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Gemini

Android 16 Makes Split Screen Easier on Smaller Screens
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Android 16 Makes Split Screen Easier on Smaller Screens

The introduction of App Pairs in Android 15 allowed users to select two applications for split-screen usage and add a shortcut to the home screen. However, users with smaller devices faced challenges with the 50:50 split-screen ratio. Android 16 improved this by offering flexible split-screen ratios like 70:30 and 90:10, enhancing the multitasking experience. Users can set up a pairing of applications, such as Chrome and Gemini, with one app occupying 90% of the screen. To create an App Pair, users open the desired applications, access the multitasking view, select the split-screen option, and adjust the ratio by dragging the handle. After setting the preferred view, users can save the app pair for easy access, with the system remembering the last used split-screen ratio.
Sneak peek: Google’s Android XR glasses app shows off AI features, camera, and display options
AppWizard
January 14, 2026

Sneak peek: Google’s Android XR glasses app shows off AI features, camera, and display options

Google is developing two types of smart glasses: a lightweight, screen-free model in collaboration with fashion brands and a display-equipped version with hardware partners like Samsung and Magic Leap. A companion app for the glasses has been identified, featuring a pairing process and settings for power management and camera functionality. The app includes AI capabilities such as 'Conversation detection' to silence notifications during conversations, and it ensures that all recorded data remains private to the user. Additional features in the app allow for display adjustments and an "audio only mode."
Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates
Winsage
January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.
Google's latest move brings AI shopping a lot closer to reality
AppWizard
January 12, 2026

Google’s latest move brings AI shopping a lot closer to reality

Google has introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), which enables AI agents to manage product searches, checkout processes, and payments for users. UCP standardizes communication between AI agents and various retailers and payment platforms, including Shopify, Walmart, and Visa. The AI-driven checkout feature will be available in Google Search's AI Mode and the Gemini app, using data from Google Pay and Google Wallet. Google is also launching Business Agents and Direct Offers to enhance customer engagement within AI shopping environments. UCP allows AI agents to perform the entire shopping process with a single command, simplifying online shopping. Google has partnered with companies like Etsy, Target, American Express, Best Buy, Flipkart, Mastercard, Stripe, and Visa to implement this protocol. Users in the U.S. will benefit from features like automatic shipping information usage and upcoming support for PayPal. The Business Agent acts as a virtual sales assistant, and Direct Offers provide exclusive coupons to shoppers. Google aims to make AI-driven shopping experiences standard, allowing seamless retailer interactions.
Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices
Winsage
January 11, 2026

Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices

Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to completely uninstall its Copilot AI assistant from managed Windows devices. This policy, named “RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp,” is being deployed through management tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and addresses concerns about data privacy, resource consumption, and unwanted software in commercial settings. The feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and reflects feedback from IT professionals who prefer controlled environments. While this option is exclusive to enterprise-tier Microsoft 365 subscribers, smaller businesses and individual users have limited options for removal. The policy aims to balance innovation with risk management, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, where data privacy is critical.
Gmail is getting a new AI inbox as Google brings Gemini front and center
AppWizard
January 8, 2026

Gmail is getting a new AI inbox as Google brings Gemini front and center

Google has transformed Gmail by integrating its Gemini technology to improve user experience, making email writing, searching, and message presentation simpler. Features like personalized Suggested Replies and Help Me Write are now available to all Gmail users for free. A key addition is the AI Overviews, which generate summaries of relevant emails based on user inquiries, allowing for quick retrieval of information. This feature is currently available only to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. Additionally, an "AI Inbox" will prioritize emails based on significance rather than chronological order, highlighting important tasks and key contacts. This feature is in testing for select users, with a broader rollout expected soon.
Gemini control to Android: Will we talk to our phones more in 2026?
AppWizard
December 30, 2025

Gemini control to Android: Will we talk to our phones more in 2026?

At the I/O 2025 event, Google presented Project Astra, showcasing its AI, Gemini, which can control Android devices to perform tasks like retrieving web content, playing YouTube videos, managing emails, and making phone calls. The demonstration illustrated Gemini's ability to navigate PDFs and transition between apps. Google introduced a Computer Use model for developers, enabling Gemini to interact with user interfaces in a human-like manner, currently optimized for web browsers. Apple is also enhancing Siri's capabilities to perform actions across multiple apps using voice commands. Google's approach is more generalized and not reliant on prior integrations, aiming to improve user interaction. The new Google Assistant, introduced in 2019, promised to allow voice operation of phones and multitasking across apps but faced challenges and limited adoption. Advancements in generative AI may enable more conversational command issuance, potentially addressing previous limitations. The integration of this technology could significantly impact wearable devices, allowing for phone control and information relay from secondary devices. The future of voice control as a primary interaction method for smartphones remains uncertain.
Google’s Android Automotive Adds PIN-Lock for App Privacy
AppWizard
December 30, 2025

Google’s Android Automotive Adds PIN-Lock for App Privacy

Google has introduced the Sensitive App Protection feature in Android Automotive, allowing users to lock individual applications with a PIN to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information in shared vehicles. This feature aims to enhance privacy amidst the rise of ride-sharing and car-sharing services, addressing concerns about unauthorized app usage by valets and other users. Sensitive App Protection is applicable to family cars and rental vehicles, ensuring that protected apps remain inaccessible without the PIN, even in restricted modes. The feature is designed to improve user privacy in connected cars, coinciding with increasing regulatory scrutiny regarding data handling. User adoption will depend on awareness and ease of use, with early feedback being generally positive. Critics note that while PIN-locking is beneficial, it does not fully address vulnerabilities related to data transmission over unsecured networks. Google plans to transition to the Gemini AI platform, which may enhance security features further. Regulatory bodies are monitoring these developments closely, and ethical considerations regarding access to privacy features for different user demographics are being discussed.
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