ecosystems Archives

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Microsoft Paint Evolves with Photoshop-Like Layers and Opacity Tools

Microsoft's Paint application, introduced in 1985, is receiving significant upgrades in the latest Windows 11 Insider builds, making it more comparable to professional software like Adobe Photoshop. Key features include a new project file format (.paintproject) that allows users to save layered, editable compositions, and adjustable brush opacity for improved transparency control. These updates enhance Paint's capabilities, including previously added layers and transparency support. The changes aim to position Paint as a free alternative to subscription-based tools, potentially impacting Adobe's market share among casual creators and small businesses. Future updates may include full PSD import/export functionality, facilitating better collaboration with Photoshop users.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

How Messengers Can Boost Your Life

Messengers, particularly Telegram, have become essential tools for personal and professional communication. Telegram's open API allows developers to create alternative applications known as Telegram clients, which enhance user experience by offering additional functionalities. These clients provide customization, advanced privacy controls, enhanced usability, and integration of tools like AI assistants. The best Telegram clients include Nicegram, which offers advanced chat filtering and privacy options; Telegram X, optimized for speed; Plus Messenger, highly customizable; Unigram, designed for Windows; and iMe Messenger, which combines AI tools and cryptocurrency support. These clients improve communication by streamlining tasks, enhancing privacy, supporting hobbies, boosting productivity, and facilitating travel. Overall, Telegram clients allow users to manage communication more effectively and adapt to their unique lifestyles.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft Waives Onboarding Fees for Indie Developers in Store

Microsoft has announced the elimination of onboarding fees for individual developers wishing to publish apps on its Microsoft Store, effective September 2025. This change removes the previous registration fee and the requirement for a credit card, making it easier for independent creators to distribute their software on Windows 10 and 11 devices. The updated signup process will only require a Microsoft account. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility of the store and attract more developers, particularly solo developers, by lowering financial barriers. While enterprise developers will still face fees, the move is expected to invigorate the Windows app economy and encourage innovation. Developer feedback has been positive, with many expressing excitement about the ease of registration and publishing opportunities.

AppWizard

September 5, 2025

Kazakhstan’s Rollout of Aitu Messenger Sparks Fears Over Internet Freedom – The Times Of Central Asia

Kazakhstan has mandated the use of its national messaging application, Aitu, for government officials and state-owned enterprises by September 15, as part of an initiative led by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the need for enhanced protections for citizens' personal data due to risks associated with using foreign messaging platforms. Aitu, launched in 2018 and currently with around six million users, is owned by Kazakhtelecom JSC and BTS, with its infrastructure hosted in Kazakhstan. Concerns have been raised about the app's security features, with calls for more transparency. The Ministry of Digital Development has denied any intentions to ban international messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, asserting that Aitu is meant solely for official communication.

AppWizard

September 4, 2025

September is absolutely stacked with city builders: here’s 8 releasing this month

A wave of innovative city-building games is set to release in September, featuring eight titles. Two games are currently available: 1. Autarkis - A puzzler where players build futuristic settlements and navigate challenges while searching for spaceship components. 2. Anno 117: Pax Romana Demo - A demo available until September 16, allowing players to explore sandbox mode and initial population tiers. Upcoming games include: - Fata Deum (September 14) - Players act as a deity guiding followers to harvest resources and build temples. - Town to City (September 16) - A voxel-based game where players expand their town into a city. - Pompeii: The Legacy (September 16) - Players work to resurrect Pompeii and engage in political maneuvering. - Mars Attracts (September 16) - Players build a theme park-like city on Mars for extraterrestrial visitors. Future titles include: - Super Fantasy Kingdom (Q3 2025) - A mix of exploration, kingdom management, and combat. - Meadowside Mayor (September 2025) - A puzzle-building game with an isometric aesthetic. Additional upcoming games beyond September include: - Beyond These Stars (2025) - Build a city on a cosmic whale. - Tropico 7 (2026) - The latest installment in the Tropico series. - Sintopia (2026) - Manage a city in Hell. - Surviving Mars Relaunched (TBA) - A remaster of the 2018 strategy builder. - DarkSwitch (TBA) - A vertical builder in a fantasy realm. - Crowded (TBA) - Design a town for birds. - Life Below (TBA) - Create an underwater city focused on sustainability.

AppWizard

August 30, 2025

Chill simulation strategy game Plan B: Terraform has hit 1.0

Plan B: Terraform has officially launched its 1.0 version after a successful early access period. Players aim to transform a barren planet into a habitat for humanity by constructing automated infrastructures that support the growth of new cities. The gameplay involves introducing greenhouse gases, melting ice caps, and nurturing ecosystems with liquid water, greenery, and wildlife. The game offers a laid-back approach, allowing players to thoughtfully build production chains without the pressure of failure. It is available on Steam.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Spotify teases new in-app messaging feature

Spotify has introduced an integrated messaging system that allows users to share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks within the app, enhancing social engagement and addressing a gap in user experience. This feature enables users to initiate conversations by selecting a share icon during playback, choosing recipients, and transmitting content. The messaging system complements existing social media integrations and is designed to enhance user workflows, potentially transforming Spotify into a more active social network for audio content. The rollout comes as a strategic response to the influence of social media on music discovery, aiming to boost user engagement and retention in a competitive streaming landscape.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Windows 95 XNUMXth Anniversary: The Start Menu That Changed the World | mashdigi – Technology, New Products, Fun Facts, Trends

In August 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, which sold over one million units within four days. It introduced a user-friendly interface with the Start Menu, long file names, plug-and-play capabilities, and a 32-bit multitasking architecture. The minimum hardware requirements were an Intel 386 DX processor, 4MB of RAM, and a VGA graphics card, with a launch price of approximately . Windows 95 significantly impacted gaming and internet access, leading many developers to release compatible titles. Its design principles, such as the Start Menu and multitasking, continue to influence modern operating systems like Windows 11.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Vicious malware found in Android apps with over 19 million installs – here’s how to stay safe

A total of 77 malicious applications have been identified in the Google Play Store, accumulating over 19 million downloads. These apps are linked to the Android banking trojan Anatsa (Tea Bot) and have been used to deliver various forms of malware, with the Joker variant being the most prevalent.