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Google swears (again) that data-sharing rules will help scammers, threaten your search history
AppWizard
June 30, 2026

Google swears (again) that data-sharing rules will help scammers, threaten your search history

Google is opposing the European Union's proposed amendments to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), warning that these changes could jeopardize user privacy and security. The DMA aims to reduce the dominance of major tech platforms by requiring gatekeepers like Google to share more data with competitors. Google is particularly concerned about the implications of sharing search data and granting third-party AI services access to sensitive Android features, fearing that this could lead to increased fraud and cyberattacks. The European Commission is pushing for Google to provide rival search engines with access to anonymized search data to enhance competition, but Google argues that once this data leaves its infrastructure, it becomes difficult to protect. DuckDuckGo and some researchers believe the Commission's proposals adequately address privacy risks, while others acknowledge the risks but suggest they should be balanced against technical protections. Additionally, EU regulators are advocating for deeper integration of competing AI assistants with Android, which Google warns could compromise existing security measures. Apple has shown support for some of Google's concerns regarding access to operating systems.
Microsoft's Project Solara is an Android OS designed for agents instead of apps
AppWizard
June 2, 2026

Microsoft’s Project Solara is an Android OS designed for agents instead of apps

Microsoft is developing two concept devices under Project Solara: the Desk Concept and the Badge Concept. The Desk Concept resembles a smart display with a touchscreen, microphones, and a camera, functioning as a secondary monitor or standalone Windows PC powered by Windows 365 cloud computing. The Badge Concept is a work badge with a touchscreen, 5G connectivity, a camera, microphones, and a fingerprint scanner, allowing users to interact with AI agents. Both devices are not yet available for purchase, and Microsoft plans to demonstrate them in collaboration with partners like AccuWeather, Best Buy, CVS Health, Levi’s, and Target.
SereneDB lands $2.1M to fuse search, analytics and Postgres into one engine
Tech Optimizer
December 3, 2025

SereneDB lands $2.1M to fuse search, analytics and Postgres into one engine

Berlin-based startup SereneDB has completed its Pre-Seed funding round, raising .1 million from venture funds Entourage and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). The company aims to improve traditional search and analytics tools, which struggle with dynamic datasets. SereneDB integrates live data and analysis within a single system, combining a search engine with OLAP execution under PostgreSQL for real-time data ingestion and updates. The platform allows for rapid retrieval of complex results and supports insightful queries from both human users and AI agents. CEO Alexander Malandin and CTO Andrey Abramov lead the company, drawing on their extensive experience in IT and database design. They aim to create a unified engine that integrates search and database functionalities, addressing the limitations of existing enterprise search technologies. The initial response from the developer community has been positive, with interest in SereneDB's capabilities, particularly among startups and existing search users. The funding will help expand the team and support open-source development.
I replaced Windows Search and I’ve never been happier
Winsage
October 2, 2025

I replaced Windows Search and I’ve never been happier

Windows 11's Search feature has been criticized for its inefficiency, often returning irrelevant web results instead of local files, and the indexing process is resource-intensive. Users express frustration over the clutter of advertisements and suggested apps in search results. Fluent Search is presented as a superior alternative, offering features similar to macOS's Spotlight, including quick access to various tools, seamless clipboard integration, a tagging system for organization, and the ability to execute terminal commands directly from search results. It also includes a Screen Search feature that allows keyboard navigation without switching to a mouse, enhancing efficiency and reducing strain. Users are encouraged to consider alternatives like Fluent Search, Everything, and PowerToys Run due to the declining quality of Windows Search.
Stop struggling with Windows Search — try these 6 game‑changing alternatives
Winsage
September 17, 2025

Stop struggling with Windows Search — try these 6 game‑changing alternatives

Windows 11's built-in search feature is often slow and inefficient, particularly with non-indexed locations and numerous files. It has a cluttered search home filled with advertisements. Several third-party tools are recommended as alternatives to enhance search functionality: - Command Palette: Part of PowerToys, it allows instant results for queries and supports command execution, quick navigation, and customization. - Fluent Search: Offers a comprehensive search experience with a native file indexer, rapid results, and OCR technology for searching visible content on screens. - Everything: Focuses on speed by indexing files and folders instantly, providing real-time results based on names, though it lacks additional features. - Listary: Integrates with Windows and File Explorer, allowing direct searches within these environments and offering customization for commands and automation. - Flow Launcher: A free, open-source app launcher that enhances search by integrating with the Everything indexer and includes built-in plugins for added functionality. - RayCast: An app launcher in beta for Windows, originally for macOS, featuring productivity tools and AI capabilities, allowing efficient task performance without a mouse. These tools cater to various user needs, improving the search experience on Windows 11.
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