NewApp Digest
search bot

Google Search

I'm slowly escaping Google's ecosystem, and it's easier than I thought
AppWizard
September 3, 2026

I’m slowly escaping Google’s ecosystem, and it’s easier than I thought

In recent months, users are reconsidering their reliance on Google, leading to a movement towards "deGoogling." A poll indicated that 6% of respondents have completely stopped using Google's products, 58% have reduced their usage, 21% have considered the idea but haven't acted, and 15% remain committed to Google. Some users are replacing Google services with alternatives like Kagi for search, Proton for email and cloud services, and Firefox for browsing. Despite these changes, many still use certain Google products, such as the Pixel phone, Google smart speakers, and services like YouTube and Google Maps, due to their effectiveness and integration. Transitioning away from Google has been reported as less daunting than expected for many users.
Microsoft built a dedicated app that forces Bing everywhere on Windows 11, including Chrome, Firefox, and Brave
Winsage
August 22, 2026

Microsoft built a dedicated app that forces Bing everywhere on Windows 11, including Chrome, Firefox, and Brave

Microsoft has introduced a standalone application called MicrosoftSettings.exe that prompts users to change their default search engine to Bing across all browsers on their PC. This application is not force-installed via Windows Update or available in the Microsoft Store; it can be downloaded from Microsoft's official servers. Upon installation, it encourages users to add a Chrome extension named Microsoft Bing Homepage & Search, which alters search settings and directs users to the Microsoft Rewards page. The installation process features a welcome screen with a pre-set toggle for changing the search engine to Bing, applicable to Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. The extension has a 4-star rating and claims 5 million users, but it triggers alerts from Chrome regarding its permissions. Microsoft has also launched a sweepstakes for Bing users and made it possible to sign into Bing using Google or Apple accounts. Despite efforts to promote Bing, Microsoft has committed to decluttering MSN and simplifying its offerings in other areas.
Windows 11 is breaking Legacy Media Player features to push you to a modern app that uses 3x more RAM
Winsage
August 19, 2026

Windows 11 is breaking Legacy Media Player features to push you to a modern app that uses 3x more RAM

Microsoft is reducing the functionality of Windows Media Player Legacy in the latest update, Windows 11 Experimental Build 29648.1000, by restricting caption controls. Users can no longer enable captions in the legacy player and are prompted to switch to the modern Media Player instead. This change was first noted by Windows enthusiast Xeno Panther and indicates a deliberate move by Microsoft to encourage users to adopt the newer application. In the previous Experimental Build 26340.9212, captions were still operational, but the latest build has removed options for Off and Defaults, leaving only "On if available." When attempting to activate captions, users receive a message stating that captions cannot be enabled in Windows Media Player Legacy. The modern Media Player does offer enhanced caption customization features, such as font size and color adjustments, but it has been criticized for its performance issues. The modern app takes longer to open videos and consumes significantly more RAM while idle compared to the legacy version. Additionally, the modern Media Player requires users to purchase HEVC Video Extensions to play HEVC files, which the legacy player supports without additional costs. Despite these changes, the Legacy Media Player still retains features like library view and CD burning, and it remains an optional feature in Windows 11. Microsoft has previously removed other functionalities from the legacy player, such as the Sync tab in 2023. As users look for alternatives, third-party open-source media players like VLC and mpv are becoming more popular, with mpv recommended for its performance and minimal interface.
Windows 11 Search is fixing its biggest annoyance, will find files in folders you actually use
Winsage
August 2, 2026

Windows 11 Search is fixing its biggest annoyance, will find files in folders you actually use

Windows 11 Search is a crucial tool for users who create and download files, but it often struggles to find recently accessed files due to its indexing limitations. Microsoft is introducing a feature called “Automatically find additional relevant locations,” which will automatically identify and index folders based on user activity, reducing the need for manual indexing. Currently, Windows Search maintains an index focused on specific folders, which can lead to frustrations when files are not found. Users can manually add locations or switch to Enhanced mode for broader indexing, though this may result in irrelevant search results and increased resource usage. The new feature aims to streamline the search process by making significant folders searchable automatically while allowing users to block any unwanted folders. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Windows Search to better recognize typos and plans to disable Bing search and ads in results. These updates are expected to be rolled out later this year.
One UI 9 Could Soon Let You Control Zoom Levels on an App-by-App Basis
AppWizard
July 30, 2026

One UI 9 Could Soon Let You Control Zoom Levels on an App-by-App Basis

Samsung is enhancing its One UI 9 with a new feature that allows users to set custom zoom levels for individual applications. This feature will enable users to select from various zoom options, including Large, Largest, Medium, Small, Smallest, and System settings, and will keep the assigned zoom level for each app independent of overall system settings. References to this feature have been found in One UI 9 on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but it has not yet been fully implemented. The release timeline is uncertain, but it may debut with a future retail update. Additionally, Samsung has introduced a built-in Google Search bar in One UI 9.
Google Search's AI Mode can now handle tasks beyond the search bar
AppWizard
July 16, 2026

Google Search’s AI Mode can now handle tasks beyond the search bar

Google Search has introduced AI Mode, allowing users in the United States to connect with third-party applications like Canva, YouTube Music, and Instacart. This feature enables users to streamline tasks such as designing invitations, compiling music playlists, and populating shopping carts by simply providing prompts. AI Mode processes requests and delivers results quickly, enhancing user convenience. Currently, the integration is limited to a few applications, but Google plans to expand partnerships to increase functionality.
Google swears (again) that data-sharing rules will help scammers, threaten your search history
AppWizard
June 30, 2026

Google swears (again) that data-sharing rules will help scammers, threaten your search history

Google is opposing the European Union's proposed amendments to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), warning that these changes could jeopardize user privacy and security. The DMA aims to reduce the dominance of major tech platforms by requiring gatekeepers like Google to share more data with competitors. Google is particularly concerned about the implications of sharing search data and granting third-party AI services access to sensitive Android features, fearing that this could lead to increased fraud and cyberattacks. The European Commission is pushing for Google to provide rival search engines with access to anonymized search data to enhance competition, but Google argues that once this data leaves its infrastructure, it becomes difficult to protect. DuckDuckGo and some researchers believe the Commission's proposals adequately address privacy risks, while others acknowledge the risks but suggest they should be balanced against technical protections. Additionally, EU regulators are advocating for deeper integration of competing AI assistants with Android, which Google warns could compromise existing security measures. Apple has shown support for some of Google's concerns regarding access to operating systems.
5 Emergency Features To Enable On Your Android Phone Before It's Too Late
AppWizard
June 8, 2026

5 Emergency Features To Enable On Your Android Phone Before It’s Too Late

The Google Play Store has launched a Personal Safety app that provides tools for emergency situations, including safety check-ins, medical information input, automatic location sharing with emergency contacts, and car crash detection for select devices. The Emergency SOS feature allows users to create shortcuts for quick access to emergency actions, such as calling services and recording video footage. Crisis Alerts notify users of nearby dangers, while Earthquake Alerts provide information on seismic activity. The Emergency Location Service (ELS) enables precise location sharing with emergency responders during calls or texts to emergency numbers.
Search