user base Archives

Winsage

June 19, 2025

Windows 10 is on the verge of falling to Windows 11 as it ekes out just over 1% more market share

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, especially with Windows 10 set to lose support in October 2025. Currently, Windows 10 holds 48.92% of the market share, while Windows 11 has reached 47.73%. A year ago, Windows 10 had a 66% share compared to Windows 11's nearly 30%. The migration is driven by the impending end of support for Windows 10, and Microsoft is actively promoting this change. They are also introducing a PC migration tool for users who wish to upgrade. Despite these efforts, some users remain hesitant to switch due to compatibility concerns or dissatisfaction with Windows 11 updates.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Google Play Store gets colorful search tab with Material 3 Expressive

The Google Play Store is updating to version 46.5.19, incorporating the Material 3 Expressive design language, which includes a new color palette for category icons in the search tab and improved clarity in sections like Explore apps and Explore games. This update is part of a broader initiative that also affects other Google applications, such as Gmail, which will feature a new look with accent colors in the search bar, bottom navigation bar, and compose button. The compose button will have a more prominent font and updated icon, contributing to a modern card-style layout in Gmail.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

iState: A Russian Government Messenger?

On June 10, the Russian State Duma approved the establishment of a national messenger to be pre-installed on all newly sold smart devices starting September 1. This app will include a digital ID system and aims to streamline access to government services, identity verification, contract signing, and banking transactions. The initiative is inspired by China's WeChat but raises concerns about surveillance and data storage by the Russian government. The specific application for the national messenger has not yet been finalized, with Max, developed by VKontakte, being a leading candidate. Legal expert Sarkis Darbinyan doubts that Max will attract WhatsApp's user base and predicts it will be limited to domestic use without end-to-end encryption. Despite these issues, State Duma IT Committee head Sergei Boyarsky believes that existing messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will continue to operate if they comply with Russian laws.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to introduce adverts as Meta pushes to monetise messaging app

WhatsApp, with nearly three billion monthly active users, is set to introduce paid advertisements for the first time, moving away from its previous ad-free policy. This initiative, led by its parent company Meta, will include ads in the app's "status" section, similar to Instagram Stories, while ensuring that private conversations remain secure and encrypted. Businesses can promote content in the updates tab and charge users for premium content, with WhatsApp taking a 10 percent commission. Limited metadata, such as location and user interactions with ads, will be shared with advertisers, but sensitive information will remain confidential. Users who do not engage with status updates or channels will not see ads in their inbox. Meta's decision comes amid competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube and regulatory scrutiny, including a lawsuit from the FTC regarding its acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram. The introduction of advertising and subscription features aims to tap into WhatsApp's business potential, although it may face mixed reactions from users concerned about privacy.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows Upgrade Choice—100 Day Deadline Nears

A flaw in Windows 11 related to update KB5063060 is causing installation failures for many users, particularly in the gaming community, with error codes such as 0x800f0922, 0x80070002, 0x80070306, and 0x800f0991. Microsoft has announced an additional upgrade option for at least 240 million users still on Windows 10, as support will be withdrawn in just over 100 days. A new PC-to-PC migration experience is being rolled out to help users transfer files and settings during setup, and a Windows Migration feature integrated within the Windows Backup tool is being tested to assist those unable to upgrade due to hardware limitations. This feature is currently hidden in the latest release preview build but can be activated with a specific feature ID.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp Set to Introduce Ads in Select Sections of Messaging App

WhatsApp will soon introduce advertisements within the app, specifically in the Updates tab, as part of Meta Platforms' strategy to monetize its 1.5 billion daily users. The company assures that user privacy will be maintained, as ads will not affect private chats and personal messages remain end-to-end encrypted. This change marks a departure from WhatsApp's original promise to remain ad-free when it was launched in 2009. Ad targeting will be based on limited user information such as age, location, and language, without using personal messages or calls. Additionally, WhatsApp will allow channels to charge subscription fees for exclusive content and enable business owners to pay for increased visibility.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing ads to users in some parts of the messaging app

WhatsApp will soon introduce ads in the Updates tab of the app, while ensuring that personal messaging experiences remain unchanged and free from advertisements. The ads will be targeted based on user attributes such as age, location, and language, but will not utilize personal messages or calls for targeting. Additionally, WhatsApp has launched two monetization features: Channels, allowing creators to charge subscription fees for exclusive updates, and promotional services for business owners to enhance channel visibility.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Windows 11’s hidden PC migration feature proves Microsoft isn’t messing around when it comes to killing off Windows 10

Microsoft is preparing a new feature for Windows 10 that will facilitate PC-to-PC migration, expected to debut alongside Windows 11. This feature, tentatively named “Transfer information to a new PC,” is integrated into the existing Backup app and has been observed in a preview build, although it is currently hidden and not enabled for testing. Some Windows Insiders have managed to activate the migration feature with limited functionality. To transfer data and settings from a Windows 10 device to a new Windows 11 machine, both computers must be connected to the same network, and a confirmation code will be required to establish the link. The urgency for this feature is heightened by the approaching end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, as Microsoft aims to streamline the transition for users unable to upgrade their machines.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft is trying a new way to get you to ditch Windows 10

Windows 10 will be retired on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive software and security updates. Currently, 53.2 percent of Windows computers worldwide run on Windows 10, while 43.2 percent use Windows 11. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free or by purchasing a new PC, but many older machines may not meet the minimum system requirements. Microsoft has reached out to Windows 10 users via email to remind them of the end of support and has introduced a new feature in Windows Backup to help transfer data to a new PC. This feature, labeled “Transfer information to a new PC,” is expected to be rolled out across all Windows 10 builds. Microsoft has also announced that Microsoft 365 apps will continue to receive security updates for an additional three years after the retirement date.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Windows 11 finally gets a small, but long-requested Windows 10 taskbar feature

Windows 11 is nearing its fourth anniversary, and Microsoft has reintroduced the clock in the calendar flyout, a feature that users missed since its initial release. This feature allows for a larger clock display with seconds, visible whether the calendar is collapsed or expanded. Users can toggle the clock off in the Settings menu, but the feature is being rolled out gradually. To enable it sooner, users can use the ViVeTool app with specific commands. However, the taskbar calendar still lacks advanced functionalities like displaying user agendas or creating new events.