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Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones
AppWizard
March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.
ChatGPT Android App Preps Seamless Session Memory
AppWizard
March 6, 2026

ChatGPT Android App Preps Seamless Session Memory

OpenAI is refining its ChatGPT Android app with version 1.2026.062, introducing a persistent app-level memory feature that allows users to return to their previous activities after switching applications or force-closing the app. This update also includes improvements in image editing, a new "Fun facts" section for profiles, and a potential transition to a full-screen menu for better navigation. The memory feature preserves the exact state within ChatGPT, addressing disruptions caused by mobile operating systems pausing background applications. The redesign of the image editing interface emphasizes an action-first approach, making tools more accessible. The enhancements aim to reduce user frustration, improve usability, and facilitate better collaboration for users on shared devices.
App ‘Handoff’ coming to Android 17 for cross-device continuity
AppWizard
February 14, 2026

App ‘Handoff’ coming to Android 17 for cross-device continuity

Google has introduced a feature called "Handoff" in Android 17, which allows users to transition seamlessly between devices by initiating an app activity on one device and continuing it on another. Handoff requires the same native Android app to be installed on the receiving device and includes an "app-to-web Handoff" option for devices without the app. Developers can enable Handoff by calling the setHandoffEnabled() method for specific activities and must pass necessary data for accurate restoration on the receiving device. The feature is currently limited to foldables, tablets, and larger screen Android devices, and further documentation for developers is still pending.
Windows 11 has a hidden feature that barely anyone knows exists, and Microsoft just made a crucial update that could actually make it useful | Attack of the Fanboy
Winsage
January 12, 2026

Windows 11 has a hidden feature that barely anyone knows exists, and Microsoft just made a crucial update that could actually make it useful | Attack of the Fanboy

Windows 11 introduces a feature called Resume, or Cross Device Resume (XDR), which allows users to switch from an app on their phone to their Windows PC. The feature currently has limited app support, mainly functioning with Spotify and Microsoft 365. Microsoft is working to enhance this feature by allowing a broader range of Android applications to utilize Windows Resume. An update has introduced an alternative method for developers to connect their applications to Resume using the Windows Push Notification Service (WNS), addressing previous limitations. Developers must submit a request to Microsoft to enable Resume for their applications, and the app must be available on both Windows and Android for the feature to work effectively.
SharePlay Makes Google Live Sharing Seem Beta
AppWizard
October 19, 2025

SharePlay Makes Google Live Sharing Seem Beta

Apple's SharePlay is a system-level feature integrated into its operating system, allowing synchronized playback and control across various media platforms like Disney+, Max, Prime Video, and Apple Music. It offers low latency, reliable controls, and seamless transitions, enabling participants to engage effortlessly during FaceTime calls. In contrast, Google's Live Sharing in Meet is cumbersome, requiring multiple steps and often leading to uncertainty about audio consistency and user experience. SharePlay supports a wide range of applications and fosters natural group dynamics, while Google’s offerings are limited and fragmented across different platforms. Apple’s approach emphasizes a polished, cohesive experience, while Google needs to enhance integration and simplify access to improve its Live Sharing feature.
Solve shortcut chaos with PowerToys
Winsage
September 3, 2025

Solve shortcut chaos with PowerToys

PowerToys has introduced a hotkey conflict detection system in its latest update, which helps users identify and resolve overlapping keyboard shortcuts. The update also includes a search function in PowerToys Settings, a new "Gliding cursor" feature in Mouse Utilities, and enhancements to the installer for improved security and reliability. Additional improvements include bug fixes and updates across various utilities, such as Command Palette, Hosts File Editor, and Quick Accent, with a focus on usability and accessibility.
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (Dev Channel)
Winsage
June 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5651 (KB5060818) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. 1. New Agent in Settings: An AI-powered agent helps users find and adjust settings by understanding user intent and automating tasks. Currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices coming soon. English is the primary display language requirement. 2. Recall Export Experience for EEA: Windows Insiders in the European Economic Area can export Recall snapshots with a unique export code, which is encrypted and requires Windows Hello authentication. Users can reset Recall if the export code is lost. 3. Bigger Clock in Notification Center: A new option to display a larger clock with seconds in the notification center is being rolled out, which can be activated in Settings. 4. Recall Changes: Users can now reset Recall and its data, with a new maximum storage duration for snapshots set to 90 days by default. 5. Click to Do Enhancements: New actions allow users to send text or images to Microsoft 365 Copilot and communicate via Microsoft Teams directly from recognized email addresses. 6. File Explorer Updates: Dividers have been added to the context menu for improved organization. 7. Voice Access Language Support: Support for Chinese and Japanese languages has been reintroduced in voice access. 8. Windows Share Options: New sharing options for OneDrive files are available when right-clicking to share. 9. Settings Search Box: The search box in Settings has been repositioned for better usability. 10. Fixes: Various fixes have been implemented for Recall, File Explorer, Start Menu, Settings, and other areas. 11. Known Issues: Issues include inaccurate build version display post-PC reset, non-functional reset options, and problems with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. 12. Reminders: Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed before final release.
Another Day, Another Google Feature Bites the Dust
AppWizard
June 13, 2025

Another Day, Another Google Feature Bites the Dust

Google will discontinue Instant Apps in December 2025. Instant Apps, introduced in 2017, allowed users to access parts of an app without full installation but struggled to gain popularity due to limitations on developers, such as a 15 MB size cap for streamlined versions. The announcement of the discontinuation was made indirectly through a notice in Android Studio, rather than a formal blog post.
Google’s ML Kit GenAI APIs with Gemini Nano: On-Device AI for Privacy-Preserving Android Apps
AppWizard
May 17, 2025

Google’s ML Kit GenAI APIs with Gemini Nano: On-Device AI for Privacy-Preserving Android Apps

Google announced on May 14, 2025, the expansion of its ML Kit offerings with new GenAI APIs powered by the Gemini Nano model, aimed at providing Android developers with access to advanced AI features while ensuring user privacy through on-device processing. The ML Kit GenAI APIs include four key capabilities: summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description. These APIs process data locally, keeping user data on the device, ensuring consistent functionality without internet connectivity, and avoiding recurring server costs. This development enhances the accessibility of sophisticated AI capabilities for Android developers and aligns with consumer privacy concerns. The architecture allows for future expansion of capabilities as Gemini models evolve.
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