mini apps Archives

Winsage

December 18, 2025

2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience

In 2025, the Microsoft Store on Windows attracted over 250 million monthly users and introduced new offerings, including productivity tools like Raycast, Noteastic, and Cephable, as well as popular games such as Fortnite and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Accessibility apps like DotVista and applications like RunCat 365 and Adobe Premier Elements 2026 were also launched. In collaboration with Tencent, the catalog in China expanded to include mini apps and games like Rednote and Fire to the Zombies. The 2025 App Awards winners were announced, recognizing exceptional value for Windows users. The Microsoft Store introduced Special Events to help users discover timely content within their favorite apps. A dedicated Themes department was launched to simplify the process of personalizing computing environments. Enhancements made since June focused on providing a tailored experience, with personalized content available on home and app pages. The app installation process was streamlined with multi-app install features and improved methods for finding and launching apps through the Windows Search Bar. The AI Hub was refreshed to help users discover AI-powered apps, with new app badges indicating AI capabilities. Copilot now assists with Store browsing in the U.S., and finding Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot has been made easier. Key improvements included quicker navigation, improved error handling, the ability to uninstall apps directly from the Library, better update orchestration, and enhanced search functionality.

AppWizard

December 12, 2025

Sam Altman’s Biometric ID ‘Super App’ Launches Encrypted Messaging and Crypto Payments

World, supported by Sam Altman, launched an upgraded application featuring encrypted messaging and enhanced cryptocurrency payment capabilities. The app allows users to confirm their identity as unique humans online through biometric authentication with World ID. Key features include: - World Chat offers Signal-level encryption and color-coded verification badges for user identity confirmation. - Users can receive paychecks and bank deposits directly in the app and convert funds to cryptocurrency. - The company has verified under 20 million people and aims to reach one billion iris scans. - The app includes social features aiming to create a messenger platform similar to WhatsApp or Telegram, with a focus on security. - Users verify their identity by having their iris patterns scanned by an Orb device, which converts the data into encrypted digital codes for World IDs. - Orb Minis, handheld devices for home self-scans, were introduced to ease the verification process.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Office 365 gets new ‘companion apps’ that live in the Windows taskbar

Microsoft has introduced mini-apps called Microsoft 365 companions for Windows 11 users, which include functionalities for People, File Search, and Calendar. Access to these companions is limited to organizations that opt into the beta features. The mini-apps reside in the taskbar, allowing users to access essential functions without launching full applications. The People companion enables quick access to contacts, the File Search companion allows seamless searching through cloud files, and the Calendar companion lets users join Teams calls directly from the taskbar. The status of these mini-apps within the Windows 11 ecosystem is uncertain, and while mobile versions may be forthcoming, there is no official confirmation from Microsoft yet.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Microsoft launches new Windows 11 apps to make it easier to find contacts and files

Microsoft has unveiled two new companion apps for Windows 11 users: People and File Search. The People app enhances connectivity by allowing users to explore contacts, access profile cards, send messages via Teams, and search based on various criteria. The File Search app simplifies file management by enabling users to find recently opened files, search by content, filter by type, and preview files before sharing. Both apps integrate with Microsoft 365 tools and can be pinned to the taskbar for easy access. Currently, they are available to Windows 11 users who have Microsoft 365 desktop apps, are part of the Microsoft 365 Insider program (Beta Channel), and hold a Microsoft 365 subscription for business.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Social Media and Messaging Apps Turning to Gaming

The average person spends at least two hours on social media daily, leading platforms to compete for user engagement. The gaming industry has become a significant competitor in this arena. Telegram has become a hub for blockchain gaming, particularly through TON, featuring innovative play-to-earn (P2E) games and Mini Apps that enhance the gaming experience. Casino bots on Telegram allow users to play games like blackjack and poker directly within the app. Facebook continues to integrate gaming into its platform, supporting instant games on Messenger and gaming groups, despite discontinuing its standalone gaming app in 2022. Snapchat introduced Snap Games in 2019, utilizing augmented reality to create interactive multiplayer experiences, although this feature is no longer available. Instagram incorporates gaming elements through interactive quizzes and polls in Stories, and serves as a platform for gaming content influencers. WhatsApp has unofficially integrated simple games through third-party bots, allowing users to engage in casual play within chats, despite not offering official gaming features.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

