user engagement Archives

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Microsoft teases the future of Windows: ‘The computer will be able to see what we see, hear what we hear, and we can talk to it’

David Weston, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President for OS Security, envisions a future version of Windows by 2030 that will feature more interactive and intuitive user engagement through multimodal interactions. He suggests that computers will be able to "see what we see" and "hear what we hear," moving away from traditional input methods like mousing and typing. AI is expected to play a significant role in this transformation, taking over mundane tasks and allowing users to focus on more creative work. Speculation exists about a potential new version of Windows, possibly branded as Windows AI or Windows Copilot, which would incorporate advanced AI capabilities. Recent developments indicate the introduction of AI agents within the Windows 11 taskbar, signaling a shift towards an AI-centric experience. While advancements in voice recognition technology may enhance the Windows experience, the timeline for fully implementing these changes remains uncertain.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Google Gemini Android App to Add Audio Uploads for AI Insights

Google's Gemini app for Android is set to enhance its functionality by supporting audio file uploads, as indicated by an APK teardown revealing code strings and user interface elements for this feature. This development will allow users to summarize podcasts, transcribe meetings, and extract insights from voice memos. The introduction of audio capabilities follows earlier features like Audio Overviews, which enable podcast-style discussions from written documents. However, there are significant privacy concerns regarding the handling of sensitive audio data, with fears that Google may access personal information without explicit user consent. Critics warn that audio uploads could lead to unauthorized data scraping and complicate compliance with data protection regulations. Google has mentioned configurable privacy settings to address these risks, but skepticism remains about their adequacy. The anticipated rollout of this feature is expected in the coming months.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows 11 is testing Taskbar companions and it might be another AI feature

Microsoft is exploring a new taskbar feature called "companions," which may integrate artificial intelligence into the Windows experience. This initiative is in early stages, with references to "Agentic Companions" found in recent Windows 11 preview builds. A specific string indicates users may manage these companions from their settings, although the features are not yet operational. Previously, Microsoft aimed to introduce a "recommendations" feature for the taskbar to enhance engagement with Bing and web content, but the project was abandoned after the departure of Mikhail Parakhin. Additionally, Microsoft is testing features such as support for "shared audio" for multiple devices and a clock displaying seconds in the Calendar flyout, with the latter already available to Windows 10 users.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Tourism New Zealand Leverages GuideGeek Travel AI Technology to Drive Engagement in Fully Playable Minecraft Destination

Visitors to New Zealand can now use an AI trip planner from Matador Network's GuideGeek platform, available at newzealand.com. This tool answers common travel questions and provides personalized responses based on data from Tourism New Zealand and local businesses. Additionally, New Zealand has become the first fully playable destination in Minecraft, allowing users to explore virtual representations of iconic locations. Since its launch in late 2024, the AI has had around 200,000 unique users, with a 600% increase in interactions for those engaging with it. The initiative is part of a collaboration with 11 mana whenua groups, the tourism sector, Warner Bros., and Mojang Studios.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Google Urges Android Users to Quickly Delete These Apps from Their Phones!

A recent alert has been issued for Android smartphone users about malicious applications found on the Google Play Store that pose significant risks to user security and personal data. Cybersecurity firm Cyble has identified over twenty deceptive apps, many mimicking well-known wallet and cryptocurrency applications, which redirect users to phishing sites that collect sensitive information, including banking and cryptocurrency credentials. Users are advised to uninstall specific harmful apps such as Pancake Swap, Suiet Wallet, Hyperliquid, Raydium, BullX Crypto, OpenOcean Exchange, Meteora Exchange, SushiSwap, and Harvest Finance Blog. Google recommends using the “Play Protect” feature to scan downloaded apps for safety.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

An ingenious new Android notification upgrade

BuzzKill offers a user-friendly approach to rule creation, allowing users to set up new rules efficiently and easily. The platform's interface enables swift navigation and implementation of changes. An example is the BuzzKill Pocket Check rule, which allows users to manage settings with just a few clicks. This focus on simplicity enhances user engagement and productivity, making digital solutions more intuitive and accessible.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Now everyone can stream their own games in the Xbox PC app.

The Xbox PC app now allows users to stream their own games, enabling them to share gaming experiences with friends and followers. This feature enhances user engagement and fosters a community of gamers. Players can broadcast their gameplay in real-time, creating an interactive environment for viewers. The app also offers a seamless interface for exploring new games and allows users to personalize their feeds by following specific topics and authors.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

I tried one of the first Material 3 Expressive apps so I could see the future of Android

Google introduced Material 3 Expressive in May, which is set to redefine Android's design language. The recent update of the wallpaper app Backdrops to version 6.0 incorporates Material 3 Expressive elements, enhancing its interface with dynamic features such as an animated carousel on the Explore page and a whimsical pull-down refresh animation. The Search page has bold icons and oversized text for improved usability, with wallpapers displaying delightful animations. Other apps like Google Docs and Google Keep are also expected to adopt this design, suggesting a vibrant future for Android applications.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft trials redesigned Windows 11 Widgets Board with new Copilot Discover feed — AI curated stories right on your desktop

Microsoft is piloting a new widgets panel for Windows 11 called Copilot Discover, which replaces the traditional MSN feed with a personalized AI-curated experience. The updated design enhances speed, reduces lag, and presents stories in a less cluttered format with improved readability. A new Notifications button at the top of the feed provides essential updates, and users can customize these notifications. Microsoft is testing a feature that allows users to read stories directly within the widgets panel instead of being redirected to a browser. The layout separates widgets from the main feed, with a dedicated tab for widgets and a fixed weather widget on the main page. The widgets panel can no longer be viewed in full-screen mode and appears as a narrow slide-out feature. The Copilot Discover feed is currently in testing with a select group of users, with a broader rollout expected if feedback is positive.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Google Play, Android ecosystem generated ₹4 lakh cr. in revenue for Indian app publishers in 2024: Google

On July 23, 2025, Google announced that its Play and Android ecosystem generated ₹4 lakh crore in revenue for app publishers and the economy in 2024, creating approximately 35 lakh jobs. India has the second largest number of active developers on Google Play, contributing over 10 lakh developer jobs. Surveys indicate that 72% of Indian users accessed the internet for the first time via an Android device, with 85% using Android phones as their primary gateway to digital public services. The open-source nature of Android has led to estimated savings of ₹25,200 crore in development and operational costs. At the Google I/O Connect India 2025 conference, Google introduced initiatives such as localizing data processing for Gemini 2.5 Flash, new AI tools in Firebase Studio, a training program with Unity, and partnerships with start-ups from the India AI Mission. Google is also working with BharatGen at IIT Bombay to develop Automatic Speech Recognition and Text-to-Speech models for Indic languages.