multi-app Archives

Winsage

November 11, 2025

The 7 apps I always install first on a Windows 11 PC — and they’re all FREE

PowerToys is an open-source collection of utilities that enhances productivity for Windows 11 users, featuring tools like FancyZones for window management and Image Resizer. Google Chrome is a popular web browser known for its synchronization across devices. Steam is a primary gaming platform with a robust library and the ability to stream games to a Steam Deck. The Heroic Games Launcher is a third-party alternative to the Epic Games Launcher, offering customizable features and support for GOG and Amazon Games libraries. GIMP is a powerful open-source photo editing tool that provides advanced features without the cost of commercial software. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows seamless integration between Windows and Linux, supporting applications like Docker Desktop and Visual Studio Code. Spotify is used for audio entertainment, helping users maintain focus during work. Tools like Ninite, the Microsoft Store, and winget streamline the installation of applications on Windows 11, with winstall.app providing a user-friendly interface for generating installation scripts.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Breaking Barriers: WhatsApp’s Push into Cross-App Messaging Revolution

Meta Platforms Inc. is enhancing WhatsApp to allow communication with users on other messaging platforms, responding to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) mandating interoperability. The initiative, which began in early 2024, is currently in beta testing in Europe and utilizes the Signal Protocol for secure communications. Third-party apps can submit integration requests to Meta, which will conduct security reviews before allowing message exchanges. The beta version currently supports only basic text messaging with BirdyChat. Users can manage their third-party inboxes and block unwanted services, with a focus on security measures like client-side scanning. Meta plans to expand interoperability features, including group chats by 2025 and calling features by 2027. While the current rollout is limited to Europe, it may influence global standards for messaging interoperability.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

You can now install multiple apps simultaneously from the Microsoft Store

Microsoft has introduced a multi-app installer feature for its Microsoft Store, allowing users to compile a "shopping list" of applications for simultaneous installation. This feature is currently available only to select users of the web-based version of the Microsoft Store and has not been widely announced. Users can choose from 48 apps categorized into six groups, with a limit of adding up to 16 apps to their installation list at once. The installation process begins on the web interface and transitions to the Microsoft Store app.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Microsoft Store Web Now Lets You Install Multiple Windows Apps at Once

Microsoft has introduced a "Multi-app Install" feature on the Microsoft Store website, allowing users to select and install multiple Windows applications simultaneously. Users can bundle several applications into a single installer, which, when executed, initiates the installation of all chosen apps without requiring additional clicks or permissions. Currently, users can select from a curated list of 48 popular apps, including Netflix, Instagram, Apple Music, and Spotify. This feature is only available on the web version of the Microsoft Store, as the desktop application does not support it yet.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Microsoft Store on the Web Adds Multi-App Install

The web version of the Microsoft Store has introduced a feature that allows users to select and install multiple Windows applications simultaneously. This feature provides a user-friendly graphical interface and relies on the Store app repository. There is currently no official documentation for this feature, but it has been reported by Zac from Windows Central. The Microsoft Store website confirms that users can now “select and install multiple apps at once.” However, this capability is not yet available in the Microsoft Store app on Windows 11, suggesting a potential future update for desktop users. Some users may still prefer the Windows Package Manager (winget) for its versatility, as it can install applications from both the Store and a wider range of software available on the web. For those less comfortable with command line tools, alternatives like UniGetUI offer a more accessible graphical interface.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Windows 11 Store gets Ninite-style multi-app installer feature

The Microsoft Store has launched a feature that allows users to create a multi-app install package for Windows 11, enabling the simultaneous installation of multiple applications through a single installer. Users can select their desired applications on the Store's web platform and generate a package for downloading and installing all chosen apps at once. The feature limits simultaneous downloads to 16 apps and currently supports a curated list of 64 applications. It is only available on the web version of the Store, not within the Store app on Windows 11.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Microsoft Store trying 16-at-once app installer

A new feature in the web version of the Microsoft Store allows Windows users to install multiple applications simultaneously. Users can select up to 16 apps from 48 options categorized into six groups: Productivity, Creativity, Social, Entertainment, Tools & Utilities, and Personalization. After selecting the desired apps, users can click "Install Selected" to download a single executable file that initiates the installation of all chosen applications. This feature is currently not available in the desktop app for Windows 11. The available app categories include well-known names such as Teams, Canva, Instagram, Netflix, and Speedtest. The feature is similar to Ninite, a third-party tool that offers a broader range of applications. Microsoft has been contacted for further information on potential enhancements to this feature.

Winsage

November 5, 2025

Microsoft takes a swing at Ninite with its own multi-app install package feature powered by the Microsoft Store

Microsoft has introduced a feature in its online Microsoft Store that allows users to create one-click install packs for multiple applications. This feature includes a "Multi-app install" button that lets users compile selected apps into a single install package, generating an .exe file for installation via the Microsoft Store app. This functionality is currently only available in the online Microsoft Store and not in the Microsoft Store app.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Android Auto Preps for the Easiest Music App Switching

The latest beta version of Android Auto (v15.6.154404) suggests the introduction of a multi-card media interface that allows users to navigate audio apps more easily. This feature will enable a horizontal swipeable carousel of media cards, letting users switch between streaming services, podcasts, and audiobooks without needing to re-enter apps. Currently, Android Auto only displays a single "now playing" media card, requiring users to access the app picker to switch applications. The new interface aims to minimize interaction and enhance safety by allowing drivers to switch audio sources with fewer taps and distractions. The update is expected to retain cards for multiple recent or active audio sessions, organized by recency, and will provide controls for the next app without returning to the app itself. This development aligns with Google's initiative to simplify in-car tasks and improve user experience. The feature is still in beta and may take weeks or months before public rollout.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Google Play Leaks Android XR Apps Ahead of Samsung Galaxy XR Launch

Google's Play Store has launched a collection of applications and games for Android XR, indicating a strategic move into extended reality devices ahead of Samsung's Galaxy XR headset release. The Play Store features a dedicated page for "immersive experiences made for your XR headset," including popular titles like "Beat Saber" and productivity apps such as YouTube VR. The listings include well-known VR favorites and new entries optimized for the platform, emphasizing social and interactive experiences. Over a dozen apps marked with an XR compatibility badge span gaming and media consumption. Google is enhancing its developer tools for Android XR, supporting spatial computing capabilities and attracting major studios to expand the library post-launch. Other manufacturers, like Lenovo, are rumored to explore Android XR devices. Despite challenges in XR adoption due to costs and limited applications, Android XR aims to provide accessible entry points and innovative features to attract users. Concerns regarding privacy in immersive environments persist, as XR devices collect significant spatial and biometric data.