user behavior Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Microsoft may soon target Google Chrome users with recommendations to use Edge instead

Microsoft is exploring a feature in Microsoft Edge aimed at encouraging Google Chrome users to pin Edge to their taskbars. This initiative is part of a strategy to increase Edge's visibility among Chrome users. The latest Microsoft Edge Canary build includes a variable that triggers a notification to users who open and close Edge, suggesting they pin it to their taskbar. Additional flags monitor user behavior, targeting those who predominantly use Chrome and those who engage with Chrome. There is also a flag for users who do not engage with Chrome, potentially addressing their browser choice. This feature is still in development, but Microsoft has a history of targeting Chrome users, indicating it may proceed with implementation.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: Will Windows Become Agentic?

This week’s episode of the Windows Central Podcast features hosts Daniel and Zac discussing Microsoft’s vision for the future of Windows, focusing on insights from Corporate Vice President David Weston about the decline of traditional mouse-and-keyboard computing. The conversation highlights a shift towards multimodal, AI-powered interactions, covering key topics such as: - Voice Commands: Integration of natural language processing for seamless communication with devices. - Contextual Awareness: Systems that adapt to user behavior and preferences. - Agentic Systems: Development of intelligent agents to assist users in various tasks.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Key Benefits of Hiring a Detroit-Based Android App Development Company in 2025

The mobile app market is experiencing significant growth in 2025, with Android holding over 71% of the global smartphone market share. The North American Android app development sector is projected to reach .31 billion by 2026, driven by increased smartphone adoption and a shift to mobile-first strategies. Small and medium-sized enterprises view mobile apps as essential for customer engagement and operational efficiency, with 87% recognizing their importance. Detroit has become a key player in mobile app development, benefiting from its strategic location in the Eastern Time Zone, which facilitates real-time collaboration with partners across North America. The city offers competitive tax incentives, lower operational costs, and a growing pool of tech talent, with major companies like Google and Microsoft establishing operations there. Local development teams in Detroit can engage in synchronous collaboration, enhancing decision-making and minimizing miscommunication. They possess a deep understanding of North American business practices and regulatory requirements, leading to better-designed apps that resonate with users. Engaging Detroit-based developers can be more cost-effective than offshore alternatives, as local teams typically complete projects 30-40% faster. The average cost to develop a medium-complexity Android app in Detroit ranges from ,000 to 0,000, significantly lower than in cities like San Francisco. Detroit's tech talent pool has expanded due to local universities and coding bootcamps, producing graduates specializing in mobile app development. The city attracts experienced developers seeking better work-life balance and lower living costs. Canadian companies benefit from Detroit's proximity and cultural similarities, facilitating partnerships and simplifying cross-border projects. U.S. development services are often competitively priced for Canadian businesses when considering quality. Detroit's Android app development firms are integrating advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and IoT into applications. The city's automotive industry expertise enhances development for connected vehicles and industrial IoT systems. Local development relationships focus on long-term partnerships, ensuring ongoing support and updates for applications. Proximity allows for regular communication and strategic planning, fostering better outcomes and stronger business relationships.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Google’s Phone app could make resuming on-hold calls easier (APK teardown)

Google is developing a new feature for its Phone app that includes an "Unhold" shortcut in call notifications. This button will replace the existing "Mute" option when a call is placed on hold, allowing users to resume calls directly from the notification shade without returning to the main call screen. The feature is part of a Material 3 Expressive redesign and is currently available in beta version v184.0, although it has not yet been released to the public.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 11 could get AI-powered dynamic wallpapers – I just hope Microsoft doesn’t kill off this idea

Microsoft is revisiting the idea of AI-driven dynamic wallpapers for Windows 11, as indicated by leaker PhantomOfEarth, who noted signs of this feature in the operating system's preview builds. The proposed system would allow backgrounds to automatically update based on user preferences. Previous attempts at dynamic wallpapers were explored but ultimately abandoned, and while elements for live wallpapers were included in Windows 11 23H2, they were removed in 24H2. The incorporation of AI into wallpaper functionality could lead to backgrounds that adapt based on time of day or user behavior. However, there are concerns about the potential impact on system resources, particularly for lower-spec machines, which would have the option to disable dynamic wallpapers.

