local media Archives

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

So many people had no clue this Google app for managing photos and videos existed!

Google's Gallery app, previously known as Gallery Go, has over a billion downloads and has been available for six years, yet remains largely unknown to many users, including Pixel device owners. It serves as a simpler, offline alternative to Google Photos, appealing to users with limited storage or unreliable connectivity. A trending Reddit thread revealed users' surprise at the app's existence, with many expressing frustration with Google Photos' complexity. Launched in 2019, the Gallery app was initially aimed at low-end devices and has seen minimal marketing and updates since then. Its primary function is to allow users to view locally stored photos and videos, and it includes basic AI-powered photo organization.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

8 Old Windows Apps That Are Still Around in Windows 11

Windows 11 includes several classic applications that remain relevant and functional for users: - Notepad: A simple text editor for quick note-taking and code editing. - Paint: A basic graphics editor for quick sketches and image editing. - Calculator: An evolved multifunctional application that includes scientific and graphing capabilities. - Windows Media Player: A reliable option for playing local media files. - WordPad: A formatted text editing experience between Notepad and full-fledged word processors. - Snipping Tool: A utility for capturing screenshots easily. - Task Manager: A tool for monitoring system performance and troubleshooting issues. - Control Panel: A powerful tool for advanced system management options.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

Legal Challenge Delays Microsoft’s Plan to Sell Games via Xbox Android App

A landslide occurred in Uganda's Bulambuli district on Thursday, November 28, resulting in at least 13 confirmed deaths, with fears that the toll could rise as search efforts continue. The landslide buried 40 households and damaged additional homes in villages such as Masubu, Nameche Trading Centre, Mamono, Tangalu, Buzemulili, and Masoola. The disaster followed several days of heavy rain, contributing to the region's instability. Local media reports suggest that up to 30 individuals may still be unaccounted for. The Ugandan Red Cross Society is providing support to the affected communities during the recovery efforts.

AppWizard

November 18, 2024

Android Auto beta teases the long-awaited radio station support again

Google is developing new radio station features for Android Auto, including categories for radio stations and a selection of music genres, as indicated by the latest beta version of the app. The Android Auto 13.3 beta includes a new media control for switching between radio stations, although the feature is not yet available to beta testers. There are plans for a "Car Media" application that will incorporate these categories, along with updated icons.

AppWizard

October 8, 2024

Android Auto seems to be preparing support for more calling apps

Android Auto is set to introduce support for third-party calling applications with the upcoming Android Auto 13.0 update. This update includes significant behind-the-scenes enhancements, such as a new "Car Media" feature for accessing local media sources and several new flags indicating potential integration of external dialer support. A "Calling" category for Android Automotive exists but is not fully implemented in Android Auto, with WhatsApp mentioned as a potential candidate for calls, although its functionality is currently limited to specific devices like Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

Tech Optimizer

September 20, 2024

White & Case advises joint bookrunners on PKO Bank Polski’s inaugural €750 million green notes issuance | White & Case LLP

Global law firm White & Case LLP advised the joint bookrunners on PKO Bank Polski S.A.'s inaugural green issuance of €750 million in 3.875% senior non-preferred notes, maturing in 2027. The joint bookrunners included Banco Santander, Erste Group Bank, HSBC Continental Europe, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, and Powszechna Kasa Oszczędności Bank Polski S.A. The notes were issued under PKO Bank Polski's updated €4 billion Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Program and are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The net proceeds will finance eligible assets in line with PKO Bank Polski's Green Bond Framework. This is the fourth time White & Case has advised the joint bookrunners under the EMTN Program. The team included partners Marcin Studniarek and Stuart Matty, local partner Bartosz Smardzewski, counsel James Clarke, and associates Michał Truszczyński and Dawid Książek.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

An upcoming Android Auto update is bringing back some classic car features

Android Auto may soon allow users to access local audio files and play radio stations directly through the platform in version 12.8. A recent APK teardown revealed a feature labeled "Car Local Media," enabling playback of personal music collections without relying on streaming services. Additionally, users may no longer need to switch to their car's infotainment system for AM and FM radio access. However, the local media feature may only support audio files stored on Android devices, excluding external USB drives or built-in car storage.

AppWizard

September 3, 2024

Android Auto Users Begging for Emergency Update As Popular App Hits a Black Screen

Android Auto users are experiencing issues with the Everand app, which has a 4.7-star rating and over 10 million downloads. Since late August, the app has displayed a black screen when accessed through Android Auto, although audiobooks continue to play in the background. This issue is linked to a recent update from Everand, not Google. Users have attempted troubleshooting methods like clearing app cache and deleting data, but these have not resolved the problem. Some users report that a recent update fixed the issue, while others still face the black screen. Currently, users can only control playback through their mobile devices. Google is working on enhancing Android Auto with new features, but no timeline for these updates has been provided.

Winsage

September 2, 2024

Windows 11 preview references AI feature that searches inside audio and video files for specific words

Microsoft is introducing an 'intelligent media search' function in a Windows 11 Canary build, which allows users to search for specific spoken words within their stored audio and video files by transcribing them. This feature, spotted in build 27695, aims to enhance user experience by enabling functionalities like locating mentions in recorded meetings and helping content creators find specific moments. Users must consent to the scanning of their media files, and an AI model will be downloaded to transcribe and index the files. The feature is similar to the previously controversial Recall feature, which faced backlash over privacy concerns. Intelligent media search will be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, equipped with a Neural Processing Unit capable of performing at least 40 trillion operations per second. Users have expressed concerns about potential misuse of scanned information and security risks associated with the feature.

Winsage

September 2, 2024

Microsoft might be planning to let AI loose on your local video and audio files with Windows 11 ‘intelligent media search’

Microsoft is exploring a feature called "intelligent media search" in the latest Windows Insider Preview Build, which allows users to search indexed video and audio files by spoken words. This feature may utilize a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI processing. Users are concerned about privacy and security, particularly regarding whether they will need to grant access to all media files or if they can limit the search to specific files or folders. The feature is still in the conceptual phase, and its implementation raises questions about user consent and the potential risks associated with AI indexing of personal media content.