rolling out Archives

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Old apps and third-party providers blocked: Major Microsoft 365 security impact

Microsoft is implementing default blocks on legacy protocols and third-party applications for Microsoft 365 to enhance security. This includes deactivating the RPS protocol for SharePoint and OneDrive, as well as blocking the FPRPC protocol. Administrators will now need to give explicit approval for third-party applications to access files and pages, limiting user consent. These changes will begin in mid-July 2025 and are expected to be completed by August. Additionally, new security settings for Windows 365 will disable clipboard, storage, USB device, and printer linking by default on newly set up cloud PCs, with VBS, Credential Guard, and HVCI activated by default for those using a Windows 11 Gallery image. These updates for Windows 365 are planned for the latter half of 2025.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

GIF export in Snipping Tool begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

A new update for the Snipping Tool (version 11.2505.21.0) is now available for users in the Canary and Dev Channels on Windows 11. This update introduces a GIF export feature for screen recordings, allowing users to transform captures into shareable GIFs. Users can access the screen recorder by pressing Win + Shift + R or launching the app and switching to screen recording mode. After recording, a preview appears, and users can click the “Export GIF” button to choose GIF quality and save or copy the GIF. GIF export is limited to videos of 30 seconds or less, with the tool automatically exporting only the first 30 seconds for longer recordings.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

X Rolls Out XChat: New Messaging to Challenge WhatsApp

XChat is an integrated instant messaging feature within X (formerly Twitter) designed to offer various communication options, including voice and video calls, file sharing, image sending, voice messages, and vanishing messages. It is accessible on mobile for both free users and X Premium subscribers, although some advanced features require a subscription. XChat includes encryption, disappearing messages, and the ability to send any file type. Unlike existing direct messages (DMs) on X, XChat offers more advanced features such as unsending messages and group chats. Security is emphasized, with XChat built on Rust and utilizing a "Bitcoin-style encryption system," though it does not guarantee end-to-end encryption. Key features of XChat include disappearing messages, message unsending, group chats, and audio/video calls without the need for a phone number. Currently in beta, XChat aims to enhance connectivity for brands and digital marketers on the platform. The unique advantage of XChat is its integration with X, allowing for a centralized experience combining social media and messaging functionalities.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Google app could level up with this powerful AI feature for Android users

Gemini, the AI assistant in the Google app, now supports video analysis, allowing users to upload videos up to five minutes long for AI-powered insights. This feature is gradually rolling out, enabling users to upload videos from their Android devices by tapping the "plus" button in the Gemini text box. Once uploaded, Gemini generates an analysis of the video. Future updates may allow direct video capture through the camera app.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Android Auto™ Compatibility Now Available to Lucid Air Owners

North American and European owners of the Lucid Air can now connect their Android smartphones to their vehicles as of June 16, 2025, through an over-the-air update to Lucid OS 2.7.0. This update enables access to Android Auto, allowing users to utilize their preferred smartphone applications for maps, media, and messaging on the Lucid Air's 34-inch Glass Cockpit, either via USB or wirelessly. To use Android Auto, owners need an Android phone running version 9.0 or higher, an active data plan, and a compatible USB cable, with wireless connection available for Android 11 or higher. Compatibility for Lucid Gravity owners is expected soon.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Amazon Prime Day will take place July 8 to July 11, with six bonus PC games via Prime Gaming

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is scheduled from July 8 to July 11. From June 17 to July 7, Prime Gaming members can claim six free PC games: Saints Row IV: Re-Elected, Star Wars: Rebellion, Saints Row 2, TOEM, Dungeon of the Endless Definitive Edition, and Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft. Additionally, Amazon Luna will offer exclusive retail deals for Prime members from June 17 to July 11. Prime members can access Free Games with Prime titles, including Mordheim: City of the Damned, The Abandoned Planet, Station to Station, and Death Squared. Starting June 19, members can claim Dark Envoy and FATE: Undiscovered Realms, with more titles available on June 26.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Windows 11 news and updates in June: Everything I know about Microsoft’s latest tweaks and beta features for Insiders

A glitch in Windows 11 Preview Build 26200.5651 has caused the Windows Vista boot sound to play instead of the standard Windows 11 sound. Microsoft is aware of this issue and is working on a fix. Users have expressed nostalgia for the Vista sound. Additionally, Windows 11 users in the European Economic Area can now export their Windows Recall data using a one-time "export code" during setup, which is necessary for accessing encrypted data. Forgetting this code will result in losing all snapshots.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Microsoft Starts Testing New Settings AI Agent and Recall Export Experience

Microsoft is testing a new AI agent for Windows 11 within the Settings, available for Windows Insiders on Copilot+ PCs with the Dev build 26200.5651. Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will have access to a revamped Recall export experience in the Beta channel build 26120.4441. The new features include the ability to reset Recall and erase all associated data, new Click to Do actions for Microsoft 365 Copilot and Teams, a larger clock option in the taskbar, improved Windows Share for OneDrive files (not available in the EEA), and enhancements to Voice Access for Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. Insiders are receiving updates based on Windows 11 version 24H2, with version 25H2 expected later this year.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

Meta’s Threads app to test direct messaging in some countries

Meta Platforms is rolling out direct messaging on its Threads app, starting in select markets like Hong Kong and Thailand, to boost user engagement. The feature will not be encrypted initially. Threads, launched in 2023, has over 350 million monthly active users but is not expected to significantly drive revenue growth by 2025. eMarketer projects a 17.5 percent increase in U.S. monthly active users for Threads, reaching 60.5 million, while X is expected to decline by 14.4 percent to about 50 million users.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Microsoft clogs up Windows 10 Calendar with Bing spam

Microsoft is rolling out update KB5060533 for Windows 10, which includes security enhancements and new features in the Calendar. The update integrates links to special themed days, such as World Environment Day (June 5, 2025), World Oceans Day (June 8), Juneteenth National Freedom Day (June 19), and American Eagle Day (June 20). Clicking on these themed days launches the Edge browser and initiates a Bing search related to the event, regardless of the user's default search engine. There is currently no option to disable this feature or select a different search engine for these queries.