Telegram rolls out its biggest mini app update ever

Telegram is enhancing its mini-apps with the introduction of Mini Apps 2.0, which features a full-screen mode for immersive gaming experiences. This update includes motion-sensing controls for virtual reality titles, performance optimization based on device power and memory, and the addition of gyro controls. Users can create shortcuts to their favorite mini-apps on their home screens for quicker access. The mini-apps will also support document creation and location-based services, with location sharing disabled by default for privacy. A subscription model for developers is being introduced, allowing monetization of mini-apps through in-app Telegram Stars. Developers can enable media sharing and referral codes, while premium users can set emoji statuses within the apps.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

My 5 favorite AI chatbot apps for Android – see what you can do with them

OpenAI has launched an official ChatGPT app for Android, featuring a mobile-friendly interface. The app allows users to engage in conversations, analyze images, and use voice input. The free version uses GPT-4o, while ChatGPT Plus subscribers can access different models. AI Chatbot Nova, powered by ChatGPT, offers a free version with limited chats and a paid option for unlimited access and additional features. It includes mini apps for specific tasks and supports voice input. Microsoft Copilot utilizes GPT-4 Turbo and allows users to choose conversation styles, type or speak requests, and upload images. It suggests questions and cites online sources for responses. ChatOn generates various text types and offers both free and premium versions, with the latter providing unlimited chats and advanced features like YouTube summaries. Genie specializes in answering questions and content creation, with a free version limiting users to ten chats per day and a Pro version offering unlimited access to GPT-4. It supports summarizing images, web pages, and PDFs.

AppWizard

August 10, 2024

Telegram messaging app transforms into blockchain innovator

Telegram, launched in 2013 by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, began as a messaging app and later integrated with the TON blockchain, aiming to transform digital transactions. The TON blockchain's development started with a whitepaper in 2018, and Telegram raised approximately .7 billion through a private sale of its native Gram token. In October 2019, the SEC filed a complaint against Telegram for conducting an unregistered securities offering, leading to a court ruling in March 2020 that halted the distribution of Gram tokens. Telegram subsequently abandoned the project in May 2020 but supported the independent development of TON, which was rebranded as The Open Network. In September 2023, Telegram integrated the TON Space wallet and introduced a revenue-sharing system in Toncoin. By May 27, 2024, the total value locked on TON surpassed billion. Telegram has become a hub for the crypto community, facilitating discussions and collaborations. It launched an in-app browser and a mini app store, with popular mini-apps like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat attracting millions of users. Telegram has raised billion through bond issues since 2021 and is exploring a potential IPO by 2025.

AppWizard

August 4, 2024

Telegram drops a Web3 upgrade for its built-in browser

Telegram has updated its in-app browser, adding a bottom bar for navigation and support for Web3, including decentralized websites on TON. A new "Apps" tab in the search function has been introduced to help users find popular mini apps. Users can now view and bookmark instant articles in the browser. Developers can upload video demos and screenshots of mini apps, which can also create custom story content. Telegram Stars allows users to gift stars to contacts for purchasing digital goods in mini apps. A new front flash feature enhances video message recording in low light. Additional updates include a weather widget for Stories and a thumbnail feature for video stories, available on both mobile and Mac OS.

AppWizard

August 1, 2024

Telegram launches Mini App Store, with over 500 million MAU already interacting with apps inside messenger | Game World Observer

Telegram has launched an internal app store called the Mini App Store, accessible on mobile, web, and desktop versions of the platform. It aims to enhance user engagement with mini apps, which currently attract 500 million of Telegram's 950 million monthly active users. The store features popular mini apps and allows users to search for additional products, although it lacks a categorization system for games and recommendations. Developers can upload preview content for their apps, and users can share app-generated content to Telegram Stories. All mini apps operate within an updated in-app browser, allowing for seamless navigation. This initiative reflects a trend in the tech industry, similar to Tencent's WeChat, which has successfully integrated mini games and reported significant growth in that area.