desktop versions Archives

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.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta Shuts Down Messenger App for Windows and Mac

Meta is retiring its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and Mac PCs, simplifying support for its tools. Users will receive in-app notifications about the deprecation and have a 60-day window to use the app before it is removed. After the period, access to the Mac Messenger app will be blocked, and users are encouraged to uninstall it. Meta assures users that their chat history will be preserved if secure storage is enabled and a PIN is set up. The desktop Messenger apps were launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance connectivity, but usage did not meet expectations. Users can still access Meta's messaging features through their web browser on desktop PCs.

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

Messenger Desktop Is Dead: Meta’s Big Move in 2025 Toward Web Apps and Why It Matters to You

Meta will retire its standalone Messenger desktop applications for macOS and Windows, transitioning users to a web-based model. Users will receive an in-app notification about the deprecation, followed by a 60-day period before the app becomes unusable, after which they will be redirected to Facebook or Messenger. New installations of the app are no longer possible as it has been removed from the Mac App Store. Users must enable secure storage and set a PIN to preserve local chat history before the cutoff date. This shift aligns with a broader trend in the industry, with many messaging platforms adopting web-first models. The transition is expected to affect students and professionals who rely on desktop messaging, while less tech-savvy users or those who primarily use mobile apps may notice little difference. Users should prepare for the transition by backing up important data and adjusting to a web-based messaging experience.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

I ditched Android emulators for this open-source app, and I can’t imagine ever going back

The integration of Android applications into desktop environments is increasingly popular due to their superior functionality compared to desktop versions. Applications like WhatsApp and Google Maps demonstrate enhanced usability on Android, with features such as flexible window resizing and better multitasking capabilities. Waydroid is an open-source project that allows Android apps to run on Linux systems without the performance issues associated with traditional emulators. It utilizes Linux namespaces and shares the host OS's kernel for near-native performance. Users can customize their experience by choosing builds with or without Google apps, and once installed, Android apps integrate into the PC's application menu. Waydroid offers smooth performance and the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously, although it has some limitations, such as restricted hardware access and notification issues. Despite these drawbacks, Waydroid presents a viable solution for users looking to combine Android and desktop computing.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

Windows 11 Update: Here’s How To Upgrade Your PC From Windows 10 Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 10 on October 14, with extended security updates available for an additional year. Users are advised to transition to Windows 11 for better security. The upgrade process involves backing up files, downloading Windows 11 via a standard upgrade or clean install, and then installing the operating system. A clean install requires an 8GB+ USB flash drive and the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. Potential issues include errors from Windows updates, and users may consider alternatives like Linux if they find Windows 11's interface unappealing.

Tech Optimizer

September 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Ultimate

Malwarebytes offers a cybersecurity suite called Malwarebytes Ultimate, which includes antivirus protection, VPN services, and identity theft remediation. The pricing starts at .99 per year for a single device, with higher costs for additional devices. The suite provides coverage for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The identity theft protection is powered by TransUnion but lacks the extensive features of competitors like Bitdefender and Norton. Malwarebytes Ultimate includes a VPN with over 60 server locations across 34 countries, though it does not cover regions like Africa or certain countries. The VPN features include an automatic activation option and split tunneling. Malwarebytes has received high scores in independent testing for its antivirus capabilities on Android but did not appear in some recent evaluations. The identity theft protection system allows users to monitor personal information and receive alerts if their data is found on the dark web. Users can also track financial transactions for suspicious activity and access resources for identity and credit protection. Malwarebytes provides a dedicated resolution specialist for identity theft cases and offers a personal data removal service.