Enhanced Connectivity Archives

AppWizard

March 30, 2025

Hyundai’s new Android-based infotainment software looks like Tesla’s.

Hyundai Motor Group will launch its Android-based infotainment software, Pleos Connect, in the second quarter of 2026. It is built on Google’s Android Automotive OS and aims to enhance connectivity within vehicles and with urban infrastructure. The software features an intuitive design, cloud integration for real-time updates, customizable user experiences, and enhanced connectivity for various applications and services. An annual conference has been inaugurated to expedite the development of Pleos and the broader “Cloud Mobility” software ecosystem.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Motorola and Lenovo’s Smart Connect app now works on all Android smartphones: Here’s what’s new

Motorola and Lenovo's Smart Connect app has expanded to support all Android devices, enhancing integration between Windows PCs and various smartphones and tablets. The app features AI-driven search capabilities, app mirroring, and efficient file sharing, and is available for free on the Google Play Store. The latest version includes AI-powered functionalities such as natural language search and commands, seamless app mirroring, and device handoff. While some premium features remain exclusive to Motorola and Lenovo devices, the app now allows broader access for other Android users. Additionally, Smart Connect has integrated support for IoT devices, enabling management of Moto Tags and Motorola-branded smartwatches.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google rolls out new AI-powered scam detection feature in Messages app

Google Messages has introduced several new features for Android and Pixel users, focusing on user safety and connectivity. Key updates include an AI-driven scam detection tool that analyzes SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real time to identify potential scams, alerting users to suspicious messages. This feature is initially available in English in the US, UK, and Canada, and it prioritizes user privacy by processing data on the device. Users can also share their live location with trusted contacts through a new feature integrated with the Find My Device app, which allows for real-time location sharing while maintaining control over who can access this information. Additionally, exclusive features for the Pixel 9 model include enhanced connectivity options for linking GoPro cameras and other Pixel phones, as well as upgrades to the Pixel Studio app for creating stylized images and stickers.

Winsage

September 26, 2024

Your Windows PC will soon better integrate with more Android phones

Xiaomi has preinstalled Microsoft's Link to Windows app on its latest flagship devices, the Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro, to enhance user experience by enabling seamless integration between Android phones and Windows PCs. The app facilitates features like clipboard synchronization and app streaming, which improve workflow. The Xiaomi 14T Pro will receive the Link to Windows integration in the upcoming 1.0.10.0 update. The app is integrated into HyperOS, Xiaomi's customized Android version, enhancing its functionality. While the app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, preinstallation significantly boosts performance. Other smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung and OPPO, have also adopted the Link to Windows app, indicating a trend towards improved cross-device connectivity. Xiaomi's strategy is aimed at reinforcing its ecosystem, especially given its portfolio of Windows PCs.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Google’s Cross-Device Sharing: Now on More Androids, Sync Everything

Recent updates for Android users include improvements in call casting and internet sharing. Users can access these features through the "Settings" app by selecting "Google," then "Devices & sharing," and finally "Cross-device services." To use call casting, all devices must be grouped under the same Google Account, currently available only for Google Meet. The internet sharing feature allows users to share their phone's internet connection with multiple Android devices, including Chromebooks, without needing a password, requiring Bluetooth and location services to be enabled.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

Google app expands to Windows laptops with new ‘Essentials’ tool

Google is launching a new tool called Google Essentials to enhance the integration of its applications and services with Windows laptops, initially available on HP's Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, and Victus series, with plans to extend to OmniBook models. The app serves as a gateway to various Google services, including Google Play Games, Google Photos, and Google Messages, and is designed to improve user experiences on Windows devices. Google Essentials allows synchronization of mobile gaming progress with PC gaming, particularly for users of laptops powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 3nm chip. Users can access Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar through quick links, and Google One subscribers can enjoy a two-month trial of Google One 100GB for cloud storage. Users have the option to uninstall Google Essentials and associated services if desired, and Google plans to expand the app's availability to more laptop and desktop models in the future.

Winsage

August 16, 2024

Easily one of the best 2024 Windows laptops — the X1 Carbon — is a staggering 48% off

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon weighs 2.42 pounds (1.09kg) and measures 0.59 inches (15mm) thick, featuring a carbon fiber top and aluminum base with MIL-STD 810H certification for durability. It has a highly regarded keyboard and various high-end display options. The regular price for the X1 Carbon starts above ,500. During the Back to School promotion, applying the coupon code BTSTHINKSALE4 offers a 48% discount, reducing the price to ,362. The discounted model includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 152U processor, 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, with a 14-inch FHD+ display that covers 100% of the sRGB color spectrum. Battery life is expected to be around six to eight hours. The laptop includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, a 3.5mm audio jack, Wi-Fi 6E, a spill-resistant keyboard, dual 2W speakers with Dolby Atmos, a 1080p webcam with an IR sensor, and a fingerprint reader.

Winsage

June 14, 2024

Seamless Android Webcam Integration in Windows 11 Update

Windows 11 has enhanced connectivity with Android smartphones, allowing users to use their devices as wireless webcams for their PCs via Bluetooth. This feature requires Windows 11 - Moment 5 - Update 5, the Smart Link app updated to version 1.24012 or newer, and an Android phone running at least Android 9. iPhone users do not have access to this feature and must rely on third-party apps for similar capabilities.

AppWizard

May 12, 2024

How to send and receive iMessages on Windows

The text describes two innovative tools, Microsoft Phone Link and Intel Unison, that allow users to send and receive iMessages from their iPhone on their Windows PC. Phone Link offers automatic synchronization between devices, while Unison also allows the use of emojis and clipboard items. Users need to ensure their iPhone is running iOS 14 or later, have Bluetooth turned on for both devices, and download the respective apps from the Microsoft Store to get started.

Winsage

May 7, 2024

As Xbox handheld rumors swirl, Microsoft starts testing console Wi-Fi feature 10 years too late

Microsoft has introduced a feature to Xbox consoles that allows gamers to save multiple wireless network details, catering to the modern lifestyle of mobility and ease.