discontinuation Archives

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Xbox Game Pass is too expensive, new Xbox boss reportedly says: ‘we need a better value equation’

Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, expressed concerns in an internal memo that the pricing structure of the Game Pass subscription service is "too expensive" for players. She emphasized the need to reassess the subscription model to deliver better value and indicated plans to evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system, which will require time for testing. The discussion follows mixed financial outcomes, with former Bethesda VP Pete Hines noting that Game Pass has negatively impacted retail revenue. Additionally, Xbox is realigning its focus on console hardware integrity and may discontinue the 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign as part of a broader strategic pivot, including a renewed market push with Project Helix.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Android is losing Outlook ‘Lite’ as Microsoft kills its lightweight mail app

Microsoft will retire its Outlook Lite app on May 25, 2026, removing it from the Google Play Store and discontinuing support. Users will need to transition to the full Outlook app, which will remain supported. An "Upgrade" button in Outlook Lite will direct users to download the full version. Access to mailboxes through Outlook Lite will be disabled, making the app non-functional.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Microsoft to shut down Outlook Lite app for Android on May 25, urges users to switch

Microsoft will discontinue its Outlook Lite email client for Android on May 25, 2026, rendering it unable to access, send, or manage emails, calendars, or attachments. New downloads of Outlook Lite were halted in late 2025. Users are encouraged to transition to the main Outlook app, which offers deeper integration with Microsoft 365, enhanced security, and broader compatibility. Microsoft provides prompts within Outlook Lite to guide users to download Outlook Mobile, ensuring a seamless data migration. Organizations do not need additional administrative actions but may benefit from internal communications regarding the transition.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Microsoft is Simplifying its Windows Insider Program With Just Two Channels

Microsoft is revamping the Windows Insider Program, introducing a new Experimental Channel to replace the existing Dev and Canary channels. This change aims to simplify the channel structure and enhance user experience by allowing Insiders to toggle new features on and off via a Feature Flags page. The Experimental Channel will also include a 'Future Platforms' option for testing upcoming platform changes. The Beta Channel will continue to provide features intended for Windows 11 users, with the discontinuation of Controlled Feature Rollouts, ensuring that announced features are available upon update. The Release Preview Channel will remain for those wanting to preview the next monthly update. Microsoft is implementing enhancements for smoother transitions between channels, allowing Insiders to switch without a clean install. Beta Channel testers will stay in their current channel, while Dev Channel testers will be automatically transitioned to the Experimental Channel. Canary testers on 28000 series builds will move to the Experimental Channel, and those on 29500 series builds will shift to the Experimental (Future Platforms) Channel.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Samsung to Discontinue Messaging App, Directs Users to Google

Samsung will discontinue its messaging app, Samsung Messages, in July 2026, and is urging users to switch to Google Messages for improved features, including artificial intelligence and better photo sharing quality.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Samsung To Shut Down Messaging App July, Announces Alternative

Samsung is discontinuing its native messaging app, "Samsung Messages," on July 6, 2026, and is encouraging users to switch to Google Messages. This change aims to enhance user experience by providing access to advanced features such as Rich Communication Services (RCS) and AI-powered tools. Google Messages is already the default messaging app on many newer Galaxy smartphones. Local network providers will verify users' device information and phone numbers to enable Google services. Users can download Google Messages from the Google Play Store and set it as their default messaging app by following the provided prompts.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Is Samsung Messages being discontinued? Here’s when and what we know

Samsung Electronics has announced the discontinuation of the Samsung Messages app, with support ceasing in July 2026. Users are encouraged to migrate to Google Messages, which will become the default messaging platform for Samsung Galaxy devices operating on Android 12 or newer. Devices running Android 11 or older will not be affected at this time. After July 2026, Samsung Messages will no longer send or receive texts, except for emergency contacts. Users can download Google Messages from the Google Play Store and set it as their default messaging app. Other messaging app options are available for users who prefer alternatives. Older Samsung Galaxy watches running Tizen OS will not support Google Messages after the transition, but will still allow text message functionality. RCS messaging, integrated into Google Messages, enhances the texting experience with features like read receipts and high-quality media sharing, whereas SMS is limited to basic text messaging.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Another obscure Final Fantasy game could come to PC with Square Enix “exploring the possibility” of porting Dissidia Duellum

Square Enix is considering a PC release for Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy after its mobile launch. Producer Naoya Matsumoto explained that the game's vertical screen orientation and portrait mode were designed for casual competitive play and one-handed gameplay on smartphones. The mobile gaming sector has faced challenges, with several Final Fantasy mobile games, including World of Final Fantasy: Meli-Melo, Final Fantasy Explorers Force, and Final Fantasy 7 The First Soldier, being discontinued after about a year. Dissidia is currently receiving criticism from fans, raising concerns about its longevity. In a positive update, Final Fantasy 14 has lifted gifting restrictions, allowing players to share items with others.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Samsung Messages app will be discontinued soon: Here’s what to know

Samsung has announced that its Samsung Messages application will cease operations in July 2026, encouraging users to migrate to Google Messages, which will become the default messaging app for Samsung device owners. Customers will receive in-app notifications to guide them through the transition process. The decision to discontinue Samsung Messages is part of a strategy to enhance user experience by providing a more secure and feature-rich messaging platform with advanced features like AI-powered scam detection and spam filtering.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Samsung to End Messaging App, Switch Users to Google

Samsung will discontinue its Samsung Messages app in July 2026, urging users to switch to Google Messages. Users should download Google Messages and set it as their default messaging app before the shutdown. Users with older Android devices (Android 11 or earlier) will not be affected. Newer Samsung Galaxy models will not be able to download Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store.