user autonomy Archives

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Pixel users tipped to gain control over its automatic volume adjustment

Google is developing a new settings page called "Hearing Wellness" for Pixel users, which will integrate Android's Sound Exposure and Hearing Health options. This feature will allow devices to automatically adjust volume levels when they exceed safe thresholds, with users having the option to enable or disable this automatic volume reduction. The initiative responds to user feedback regarding dissatisfaction with previous automatic adjustments for regulatory compliance. The new interface includes toggles for Sound Exposure notifications and Hearing Health. Additionally, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 has been released for enrolled Pixel devices, introducing enhancements like an expanded dark theme and auto-themed icons, as well as new developer APIs.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

I’m fed up with ads in Windows 11, but Microsoft may introduce yet another one to the Start menu

Microsoft is exploring a new feature in the Start menu of Windows 11 that promotes its Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot offerings through tailored recommendations, currently in the experimental phase. This feature is not yet available to the public but aims to enhance user interaction by suggesting actions like drafting documents or generating images. Users can disable these recommendations by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Start, but doing so will also remove visibility of recent files in File Explorer. This initiative reflects Microsoft's understanding of diverse user preferences and aims to balance promoting AI tools with respecting user autonomy.

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 18, 2025

Microsoft Store disables opting out of automatic app updates

Microsoft has changed its approach to automatic updates for apps in the Microsoft Store, limiting users to a maximum delay of five weeks for updates. After this period, updates will be installed automatically, regardless of user preference. This change raises concerns about the balance between security and user control, as mandatory updates aim to enhance security and stability but may also lead to risks associated with automatic installations. Users may prefer to postpone updates due to potential dissatisfaction with changes in app functionality.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Microsoft Stock Gains as Edge Promotes Over Chrome Browser Use

Microsoft's stock price has risen on the Nasdaq exchange as the company encourages users to switch from Google's Chrome browser to its Edge browser. On Tuesday, shares of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) saw a modest increase as the company reiterated its recommendation for Windows users to abandon Chrome, promoting Edge as a more secure alternative. Users attempting to close Chrome receive a notification encouraging them to switch to Edge. Chrome users outnumber Edge users by a ratio of approximately six to one. In the latest pre-release version of Edge, new flags prompt users to pin Edge to their taskbar and make it their default browser if Chrome usage exceeds 90%. Microsoft is also transitioning users from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and is facing criticism and a class action lawsuit regarding the discontinuation of security support for Windows 10. Despite these challenges, Microsoft continues to support popular gaming titles and maintains a "Strong Buy" consensus rating from analysts, with a 26.03% increase in share price over the past year and an average price target indicating an 18% upside potential.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera Files Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft in Brazil Over Browser Practices

Opera has filed a formal antitrust complaint against Microsoft with Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), alleging that Microsoft uses its dominant position in the operating system market to unfairly promote Microsoft Edge. The complaint claims that pre-installing Edge on Windows devices prevents rival browsers from gaining preinstallation opportunities, creating an uneven competitive landscape. Opera also criticizes Microsoft for employing user interface design tactics, referred to as "dark patterns," that discourage users from downloading alternative browsers. Additionally, Opera highlights persistent prompts in Windows 11 that encourage users to adopt Edge, infringing on user autonomy. Opera is urging CADE to investigate Microsoft’s practices and has previously filed a lawsuit against the European Commission regarding the Digital Markets Act exemption for Edge. Microsoft has announced changes in response to regulatory scrutiny but Opera believes more comprehensive measures are needed globally.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Windows 10’s forced updates: A history of disastrous consequences

The transition to Windows 10 marked the end of Windows 7 and was initially celebrated by Microsoft, but users soon faced numerous problems due to mandatory updates. Issues included boot loops, the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and data loss, leading Microsoft to delay a major feature upgrade by over six months. In August 2015, a major update caused widespread reboot loops due to corrupted user profiles, requiring complex fixes. The October 2018 update infamously deleted user files and introduced various bugs, taking nearly six months for Microsoft to resolve. In March 2020, another update caused boot hangs and BSODs, prompting many users to uninstall it. In May 2023, a security update bricked PCs and caused connectivity issues. The October 2020 updates led to installation errors, system slowdowns, and compatibility problems. In October 2021, Windows 10 users were encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, facing hardware compatibility issues. The forced updates have resulted in significant user dissatisfaction, though the option to pause updates has provided some relief.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

EU’s upcoming age verification system may block sideloaded Android apps

The European Union's new app verification framework requires that apps be downloaded from the Google Play Store, licensed by Google, and installed on devices meeting specific security criteria to pass verification. Apps that are sideloaded, compiled from source, or installed from alternative app stores will not qualify for the EU's age verification system. If adopted without modifications, this framework will bar any non-compliant Android apps from operating within the EU, potentially excluding many third-party or custom-built applications. The system aims to enhance protections for minors while prioritizing user privacy by not collecting further usage data after a one-time age verification. Similar age verification initiatives are also emerging in the United States. The EU's approach may limit user autonomy and the openness of the Android platform, and Android users in Europe should prepare for potential restrictions.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Google faces new EU antitrust complaint over restrictions on removing pre-installed Android apps

A coalition of five digital rights and privacy organizations has filed a complaint against Google under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), alleging that the company restricts user autonomy on Android devices by making it difficult to remove or disable pre-installed applications like Google Search, Chrome, and Maps. The complaint claims that Google, designated as a ‘gatekeeper’ under the DMA, fails to comply with legal obligations to allow users to uninstall default services easily. Users reportedly face hidden settings, complicated instructions, and misleading warnings when trying to disable Google apps, which the coalition argues are designed to keep users reliant on Google's services. The European Commission has received the complaint and will review it as part of its enforcement process for the DMA, which allows for fines up to 10% of a company's global annual revenue and mandates changes in business practices for compliance.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft Unveils PC-to-PC Migration Tool for Local Transfers as Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing new devices. To address concerns about cloud dependency, Microsoft has introduced a PC-to-PC migration tool that allows users to transfer files, settings, and applications directly from a Windows 10 machine to a Windows 11 device over a local network, without using OneDrive. This tool requires both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi network and powered on simultaneously. However, it necessitates a Microsoft account for authentication and lacks full support for Arm-based devices. The introduction of this tool appears to be a strategic response to competition and user demand for alternatives to cloud-based solutions.