People app Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Windows Users Get Exclusive Taskbar Apps That Integrate with Microsoft 365

Microsoft is introducing three lightweight companion applications—People, File Search, and Calendar—designed to enhance the user experience for Microsoft 365 customers by transforming the Windows taskbar into a command center. These apps will be automatically launched upon startup and provide immediate access to Microsoft 365 functionalities. The People app allows users to initiate Teams calls and manage contacts, the File Search app simplifies file location across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and the Calendar app offers visibility into upcoming commitments and integrates with other tools. The rollout is scheduled for this month through standard update channels. This initiative reflects Microsoft's strategy to deepen integration of its services within the Windows experience, aiming to enhance user productivity and strengthen its competitive position. However, it has faced scrutiny from regulators, particularly the European Commission, regarding its bundling strategies, leading to commitments to unbundle Teams from its offerings and enhance interoperability with competing platforms.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft’s new update makes your taskbar a productivity hub

Microsoft is introducing a suite of "lightweight" companion taskbar apps for work computer users, which will launch automatically upon starting the computer. The apps include: 1. People app: A contact management tool that syncs contacts from various sources and allows quick communication via Teams calls. 2. File Search companion: A tool for locating Microsoft 365 files across OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook, with filtering options and file previews. 3. Calendar app: A productivity tool for creating events, setting reminders, and managing schedules, which syncs across devices and integrates with other applications. The rollout of these features will begin this month for all Microsoft 365 Business users, aiming to enhance workflow efficiency and accessibility.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft 365 Is Gaining Brand-New Apps — Here’s What’s on the Way to Windows 11

Microsoft 365 is introducing new companion apps for Windows 11 users, including People, File Search, and Calendar, set to roll out soon. These apps utilize Microsoft Graph to enhance search capabilities and user experience. The People app allows users to look up colleagues and access organizational charts, while the File Search app helps locate and share Microsoft 365 files. The Calendar app provides easy access to the Microsoft 365 calendar and upcoming events. Currently, access to these apps is limited to Microsoft 365 Insider Program for Business members, and they are exclusive to Windows 11.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

No More Passwords? Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Plunges on Paradigm Shift

Microsoft has announced a shift from traditional passwords to passkeys for user authentication, which has caused a more than 2.5% drop in its share prices. Passkeys are linked to a user's hardware, providing enhanced security, but raise concerns about device failure and account recovery. The company is also reintroducing the People app, integrating it into Teams to improve connectivity. Analysts have given Microsoft a Strong Buy consensus rating, with 32 Buy recommendations and two Holds, despite a 9.75% decline in share price over the last year. The average price target suggests a potential upside of 34.52%.

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.

Winsage

February 8, 2025

4 reasons you should still use the Legacy Disk Cleanup utility in Windows 11

Windows includes various legacy utilities, with Disk Cleanup being a reliable tool for reclaiming storage space. Unlike the automated Storage Sense feature, Disk Cleanup allows manual operation to remove old Windows Update files. Users can access it via the Run dialog or Start menu, and it provides options to clear cache and the Recycle Bin. Disk Cleanup can also be scheduled to run automatically using Task Scheduler. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive view of removable items, making it more efficient than Storage Sense. There are concerns about the potential deprecation of Disk Cleanup, but it remains essential for managing storage on Windows 11.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Final Meta Quest 3 update of 2024 brings big hand-tracking upgrade – and it might convince me to give working in VR another chance

The latest software update for the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, version 72, includes a significant upgrade to Windows remote desktop functionality, allowing easier connection to Windows 11 PCs. Users can set up by ensuring their PC runs Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, downloading the Mixed Reality Link app from the Microsoft Store, and enabling the 'Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link' feature in the headset's settings. The update also improves keyboard recognition through a dynamic passthrough window, introduces Hand Tracking 2.3 for better stability and accuracy, adds support for Instagram Direct Messenger, revamps the Media Gallery app for easier content sharing, and introduces live captions for calls in the People app to enhance accessibility.

Winsage

November 30, 2024

Microsoft to make Microsoft 365, OneDrive files searchable via Windows 11 taskbar

Microsoft is developing a feature called "File Search" for Windows 11, which will allow users to quickly locate recently accessed and shared files or folders from the taskbar through a web-based interface using Microsoft Edge WebView. The File Search app will feature a user-friendly design with icons for popular file types and a search bar, and it will be pinned to the taskbar during testing. Users can apply quick filters to narrow searches, and relevant items will be displayed with full names and last modified dates. The feature aims to simplify the retrieval of Microsoft 365 files, including local and cloud-stored documents, and will provide notifications for shared files and mentions in documents. Users can manage notifications through a Preferences Tab, and privacy controls ensure that only individuals can view their private files unless shared. The app will support multiple languages and can be unpinned or opted out of if desired. Additionally, Microsoft is exploring enhancements for the taskbar, including app recommendations and a new People app for managing Outlook contacts.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

Microsoft is working on the File Search Companion app for Windows taskbar

Microsoft is developing a new File Search Companion app for Windows 11, part of the Microsoft 365 Companion suite. The app is currently available for download for users with work or school accounts, but not for personal Microsoft accounts. It allows users to search for files directly from the Windows taskbar, providing access to relevant, recent, and shared files. The app features a search bar and various filters for navigation, resembling Windows Search but in a more streamlined format. It operates as a WebView2 app and is designed to enhance productivity. Users can share the download link for the app.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Microsoft is building a new Outlook People app for Windows 11 (Microsoft 365 Companion?)

A new web wrapper application, tentatively named Microsoft 365 Companion or People, is being developed for Windows 11 users, based on Microsoft Edge. This application may signal the return of the People app from Windows 10, reimagined as a web-based tool integrated with Outlook.com. The original People app consolidated various accounts into a single interface for contact management and was integrated into the Windows 10 taskbar. With the transition to Windows 11, Microsoft discontinued support for the People app, directing users to manage contacts through Mail and Calendar apps. The new People app is currently in development and may initially cater to Microsoft 365 customers with work or school accounts, allowing access to contacts stored in Outlook. Preliminary tests show it features a Microsoft 365 icon, a sign-in option, and facilitates quick communication and event scheduling. The app supports calls via Microsoft Teams or Skype and allows users to view shared files. It is lightweight, under 2MB, but lacks a comprehensive feature set. There is a toggle option for a “Whole life” experience, which may enable support for personal accounts. Microsoft needs to enhance the new Outlook, as the current version does not match the feature richness of the classic Outlook or native applications.