and a Full Screen Experience option for more handheld devices.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Meta Is Shutting Down Messenger Apps on Windows and macOS—Here’s When

Meta will phase out the standalone Messenger applications for Windows and macOS by December 2025. Mac users will have a 60-day grace period before the app becomes inaccessible, while Windows users will have access until December 14, 2025. Both applications have already been removed from the Microsoft Store and the Mac App Store. After the shutdown, Windows users can use the Facebook app or Messenger web version, while Mac users will need to use their browsers. Users can preserve their chat history by enabling secure storage and setting a PIN. Users without a Facebook account can access Messenger via messenger.com. Meta plans to replace the native WhatsApp Windows app with a web-based version in the future.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Britons Furious as Meta Axes Messenger Desktop App From 15 December

Meta will discontinue the standalone Facebook Messenger desktop app for Windows and Mac, effective 15 December. Users will need to transition to the browser version, which has led to frustration among those who preferred the app for its focused messaging experience. Meta referred to the app as 'deprecated' but provided little explanation for its removal. Industry analysts suggest the decision is part of a cost-saving initiative, while UK users feel it diminishes their choices. Meta has urged users to back up their encrypted chat history, noting that conversations may not transfer automatically to the browser version. The decision comes as Facebook faces declining relevance in the UK, amid regulatory challenges and public skepticism. Earlier this year, Meta introduced a paid subscription model for Facebook and Instagram in Britain, allowing users to opt out of personalized advertising. Reports indicate that over 700 employees have been laid off in the UK, intensifying perceptions of the company retreating from the market. Concerns have also emerged regarding Meta's use of user data and AI, with reports revealing that posts could be used to train AI systems without explicit consent. The discontinuation of the Messenger app symbolizes a loss of user control and has prompted some users to reconsider their engagement with the platform.