desktop

AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Microsoft's Recall feature indexes a wide range of personal data, including Zoom meetings, emails, photos, medical conditions, and conversations on Signal, affecting both users and their contacts without consent. Researcher Kevin Beaumont found that the feature captures sensitive information like payment card details and can decrypt its database using a fingerprint scan or PIN. Developers, such as those at Signal, lack tools to prevent their content from being indexed by Recall, leading Signal to utilize a Digital Rights Management API to protect privacy. This workaround may help, but it depends on all chat participants using the Windows Desktop version with default settings. Microsoft has not addressed concerns regarding developer control over Recall.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Microsoft has updated its PC Game Bar, enhancing the settings widget for easier access to audio adjustments and screen brightness controls. The update allows users to toggle between compact and desktop modes. The Xbox app for PC now includes simplified options for an on-screen keyboard, Bluetooth device management, and airplane mode activation. It also features Wi-Fi and battery status icons in compact mode. The broader Xbox update has added Retro Classics to all Game Pass tiers, including titles like Pitfall and MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. Xbox Insider Program members can customize their console home screens by hiding system apps from the "recently played" section and pinning up to three games or apps. Microsoft has scheduled the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 for June 8 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM UK, followed by a presentation on The Outer Worlds 2.
Winsage
May 22, 2025
Signal has activated Digital Rights Management (DRM) features within Windows to prevent Microsoft Recall from capturing screenshots of its chat windows. Recall has been criticized for its imprecise screenshot capturing, which affects sensitive communications. Signal's DRM solution ensures that Recall and other screenshot tools do not capture its content. The "Screen security" setting in Signal Desktop for Windows 11 is enabled by default, requiring users to confirm if they wish to disable it. Recall was initially criticized during its launch at Microsoft's 2024 Build event and has since been revised, remaining an opt-in feature with a "Preview" label. Microsoft claims users control what apps and websites are saved in snapshots.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Google has confirmed that Android 16 will include desktop windowing capabilities for a "true desktop-like experience" when connected to larger screens, as announced during the Google I/O 2025 developer conference. The company is collaborating with Samsung to enhance the Samsung DeX platform, which transforms smartphones and tablets into desktop environments. While an early version of this feature has been previewed, it may not be available with Android 16 but could be included in a quarterly update or Android 17. Google is promoting adaptive Android development to ensure applications function efficiently across various devices, emphasizing that developers can make small, iterative changes rather than completely rebuilding applications for different form factors.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Skylum has launched Luminar: Photo Editor, an AI-driven photo editing application for Android and ChromeOS devices, in collaboration with Google. The app is compatible with various Android devices, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, and Chromebooks, featuring a user interface that adapts to different screen sizes. Luminar includes signature tools such as Enhance AI, Structure AI, Relight AI, Atmosphere AI, Sky AI, Skin AI, and Body AI, along with essential editing tools like exposure adjustments and a filter collection. The app is designed for quick and accessible edits, suitable for beginners. It is available on Google Play with three pricing options: a monthly plan for .99/€3.99, a yearly plan for .99/€23.99 (with a 7-day free trial), and a lifetime license for .99/€47.99. This marks the first official availability of Luminar on Android.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
Samsung's DeX feature allows users to transform their smartphones into a desktop experience by connecting to an external display. Since its introduction with the Galaxy S8, DeX has evolved, and Google is collaborating with Samsung to enhance it for Android 16's Native desktop mode. This mode aims to improve Android's desktop functionalities, which have previously been limited. Samsung's recent "New DeX" mode, introduced with One UI 6.0 and Android 14, allows for resizable app windows, but Google may choose to adopt a design inspired by the classic DeX experience instead. The future of desktop mode in Android remains uncertain, particularly regarding external display options.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
The Android 16 QPR1 Beta was available for download immediately after the Google I/O 2025 Keynote. The beta features a visually appealing font change and a revamped Wallpaper & Style settings interface. Users encountered bugs, including missing Home Screen layout options and issues with selecting wallpapers from Google Photos. Desktop Mode is not yet available, as connecting to an external monitor only allows screen mirroring. The app switcher now displays app labels with a context menu for split-screen mode and other functionalities. Gemini introduced new sharing options, and Quick Tiles in the Notification Shade can now be resized. The overall design emphasizes personalization, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive theme.
Winsage
May 21, 2025
Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 until June 1, marking its lowest price ever (regularly priced at 9). It offers features like DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced gaming performance, Windows Copilot for AI assistance, and robust security features including BitLocker encryption and secure boot. Additional features include Snap Layouts, Virtual Desktops, Remote Desktop Access, Hyper-V, and Microsoft Teams integration.
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