testing phase Archives

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Russia orders state-backed app, WhatsApp rival, to be pre-installed on all phones and tablets

Starting September 1, the Russian government will mandate the pre-installation of the state-backed messaging application MAX on all mobile phones and tablets sold in the country. MAX is designed to integrate with various government services and aims to promote domestic technology solutions. The government will also require that RuStore, Russia’s domestic app store, be pre-installed on all Android devices, including Apple devices. Additionally, from January 1, all smart TVs sold in Russia will include LIME HD TV, a Russian-language application providing access to state television channels for free. Recent restrictions on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have prompted this push for domestic applications. As of this week, MAX has been downloaded by 18 million users, while WhatsApp and Telegram have user bases of 97.3 million and 90.8 million, respectively. VK Messenger has 17.9 million users.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

Shock! Microsoft is bringing Copilot to the Windows 11 Start menu

Microsoft is integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, into the Start menu of Windows 11, a move that aligns with its historical use of the menu for promoting its innovations. Evidence suggests that Copilot prompts are being tested in the latest Insider builds, offering users suggestions for various tasks like researching and drafting documents. Although the feature is currently only visible in Insider Builds, there is a strong likelihood it will be rolled out more widely. Microsoft aims to encourage user engagement with Copilot, potentially converting free users into subscribers for Copilot Pro. There are concerns about user satisfaction, and it remains uncertain whether options to disable Copilot will be provided.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

Shock! Microsoft is bringing Copilot to the Windows 11 Start menu

Microsoft is integrating Copilot into the Start menu of Windows 11, as evidenced by images shared by a Twitter user showing recommendations for Copilot prompts in the latest Insider builds. These prompts include tasks like researching topics and drafting documents. While currently only visible in Insider Builds, the likelihood of this feature becoming a permanent addition is high, as Microsoft aims for widespread adoption of Copilot and potentially converting users into paying subscribers for Copilot Pro. There is uncertainty about user options to disable Copilot, which may not be prioritized by Microsoft.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Microsoft is testing Copilot ads in Windows 11 Start menu to push Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft is testing the integration of Copilot-related advertisements in the 'Recommended' section of the Start menu in Windows 11. These ads are intended to promote user engagement with the Copilot app and may direct users to either the consumer-oriented Copilot app or Microsoft 365 Copilot. The ads include messages like “Write a first draft with Copilot” and “Ask Copilot,” as well as prompts for productivity assistance. Users without a Microsoft 365 subscription may be encouraged to consider a paid plan when redirected to Microsoft 365 Copilot. Microsoft frames these prompts as “tips” or “suggestions” rather than traditional ads. Users can disable these ads by turning off a specific toggle in the Start settings. The rollout of these ads is still pending as testing continues.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Google Messages can now blur nude images on Android

Google is rolling out Sensitive Content Warnings in its Messages app for Android, a feature that detects and blurs images containing nudity. This feature is available only to users signed into a Google Account. When an image is blurred, users can access a resource page, block the sender, return to the main screen, or choose to view the image. A warning will also appear when users attempt to send or forward a nude image, requiring acknowledgment before sending. For supervised users, such as minors, the feature is enabled by default, while unsupervised teens can disable it. Adults must opt in to use it. The feature processes images locally on the device, ensuring no identifiable data is sent to Google servers, although it may misclassify images or fail to detect nudity.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

WhatsApp Might Soon Let You Send Motion Photos With Audio and Movements

WhatsApp for Android is testing a new feature called motion photos, which captures audio and movement before and after a snapshot. This feature is available in the beta version 2.25.22.29 for select testers on Google Play. It is indicated by a new icon with a play button in the image selection interface. Motion photos are described as recordings of moments surrounding a photo, enhancing the photo-sharing experience. Users can only send motion photos if their devices support this functionality, but they can view them regardless of their device's capabilities. The feature aims to prevent motion photos from being converted into video files when shared. There is no timeline for its official launch yet.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Windows 11 may get AI-powered ‘companions’ in upcoming update

Microsoft is testing a new taskbar feature called "Companions," which involves the integration of AI agents. Initial hints of this feature appeared in Build 26454 of Windows Server and have been noted in beta versions of Windows 11. Companions may be a key element of the upcoming Windows 11 version 25H2, expected to launch in autumn. The feature suggests a more personalized AI assistant, potentially succeeding earlier innovations like Copilot.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Adobe brings native Windows on Arm support to Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more — but not all features made it

Adobe has launched native ARM64 versions of its creative applications—Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder—for Windows on Arm devices, currently in public preview. However, these applications have certain limitations: - Premiere Pro will not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, Import and export of the GoPro CineForm codec, and Export to the P2 Movie format. - Audition lacks support for the GoPro CineForm codec and Loudness Radar effect. - Media Encoder will also not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, GoPro CineForm, and P2 Movie format. Future updates are expected to integrate support for third-party extensions, ProRes, and additional formats in these applications. After Effects currently has no listed unavailable features for its Arm-native version.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft is bringing powerful new AI tools to Windows 11

Microsoft has rolled out new features for Windows 11, transitioning tools from testing to general availability. Key additions include semantic and agentic search functionalities in the Settings menu, allowing users to express queries in natural language and request specific tasks. The Click-to-Do feature now integrates with Copilot and a new Reading Coach application for context-aware actions. Paint has been upgraded to allow AI-generated stickers and includes a new object select tool for easier image editing. The Photos app will introduce a Relight feature for dynamic lighting effects, limited to devices with Snapdragon X processors. The Snipping Tool has a new “perfect screenshot” feature that uses AI for improved selection, and a new Black Screen of Death and rapid recovery option have reduced crashes and restarts by 22%.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

It’s Week D, So Microsoft (Re)Announces New Features Coming to Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced a suite of new features for Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs, currently available in preview mode. Users can subscribe to a newsletter offering three time-saving tips every Friday and free copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. Key features include: - A new agent in Settings for natural language navigation, available for users with Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs in English. - Click to Do (Preview) improvements for Copilot+ PCs, including actions like Practice in Reading Coach and scheduling Teams meetings. - Photo relight in Photos, providing professional lighting controls for Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X processors. - Sticker generator and Object select tools in Paint, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. - Enhancements to the Snipping Tool, including a Perfect screenshot tool and Color picker, available to all Windows 11 users. - Copilot Vision, allowing interaction with screen content via the Copilot app and Microsoft Edge, now accessible in the U.S. - Edge Game Assist, a mini-web browser within the Game Bar for gaming assistance. - Quick machine recovery, reducing reboot wait time from 40 seconds to as little as 2 seconds on most Windows 11 version 24H2 PCs, with an updated Black Screen of Death. These updates are rolling out for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 23H2, with some minor fixes for Windows 10 users.