pin apps Archives

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Android XR brings app pinning, resume, & auto-spatialization to Galaxy XR

Google is updating Android XR for Galaxy XR users, introducing features such as the ability to pin apps to virtual walls, which allows for practical applications like keeping a calendar app next to an office desk. The headset will also automatically restore the previous session with all apps and layouts. Users can see their hands through passthrough cameras while interacting with virtual content, enhancing the sense of presence. An auto-spatialization feature transforms apps, games, websites, images, and videos into 3D experiences. There are now over 100 apps designed for XR, including Real VR Fishing, Trombone Champ: Unflattened!, and the PSG Immersion app for live game experiences. The update also includes enhancements in hand tracking, eye tracking, and accessibility.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Android XR’s latest update now lets you pin apps to your walls on Galaxy XR

Chrome Unboxed offers a membership option called Chrome Unboxed Plus, providing an ad-free experience and access to a private Discord community. Google has rolled out new features for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, enhancing user immersion and navigation. Users can now pin applications to their physical walls, and sessions automatically restore when the headset is put back on. An experimental feature called auto-spatialization allows 2D apps to be transformed into a 3D experience. The library of immersive apps for Android XR has more than doubled, exceeding 100 apps. A new Labs feature enables users to see their physical hands while interacting with virtual content. Additionally, Android Enterprise support is now available for XR, aiding organizations in deploying headsets for training and collaboration.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

You can now turn 2D apps into 3D while using the Galaxy XR headset

Samsung has introduced an experimental feature called "auto-spatialization" for its Galaxy XR headsets, which transforms standard 2D applications, websites, images, and videos into immersive 3D experiences. The feature supports content with a resolution of up to 1080p at 30 frames per second, may consume more battery power, and is limited to the app window currently in focus. Additionally, Google has announced enhancements for the Galaxy XR platform, including the ability to pin apps to virtual walls, visibility of real hands in home space mode, seamless transition back to previously used apps, and over 100 apps optimized for XR available in the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows 10 still has the best Start menu, so I brought it back for free

Windows 11's Start menu has received criticism from some users who believe it lacks the intuitiveness and customization of the Windows 10 Start menu. The Windows 10 Start menu was praised for its design, functionality, and features like Live Tiles, which allowed real-time information access and personalization options such as resizing and organizing tiles. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that enables users to customize the Windows 11 Start menu to resemble that of Windows 10, allowing for features like pinning apps and organizing the menu. Users can download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub and switch the Start menu style with ease. The tool also offers additional customization options, although it has some reported bugs.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

10 Windows features that would actually help productivity

Windows has been perceived as prioritizing corporate interests over user preferences, with persistent prompts for subscriptions and data collection through Microsoft accounts. In a recent interview, Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's corporate VP of Windows + Devices, discussed a future vision for Windows that integrates voice, vision, and touch, but raised questions about user demand for these changes. Users have expressed a desire for specific features to enhance productivity, including: 1. Multiple clipboards for simultaneous content copying. 2. Two or three visible clocks in the taskbar for time zone management. 3. A fourth modifier key for customizable keyboard shortcuts. 4. The ability to remap all keyboard shortcuts. 5. A movable, resizable taskbar for better workspace control. 6. A firewall for audio to manage sound interruptions. 7. The ability to pin apps to specific screens on multiple monitors. 8. A feature to launch multiple related apps at once. 9. An easy audio device switching option on the taskbar. 10. A reduction in Microsoft-induced distractions and notifications.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Android’s Desktop Mode gets a handy shortcut to pin your favorite apps to the taskbar

Google is enhancing Android's Desktop Mode by introducing a "pin to taskbar" feature in the latest Android Canary release, allowing users to pin apps for quick access. This feature is available in the desktop mode launcher and enables users to easily add and remove apps from the taskbar. Currently, it is not integrated into the standard launcher. The feature is part of Google's efforts to make Android a competitive desktop platform. Its availability in Beta or Stable channels is uncertain, with potential inclusion in the upcoming Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 update or the stable QPR1 release anticipated for September.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

7 things I learned while making the perfect, productivity-focused desktop environment on Windows

Windows 11 has challenges for users seeking a productivity-centric desktop experience, prompting many to seek alternatives and customization utilities. Key elements for enhancing productivity include effective file management, quick access to applications, and tools to streamline workflow. For file management, users can benefit from dual-pane file manager alternatives like XYplorer, File Pilot, Files, and Total Commander, which improve efficiency beyond the default File Explorer. Customizing the Start Menu by relocating it to the left and using tools like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk can enhance productivity. Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar allows for quick access and utilizes jump lists for recent documents. Disabling the News & Interests widget can reduce distractions, and many users choose to remove Microsoft's Copilot due to unmet expectations. For desktop customization, tools like StartAllBack, Windhawk, Rainmeter, and PowerToys can improve both appearance and functionality. PowerToys offers over 20 utilities, including FancyZones for window management and PowerToys Run for quick application access, making it essential for optimizing workflow. Overall, effective file management, application accessibility, and thoughtful customization are crucial for enhancing productivity on Windows 11.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Other Browsers Need to Steal Opera’s Multitasking Sidebar

The Opera sidebar is a feature designed to streamline communication by serving as a hub for essential social media platforms and messaging services, allowing users to maintain focus while managing multiple applications. It has a minimalist design that can be expanded into popover tabs for easier access to messaging services without navigating away from primary tasks. Users can customize the sidebar by selecting from a variety of services, including AI tools, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Slack, and social media platforms such as Instagram and Bluesky. The sidebar helps prevent confusion from having too many tabs open, allowing for quick message replies and the option to pin apps for a split-screen view. Unlike other browsers, Opera allows browser extensions to operate within the sidebar, enhancing usability.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Revealed: Android 15 brings big upgrades to cars running Android Automotive

Android Automotive 15 introduces several enhancements, including the ability to stream audio from the vehicle to Bluetooth headsets, allowing users to select their wireless headphones as audio output devices, though only one active media stream can occur over Bluetooth at a time. An app dock feature enables users to pin favorite applications for quick access, and an ambient view feature allows for unique displays on head unit screens when not in use. The update also includes "Wi-Fi hotspot persistence," which maintains the vehicle's hotspot between driving sessions, and enhances radio support by integrating HD and DAB radio standards.