Gmail

AppWizard
May 31, 2025
The attempt to send a file from an Android device to a Windows 11 PC highlighted the challenges of using independent applications instead of major tech tools. The user replaced several Google services with alternatives, including Sync for cloud storage, Obsidian for note-taking, ToDoist for task management, Elemental for chat, Kobo for ebooks, VLC for music, Firefox for browsing, Ecosia for search, and Fastmail for email. Fastmail was noted for its efficiency and privacy, while Sync was criticized for its reliability. The user found the experience of using multiple independent apps to be fragmented and cumbersome, leading to higher costs than anticipated. Despite ethical concerns about Big Tech, the integration and convenience they offer were acknowledged as significant advantages. Ultimately, Fastmail and ToDoist were retained, while the user returned to Google for some services, illustrating the difficulties of maintaining a fully independent digital life.
Tech Optimizer
May 30, 2025
McAfee has integrated its Scam Detector feature into all core antivirus plans, achieving a 99% accuracy rate in identifying scams, including deepfakes on video platforms. The tool provides real-time scanning for text messages, emails, and video content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and extends protection to applications such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Gmail. On Android, it automatically scans SMS messages, while iPhone users can perform manual scans. The feature includes customizable sensitivity settings and an on-demand check option for users to analyze messages or screenshots. Access to the Scam Detector requires a paid McAfee antivirus subscription. In contrast, Bitdefender offers a free tool called Scamio, which scans links, texts, screenshots, and QR codes for scams but does not detect video deepfakes. Google has developed an AI-based scam detector for Pixel phones that scans audio from incoming calls for scam language. Norton has also integrated its Genie Scam Protection into its plans, focusing on identifying scam language and requiring a subscription for comprehensive coverage. McAfee's Scam Detector is less accessible than free alternatives like Scamio.
Winsage
May 25, 2025
Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025, ending free security updates and fixes. Users continuing to use Windows 10 after this date will face increased risks of malware and viruses due to the lack of security updates. While third-party antivirus applications can provide some protection, they cannot replace the operating system patches that will no longer be available. Business users can purchase extended security updates for Windows 10 for up to three years, starting at a cost of for the first year per machine, which doubles in subsequent years. Individual consumers can extend protection for Windows 10 Home systems for an additional year through the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, lasting until October 2026, but further availability of ESU for home users beyond this initial year has not been clarified by Microsoft.
Winsage
May 23, 2025
OpenAI has acquired the “io” hardware division from Jony Ive’s design studio, LoveFrom, investing [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: This week has seen a fascinating interplay between two titans of artificial intelligence, OpenAI and Google, as they both made significant announcements that reveal much about their competitive dynamics. The backdrop of this rivalry is the remarkable rise of ChatGPT, which has kept Google’s leadership on high alert. As the tech community anticipated Google’s I/O event, there was palpable tension regarding whether Sam Altman of OpenAI would attempt to overshadow Google’s showcase, reminiscent of last year’s pre-I/O event where OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT’s advanced voice capabilities. This year, however, OpenAI chose to make its splash a day later, with news that has quickly shifted the narrative. OpenAI's acquisition of the “io” hardware division from Jony Ive’s design studio, LoveFrom, is a strategic move that some might view as a clever act of SEO sabotage. While the name “io” is said to stand for “input output” and was chosen well in advance, the timing of the announcement has undeniably redirected attention from Google’s strong presentation at I/O. The contrasting announcements highlight the strengths and weaknesses of both companies: while Google boasts technically superior models that are more widely utilized, OpenAI excels in capturing public interest and generating buzz. OpenAI's Strategic Moves Delving deeper into OpenAI’s recent announcement reveals a commitment to innovation and talent acquisition. The company is investing .5 billion in equity to onboard approximately 55 individuals from LoveFrom, including notable ex-Apple design leaders such as Evans Hankey, Tang Tan, and Scott Cannon. These new recruits will work under the guidance of Peter Welinder, a seasoned product leader at OpenAI. Meanwhile, the remaining LoveFrom designers, including renowned figures like Mike Matas, will continue their work with Ive, who is currently engaged in designing the first electric Ferrari and collaborating with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. According to OpenAI’s press release, Ive and his team will take on significant design and creative responsibilities within the organization. Once their existing client commitments are fulfilled, they will focus exclusively on OpenAI while maintaining their independence. OpenAI is also actively seeking new talent for its “future of computing” initiatives, with roles that promise competitive compensation, including a senior research engineer position offering between 0K to 5K plus equity. The timeline leading to this collaboration is noteworthy. Altman and Ive first met two years ago, and discussions about hardware collaboration began last year. The io division was established at LoveFrom to work closely with a select group of OpenAI employees, and investments from OpenAI and Laurene Powell Jobs were made towards the end of 2024. This partnership is poised to yield a voice-first AI device, with prototypes already in existence, suggesting a product that could be as compact as an iPod Shuffle and potentially wearable as a necklace. Additionally, there are plans for AI earbuds, with Altman envisioning a suite of