tech giants Archives

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Windows Weekly 935: Don’t Spritz Yourself

Leo and Paul discuss various topics on the latest episode of Windows Weekly, including Notepad, updates in Windows 11, Microsoft 365, artificial intelligence, and Xbox gaming. A new free newsletter offers time-saving tips and complimentary Field Guides for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Microsoft is reorganizing its AI initiatives and phasing out password management features in the Microsoft Authenticator app. The upcoming June 2025 update for Outlook will introduce new features, and Microsoft 365 Copilot now has general availability for Research and Analyst AI agents. The New York Times has licensed its content to Amazon, and Samsung is reconsidering its partnership with Gemini. Microsoft has delayed the launch of its first-party Xbox and Windows gaming handheld and has secured its first agreement with a game studio union. J Allard, a former Microsoft executive, is among many ex-Microsoft leaders now at Amazon. A tip suggests replacing OneDrive/Google Drive with a NAS, and Microsoft Edge 137 is highlighted as a significant update. Photoshop for Android is now available for free during its beta phase.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Makes More DMA-Based Changes to Windows 10/11 in the EU

Microsoft is aligning its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Union. In March 2024, Microsoft launched a Digital Markets Act Compliance website detailing plans to adapt Windows and LinkedIn. Recent updates include: - Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) can associate a wider range of file and link types with their default web browser, including ftp, http, https, .htm, .html, and .xml. New options for “Pin to Taskbar” and “Pin to Start” will also be available. - The Windows Search feature will allow applications to provide web search results directly within the interface, enabling users to filter and reorder results. - EEA users will have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store app, while apps downloaded from the Store will continue to receive updates. Users can reinstall the Store app later. - The Bing and Start Experiences apps will direct web content to the user's default browser instead of Microsoft Edge, which will no longer prompt users to set it as the default unless opened directly. If Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not suggest its reinstallation, except for Progressive Web Apps installed via Edge.

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2025

Android Auto to gain video playback, games, web browsing

New functionality is coming to Android Auto, including video playback and web browsing, but these features will only be accessible when the car is parked. Video playback will only work on supported apps and compatible cars, and the user's phone needs to be running Android 16. Game play support is available for beta testers, but it is unclear when these features will be available to the general public. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS already have access to video playback, with audio-only playback while driving coming soon. Google Gemini, a voice-activated AI search assistant, will replace Google Assistant in the coming months. Weather apps are now approved for Android Auto.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Perspective – Why online privacy is vital: Insights from messaging app Signal’s president

Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, emphasized the need for enhanced personal data protection and criticized major tech companies for their pervasive data collection practices with minimal oversight. She called for structural reforms to regulate user data management and highlighted that a few tech giants dominate data collection without adequate transparency. Whittaker advocated for comprehensive regulations to safeguard user privacy and protect free speech, reflecting growing concerns among consumers and privacy advocates about the balance between technology and individual rights.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Surprising: Telegram slams Vietnam’s decision to block messaging app

Vietnam's technology ministry has mandated telecom providers to restrict access to Telegram due to concerns about the app's failure to combat criminal activities and disseminate illegal content. A government document from May 21 instructed telecom companies to limit access, citing that 68 percent of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were linked to illegal activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, and potential terrorism. The ministry criticized Telegram for not cooperating with investigations, particularly regarding user data requests. Despite the directive, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of the latest report. The situation is part of Vietnam's broader digital crackdown, which has included pressure on other platforms to remove content deemed harmful by the government. Telegram has previously faced scrutiny regarding its security and privacy practices.

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.