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Google flips the script, reportedly considers putting ads in Gemini app
AppWizard
May 1, 2026

Google flips the script, reportedly considers putting ads in Gemini app

Philipp Schindler, Google's chief business officer, indicated during Alphabet's earnings call that the company is revisiting the possibility of integrating advertisements into the Gemini platform as it explores new advertising formats for its AI Mode. Discussions about incorporating ads into Gemini first emerged in late 2025 but were previously dismissed. While there are ongoing discussions about ad integration, Ginny Marvin, Google Ads product liaison, stated that there are currently no ads in the Gemini app and no plans to change that. Alphabet reported .9 billion in revenue, a 22% increase year-over-year, with the success of Gemini contributing to growth in Search, Cloud, and subscription services.
Gemini app bug removes features, reverts UI on Android
AppWizard
April 18, 2026

Gemini app bug removes features, reverts UI on Android

A bug in the Gemini app has led to the removal of several features, including the ability to upload NotebookLM notebooks via the ‘plus’ menu, the disappearance of the “Temporary chat” button, and the option to “Import memory to Gemini” from the profile menu. The app's design has reverted to side-by-side pills from a list format, and the background color has changed from black to gray, affecting the visual experience. Android users have also experienced a return to a previous overlay design that limits access to the Tools menu, and the fullscreen glow effect has been removed. This issue is affecting users across both stable and beta channels with Google app version 17.14, and a server-side fix is expected to restore the lost functionalities. The Gemini web platform remains unaffected.
The new Copilot app for Windows 11 is really just Edge in disguise
Winsage
April 6, 2026

The new Copilot app for Windows 11 is really just Edge in disguise

Microsoft's new Copilot application for Windows 11 operates as a hybrid web application that essentially launches Microsoft Edge, functioning more as a rebranded browser wrapper than a standalone AI assistant. The installation replaces the previous native Copilot app with a version that includes Microsoft Edge files, such as msedge.exe and msedge.dll, within a WebView2 container. A user demonstrated that renaming the Copilot executable to msedge.exe allowed it to launch Microsoft Edge directly. Microsoft has expressed a goal to develop 100% native applications for Windows 11, but it is unclear if this will apply to the current Copilot.
New Copilot for Windows 11 includes a full Microsoft Edge package, uses more RAM
Winsage
April 5, 2026

New Copilot for Windows 11 includes a full Microsoft Edge package, uses more RAM

A new iteration of Copilot is being released for Windows 11, transitioning from native code (WinUI) to web components and including a full version of Microsoft Edge. The update replaces the previous native app and is available for download through the Microsoft Store, which now requires an installer similar to the Microsoft Edge installer. The new Copilot resembles the web version and has higher RAM usage, consuming up to 500MB in the background and nearly 1GB during use, compared to less than 100MB for the previous version. The new Copilot is a hybrid web application that operates with a rebranded instance of Edge within a WebView2 container, including a complete Microsoft Edge installation that occupies approximately 850 MB. It contains the msedge.dll file, confirming the presence of a full Chromium browser engine, and includes Edge subsystems like Browser Helper Objects and Trust Protection Lists. The Copilot app functions as a web app rendered via WebView2, raising questions about the necessity of such applications on Windows 11 given the existing alternatives.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
March 18, 2026

Microsoft appears to be dumping native Copilot for Windows 11 in favour of web wrapper yet again

The latest update for Copilot has transformed it into a WebView-based application, marking it as a hybrid app rather than fully native. The new Copilot (version 146.0.3856.63) operates as a web application, evidenced by multiple sub-processes in the Task Manager that are characteristic of Microsoft Edge. The version number of Copilot aligns closely with that of Microsoft Edge. The revamped Copilot functions as a web app within a desktop shell but loads content from copilot.microsoft.com. Despite its web-based nature, it performs comparably to its native predecessor and launches more quickly. Microsoft had previously announced a "native" version of Copilot, which was misleading as it still relied on web components. In 2025, Microsoft began distributing a truly native Copilot app, free of web components, which started in March 2025. However, the Copilot has now reverted to a web-based format for users in the Windows Insider Program, with plans to extend this change to non-Insiders soon.
5 Of The Best Android Apps You Won't Find On Windows
AppWizard
January 26, 2026

5 Of The Best Android Apps You Won’t Find On Windows

Microsoft's acknowledgment of challenges with Windows 11 has led users to explore alternative platforms, particularly Android, which offers applications not available on the Microsoft Store. Textra SMS is a messaging app with over 10 million downloads and a 4.3-star rating, allowing extensive customization and features like message scheduling. BuzzKill Notification Manager, recognized by Time Magazine, has a 4.6-star rating and offers detailed notification management for .99. Podcast Republic, a podcast app with over 1 million downloads and a 4.6-star rating, supports various listening formats and can be upgraded for an ad-free experience. Hermit - Lite Apps Browser allows users to create lightweight web apps, has over 1 million downloads, and a 4.6-star rating, with premium features available for .99. Web Video Cast – Browser to TV has over 50 million downloads and a 4.6-star rating, enabling media streaming from Android devices to TVs. The selection process for these apps involved user experience and functionality, ensuring high ratings and extensive reviews, with a minimum threshold of 3.5 stars and 1,000 user reviews.
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