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Make 2026 the year you cancel subscriptions for good — MS Office is a flat $35
Winsage
January 11, 2026

Make 2026 the year you cancel subscriptions for good — MS Office is a flat $35

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is available for a one-time purchase of .97, reduced from its regular price of 9.99. This purchase provides a lifetime license for essential applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. The offer eliminates ongoing subscription fees and includes instant license delivery and complimentary customer support.
2025 in review: How we elevated the Microsoft Store experience
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.
Google Docs Android App Integrates Gemini AI ‘Help Me Write’ Feature
AppWizard
October 10, 2025

Google Docs Android App Integrates Gemini AI ‘Help Me Write’ Feature

Google is enhancing its Google Docs app on Android with the introduction of the "Help me write" feature, powered by the Gemini AI model. This feature, which has been available on web versions of Docs and Gmail, is currently in development and includes a new toolbar icon for submitting writing requests. Although not fully operational yet, it aims to improve mobile productivity by allowing users to generate and refine text. The feature may also integrate with existing Gemini capabilities like summarization and rephrasing. The rollout faces challenges, including privacy concerns related to data processing and the need for effective language support, with plans for Gemini to be available in over 20 languages by June 2025. Access may require a Workspace or AI premium plan, and a full launch is anticipated by late 2025. This advancement could significantly impact mobile workflows in industries such as journalism and marketing, enhancing collaboration and document creation.
These are the 7 open-source apps I recommend to everyone starting with self-hosting
AppWizard
October 2, 2025

These are the 7 open-source apps I recommend to everyone starting with self-hosting

Self-hosting is gaining popularity, prompting individuals to consider what services they want to self-host. Key applications for beginners include: - Portainer: A web dashboard that simplifies Docker management, allowing users to pull images, set up containers, and manage networks through a graphical interface. - Nextcloud: A self-hosted file synchronization solution that offers a productivity suite with features like calendars and collaborative document editing. - Home Assistant: A platform that consolidates smart devices for automation and control, enabling users to create customized smart home experiences. - Jellyfin: An open-source media server that allows users to organize and stream their own media libraries without subscription fees or ads. - Navidrome: A music server for streaming personal music collections with features like playlists and album art support. - Paperless-NGX: An application that digitizes and organizes documents using optical character recognition for easy management of paperwork. - Immich: A photo management tool that helps users organize and search their photo libraries based on metadata. - Dockpeek: A dashboard that lists all running Docker containers, simplifying access to services and enhancing user experience. A gradual approach is recommended for newcomers, focusing on specific needs to avoid decision fatigue while exploring various self-hosting options.
Microsoft to Force-Install Copilot on Most Windows PCs This October
Winsage
September 16, 2025

Microsoft to Force-Install Copilot on Most Windows PCs This October

Microsoft is rolling out the Microsoft 365 Copilot app globally, starting in October 2025 and concluding by mid-November, with the exception of the European Economic Area. The app will be automatically installed on Windows PCs with Microsoft 365 desktop applications and integrated into the Start menu, enabled by default. IT administrators can disable the automatic installation through the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center, but personal users may find it difficult to opt out. Users can remove the app after installation, modify its startup behavior, or avoid Microsoft 365 services, each with trade-offs.
This city is dumping Microsoft Office and Windows for OnlyOffice and Linux
Winsage
June 27, 2025

This city is dumping Microsoft Office and Windows for OnlyOffice and Linux

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is transitioning from Microsoft’s Windows and Office suite to open-source alternatives such as Linux, OnlyOffice, NextCloud, and PostgreSQL. This move is part of a broader strategy among European governments to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on American technology firms due to concerns over data security and autonomy. The city is developing a collaborative suite called Territoire Numérique Ouvert in partnership with regional digital organizations, which will be hosted in local data centers. The migration process is already underway, with municipal workstations moving from Windows to Linux and Microsoft Office being replaced by OnlyOffice. Lyon expects direct cost savings from this migration, including extending the lifespan of municipal hardware and reducing electronic waste. Over 50% of public contracts related to this project have been awarded to firms within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, all to French companies. Training for approximately 10,000 civil servants began in June 2025 as part of the transition to Linux.
LibreOffice backs campaign to help users move from Windows 10 to Linux – and ditch Office, too
Winsage
June 14, 2025

LibreOffice backs campaign to help users move from Windows 10 to Linux – and ditch Office, too

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternatives like Linux. The End of 10 initiative aims to guide users toward affordable options, particularly Linux and LibreOffice, as many existing Windows 10 devices may not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements. The transition to Windows 11 may also lead to increased costs and reduced user autonomy due to its cloud-centric design. LibreOffice, an open-source productivity suite, offers essential tools without licensing fees and promotes open standards, though compatibility with Microsoft Office documents may vary. The Document Foundation suggests three steps for transitioning to Linux and LibreOffice: testing the new platform, assessing software compatibility, and providing training for users.
Why pay recurring fees for 365 when Microsoft Office is only $50?
Winsage
June 4, 2025

Why pay recurring fees for 365 when Microsoft Office is only $50?

Microsoft Office 2021 is currently available for a one-time purchase of .97, reduced from its regular price of 9.99. This version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free version), OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Users receive instant download codes for immediate installation on a single computer, ensuring uninterrupted access without recurring fees. Microsoft 365, in contrast, operates on a subscription model that has recently seen a price increase, making Office 2021 a more economical choice for individuals and businesses. The offer is time-limited, and prices on StackSocial may change.
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