Slack Archives

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

I really wish these 7 apps worked on Android Auto

Google's Android Auto has the potential to enhance the driving experience through the integration of various apps, which are currently limited due to safety concerns. Anticipated additions include: - Google Tasks: Allows access to to-do lists and checklists directly from the car dashboard, facilitating pre-trip preparations and reminders. - Google Keep: Provides quick access to stored information like road trip plans and addresses, improving efficiency for passengers. - Airbnb: Enables reading host messages aloud and accessing check-in procedures and contact information while driving. - Google Drive: Offers quick access to important documents and reservation confirmations on the Android Auto screen. - Slack: Could allow users to manage workplace communication and respond to messages safely while on the road. - Fitbit: May provide insights into health metrics like heart rate during driving, potentially suggesting optimal driving times and rest breaks. - YouTube: Could allow access to audio content while driving, with video playback available when parked. These apps could significantly enrich the Android Auto experience, making it safer, more enjoyable, and efficient.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft is turning 50. Is it ready for the next technological frontier?

Satya Nadella made a significant investment in OpenAI at the end of 2022, positioning Microsoft as a leader in the AI sector and boosting its valuation by over a trillion dollars. As of early 2025, Microsoft faces challenges including reduced data center investments, disappointing stock performance, tensions with OpenAI, and declining market enthusiasm for AI technologies. The company's shares have dropped approximately 16% since peaking in July 2024, and it has experienced a 7% decline this year, making it the only member of the Magnificent 7 tech stocks without a gain over the past twelve months. Microsoft has retreated from ambitious AI infrastructure plans, scrapping data center projects that would have increased its computing power by about 14%. The company is also developing its own AI models while struggling with the market traction of Copilot, which has not advanced beyond initial testing for many organizations. Broader trends indicate a slowdown in AI adoption growth rates among U.S. workers and growing apprehension among CIOs regarding AI expenditures.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

You Can Get a Lifetime License of Windows 11 Home for Under $20 Right Now

StackSocial is offering a lifetime access license for Microsoft Windows 11 Home for .97, down from its original price of 9.99. This version is intended for PCs without a Windows 11 license and requires meeting Microsoft's system requirements. Users currently on Windows 10 who cannot upgrade via Windows Update may find this version incompatible. The license cannot be used to downgrade from Pro editions and is a one-time activation key tied to a single device. Windows 11 Home features an improved interface, Snap layouts, virtual desktops, integrated Microsoft Teams, TPM 2.0 support, and DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced gaming performance. The license does not include Microsoft Office upgrades or new versions.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

How I made Arch Linux look and run better than Windows

Arch Linux operates on a rolling release model, providing continuous updates without major version changes. It is lightweight, enhancing performance for applications like gaming, and features an easy installation process. KDE Plasma is recommended as a desktop environment, offering a familiar interface and extensive customization options. Essential applications for productivity include Obsidian, GIMP, LibreOffice, Krita, and Kdenlive, along with popular web browsers and communication tools. Installing Steam on Arch Linux allows access to a wide range of games, with Proton enabling many Windows games to run smoothly. Transitioning from Windows to Arch Linux is facilitated by a modern user interface, though it may require some command-line interaction.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

E-waste or Linux? Charities face tough choices as Windows 10 support ends

Microsoft will end free security updates for Windows 10 in October, affecting charities that refurbish older computers. Approximately 240 million PCs do not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, which include a CPU of 1GHz or faster with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, Secure Boot capability, and TPM 2.0 compatibility. Many recent computers are ineligible for the upgrade despite having sufficient RAM and storage. Chester Wisniewski from Sophos warns that using Windows 10 poses security risks, as vulnerabilities in both Windows 10 and 11 can be exploited. Charities using Windows 10 may face compliance issues with regulations like GDPR, risking fines and reputational damage. The U.S. recycles only 14 to 40 percent of electronic waste, leading to an estimated 1.06 billion pounds of e-waste, which contaminates soil and water. The UN estimates the annual economic cost of e-waste at billions, projected to rise significantly by 2030. Statcounter reports that Windows 10 still accounts for 58.7 percent of Windows installations. Organizations like PCs for People have shifted to Linux Mint for older systems, ceasing distribution of Windows 10 a year before the cutoff.

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

March 1, 2025

Popular messenger closes forever after 20 years of operation

Skype will be shut down in May. Microsoft Teams is being promoted as the alternative platform for calls and chats. Skype was launched in 2003, acquired by Microsoft in 2011, and has undergone various changes, including the discontinuation of Skype for Business. Despite updates, Skype struggled to achieve significant success compared to competitors. Microsoft Teams, introduced in 2017, combines various communication features and is integrated with Microsoft 365 services, targeting both business and educational users.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

Slack Down: Thousands Report Issues With Messaging Platform

On Wednesday, Slack experienced significant outages, with over 3,000 users reporting issues around 11 a.m. EST, as noted by DownDetector. The disruptions began at 10:27 a.m. EST, and by 3 p.m. EST, the number of reported problems decreased to 439 users. Slack communicated at 12:26 p.m. EST that it was investigating issues related to workflows, threads, messaging, and API features. By 3:34 p.m. EST, the company identified the root cause of the outages but warned that some users might still face difficulties. Users reported challenges with logging in, messaging, apps, integrations, APIs, and workflows, but there were no issues with notifications, search functions, file sharing, huddles, workspace administration, or canvases by 3:05 p.m. EST. Slack, owned by Salesforce since 2020, has over 200,000 paid customers globally. Salesforce acquired Slack for .7 billion, marking its largest acquisition at that time.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

Slack Down: Workplace Messaging App Hit by Outage

Slack is experiencing connectivity issues today, with outages reported by users starting around 7 a.m. PT. Downdetector has noted a significant increase in complaints, indicating that approximately 60% of users are facing problems with the app, while 17% are encountering issues on the website. Slack's status page confirmed the issues at 7:27 a.m. PT, affecting functionalities such as messaging, logins, workflows, and integrations. Updates from Slack at 11:05 a.m. and 11:35 a.m. PT indicated ongoing investigations into the cause of the outage, but no cause has been disclosed yet.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

Massive Slack outage takes workplaces offline

Slack is experiencing a global outage affecting workplace communications, with users facing challenges in logging in, messaging, and accessing in-app features. The company has confirmed issues with logins, single sign-on (SSO), and app integrations. The outage began around 10:27 a.m. Eastern Time on February 26, and Slack is actively investigating the cause and working to restore functionality, although no specific timeline for resolution has been provided.