web apps Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

5 Essential Windows Apps Everyone Should Be Using In 2025

Everything is a free application from Voidtools that indexes file and folder names quickly, allowing searches of up to a million files in a minute. It can index mapped network drives and supports Boolean operators and wildcards for advanced search needs. Flow Launcher is an open-source application that serves as a quick launcher and search utility, integrating with Everything for fast file searches and allowing users to open applications, search for files, and perform calculations from a single interface. NanaZip is an open-source archive manager derived from 7-Zip, supporting various archive formats and offering faster processing times, improved encryption, dark mode, and context menu integration. Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities for power users that includes tools like Command Palette, PowerRename, and FancyZones, available for free from the Microsoft Store. Ferdium is an open-source tool that consolidates web applications into a single platform, allowing users to manage multiple web apps within one window, supporting multiple instances of the same app and offering workspace management and a built-in To-do list panel.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft is about to kill my favorite Edge feature — and Copilot is to blame

Microsoft is transforming Windows 11 to include more artificial intelligence capabilities, leading to mixed user reactions. Pavan Davuluri stated that users can disable AI features if they find them unappealing. In Edge, the Sidebar app list is being retired, and new apps can no longer be added, which has disappointed users who valued the ability to pin websites and web apps. The retirement of the Sidebar coincides with the introduction of Copilot, suggesting a strategic move to prioritize Copilot. The Sidebar has been a useful multitasking tool for users, and its removal could disrupt workflows. The icon for the Sidebar has been repurposed for Copilot, indicating competition between the two features. Users feel that the promotion of Copilot may overshadow other features like the Edge Sidebar.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Cameyo by Google is here to solve the “app gap” problem in ChromeOS

Discussions about ChromeOS in the enterprise have highlighted a persistent challenge known as the "app gap," which hinders widespread adoption due to reliance on critical legacy Windows applications. Traditional Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions have been cumbersome and costly, leading to subpar user experiences. Google has introduced Cameyo by Google, a first-party Virtual App Delivery (VAD) solution that addresses the legacy app gap without the complexities of traditional VDI. Cameyo delivers only the necessary applications securely to any device, either streamed in the browser or as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), allowing users to run legacy applications alongside modern web apps. This development enables IT departments to transition their fleets to ChromeOS while maintaining access to essential Windows applications. Additionally, Cameyo integrates with Chrome Enterprise Premium, enhancing security and control over client-based applications. This solution also allows organizations to incorporate AI capabilities into legacy applications, providing a flexible path to modernization without losing past investments.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Cameyo by Google Brings Virtual App Delivery to Chrome, ChromeOS Enterprise

Google has launched its Cameyo Virtual App Delivery service for enterprise customers using Chrome, ChromeOS, and ChromeOS Flex. This service focuses on delivering only the necessary applications rather than a full desktop environment, providing secure access across devices. Cameyo allows enterprises to stream legacy Windows and Linux applications as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) within the Chrome web browser, integrating seamlessly with native ChromeOS and Android applications. Google acquired Cameyo in 2023 to enhance its virtualization offerings. The service also enables the integration of Gemini AI capabilities into legacy applications, improving productivity by summarizing documents and recalling user context.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Google makes it easier for businesses to run Windows apps on ChromeOS amid an uncertain future

Google has rebranded Cameyo, the software virtualization company it acquired last year, as “Cameyo by Google” to enhance the usability of Windows applications on ChromeOS. Cameyo's platform allows users to stream individual Windows applications directly to their devices via a web app, integrating seamlessly with the native file system of Chromebooks. This solution targets enterprise users, enabling them to run legacy applications alongside modern web apps without the need for a separate virtual desktop environment. Cameyo also supports organizations in transitioning to ChromeOS while maintaining access to essential Windows applications, addressing the "app gap" that has hindered enterprise adoption of ChromeOS.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Calls Mount For 5 Essential Services To Get Android Apps

Android powers nearly 70% of the world's smartphones but lacks proper support for many essential web services and applications. A Google Finance app could provide real-time stock alerts and personalized widgets. CamelCamelCamel would improve price tracking for Amazon by allowing users to access price history directly through an app. Have I Been Pwned could enhance user security with push notifications for data breaches. Google Travel needs a unified app for trip planning and real-time notifications. AeroLOPA could offer detailed seat maps and offline access for travelers. Native applications on Android would provide essential features like push alerts and offline reliability, addressing the current gaps in user experience.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Messenger Is Discontinuing Its Windows and Mac Desktop Apps

Meta is phasing out the native Messenger applications for Windows and macOS, directing users to the web version. The apps are no longer available for download, and they will cease to function after a winding-down period. Users are receiving notifications about the change, which will leave Messenger accessible only through web browsers. Enhancements such as end-to-end encryption and improved calling features are part of this web-focused evolution. Users can still access core functionality on Messenger.com but will lose some app-specific features, including a persistent menu bar icon and offline access. Meta encourages users to enable secure storage for end-to-end encrypted chats and offers a tool to download messages and media for local archiving. Messenger remains one of the largest chat platforms globally, with active user counts similar to Telegram. Competitors like Telegram, Discord, and Slack have different approaches to desktop messaging. Users can transition smoothly by utilizing the web version and configuring desktop notifications and shortcuts.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Meta to End Desktop Messenger Apps by December 2025

Meta Platforms Inc. will discontinue its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and macOS effective December 15, 2025, with the apps already removed from app stores. Users will be redirected to the web versions of Facebook and Messenger, although native app features will be lost. This shift is part of a broader strategy focusing on web-based access, potentially impacting businesses and remote workers who rely on desktop communication. Users are advised to back up chat histories and explore third-party alternatives before the deadline. The decision reflects Meta's strategic refocus towards mobile and web experiences, as well as emerging technologies.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta is Sunsetting its Messenger Apps for Windows and Mac

Meta is discontinuing its Messenger applications for Windows and macOS. Users will receive in-app notifications about the deprecation, with a 60-day grace period for the Mac version before it becomes obsolete. The Mac Messenger app has been removed from the Mac App Store, while the Facebook Messenger app is still available for download from the Microsoft Store. Meta transitioned its native Messenger desktop applications to progressive web apps last year, allowing continued access through Facebook.com and messenger.com for users with and without a Facebook account, respectively.

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

Messenger Desktop Is Dead: Meta’s Big Move in 2025 Toward Web Apps and Why It Matters to You

Meta will retire its standalone Messenger desktop applications for macOS and Windows, transitioning users to a web-based model. Users will receive an in-app notification about the deprecation, followed by a 60-day period before the app becomes unusable, after which they will be redirected to Facebook or Messenger. New installations of the app are no longer possible as it has been removed from the Mac App Store. Users must enable secure storage and set a PIN to preserve local chat history before the cutoff date. This shift aligns with a broader trend in the industry, with many messaging platforms adopting web-first models. The transition is expected to affect students and professionals who rely on desktop messaging, while less tech-savvy users or those who primarily use mobile apps may notice little difference. Users should prepare for the transition by backing up important data and adjusting to a web-based messaging experience.