device synchronization Archives

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Messenger Is Discontinuing Its Windows and Mac Desktop Apps

Meta is phasing out the native Messenger applications for Windows and macOS, directing users to the web version. The apps are no longer available for download, and they will cease to function after a winding-down period. Users are receiving notifications about the change, which will leave Messenger accessible only through web browsers. Enhancements such as end-to-end encryption and improved calling features are part of this web-focused evolution. Users can still access core functionality on Messenger.com but will lose some app-specific features, including a persistent menu bar icon and offline access. Meta encourages users to enable secure storage for end-to-end encrypted chats and offers a tool to download messages and media for local archiving. Messenger remains one of the largest chat platforms globally, with active user counts similar to Telegram. Competitors like Telegram, Discord, and Slack have different approaches to desktop messaging. Users can transition smoothly by utilizing the web version and configuring desktop notifications and shortcuts.

Winsage

September 27, 2025

I switched from Flow Launcher to the new Raycast beta for Windows, and I already love it

Transitioning from Windows 11 to macOS led to the discovery of Raycast, a launcher that has become preferred over Flow Launcher. Raycast is currently in beta for Windows and offers enhanced productivity features compared to traditional launchers. It includes a clipboard management system that retains copied items for up to three months and an emoji selector that improves user experience. Raycast's performance in file searching is superior to Flow Launcher, which relies on the inconsistent Windows search indexer. The extension ecosystem for Raycast on Windows is expansive, with integrations for platforms like Slack, Notion, and Google Calendar, although some niche extensions are still missing. The Pro version of Raycast, which includes AI-related features, is considered expensive by some users who prefer a more affordable option without these functionalities.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Windows 12 Rumors: Sorting Facts from Fiction

Windows 12 is generating excitement among users, with anticipated features including a redesigned interface with AI capabilities, accelerated startup times, enhanced cloud service integration, improved multitasking tools, and gaming upgrades. Industry experts speculate a potential launch in late 2025, specifically between September and December. The integration of Microsoft's Copilot is expected to enhance productivity through intelligent task optimization and personalized settings. Windows 12 may also include enhanced Snap Layouts, dynamic widgets, and floating taskbars. Cloud storage will play a significant role, providing seamless file access and faster app updates. Gaming improvements may feature DirectStorage 2.0 and AI-enhanced graphics. Users may need to upgrade their hardware to support these new features. While the release date and features remain unconfirmed by Microsoft, the updates are expected to build on Windows 11 rather than overhaul it completely.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Google might soon make it easier to sync notifications across your Android devices

Google is developing a Handoff alternative for Android that aims to manage apps, tasks, media, and notifications across multiple devices. This feature will allow users to start a task on their phone and continue it on a tablet or Chromebook. Recent code discoveries from Google Play Services beta indicate the inclusion of a "Handoff" feature and an "App Cast" feature, which may enable streaming applications between devices. Unlike Apple’s Handoff, which does not handle notifications, Google's upcoming feature may provide a more comprehensive multi-device experience. Current Android users rely on third-party apps for synchronization, which often lacks seamlessness. Samsung has a similar feature called App Continuity, but it does not match the refinement of Apple’s Handoff.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Google’s answer to Apple’s Handoff is coming with a welcome upgrade for Android (APK teardown)

Google is developing an Android-wide "Handoff" feature to enhance multi-device synchronization, allowing users to access apps and media seamlessly across devices and synchronize notifications. An APK teardown revealed a tool called "App Cast" within Google Play Services, which may enable streaming of apps installed on other devices linked to the same account. The latest beta version of Google Play Services includes strings indicating capabilities such as continuing tasks, accessing files, and syncing notifications across devices. This feature is expected to address notification management issues, similar to Apple's Continuity and Samsung's App Continuity. While not officially announced, the Handoff feature may soon be available to Android users with the latest Google Play Services.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Will Android ‘App Cast’ let you stream apps from device to device? (APK teardown)

Google is developing a feature called "App Cast" within the Android ecosystem, as indicated by references found in the 25.24.31 beta release of Google Play Services. This feature may allow users to gather information from remote Android devices and access their installed applications, potentially enabling app streaming between devices. Code snippets suggest functionalities for multi-device synchronization, including device selection and progress indicators. There are also hints of new notification sync capabilities related to App Cast. Further updates from future Play Services builds are expected to clarify the details and implications of this feature.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

One UI 7 brings Live Notifications for your favorite media apps, including YouTube and Spotify

Samsung's One UI version 7 has begun rolling out, introducing features that enhance media playback, including Live Notifications for real-time control over media applications from the notification shade. Users can receive ongoing media playback notifications from apps like Spotify, YouTube, and YouTube Music, although Netflix does not show notifications during local playback but does support live notifications when casting. To access these features, users must have the latest builds of One UI 7, particularly those with the April 2025 security patch. The update also hints at cross-device synchronization for media playback control without needing to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Currently, YouTube allows playback controls for connected smart devices but typically requires the same Wi-Fi network.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google Tasks sucks for chores, but this app makes them a cinch for me

Clean As Duck is a new Android app designed for managing household chores, offering a focused approach with chore templates categorized by room and appliance. Users can create custom rooms for specific needs, such as plant care, and utilize features like "Vacation mode" to pause tasks. The app aims to simplify chore management compared to traditional to-do list apps, which can be overwhelming for static tasks. However, it lacks features like appliance tracking and multi-device synchronization. Alternatives to Clean As Duck include Flatastic, Todoist, and Google Calendar, each offering different functionalities for chore management.

Winsage

August 29, 2024

Vivaldi introduces Tab Renaming, drag-and-drop management for downloads, and more – gHacks Tech News

Vivaldi browser has released version 6.9, which includes several new features and enhancements. Users can now rename tabs for better organization and identification, including within Tab Stacks. The update also introduces drag-and-drop functionality for managing downloaded files directly from the Downloads panel. Additionally, the Windows Panel has been improved to show synced tabs from connected devices, requiring a Vivaldi account and Sync activation. The update addresses over 40 bugs in the Mail and Calendar functionalities for improved stability. Vivaldi is now compatible with Windows on ARM, supporting devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors while maintaining all desktop features.