tech giants Archives

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Google backs down after locking out Nextcloud Files app

Google has reinstated the permissions previously revoked from Nextcloud's Files app for Android, allowing the app to restore its full file syncing capabilities. Andy Schertzinger, Director of Engineering at Nextcloud, confirmed this decision, which follows a period of challenges after Google revoked the app's "All files access" permission in late 2024. This permission is crucial for file synchronization applications. Nextcloud had faced difficulties in the Play Store due to this revocation, and despite attempts to communicate with Google, there was no response until the recent restoration of permissions.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft Surface PCs with Arm-based AMD chip could arrive in 2026

Microsoft is set to introduce a new line of Surface PCs in 2026 featuring AMD's Arm-based chip, codenamed Sound Wave. The Sound Wave chip is expected to be an APU with six CPU cores (two for performance and four for efficiency) and an integrated GPU with four compute units based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, designed for a thermal envelope of 5-10W. This suggests a strategy for low-powered Surface PCs, potentially refreshing the Surface Go or Surface Hub models. This will be the first time since the Surface Laptop 4 that Microsoft incorporates an AMD processor into its Surface lineup. Recently, Microsoft launched new models, including a 12-inch Surface Pro and a 13-inch Surface Laptop, powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, which may outperform the upcoming AMD Sound Wave chip.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Meta launches AI app to compete with ChatGPT

Meta has launched a standalone AI application during its LlamaCon event, providing users with direct access to Meta AI similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT. The app, available in the U.S. and Canada, utilizes user data from platforms like Facebook and Instagram to deliver personalized interactions. Users can enhance the AI's memory by sharing additional information. The app employs the Llama 4 model, offering advanced features such as image generation and editing, a voice mode for interaction, and a “discover” feed. Since its integration across platforms in 2023, Meta's AI assistant has attracted nearly 600 million monthly users as of December 2024.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

Epic Games store challenges mobile monopolies

- Flappy Bird has made a comeback exclusively for Android users through the Epic Games store, developed by Flappy Bird Publishing. - The game includes Classic mode and a new Quest mode with unlockable worlds and obstacles. - Epic Games Store has struggled to meet installation goals, achieving fewer than 30 million installs out of a goal of 100 million by the end of 2024. - Alternative marketplaces on iPhones are needed to increase competition and benefit consumers through improved pricing and innovation.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Peter Bart: Big B.O. Bets Wagered On Video Games And Vampires As Hollywood Tries To Banish Bitter Woes

Two films, A Minecraft Movie and Sinners, are currently successful at the box office, appealing to Gen Z audiences and nearing 0 million in global earnings. A Minecraft Movie had a production cost of 0 million, while Sinners had a budget of million, with stars Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler negotiating a deal for a share of the gross receipts and ownership rights after 25 years. Hollywood has faced challenges in recent years, including postponed releases and a shift towards streaming. The dual release of Oppenheimer and Barbie, endorsed by industry figures, gained significant attention, overshadowing other films like Coyote vs Acme. Tech companies like Apple and Amazon are investing in original storytelling, with Apple’s F1 project featuring Brad Pitt. Warner Bros. is also set to release a film by Paul Thomas Anderson, known for original content. Historically, studios have invested in original works, with notable examples like The Best Years of Our Lives and It’s a Wonderful Life.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

ChatGPT chief says OpenAI would buy Chrome if Google is forced to sell

Nick Turley, chief of OpenAI's ChatGPT, expressed interest in acquiring Google's Chrome browser during a court hearing for the Department of Justice's antitrust trial against Google. He stated that many parties, including OpenAI, would be interested in such an acquisition to address concerns about Google's monopoly. Turley emphasized the potential for an "AI-first experience" if OpenAI integrated Chrome, while also noting challenges in entering the Android market due to Google's Gemini technology. He highlighted that tech giants like Google control key access points for product discovery, which complicates competition for OpenAI. In response, Google maintains that its products are preferred by users and has entered a two-year agreement with Samsung to preinstall its Gemini AI on devices, with other tech companies also making competitive offers. Google's revenue heavily relies on its Search and advertising segments, which generated .39 billion in Q3 2024. The ongoing trial may lead to significant changes in user interactions with Google products.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to stop pre-installing Chrome and its other apps on Android smartphones – The Times of India

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating Japan's anti-monopoly law by requiring Android smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications, which restricted competing search engine applications. Google incentivized manufacturers financially to designate Chrome as the default browser and not to preinstall rival search applications. The order mandates that Google stop these practices, prohibits the requirement for preinstallation of its apps, and requires the company to create compliance guidelines and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence for five years. Google had agreements with six manufacturers representing about 80% of Android smartphones in Japan. The investigation began in 2023, reflecting a trend of increased scrutiny of big tech firms globally.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Microsoft’s New Windows Update — 1 Billion Users Warned: Do Not Delete

Windows users are facing security challenges, including a zero-day vulnerability that threatens Windows passwords and hackers bypassing Windows Defender. Microsoft has discontinued VPN support for Windows Defender users and withdrawn security support for Windows 10. A new folder named "inetpub" was created following the April 8 Patch Tuesday updates as part of the fix for CVE-2025-21204, a vulnerability in the Windows Update Stack. This folder has raised concerns among users, prompting Microsoft to advise against deleting it. The creation of the inetpub folder is intended to enhance security, although its purpose remains unclear. Microsoft confirmed that the folder is created regardless of whether Internet Information Services (IIS) is installed on the user's device.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

As Microsoft Turns 50, Bill Gates Gives A Rewind Of His Early Days

Bill Gates shared rare throwback photographs on Instagram to commemorate Microsoft's 50th anniversary, reflecting on his early days with the company. Gates humorously described the images as part of his "awkward photo shoots" era and expressed gratitude towards Microsoft. He co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen after dropping out of Harvard. Gates led the company through significant developments, including the creation of the MS-DOS operating system and Windows. He stepped down as CEO in 2000 and left Microsoft's board in 2020. Microsoft has become one of the leading tech giants, celebrating its history and future aspirations on its website.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Microsoft no longer includes a power supply with Surface Pro 11 in some regions — now you have to pay extra for one

Microsoft has stopped including a power supply with its Surface Pro 11, requiring consumers to pay an additional €90 for it. This change is part of the European Union's efforts to reduce electronic waste and has resulted in more compact packaging that includes only the tablet and a quick start guide. The decision aligns with the 2022 Radio Equipment Directive, which allows companies to make power supplies optional. Other tech companies like Apple and Google have also begun excluding power supplies from their tablet offerings in EU markets. It is unclear if the Surface Pro 11 will come with a USB-C cable.