streamline communication

AppWizard
March 24, 2025
Out of 22 surveyed Australian Public Service agencies, 16 (73%) use messaging apps for work-related purposes, while 3 (14%) prohibit their use and 3 (14%) are undecided. Policies governing messaging app usage often do not align with statutory obligations such as the Freedom of Information Act 1982, Privacy Act 1988, and Archives Act 1983. Among the 16 agencies that allow messaging apps, only 7 shared their policies, with 5 addressing security classification needs and 6 lacking necessary archiving protocols. Furthermore, 5 agencies did not adequately meet FOI search requirements, and none required the use of official accounts or devices. Recommendations for agencies include developing clear policies on messaging app usage, addressing information management, FOI, privacy, and security, and ensuring preferred messaging apps properly manage personal information. The survey involved 25 agencies, with 22 responding, to assess messaging app usage and associated policies.
Winsage
March 11, 2025
Microsoft is testing a new press to talk functionality for its Copilot feature on PCs, allowing users to engage with the AI tool using a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Spacebar for two seconds) to start a voice conversation and Esc to end it. The update is being rolled out via the Microsoft Store, requiring the app version to be at least 1.25024.100.0. Additionally, a revamped Copilot app for Windows 11 is being previewed, featuring a native app UI framework for better integration, faster launch times, and the option to start automatically upon boot. Some users have expressed surprise at the chosen keyboard shortcut, suggesting a preference for a dedicated Copilot key.
AppWizard
March 1, 2025
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
February 11, 2025
Google is developing a feature called "Pixel Besties" to consolidate conversations from various messaging applications into a single interface. It is expected to debut with the upcoming Pixel QPR update, with WhatsApp likely being the first third-party app to participate. The feature may be part of a dedicated application called "Pixel Relationship," which could include a home screen widget for easy access. Users will be able to curate a list of important contacts, and all interactions with designated "Pixel Besties" will be aggregated in one space. The latest beta version of WhatsApp suggests a central hub for this feature, supported by a new API for communication between apps. Initially, it will integrate data from Google Messages and WhatsApp, with potential future additions from other platforms like Messenger.
Winsage
December 14, 2024
Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update, which includes a new battery indicator and an emoji panel feature integrated into the system tray. This feature, discovered in beta build 22635.4655, allows users to access an emoji panel with a single click from the taskbar. To enable the emoji panel, users must use ViveTool with the command for id:48504539, as it is not visible by default and is still in testing.
AppWizard
December 5, 2024
New features are being introduced to Android phones and Pixel devices, including: - Expressive Captions: Descriptive video captions that include annotations for non-verbal moments, such as [gasp] or [applause]. - Lookout App Enhancements: The Lookout app will now feature the Gemini 1.5 model for more detailed audio descriptions of photos and objects for users with low vision or blindness. - Gemini Assistant Expansions: New extensions for Gemini Assistant, including a Spotify extension for music playback and a Utilities extension for performing tasks like making calls and sending emails. - Pixel 9 Features: The call screening feature now includes contextual reply suggestions, and the Screenshots app allows users to save searches made with the Circle to Search feature and suggests search phrases based on saved screenshots. - Updates for Previous Pixel Models: Features like Identity Check for additional security are rolling out for Pixel 6 and newer devices. - Compatibility: The updates are not linked to Android 15 and are supported by various earlier Android versions.
AppWizard
September 26, 2024
WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that allows users to create message drafts directly within the app on Android devices. When a user starts typing a message but does not send it, the conversation will be marked as a "draft," providing a visual reminder of unsent messages. This feature is currently in beta testing for a select group of users and is expected to be rolled out to all Android users in the coming weeks.
Winsage
September 18, 2024
Microsoft has launched Office LTSC 2024 for commercial and government clients, providing a stable, volume-licensed version of Office for Windows and macOS. This version is designed for environments with limited internet connectivity and includes enhanced performance and security, increased accessibility options, improved Outlook features, and new Excel functionalities like Dynamic Charts and Arrays. The Microsoft Teams app is now available as a standalone download, while Microsoft Publisher will be retired by October 2026. Office LTSC 2024 will receive five years of support under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy and can be deployed alongside Microsoft 365 Apps. It includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, OneNote, and Microsoft Access (Windows only). The suite operates on a device-based licensing model and does not require an internet connection for activation. It is currently available to existing commercial and government volume-licensed customers, with general availability set for October 1. Microsoft initially unveiled Office LTSC 2024 in March and provided a commercial preview in April 2024.
AppWizard
August 7, 2024
Google is extending access to its Gemini AI side panel to personal Gmail accounts on Android devices, initially launched for Workspace applications in June. Users may need to restart their Gmail app to activate the feature, which is now appearing for non-Workspace users. The Gemini side panel enhances the email experience by summarizing threads, suggesting responses, assisting in drafting emails, and facilitating inquiries to find specific information. It is powered by the Gemini 1.5 Pro language model and aims to help users navigate lengthy email exchanges efficiently.
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