testing phase Archives

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

YouTube Brings Back In-App Messaging Feature: Here’s How To Use It

YouTube has reintroduced its messaging feature, allowing users to share videos and engage in conversations directly within the app. This feature is currently available in the United States and select other regions, with plans for a wider rollout, including India. Users must be at least 18 years old to access the feature, which includes an age verification process. To enable it, users can create an invite link within the app to chat with known contacts. The feature is accessible in various countries, including the UK, Germany, France, and others. Users can share any YouTube video, but messages are not end-to-end encrypted and are subject to YouTube's Community Guidelines.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

YouTube expands in-app messaging

YouTube is expanding its in-app messaging feature, initially tested in Ireland and Poland, to the United States and other global markets. The feature, called YouTube Chat, allows users to directly message and share content within the app. Users can invite friends to chat, enabling them to share posts and discuss videos. This update aims to enhance user engagement and streamline sharing activities, reflecting a trend towards private messaging. Favorable feedback has been received during initial testing, although the feature's success will depend on user willingness to use it in place of established messaging platforms.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

YouTube rolling out new in-app messaging with invite-only chats

YouTube is rolling out a new in-app messaging system that allows users to share videos, Shorts, and livestreams and engage in one-on-one conversations. A messaging icon will appear in the top-right corner of the app, and users can invite others via a URL link valid for seven days, shared through a third-party platform. Recipients must choose to allow messaging or decline. The feature is for users aged 18 and older and adheres to Community Guidelines. Users can unsend messages, block individuals, and report inappropriate content. Initially tested in Europe, it is now available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Singapore.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Microsoft is Finally Letting You Move the Windows 11 Taskbar

Windows 11 introduces taskbar customization features that allow users to reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen (top, bottom, left, or right) and resize it for improved workflow and adaptability. These features are currently available in Windows 11 Insider experimental builds. The Start menu and pinned icons automatically adjust to align with the new taskbar position. Users can enable smaller taskbar buttons to maximize screen space, which is particularly useful for compact devices. The taskbar can also be set to minimize at all times, only when full, or never. These updates aim to optimize screen space and enhance accessibility and personalization for diverse workflows and screen configurations.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

It’s not just you: Microsoft says Windows 11’s right-click menu has been quietly slow for years

Windows 11's modern context menu has been criticized for being slower than Windows 10, especially for users with lower-end PCs. Enabling extensions like “Edit with Clipchamp,” “Edit with Notepad,” and “Ask Copilot” can cause delays, leading to misclicks. Microsoft has acknowledged these performance issues and is working on solutions. In March 2026, the company announced plans for a significant update to improve Windows 11, focusing on core functionalities. The right-click context menu has been a key area for improvement, with delays in loading options causing frustration. Microsoft confirmed that these delays are due to late-loading extensions and is testing a streamlined context menu that reduces vertical space by 25% or more. A new nested menu titled “Manage file” has been introduced to organize file-related operations. Additionally, Microsoft is developing a configurable context menu for user personalization, addressing previous customization limitations.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Google Chrome tests another massive change to Search that puts AI in front

Google is testing a change to Chrome's Search experience that would prioritize AI Mode over traditional search engines. This experiment, conducted within Chrome Canary, introduces a feature labeled "Fulfill Searchbox queries in AI Mode." Recently, Google announced a significant update to its Search capabilities with Gemini 3.5 Flash, which allows users to interact with search queries in a more conversational manner and accommodates various input types, including images and videos. The rollout of "Search Profiles" enables users to discover content aligned with their interests. Testers can toggle the AI Mode feature, but there are concerns about the accuracy and comprehensiveness of AI-driven search results.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Meta rolls out Meta Business Agent globally on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger

Meta is expanding its Meta Business Agent, a feature that enhances customer engagement using artificial intelligence. This global rollout follows a successful testing phase called "Business AI," which began in October 2024 in markets like India, Mexico, and Brazil, involving over one million active shops. The Meta Business Agent functions across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, helping businesses with customer inquiries, lead management, appointment scheduling, and product suggestions. Initially available to select businesses on the WhatsApp Business app, Instagram Pro, Messenger, and Meta Business Suite, the service will evolve to handle daily operations such as market research and competitive analysis. Businesses can join a waitlist for early access. The Business Agent adapts to a brand's voice and facilitates customer interactions. Meta is also launching the Meta Business Agent Platform for creating and managing virtual assistants, integrating with services like Shopify and Zendesk. However, there have been security concerns, including hackers accessing Instagram accounts through the Meta AI support assistant.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Google’s got a quick Android 17 Beta 4.1 rolling out to address issues before launch

Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta 4.1, focusing on issues related to hearing aids and the status bar. The update is available for devices from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 and the Pixel Tablet, with two firmware numbers for different models. The beta aims to resolve issues before the official Android 17 launch, expected in mid-2026. Key features include app memory limits to reduce RAM usage and improvements in performance and battery life. Google is also testing the first quarterly patch release for Android 17, following Beta 3, which focused on bug fixes and interface enhancements.

Winsage

May 31, 2026

Microsoft U-turns on ‘infuriating’ Copilot update

Microsoft introduced a floating button for its Copilot assistant in the bottom-right corner of Office applications to enhance accessibility. However, this change faced backlash from users, leading Microsoft to revert the button to its original location in the ribbon at the top of the screen. Users can now choose from three options regarding the Copilot button: keep the floating button, dock it to the side, or return it to the ribbon. Microsoft noted that only about 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users currently pay for Copilot and is recalibrating its approach to integrating AI across its platforms. The company remains committed to introducing AI agents to the Windows taskbar as an optional feature, which will answer questions, automate tasks, interact with files and applications, and act on behalf of the user.

Winsage

May 31, 2026

Microsoft to add automatic driver rollback to Windows 11

Microsoft is set to introduce a feature for Windows 11 called Cloud-Initiated Driver Recovery (CIDR), which will automatically revert problematic driver updates to stable versions via Windows Update. This feature aims to improve user experience by eliminating the need for manual uninstallation of faulty drivers. CIDR will monitor drivers and, if a driver is found to be problematic, it can initiate a remote rollback to restore a stable version. The process will not require additional software installations or changes to existing workflows for hardware manufacturers. The automated rollback will specifically target only the affected hardware components, ensuring other drivers and system functions remain unaffected. Initial testing for CIDR is scheduled between May and August 2026, with a broader rollout expected in September 2026.