Ten years ago, we covered one of Microsoft’s most forward‑looking ideas: encouraging Android developers to port their apps to Windows 10 and link notifications through Cortana. It was a glimpse of a company trying to unify ecosystems before “cross‑platform” became a default expectation.

In 2026, that vision still feels important. Microsoft’s current AI strategy — spanning Windows, Android, and the cloud — builds directly on the same connective tissue Astoria (Android app emulation) and Cortana (early AI assistant) once represented. Back then, it was about notifications and app parity; today, it’s about intelligent context and seamless device continuity.Some are even predicting that we won't need apps in the coming years, as AI will handle it all.

Looking back, this story reads like an early chapter in Microsoft’s long game to make Windows not just an OS, but a hub for every platform around it. While it didn't work out quite as expected, we do have Phone Link today to help bridge that gap. — Daniel Rubino, Editor-in-Chief

The original article, Microsoft encouraging Android-to-Windows 10 app ports via Cortana notifications, was published on June 10th, 2016, by John Callaham.

Microsoft is using the Cortana notification sync feature in Windows 10 to add a "request app" feature if the notification comes from an Android smartphone.

The notifications were first spotted by Reddit user "MrPromaster'. The "Request app" link goes to a UserVoice page where anyone can recommend that an app be added to the Windows Store.

This new method to encourage more Android apps to come to the Windows Store comes several months after Microsoft officially canceled its "Project Astoria" bridge tool plans that would have made it easier for developers to port Android apps to Windows 10.

Notification syncing between Android and Windows 10 is currently only available for those running Insider builds of 'Redstone'.

While the notifications are configurable on Android the request is rather nondiscriminatory too. For instance, we had the request feature show up for the Google Play store after it performed some app updates. Likewise for Shazam, even though there already is a Shazam for Windows 10 app available. While this tactic is not a slam dunk to get more apps to Windows 10, it is a rather clever move to reach the millions of Android users who also use a Windows PC every day.

We'll have to wait and see how well this new strategy pays off once the Windows 10 Anniversary Update rolls out later this summer to the masses.

The r/WindowsCentral subreddit continues to grow, and I'm having a great time conversing with readers and Windows fans.

One discussion thread that caught my eye recently comes from u/fisforfaheem, who has found success turning their Android phone back into a Windows Phone using a launcher I'd not yet heard of.

It's called METROV, and it was released almost exactly a year ago on April 30, 2025. It's still being updated (the most recent version 1.9.5 was pushed out less than a week ago), and it has so far racked up more than 10,000 downloads with an overall rating of 4.4/5 at Google Play.

As u/fisforfaheem states, METROV is "the closest I've felt to using a Lumia again." They explain that although they've tried top alternatives like Launcher 10 and Square Home in the past, the apps didn't make it past the "Android pretending to be a Windows Phone" feel.

That's some high praise, and u/fisforfaheem calls out tiles that feel natural, a clean and minimal UI, as well as animations and a layout that delivers "that old Metro vibe" so many of us don't want to ever let go of.

Is METROV perfect? Not according to the OP. They state that there are "a few bugs" and that "live tiles can glitch sometimes."

Regardless of bugs, METROV certainly delivers the Lumia with a Windows Phone 8.1 feel, with a minimalist, dynamic tile-based layout.

The app's Google Play page highlights deep customization options for tile sizes and colors, and it states that there are "no ads, no tracking, no clutter."

The Windows Central community chimes in on METROV

It doesn't seem like METROV is positioned to usurp the immensely popular Square Home and Launcher 10, but other subreddit members have chimed in with their own opinions of the upstart launcher.

One user points out that they've been using Square Home for 10 years. Although they've also tested METROV, they went back to Square because it supports foldables.

Another user states that they've been using METROV ever since they got a Samsung S26 Ultra.

