Microsoft is launching a redesigned OneDrive app for Windows with a new photo gallery, face recognition, AI-powered slideshows, and editing features, along with enhanced mobile editing and a new sharing link feature, all integrated with AI and Copilot for a more seamless user experience.
Google has launched an experimental Windows desktop app via Search Labs that offers a Spotlight-like search experience, allowing users to quickly find files, apps, and web results using a shortcut, with integrated Google Lens and AI features for enhanced search capabilities.
WhatsApp is transitioning from its native Windows app to a web wrapper, aiming for easier maintenance and cross-platform consistency, but this change may lead to increased RAM usage and a less integrated user experience, sparking debate over the trade-offs between performance and convenience.
Meta is discontinuing its native WhatsApp Windows app in favor of a web wrapper version using Microsoft’s Edge WebView2 technology, leading to a less integrated and potentially less efficient user experience, despite simplifying maintenance for Meta.
Microsoft has introduced a new 'Windows App' that allows users to stream Windows PCs from compatible devices, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Windows, but not Android or ChromeOS. Chromebook owners will have to rely on the browser implementation. The app provides access to cloud computers, Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Microsoft Dev Box, as well as limited access to Remote Desktop Services and remote PCs. While there are solutions for Chromebooks in the enterprise space, there are limitations for consumers, and running Windows on a Chromebook is not recommended.
Microsoft is launching the "Windows app," a service that allows users to stream the company's full desktop OS to other devices, including Chromebooks. However, regular users cannot access it yet. The app supports various platforms and form factors, including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and web browsers. While ChromeOS is supported, consumer accounts are currently barred from accessing the Windows app, requiring a business or school account.
Microsoft is introducing new pen and ink gestures to the OneNote Windows app, allowing users with stylus devices to manipulate their digital handwriting more easily. The gestures include striking through text, deleting it by scribbling over it, and quickly inserting a new paragraph. Additionally, Microsoft is bringing vertical tabs to the main Windows app, providing a navigation experience similar to other Microsoft 365 apps. OneNote is also part of the Copilot launch, offering features such as summarizing pages, planning events, and appearing as a chatbot.