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CMA probes Microsoft business software over browser choice
Winsage
June 27, 2026

CMA probes Microsoft business software over browser choice

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking comments on Microsoft's business software ecosystem, with responses from various stakeholders, including the Browser Choice Alliance (BCA). The BCA expresses concerns that Microsoft uses its dominance in operating systems and productivity software to promote its own browser, hindering competition. They argue that Microsoft's distribution strategies and design decisions limit user choice and innovation. The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is highlighted as a critical factor, as it allows Microsoft to influence browser choices during upgrades. The BCA links browser competition to the adoption of AI tools, warning that competitive issues in the browser space could affect the AI domain if Microsoft employs similar tactics. They advocate for independent selection of AI tools to prevent distortion of competition and user choice. The BCA concludes that Microsoft's practices negatively impact user experience and productivity for businesses in the UK, damaging innovative browser developers.
Microsoft is killing New Outlook's notification spam, but Classic still loads emails faster on Windows
Winsage
June 27, 2026

Microsoft is killing New Outlook’s notification spam, but Classic still loads emails faster on Windows

Microsoft is introducing a feature in New Outlook that groups email notifications to reduce interruptions and notification fatigue. Users have reported that New Outlook is slower than Outlook Classic, with email opening times taking up to 30 seconds compared to just a few seconds in the Classic version. There are also reliability issues with notifications in New Outlook, which can be inconsistent or absent for connected accounts on Windows 10 and 11. Despite the planned improvements, Outlook Classic remains more efficient for managing notifications and opening emails quickly.
Forget PowerToys, Windows 11 needs this feature immediately
Winsage
June 27, 2026

Forget PowerToys, Windows 11 needs this feature immediately

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11's multitasking capabilities by integrating a feature from its PowerToys suite called AltWindowCycle. This utility allows users to quickly navigate between multiple windows of the same application using the Alt + shortcut, similar to the Alt + Tab function. The concept of cycling through application windows is already utilized in Linux distributions. The addition of AltWindowCycle is expected to improve productivity for users without complicating the user experience.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s built-in apps are getting quiet but welcome improvements

Microsoft has released a preview version of an upcoming Windows update for members of the Windows Insider Program, enhancing several pre-installed applications including Calculator, Camera, Clock, Media Player, Notepad, Paint, Photos, and Sound Recorder. The Calculator update includes improved accuracy for square root calculations, better readability in high-contrast designs, right-to-left language support for Arabic and Hebrew, and a fix for startup issues. The Sound Recorder enhancements feature an accurate live waveform display for Bluetooth recordings, a streamlined interface, immediate access to the "Highlight" button, disabled tags for WAV recordings, a smoother deletion process for multiple recordings, and a fix for a memory leak issue. Additional features include watermarks for AI-generated images in the Photos app, a zoom slider in the Camera app, customizable subtitles in Media Player, and a 15-minute delay option for alarms in the Clock app.
Gemini’s new Google Play Store integration lets you chat to find Android apps, games
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Gemini’s new Google Play Store integration lets you chat to find Android apps, games

The Gemini app for Android has integrated with the Google Play Store, enabling users to engage in conversational browsing to discover apps and games. Users can ask Gemini for recommendations on various types of apps, and it responds with curated results, including Play Store cards with ratings and download counts. Users can initiate app installations directly from these cards or follow up with commands to install apps. Additionally, Gemini allows users to search for and purchase in-app items, subscriptions, or digital gift cards, but can only recommend items for apps already installed on the user's device. The integration requires users to enter specific prompts to connect to the Play Store, and its availability may vary across devices.
Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most
Winsage
June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most

Microsoft will launch the Windows 11 July 2026 Security Update on July 14, 2026, introducing new features and bug fixes. Key features include the Point-in-time Restore recovery feature, which allows users to revert to a stable system state using restore points, and enhancements to Bluetooth, network virtualization, and touchpad functionality. The update will be available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, managed through Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology. The update enhances the "Pause updates" functionality with a calendar view for pausing updates for up to 35 days. The Magnifier tool will allow users to input exact zoom percentages, and printer installations will default to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Location settings will be simplified, and File Explorer will see performance improvements, including new options on the Home page. Bluetooth enhancements will improve reliability and audio performance, while Phone Link will refine call handling between Windows 11 and smartphones. Voice Typing and Voice Access will be improved for real-time text refinement and support multiple languages. Networking improvements will focus on reliability and performance, particularly in virtualized environments, and touchpad customization options will allow adjustments to the right-click area.
Google Finance Debuts App and Investment Tracking Capabilities
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Google Finance Debuts App and Investment Tracking Capabilities

Google has introduced new investing features and an Android app for Google Finance as of June 25. The updated portfolios tool allows users to monitor investments from a single dashboard, with existing portfolios automatically integrated and new users able to create portfolios by uploading files or describing investments. Users can utilize a research tool to analyze their investment strategies and customize notifications on specific topics. The new Google Finance app provides access to watchlists, real-time data, financial news, and AI-powered insights. This development aligns with a trend where 62% of Generation Z consumers are open to using AI for financial planning, with over 60% engaging with AI tools through smartphone apps. Google Finance was initially launched in the U.S. last year and expanded to Europe last month.
Google's Pixel home screen organizer looks almost ready for prime time in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Google’s Pixel home screen organizer looks almost ready for prime time in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5

The fifth beta release of Android 17 QPR1 has introduced advancements in the home screen organizer feature for Pixel phones, allowing users to create, delete, and rearrange home screens. The feature suggests automatic population with relevant apps and widgets based on categories derived from the Google Play Store, including Most Used, Games, Health & Fitness, Productivity, Travel, and Social. Users can choose from three layout options for arranging apps and widgets. Additionally, a new folder creator feature has been added, enabling users to group apps into folders and eliminate duplicate icons from the home screen.
Minecraft Update 3.41 Released on June 25 to Apply Fixes
AppWizard
June 26, 2026

Minecraft Update 3.41 Released on June 25 to Apply Fixes

Mojang released a hotfix for Minecraft on June 25, identified as update 3.41, which includes technical enhancements for gameplay stability and user experience. The update resolves an issue preventing players from joining Experiences when 'Screen Animations' was disabled, addresses an ID collision for split-screen guests on Nintendo Switch, fixes a glitch with projectiles from upward-facing dispensers, and corrects several crashes that could disrupt gameplay, including one in the main menu on Switch.
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