AI-first products designed to reduce reliance on Apple and Google for distribution. Google's Resilience On the other side, Google demonstrated its own resilience during I/O, with the rollout of AI Mode in Google Search. While its product strategy may appear fragmented compared to OpenAI’s cohesive approach, Google is leveraging its vast troves of personal data to enhance the capabilities of its Gemini model. If Gemini can effectively integrate with services like Gmail, Workspace, and YouTube, it could create a compelling reason for users to remain within the Google ecosystem, much like how Meta successfully integrated Stories into Instagram, curtailing Snapchat's growth. Conversations with Google employees revealed a sense of confidence within the organization. While there is an acknowledgment of the challenges posed by OpenAI’s growth, Google’s Gemini is nearing 500 million monthly users. The company appears to be modernizing its search capabilities more swiftly than anticipated, positioning itself for continued leadership in model development. The latest Gemini models are impressive, and Google is preparing for a future that extends beyond traditional smartphones with initiatives like Project Astra. Industry Developments Anthropic also made headlines this week by unveiling its Claude 4 models, which it claims are the best for coding. In a competitive landscape where major players like OpenAI, Google, and Meta vie for dominance, Anthropic is positioning itself as a key provider of AI models. Microsoft Build faced disruptions during its event due to protests against its business dealings with Israel, overshadowing several noteworthy announcements, including the introduction of Elon Musk’s Grok model on Azure. Google’s smart glasses prototype was also showcased, featuring basic voice interactions and navigation capabilities. While still in early development, Google’s partnerships with eyewear brands signal its commitment to advancing augmented reality technology. Personnel Changes YouTube has appointed Justin Connolly from Disney as its head of media and sports, a move that has sparked legal action from Disney. Tinder CEO Faye Iosotaluno is stepping down, with her responsibilities being assumed by Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff. Vladimir Fedorov, a veteran engineering executive from Meta, has joined Github as CTO. Will Robinson, formerly Coinbase’s VP of engineering, is now the CTO at Plaid. Stephen Deadman, Meta’s VP of data protection in Europe, is departing due to organizational changes." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].5 billion to onboard approximately 55 individuals, including notable ex-Apple design leaders. OpenAI aims to develop a voice-first AI device and AI earbuds, with prototypes already in existence. Google introduced AI Mode in Google Search during its I/O event and is leveraging personal data to enhance its Gemini model, which is nearing 500 million monthly users. Anthropic unveiled its Claude 4 models, claiming they are the best for coding. YouTube appointed Justin Connolly as its head of media and sports, Tinder CEO Faye Iosotaluno is stepping down, Vladimir Fedorov joined Github as CTO, Will Robinson became the CTO at Plaid, and Stephen Deadman is leaving Meta.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Wear OS 6 was announced at I/O 2025, featuring a Pixel Watch 3 with a new Material 3 Expressive design and revamped Tiles. The update includes a 10% battery boost and improved performance over Wear OS 5, despite a more complex user interface. The redesigned Tiles are more dynamic, maintaining visual consistency with a 3-slot layout. Developers can customize the main content slot for various functions. Wear OS 6 introduces dynamic theming that integrates colors from watch faces, although some limitations exist with older faces. The Pixel Watch 3 is described as more engaging and dynamic compared to its predecessor, with further optimizations for apps and watch face stores pending.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
A tipster discovered hints of a Material 3 Expressive redesign in Google Photos' code, featuring a new card for creating memories with a collage-style layout. Following I/O 2025, Google released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixels, showcasing the new design language. The redesign includes a revamped user interface, an updated notification shade, an expanded quick toggle section, and a significant redesign of Gmail. Additionally, advancements in Gemini AI and collaboration between Google Search and Project Astra were highlighted.
AppWizard
May 21, 2025
On May 20, Google launched two new artificial intelligence subscription plans: AI Pro and AI Ultra. The AI Ultra plan is currently only available in the United States but will expand to other regions soon. The AI Pro plan enhances the existing Gemini Advanced plan with features like Flow, a new AI filmmaking tool, and Notebook LM, offering higher rate limits and integrated capabilities across Google applications such as Gmail, Docs, and Vids. It provides up to 2 TB of storage for .99 per month, with a 50% discount for the first three months. The AI Ultra plan includes advanced models like Veo 3 and 2.5 Pro Deep Think, early access to experimental features, and a YouTube Premium subscription, along with 30 TB of storage. The Ultra plan also features Project Mariner and Agent Mode for streamlined task management.
AppWizard
May 20, 2025
The latest Google I/O event introduced several AI-driven features across Google's products aimed at enhancing user experience and productivity. - Gmail will receive AI-powered personalized reply suggestions, inbox cleanup, and faster appointment scheduling through the new Gemini tool. - Google Meet will offer real-time speech translation in multiple languages for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, starting with English and Spanish. - Google Vids will enable users to convert slides into videos, generate scripts, and refine recordings using AI, with features like AI avatars for video production. - Imagen 4 will enhance visual content creation in Slides, Vids, and Docs by generating richer images and accurate text rendering. - Google Docs will incorporate Gemini for source-grounded writing assistance, allowing users to link relevant data and documents directly within their writing.
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