Comment from r/windowscentral

And another user says that they're going to have to "pick up an Android phone to try it out again." I'm in the same boat, currently seeing what Apple has been up to with its iPhones after years of Android use.

On the app's Google Home page, five-star ratings call out the "great animations" and a "faithful" approach to Windows Phone 8.1.

It's not all rosy. As one post points out, METROV "obviously still needs a lot of work." It's also claimed that METROV's developer "hates criticism," though I have no proof of that.

Some users call out METROV's in-app purchases, which appear to range from about $2 up to $7. As the OP points out, they're using METROV for free and still enjoying the experience.

Windows Central's take

I've yet to test METROV myself, but I'm pushing it on my coworkers with Android phones to test it out.

In the meantime, I'm hoping more of our readers can chime in with any experience they have with METROV. Although Launcher 10 and Square Home are far more popular, it's great to see alternatives entering the market.

Are you already using METROV to recreate the Windows Phone 8.1 feel on your modern Android? If not, is it something you'd consider? Which launcher, if any, are you using instead? Let me know in the comments section below!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft is officially retiring Outlook Lite on Android on May 25, 2026, ending support for the lightweight email client designed for low‑end devices and slower networks. The company is directing users to transition to the full Outlook app, which now serves as Microsoft’s single mobile email experience.

While Microsoft says the main app has improved enough to replace Lite, the change raises concerns for users who relied on the smaller footprint and faster performance. The move also signals a broader consolidation of Microsoft’s mobile strategy as it focuses on a unified Outlook experience across platforms.

This news, spotted by Neowin, didn't come out of nowhere, as Microsoft originally announced its intentions to begin the Outlook Lite retirement process in September 2025.

The Outlook Lite app will stop working almost entirely (you'll be able to launch it, but that's about it) after the cut-off date, according to a Microsoft 365 MC1276508 support message. If it's the main way you access your email, I recommend setting up an alternative app now.

Microsoft recommends the Outlook Mobile app, designed for Android and iOS, and it's making it easy to transition. You can simply sign in to your accounts in the Outlook Mobile app to access all of your regular calendars, messages, and attachments.

If you're still using Outlook Lite at this point, you should see an alert asking you to switch to the other app.

Of course, many users appreciated Outlook Lite's small package that didn't use up much install space or eat as much mobile data, and it climbed beyond 10 million downloads in its lifetime. Microsoft cut access to Outlook Lite downloads on October 6, 2025.

Why is the Outlook Lite app for Android being retired?

Outlook Lite has been around since 2022 for Android devices in specific regions, and it quickly became a popular option. With a 5MB install size and a narrower feature list, it was especially appreciated in emerging markets and with users owning older hardware.

Microsoft's decision to abandon the Lite version likely has to do with streamlining development and upping security. It can now focus entirely on the Outlook Mobile app going forward.

Although Microsoft recommends switching to Outlook Mobile, you aren't necessarily beholden to the official offering. Off the top of my head, Android mobile users might want to check out Proton Mail, Spark Mail, or the standard Gmail app as alternatives.

Were you one of Outlook Lite's users?

I've personally not used the Outlook Lite app on Android, so this news doesn't really affect me. However, I know that it was the go-to option for a lot of people.

Are you now being forced to make a change before the May 25, 2026 deadline? Which app will you use now? Let me know in the comments section below!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft has had a rough start to the year with critical bugs impacting Windows 11's functionality. In case you missed it, the tech giant's first Windows 11 update in 2026 made it difficult for some users to fully shut down their PCs, while others reported being unable to sign in to a device when using Remote Desktop.

Thankfully, Microsoft is rethinking how it rolls out Windows updates and will soon allow users to postpone installing them indefinitely — something I haven't seen since Windows 8. Right now, Windows 11 only lets you pause these updates for up to 30 days, after which available updates are downloaded and installed automatically onto your PC.

But how do these botched Windows updates actually affect enterprise users in business environments? A new report by Omnissa reveals that Windows bugs and crashes cost up to 24 minutes of productivity, which employees use to recalibrate their focus on work (via Neowin).