Tech Optimizer

July 8, 2025

Nearly 2 million people hit by malicious Chrome installations that can track you — what to do now

Nearly a dozen malicious extensions in Google’s Chrome Web Store have collectively received 1.7 million downloads. These extensions can track browser activity, redirect users to harmful websites, and include various types such as VPNs and weather tools. Koi Security reported these extensions to Google, resulting in the removal of some, but others remain available. Users are advised to monitor their online activities and utilize antivirus software for protection.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Google Gemini app gains automatic Android access to phone and messaging data

On July 7, 2025, Google Gemini app users experienced automatic activation of permissions for accessing phone calls, messaging services, WhatsApp, and system utilities on Android devices, following a privacy policy update on June 11, 2025. This change affects millions of users globally and allows user data to be reviewed by humans for AI training. Users can disable these permissions through the app's settings, but the option to opt-out is criticized for being difficult to find. Legal experts have raised concerns about compliance with GDPR regulations due to the lack of explicit user consent for these changes. The data collected supports machine-learning development and may be retained for up to three years, even after users delete their activity.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Windows 11 usage is surging? Not so fast – here’s the real story

Numerous tech publications are reporting on a chart from Statcounter Global Stats that shows a decline in Windows 10 usage and an increase in Windows 11 usage as of June 30, 2025. Some articles claim that Windows 11 has caught up to Windows 10 in market share, but the difference is so small it may fall within statistical error. Statcounter's data reflects pageviews rather than actual market share, which can misrepresent the popularity of the operating systems. The firm, established in 1999, has seen a decline in its customer base from 3 million in 2009 to 1.5 million by 2022. Statcounter's data comes from small to medium-sized websites and does not include major sites like Google and Facebook, leading to potential inaccuracies in interpreting market share. Trends indicate a gradual decline in traffic from Windows 10 devices and a rise from Windows 11 devices, particularly as Windows 10's end-of-support date approaches, but these trends do not necessarily reflect the overall Windows PC population.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Understanding Android 14 Privacy Changes: Key Insights

The introduction of Android 14 features a sophisticated permissions model that requests app permissions only when needed, allowing users to choose between "approximate" and "precise" location access. Apps handling transactions must justify their need for real-time access. Background location usage must be disclosed in Play Store listings, and developers must complete Data Safety Forms. Android enforces scoped storage, isolating apps in sandboxed environments to reduce data leakage risks. Visual indicators for microphone and camera usage were introduced in Android 12, and Android 14 requires apps to specify the nature of access. In-app transactions in gaming apps must meet elevated security standards, including encryption and biometric logins, and undergo audits under PCI DSS. Background access for location services requires clear justification, and developers must submit a Permission Declaration Form. Google Play mandates disclosure of third-party SDKs and their data practices. User awareness is emphasized through concise permission dialogs and Data Safety summaries in Play Store listings. Secure login protocols like OAuth 2.0 are required for sensitive applications, with stronger encryption mandates. Apps for children must comply with COPPA and GDPR-K regulations, with manual reviews by the Play Store. Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative aims to enhance privacy in advertising practices, with expected rollout in 2024.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Russia prepares to get rid of WhatsApp and possibly Telegram

On June 10, the Russian Parliament passed legislation to establish a new messenger application called Max, developed by VK, aimed at integrating state services. Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev announced that VK has created a "fully Russian messenger" that matches or exceeds foreign counterparts. The app will enable users to utilize electronic signatures for document signing, verify identity, age, and eligibility for benefits, and will be required for educational services and communication in schools. It may shift user behavior away from popular Western apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app is compared to China's WeChat, offering messaging, social networking, search, and payment systems. Concerns exist that it may mirror WeChat's issues with censorship and surveillance, especially given VK's past collaborations with Russian authorities.