desktop versions Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

This Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro bundle drops to under $50

A lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021, bundled with Windows 11 Pro, is available for .97, reduced from 9.99, valid until February 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The bundle includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and Teams, all as full desktop versions. Windows 11 Pro features include BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V virtualization, and enhanced account controls, along with integration of Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot. This offer is a one-time purchase and does not include ongoing feature updates or cloud storage. The hardware requirements are 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Chrome will borrow Gemini’s cross-app powers in upcoming agentic upgrade

Google Chrome is set to introduce a significant upgrade with a feature called Gemini, which will enhance user experience through "Personal Intelligence." This feature will allow users to access information from various Google apps directly within the browser and perform tasks autonomously, such as clicking links and typing. Personal Intelligence has already been rolled out in mobile applications and will be integrated into Chrome to provide tailored responses by synthesizing context from multiple Google apps. Users will be able to draft emails in Gmail using information from web pages without switching windows. Personal Intelligence will be an opt-in feature, allowing users to control their data connections. The enhancements will initially be available on desktop versions of Chrome, with previews for Google AI Pro and Ultra users in the U.S. expected in the coming months.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Android Auto Lets You Install a Web Browser, and It Isn’t Actually Dangerous

Android Auto lacks a built-in web browser, but users can utilize the open-source AA Browser to access web content and streaming services while parked. The AA Browser disables itself when the vehicle is in motion for safety. To install AA Browser, users must enable developer mode in Android Auto settings, download the AAAD app, and install AA Browser from the list of available apps. Once installed, AA Browser appears in the Android Auto interface, allowing users to browse the internet, access bookmarks, and navigate using a touchscreen. Most websites are compatible, but some may not function properly. Users can exit the browser to return to other applications.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Facebook Messenger is no longer available as a desktop app

Facebook Messenger's desktop versions for Mac and Windows have officially ceased operations. Users attempting to access the app will be redirected to the Facebook website or the Facebook desktop app, depending on their operating system. Mac users will be directed to the Facebook website, while Windows users will be directed to the Facebook desktop app, where they can continue their conversations with the same features. Messenger users without a Facebook account will be redirected to Messenger.com to log in. Concerns about chat history are addressed, with Meta stating that chat history can be saved if users took the necessary steps to ensure secure storage was enabled before the cutoff.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Google Maps in Gemini just got way smarter at finding your next favorite spot

Gemini has revamped its local search functionality by prioritizing a map view in search results, enhancing the user experience with a more intuitive interface. Users will see a map first, followed by visually appealing cards for each location that include photos, star ratings, and highlights from reviews. The update features engaging emoji-style pins for clarity in identifying different types of establishments. This update is currently being rolled out for English-speaking users on both mobile and desktop versions of Gemini, transforming the platform into a more effective tool for discovering local experiences.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Android set to lead Google’s charge into the PC market

Google is considering a new initiative called Aluminium, which aims to adapt Android's features for laptops and desktops, focusing on ARM architecture and improving multitasking, keyboard-and-mouse input, and file management. Android has over 3 billion active devices globally, while ChromeOS has a low market share in the PC sector. Android has evolved with updates like Android 12L, enhancing usability on large screens, and real-world implementations like Samsung DeX show its potential as a desktop OS. However, challenges remain regarding app usability on larger displays, and improvements in performance, security, and enterprise readiness are needed. Google plans to develop a refined Desktop Mode, implement UX guidelines, establish a native Linux workspace, enhance file access, integrate audio features, and collaborate with OEMs for compatible hardware.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Privacy rankings of popular messaging apps in 2025

Direct messaging through chat applications is not as private as often assumed, with conversations and data potentially used for advertising, AI training, and shared with law enforcement. Users can also be targeted by impersonators and face risks from social engineering tactics. Incogni analyzed 15 messaging apps and social networks based on 18 criteria for privacy, resulting in a ranking where lower scores indicate better privacy practices. The overall privacy rankings are: - Discord: 10.23 - Telegram: 13.08 - Snapchat: 13.39 - Facebook Messenger: 22.22 - WhatsApp: 23.17 When considering practical categories, the rankings change: - Telegram: 4.23 - Snapchat: 7.72 - Discord: 8.14 - WhatsApp: 11.93 - Facebook Messenger: 13.37 WhatsApp received a penalty of 3.4 points due to potential use of chats for AI training. Applications that prioritize privacy typically have secure default settings, with Telegram and Snapchat leading in this aspect, while Discord, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp rank lower. For securing accounts against strangers, Telegram and WhatsApp are the most secure, while Discord ranks lower. In terms of compliance with government requests for data, Snapchat has the highest approval rate at 82%, followed by Meta’s services at 78%, and Discord at 77.4%. All platforms collect varying amounts of user data, with Telegram and WhatsApp collecting the least. Telegram is noted for its extensive privacy settings, while Discord, despite limited data collection, lacks robust default privacy settings. WhatsApp excels in protecting users from strangers and has a modest data collection profile. The analysis did not include niche privacy-focused messaging apps, and only WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption by default. Users are advised to use official mobile clients to avoid vulnerabilities, and third-party clients pose significant security risks.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Facebook Messenger desktop version for Windows and MacOS will shut down in December 2025

Meta has confirmed that the Messenger desktop applications for Windows and macOS will cease operations on December 15, 2025. Users will be redirected to the Facebook website for messaging after this date. Notifications about the shutdown will be sent within the app starting 60 days prior to the closure, after which the app will be inaccessible. Users are encouraged to uninstall the app and can continue using Messenger via the web version or the Facebook Desktop App for Windows. To safeguard correspondence history, users should activate the “secure storage” feature and set a PIN code. This decision aligns with Meta's strategy to embrace web technologies, transitioning to a Progressive Web App (PWA) version in September 2024. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, preferring the desktop application over the browser interface.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Meta to End Desktop Messenger Apps by December 2025

Meta Platforms Inc. will discontinue its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and macOS effective December 15, 2025, with the apps already removed from app stores. Users will be redirected to the web versions of Facebook and Messenger, although native app features will be lost. This shift is part of a broader strategy focusing on web-based access, potentially impacting businesses and remote workers who rely on desktop communication. Users are advised to back up chat histories and explore third-party alternatives before the deadline. The decision reflects Meta's strategic refocus towards mobile and web experiences, as well as emerging technologies.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Five beloved Android apps we loved and then lost

This year, several essential Android applications have been abruptly retired, creating a significant void for users. Pocket, originally launched as Read It Later and acquired by Mozilla, was a popular tool for saving articles but has now shut down, leaving users without a true replacement. Omnivore, an open-source read-it-later tool favored by academics, lost its original vision after being acquired by ElevenLabs, which shifted its focus to AI-enhanced reading. Syncthing's official Android app was withdrawn due to non-compliance with app store policies, despite the technology's capabilities. Kiwi Browser, known for allowing desktop-style Chrome extensions on Android, was archived to develop an extension store for Microsoft Edge, losing its independent essence. Nova Launcher, a highly customizable home screen application, ceased updates after its acquisition by Branch, disappointing its dedicated user community. The losses of these applications highlight the challenges faced by smaller teams in maintaining their products amidst changing regulations and corporate acquisitions.