The report also detailed interesting insights when comparing Windows to macOS endpoints:

• Windows devices exhibited 3.1 times more total forced shutdowns than macOS.
• Windows experienced 2.2 times more total application crashes than macOS.
• Windows experienced 7.5 times more app hangs than macOS.
• More than 50% of the Windows and Android devices in regulated industries such as healthcare and pharma were five major OS updates behind
• More than 50% of education desktops and mobile devices are unencrypted

Naturally, Omnissa’s report shouldn’t be taken as a definitive picture of how enterprise users interact with Windows and macOS, since it’s based on aggregated telemetry data from endpoint devices in 2025, which is only a drop in the ocean when compared to Microsoft's vast market share of operating systems worldwide.

Perhaps more interestingly, the report also noted that Copilot is gaining broad adoption across enterprise-managed mobile devices, with a 97.5% installation rate. That said, employees also added alternatives like ChatGPT (on 91% of iOS devices) and Gemini (on 61% of Android devices).

The report also mentions that organizations that purchased Macs as their daily drivers considered them an "asset investment" with a 6-year lifespan compared to Windows at 3 years.

What's more, it revealed that macOS had a 120% higher DEX (digital employee experience) score than Windows. However, Windows continues to dominate government institutions with a reported growth of 2x year over year (YoY).

Is the MacBook Neo involved?

Ever since Apple unveiled its $599 MacBook Neo, the budget-friendly entry has sparked debates across social media, with the general sentiment being centered around the possibility of it being a Windows PC killer.

Even former Windows lead Steven Sinofsky calls the MacBook Neo "a paradigm-shifting computer" while reflecting on Microsoft's failed vision and plans for Surface and Windows.

The entry-level device can run basic Windows 11 apps through Parallels Desktop with strong single-core performance, but it struggles beyond light productivity or with GPU-intensive tasks. It remains to be seen if Apple's MacBook Neo will have a knock-on effect in the enterprise department against Windows.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Your Swiftkey account will soon require a Microsoft account and your data will be moved to OneDrive. This week, Microsoft sent an email to users about the upcoming retirement of SwiftKey accounts that will take place on May 31, 2026.

The tech giant says the change is being made to "make SwiftKey better. Microsoft states that by moving to Microsoft accounts:

• Your typing data will be more securely stored in OneDrive.
• You’ll benefit from enhanced privacy protections and easier access to your data across devices.
• You can earn 1000 Microsoft Rewards points to spend on top online shops, Xbox discounts, or donate to your favorite charity.
• It simplifies your experience by using the same credentials you already use for other Microsoft apps and services.

I'm shocked this did not happen sooner. Microsoft purchased SwiftKey in 2016. The company has maintained SwiftKey on iOS and Android since then, though there was a brief stint during which Microsoft planned to end iOS support.

SwiftKey has been a popular third-party keyboard for over a decade, though I'd argue its development has stagnated in the last few years. It still holds 4.4/5 and 4.6/5 ratings on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, respectively.

SwiftKey technology was also integrated into the keyboard on Windows.

For many, the shift to using a Microsoft account will not matter. Apple and Google accounts have been supported on SwiftKey until now, but many use Microsoft accounts to sign in or will be okay switching to a Microsoft account.

Others will be upset by Microsoft's increasing and continuing efforts to get people to sign up for and use a Microsoft account. Windows 11 integrates deeply with Microsoft accounts and set up of the operating system requires a Microsoft account in most cases.

Soon, SwiftKey will join the ranks of Microsoft apps and services that either require a Microsoft account or effectively force you to use one.

The shift to storing SwiftKey data on OneDrive may also draw criticism.

What you need to do

All SwiftKey account data will be permanently deleted on May 31, 2026. To retrieve your account data, you need to visit https://data.swiftkey.com before that cutoff.

