third-party apps

AppWizard
June 25, 2025
Google is developing a Handoff alternative for Android that aims to manage apps, tasks, media, and notifications across multiple devices. This feature will allow users to start a task on their phone and continue it on a tablet or Chromebook. Recent code discoveries from Google Play Services beta indicate the inclusion of a "Handoff" feature and an "App Cast" feature, which may enable streaming applications between devices. Unlike Apple’s Handoff, which does not handle notifications, Google's upcoming feature may provide a more comprehensive multi-device experience. Current Android users rely on third-party apps for synchronization, which often lacks seamlessness. Samsung has a similar feature called App Continuity, but it does not match the refinement of Apple’s Handoff.
Winsage
June 20, 2025
Microsoft will block legacy authentication methods by default in Microsoft 365 starting mid-July 2025 through August as part of its Secure Future Initiative. The notification, MC1097272, emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their systems due to the vulnerabilities of legacy protocols, such as the Remote PowerShell (RPS) protocol for SharePoint and OneDrive, and the FrontPage Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocol. Additionally, Microsoft will require administrator consent for third-party applications accessing organizational files and sites, shifting the responsibility from users to administrators to enhance security. These changes will apply universally across all Microsoft 365 tenants.
Winsage
June 20, 2025
Microsoft will implement default settings in Microsoft 365 starting mid-July 2025 that block legacy authentication protocols as part of its Secure Future Initiative. Legacy authentication methods, including the Remote PowerShell (RPS) protocol for SharePoint and OneDrive, and the FrontPage Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocol, will be phased out due to their vulnerability to attacks. Additionally, administrator consent will be required for third-party applications seeking access to organizational files and sites, which may disrupt existing workflows. All changes will be applied by default across all Microsoft 365 tenants.
Winsage
June 20, 2025
Microsoft is removing obsolete drivers from Windows Update, starting with those that have modern replacements. Older drivers will be allowed to expire, and partners can republish them only with justification. After a six-month grace period for feedback, outdated drivers will be permanently removed if no issues are raised. This cleanup is part of a recurring process to enhance security and streamline drivers for users. In Microsoft 365, outdated authentication protocols will be blocked by default starting in July 2025, requiring administrator approval for third-party app access. The first protocols to be discontinued include outdated browser authentication methods for SharePoint and OneDrive accessed via Remote PowerShell, as well as the FrontPage Remote Procedure Call protocol. Third-party applications will need explicit administrator permission to access files and sites, which may disrupt existing workflows.
AppWizard
June 15, 2025
App icons on stock Android cannot be changed directly, requiring third-party tools and icon packs for customization. To change app icons on an Android phone, users need a shortcut maker app or a third-party app launcher, along with an icon pack. To change icons individually, users can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher. The process involves installing the icon pack, setting up the launcher, long-pressing the app icon, selecting the pencil icon, choosing the icon pack, and selecting the desired icon. To change all app icons with an icon pack, users can install Nova Launcher, long-press a blank area on the home screen, go to Settings, navigate to Look & feel, tap Icon style, select Icon theme, and choose the icon pack. Some icon packs allow direct application if compatible with the device or launcher. With Android 12's Material You, users can theme icons based on their wallpaper by enabling the Themed icons option in the Wallpapers and style section. Samsung users can acquire icon packs through the Samsung Galaxy Theme Store by selecting the Themes option, browsing for icon packs, and applying them. However, these packs may not theme every icon in the app drawer. Good Lock's Theme Park extension allows for more customization by creating personalized icon packs. Users can download Good Lock and Theme Park, select Create New in the Icon tab, choose icon shapes and colors, and apply the new icon pack. Certain applications, like Textra and Pulse SMS, allow users to change the app icon natively. While some tools enable renaming apps, system-wide renaming is not possible without root access.
AppWizard
June 12, 2025
The latest version of Google Contacts, v4.57.27, introduces a feature that allows users to manage read-only contacts synced from connected applications, enabling them to display or hide these entries. This feature aims to improve user experience by helping troubleshoot issues like duplicated contacts. It was revealed through an APK teardown and includes a pop-up dialog in the settings indicating that view-only contacts from other apps can be shown to assist in resolving discrepancies. Visual representations of the option have been shared, and while most users may prefer to keep these entries hidden for organization, the toggle could be beneficial for those facing specific contact-related issues.
Winsage
June 3, 2025
Microsoft is enhancing user autonomy for Windows users in the European Economic Area (EEA) by allowing them to uninstall the Microsoft Store and remove prompts to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser. Users can now set alternative browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave as their default, with these choices automatically pinned to the taskbar unless opted out. The updates extend browser functionality to additional formats such as "read," ftp, and .svg. These changes are being rolled out in the beta channel and are expected to be available on Windows 10 and Windows 11 by July. Applications installed through the Microsoft Store will continue to receive updates even if the Store is removed, and users can reinstall it at any time. Third-party apps will be integrated into Windows Search, and users can rearrange their preferred search providers. The Microsoft Bing app, Widgets Board, and Lock Screen will open web content using the user's default browser, with these changes anticipated to roll out in early June.
