Google Workspace Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

4 apps you should use instead of Google Docs

The author experienced file management issues with Google Docs due to its lack of a folder system, leading to a search for alternatives. 1. Notion: Offers seamless transition from Google Docs, with essential formatting tools, auto-save, user-friendly sharing, and offline access. It is highly customizable but has a steep learning curve compared to Google Docs. 2. Obsidian: Focuses on privacy with local file storage by default, allowing offline access without internet. It offers cloud synchronization for flexibility but is ideal for users who prefer keeping documents off the cloud. 3. Simplenote: A simple app for creating notes and to-do lists with easy sharing and document pinning. It lacks a folder organization system, which may limit its use for extensive document collections. 4. WPS Office: A robust alternative that supports document creation, presentations, and spreadsheets, with a built-in PDF reader. Its interface resembles Microsoft Word, but it is owned by a Chinese company, raising some privacy concerns despite end-to-end encryption. The author also mentions Evernote and Google Keep as other options, with Evernote's free plan becoming less appealing and Google Keep being simpler but limited for extensive document needs.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

This overlooked Gmail setting fixed my biggest problem with the Android app

The Gmail Android app has a new subscriptions tab, Material 3 Expressive animations, and integration with Gemini. Users can remove the Meet tab by going to the menu, selecting Settings, choosing their email address, scrolling to the Meet section, and unchecking the box next to "Show the Meet tab for video calling." This process needs to be repeated for each email account managed in the app. Users with a Google Workspace account may also see a Chat tab, which can be disabled in the General section of email settings.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE: Support Ceases in 2026

Microsoft launched Windows 11 SE in late 2021 to compete with Google’s Chrome OS in the education technology sector, targeting low-cost devices for schools with a starting price around . The operating system was designed for Chromebook-like laptops, featuring restrictions on app installations to focus on educational tools and integration with Microsoft services like Office 365. Initial interest was noted, but adoption faced challenges due to schools' commitments to Chromebooks and limited app compatibility. By 2022, devices with Windows 11 SE appeared in schools, but market penetration remained modest, hindered by hardware requirements and competition from Chromebooks. Microsoft announced the discontinuation of Windows 11 SE in 2025, with support ending in October 2026, necessitating migration for schools using the OS. This decision reflects a strategic shift towards cloud-based solutions and highlights the challenges of competing against established platforms like Chrome OS.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

5 Ways to Repurpose your Windows 10 System — Virtualization Review

As Windows 11 support ends, many Windows 10 PCs and laptops lacking compatibility with the new operating system are expected to enter the resale market or be given away. This situation creates opportunities to repurpose these devices for various uses, including: 1. Installing a Linux distribution to cater to business and personal needs, with options like Ubuntu, Fedora, and MX Linux for older hardware. 2. Running ChromeOS Flex for a lightweight experience focused on web browsing and cloud applications. 3. Installing a thin-client OS to access virtual desktops, maximizing existing hardware for businesses transitioning to virtual environments. 4. Converting the device into a media server using software like Plex or Jellyfin for centralized media storage and streaming. 5. Recycling the device responsibly through manufacturer or retailer e-waste programs, ensuring safe processing and potential donation of usable parts. Before recycling, it is important to securely wipe or destroy personal data on the hard drive.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Gmail brings one-click appointment booking right to your inbox

Gmail users can now integrate Google Calendar booking pages directly into their email drafts using a new Calendar icon, making it easier to share real-time appointment slots. This feature aims to reduce the back-and-forth communication typically involved in scheduling. Users can access existing booking pages or create new ones by clicking the Calendar icon at the bottom of their email drafts. The feature is available to Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and personal Google account users, though some advanced scheduling features are limited to paid subscriptions. The rollout for Rapid Release domains has begun, with a wider release scheduled for July 28. Additionally, Gmail has introduced features like the Gemini AI assistant for summarizing emails and the ability to react to emails with emojis.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

I can’t escape Microsoft because I’m hooked on these 5 apps

The author expresses frustration with Windows 11, citing its clunky interface and issues with updates, yet continues to use it daily due to its compatibility and driver support. They also rely on Microsoft 365 products, including Outlook, OneDrive, Phone Link, and Excel, for various tasks. Outlook is preferred for managing correspondence, OneDrive allows access to PC folders from a phone, Phone Link facilitates easy communication between devices, and Excel is favored for its extensive functionality in spreadsheets. Despite considering alternatives, the author remains committed to these Microsoft applications due to their integral role in their workflow.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Google Drive for Android gets a video player upgrade and better upload tools

Google Drive for Android has been updated with a redesigned video player and an improved mobile upload process, now available to all Google Workspace and personal Drive users. The new video player features relocated playback controls for better visibility, quick access to captions, playback speed adjustments, and full-screen mode. The mobile upload process allows users to rename files and select destination folders during uploads, includes a progress bar for upload status, and features an Upload tab for tracking pending and completed uploads.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Google Docs on Android gets a powerful Gemini update for total convenience

Google is updating its Docs Workspace app on Android to integrate Gemini, allowing users to generate summaries and ask questions about their documents. This update is available for Google Workspace Business and Enterprise users, including Standard and Plus tiers, as well as Gemini Education and Education Premium subscribers. Features will be accessible to rapid release track users starting June 9 and to scheduled domain users from July 2. Additionally, Gemini's standalone app has introduced "Scheduled Actions" for Pro and Ultra subscribers, enabling automated tasks at specified times, such as delivering daily news roundups and sports scores. A new settings page for managing scheduled actions has also been added to the Gemini app.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Google Drive introduces new Gemini-powered ‘Catch Me Up’ feature

Google Workspace has introduced a feature called "Catch Me Up" in Google Drive, powered by Gemini AI, to inform users about recent edits and comments in their documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Accessible through the "Ask Gemini" section, it provides a summary of significant changes since the last access. The feature is being rolled out to Google Workspace and Google One AI Premium users, initially supporting the English language. A "catch me up" icon will appear next to frequently updated files for quick access to the overview of changes. The rollout began on June 3, targeting both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Nextcloud accuses Google of “Big Tech gatekeeping” over Android app permissions

Nextcloud, a self-hosted cloud platform, aims to empower users to control their data and offers services like video conferencing, file storage, and collaborative editing. Since mid-2024, its Android app has been limited to uploading only media files due to restrictions imposed by Google, frustrating users who cannot upload other file types. In a blog post from May 13, Nextcloud expressed dissatisfaction with this limitation, attributing it to Google's decisions. Despite maintaining read and write access to all file types since the app's launch, an update in September 2024 to restore full file access was denied by Google, which suggested users consider more privacy-focused alternatives. Nextcloud has received generic responses from Google regarding the situation.