If you switch to a Microsoft account before the end of May or already use a Microsoft account to sign in to SwiftKey, you don't need to take any further action. Microsoft account users will have their data backed up on OneDrive automatically.

💬 Will Microsoft play a key role in creating a superintelligent AI system?

Microsoft Accounts have transitioned from an "optional extra" to a non-negotiable requirement for more and more services. While many are okay with it, some prefer to avoid making a Microsoft account or having data stored on OneDrive.

Do you use a Microsoft account? Are you okay with SwiftKey requireing one? Let me know in the comments.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

I spend a lot of time on GitHub. Not so much making things, because I'm a duffer when it comes to coding. But I love poking around and finding interesting open-source software that those much cleverer than I have made.

I like open-source software so much because it always feels like it was made by people who actually care about what they're making and the people using it. GitHub, of course nowadays owned by Microsoft, is a great place to find it. But it can be a bit overwhelming when there's so much.

I've recently stumbled across an Android and Windows app called GitHub Store which makes discoverability much better. It turns GitHub into a sort of app store on your smartphone, and I can already tell it's going to occupy a lot of my time.

GitHub Store is a simple idea that makes so much sense on mobile

For as much time as I spend on GitHub I rarely use the official mobile app. It's not that it's bad, more that most of what I'm looking at is more relevant to Windows and Linux desktops.

Having found GitHub Store (which, as you'd expect, is available on GitHub) I can already see that I'm going to be finding much more for my Android phone.

It's laid out exactly as you'd expect any app store to be. The front page has tabs for trending projects, hot releases, and most popular to get you started. You don't have to log in with your GitHub account, but you'll be rate limited unless you do.

But for mobile apps made available on GitHub, this app is superb. You can search by platform, so if you're looking for something on Windows, you can still do that, but you can also exclude desktop and just look for mobile-compatible repos.

Otherwise, you can download and install the apps just the same as you would from any other source on Android, with additional options.

Downloading from GitHub directly means you don't get auto-updates as you would on the Play Store, but you can go from GitHub Store to another app called Obtainium, which will help you get those updates direct from the source.

The only real issue I see right now is Google's impending clampdown on apps being installed on verified Android devices from developers that haven't signed up to its official program. I'm not here to debate that, though for what it's worth, I think it's utterly stupid.

Bonus feature: There's a Windows version, too.

While my own primary enjoyment of GitHub Store so far has been on my phone, there is a version of it for Windows, too.

It's the same exact principle, except by default it'll show you desktop-friendly projects in its category tabs rather than mobile ones.

But the added discoverability you get over the GitHub website, I won't lie, is a big plus. I could see this becoming part of my daily rotation as I poke around looking for the next great piece of software I didn't know I needed.

It's a nice-looking app, too, on both mobile and desktop. I like the default font, but you can make it use your system font if you wish. And there are some basic theming features to make it look a little more how you want it to.

Ultimately, GitHub both is and isn't an app store. It's much more than that, but it's a phenomenal source of software. The thing you didn't know you needed is probably lying among its millions of repos, somewhere.

GitHub Store merely gives the platform a more user-friendly front end when you're not interested in hosting your own projects. And I'm definitely here for it. Grab it for yourself from its GitHub repo now.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Original Xbox emulation is now possible on Android, and with devices like the AYN Thor pushing handheld performance even further, it was only a matter of time before enthusiasts turned their attention to Xbox.

It has long been limited to MacOS, Linux, and Windows on the emulation side, but now, with a bit of tinkering, you can get an original Xbox emulator up and running on Android too. There are some caveats, though, so let’s go over the project and what you should expect.

Original Xbox emulation arrives on Android

Now, I’ll preface this by saying emulators themselves are legal. However, how people obtain the games to run on them is often not.

There are legal ways to do it, though. For example, you can own the original physical copy and dump it yourself.