AppWizard
June 3, 2025
Samsung has launched the "Tap to Transfer" feature in Samsung Wallet, enabling peer-to-peer (P2P) payments directly from debit cards to recipients' bank accounts. This feature uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and is compatible with Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet, and Apple Wallet. The rollout is currently taking place in the U.S., and while transactions are initially fee-free, a 1.75% transaction fee (with a minimum charge of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: What you need to know Samsung is enhancing the experience for Galaxy phone users with its newly launched "Tap to Transfer" feature, designed to streamline peer-to-peer (P2P) payments. This innovative addition to Samsung Wallet allows users to send money directly from their debit cards to the bank accounts of friends and family, making transactions both swift and convenient. Utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the Tap to Transfer feature seamlessly connects to recipients' debit cards, regardless of whether they are stored in Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet, or Apple Wallet. This compatibility ensures that users can engage in transactions without the need for cumbersome third-party applications. The feature is currently being rolled out across the U.S., following its announcement earlier this month. Initially, users can enjoy fee-free transactions; however, a transaction fee of 1.75% (with a minimum charge of [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: What you need to knowSamsung's new "Tap to Transfer" feature facilitates direct P2P payments from Samsung Wallet debit cards to recipients' bank accounts.It uses NFC, and the feature is compatible with multiple digital wallets (Samsung, Google, Apple) next to physical tap-to-pay debit cards.While initially fee-free, a 1.75% transaction fee (minimum $0.25) is expected to apply to the sender in the future.Having Samsung Wallet is one of the best perks of owning a Galaxy phone. And in the U.S., it's getting even better as the company is finally rolling out the new Tap to Transfer feature.The new feature's aim is to make peer-to-peer (P2P) payments “quick and convenient” in the U.S. While the company announced the feature early this month, the feature is now broadly rolling out this week.Samsung Wallet to send money to friends and family — straight into their bank accounts. It works by the NFC tech utilized by Samsung Wallet that swiftly connects to the recipient’s debit card stored in their respective digital wallets — be it Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet, and even Apple Wallet for that matter.FAQ page on the website, however, mentions that “a 1.75% fee (minimum of $0.25) is applied to each transaction. The fee only applies to the sender.”Other than the new Tap to Transfer, Samsung Wallet is the go-to application for Galaxy phone users as they can store essential things like driver’s license, credit cards, passes, gym membership cards, loyalty and boarding passes, and gift cards, and more. Some college students can even store their student ID cards as well.It is encouraging to see Samsung bringing interesting features to its Wallet app as users won’t have to rely on third-party apps for money transfer at least in the U.S. for now, and we hope the feature expands to even more countries soon.Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].25) is anticipated to be implemented for senders in the future. Beyond the Tap to Transfer capability, Samsung Wallet serves as a comprehensive digital repository for Galaxy phone users. It allows individuals to store a variety of essential items, including driver’s licenses, credit cards, gym memberships, loyalty cards, boarding passes, and even student ID cards for some college students. This development marks a significant step for Samsung, as it empowers users to conduct money transfers directly within their ecosystem, reducing reliance on external applications. As the feature gains traction in the U.S., there is hope that it will soon expand to additional markets, further enhancing the utility of Samsung Wallet for users worldwide." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].25) will apply to senders in the future. Samsung Wallet also allows users to store various essential items, such as driver’s licenses, credit cards, and loyalty cards.
Winsage
May 31, 2025
Microsoft has introduced the Windows Update Orchestration Platform, which aims to centralize the management of line-of-business (LOB) and third-party applications through a single interface, enhancing the app update process for developers and users. Currently in private preview, the platform invites developers to explore its features, which include eco-efficient scheduling, consistent notifications, centralized update history, and unified troubleshooting tools. Developers can integrate their applications using Windows Runtime APIs and PowerShell commands to manage various aspects such as registration and update definitions. The initiative addresses challenges like CPU and bandwidth spikes, conflicting notifications, and increased support costs faced by users and IT administrators.
AppWizard
May 30, 2025
Google is testing a new feature for its Contacts app called the Pixel VIPs widget, which consolidates information for up to eight selected contacts. The widget displays recent calls and messages (including from third-party apps), real-time location updates, birthday reminders, and a notes section. It is sized at 4×1 and can be added to the home screen for easy access. Users can set it up by navigating to the Contacts app, selecting the Organize tab, and tapping on Pixel VIPs. The feature is currently in development, with a potential public release coinciding with the upcoming Android 16 QPR1 update.
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