With that out of the way, what developers have managed to achieve here is genuinely impressive. The Android emulator is based on Xemu, a well-known original Xbox emulator that already runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

This Android version is not made by the official Xemu developers. Instead, it exists because the emulator is open source, meaning other developers can fork the project and adapt it for different platforms.

Right now, there are two versions available. One is a paid version on the Google Play Store, while another build can be downloaded for free and sideloaded from GitHub.

Performance, however, is still a bit iffy. Retro Game Corps tested several titles on a Retroid Pocket 6, starting with Blinx, which, sadly, was not very playable.

The same kind of issues appear with Crazy Taxi, which also struggles to run properly.

Halo: Combat Evolved is slightly more playable, though it still has noticeable slowdowns. One of the better performers appears to be Otogi: Myth of Demons, which runs faster than many of the other games tested.

Even so, performance is clearly not perfect yet. It is still early days for the project, and honestly, it is impressive that this is working at all on Android hardware.

🗨️ Are you excited about Original Xbox emulation on Android?

Do you think Original Xbox emulation on Android is good or are you not interested and would rather it be left alone?

Let me know in the comments!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Last month, Microsoft announced its plan to retire Microsoft Lens (formerly Office Lens) from iOS and Android devices.

As you may know, the app allows users to trim and enhance pictures of whiteboards and documents, making readable. What's more, you can leverage the app to convert images into PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files.

Microsoft has now confirmed that it has officially ended support for Microsoft Lens as of February 9, 2026. Consequently, the app is no longer available on the Apple App store and Google Play Store from today.

While it is still possible to continue using the app to scan documents through early next month, Microsoft says that you'll "need to be signed into your last active account on the Microsoft Lens app to access past scans".

As Microsoft is set to completely discontinue the app next month, the tech giant has promoted its OneDrive as a viable alternative. "To continue using scanning capabilities, we recommend the OneDrive app, which includes a built-in scanning feature," added Microsoft.

To leverage OneDrive's scanning capabilities, launch the app on your device and select the + button in the bottom corner. Then, select the Scan photo option to scan your documents. Your scanned file will be saved in your desired location in your OneDrive.

Interestingly, unlike Microsoft Lens, which would let you save your scanned files on your local device, "OneDrive does not support saving scans locally on your device".

Elsewhere, Microsoft is unleashing AI agents in its OneDrive app, transforming it into the ultimate productivity hub, and bolstering smarter file and project management. However, it's worth noting that you'll need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license to create your own OneDrive AI agent.

YouTube is arguably the most popular online video platform of all time. However, Google has made unpopular changes to its mobile platform over the past few years that have seemingly degraded the user experience.

For the longest time, users have relied on third-party mobile browsers, including Samsung Internet, Brave, Vivaldi, and Microsoft Edge, to play the audio of a YouTube video with the screen off. However, YouTube is now blocking the popular workaround for background playback (via PiunikaWeb).

This is seemingly a blatant attempt by YouTube to get more users to subscribe to its $14/month Premium plan. If you lock your screen or minimize the browser while attempting to enjoy the YouTube playback workaround, the audio stops almost instantly. So far, this block hasn't spread outside of Android and iOS.

The change might seem browser-specific, with some even thinking that it might be a bug. However, a Google spokesperson confirmed to Android Authority that the change is intentional and designed to block non-Premium mobile users from accessing background playback:

That said, it now seems you'll either have to bite the bullet and subscribe to YouTube's $14/month plan or say goodbye to the background play feature for good on your smartphones and tablets.

Last week, the software giant ramped up its aggressive campaign against ad blockers on desktop PCs, with multiple Google Chrome and Firefox users reporting they received "This content isn't available, try again later" errors when watching YouTube videos. Concerningly, users reported being unable to load videos until they disabled ad blocker extensions in their browsers or upgraded to YouTube's Premium subscription plan.

In an unexpected twist, Google has revealed more than just another Android build as it accidentally showcased its forthcoming desktop-class version of Android that appears aimed squarely at Windows 11. Hidden within a developer video was a sleek, windowed interface running on a PC-style layout, boasting multitasking capabilities never before displayed by Google.

If this turns out to be the company’s long-rumored “Android desktop” operating system, known as Aluminium OS, Microsoft could be facing a serious new competitor targeting the low-end laptop and cloud-first PC market.

Stepping back for a second, Microsoft has firmly established Windows as the world’s leading desktop operating system. In a remarkable achievement, the software giant just announced that Windows 11 surpassed 1 billion users in just four years, although some reports suggest that adoption has faltered.

But it now appears that Google may be preparing to challenge Microsoft’s Windows 11 with a rival Android-based desktop operating system. The company inadvertently revealed the confidential UI when a Google bug report was published on the Chromium Issue Tracker (via 9to5Google).

At the time of writing, Windows Central established that access to the bug report was restricted, but as reported by the outlet and seen in the YouTube video embedded above, which contains two screen recordings of a laptop (HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook, running a 12th Gen Intel Core (AlderLake-U) processor from 2021) running an internal build of Aluminium OS — Android's desktop version.

The video is consistent with Android 16 flavors, perhaps signaling that the operating system will heavily lean on and borrow system elements from existing software.

As highlighted by the outlet, the status bar is significantly taller compared to the experience on phones and tablets, suggesting that the operating system has been optimized for larger screen real estate. Interestingly, the software giant is retaining similar Android indicators, including Wi-Fi, battery, and the notification bell icon.

We've already heard Lenovo speak on Google's upcoming OS, noting in a since-pulled Q&A that Android PCs will have "limited desktop features, app compatibility issues, gaming performance limitations, hardware compatibility concerns, and a learning curve for new users" compared to existing PCs."

Like Microsoft with Copilot in Windows 11, Google could potentially bake Gemini into the operating system to supercharge its capabilities. Additionally, the operating system's bottom taskbar features a centered Start button just like Windows 11. The mouse cursor has also undergone a facelift with a tail effect to enhance visibility on high-resolution screens.

The video also shows the operating system's multi-tasking capabilities, including running multiple Google Chrome windows simultaneously while in split-screen mode. Interestingly, the Android version of Google Chrome in this build includes an Extensions button, which is synonymous with desktop browsers.

Based on the leak, it's apparent that Google's Android operating system is well past the concept phase, which could be signaling a 2026 launch. Multiple reports suggest that Google could potentially partner with Qualcomm to launch next-gen Android PCs later this year (via HotHardware).

It'll be interesting to see Google's desktop operating system's impact on Windows dominance. Microsoft faced backlash from users after it announced its future plans to evolve Windows into an agentic OS, but it recently promised to make behind-the-scenes platform changes to Windows 11 as it begins testing the next wave of features.

Do you think Google’s leaked Android desktop OS could challenge Microsoft’s Windows 11? Share your thoughts in the comments and cast your vote!

Yet another app is destined for the Microsoft Graveyard. Microsoft Lens will follow in the footsteps of Windows 10, Windows Subsystem for Android, and the old Mail & Calendar app by being retired.

Microsoft Lens is a PDF scanner on iOS and Android that allows you to save content by taking photos of whiteboards or documents. It was previously known as Office Lens before a name change in 2021.

Images saved through Microsoft Lens can be saved as PDFs, Word, PowerPoint, or Excel files and stored locally or in OneDrive or OneNote.

Office Lens was one of the killer apps on Windows Phone back in the day, so it's a bit sad to see it go away entirely. I remember showing off how well Office Lens worked at university and making my mates jealous.

But alas, nothing lasts forever.

"The Microsoft Lens app will be retired from iOS and Android devices starting January 9, 2026, and will no longer be supported after February 9, [2026]" reads a Microsoft support document.

"You can continue to scan documents in the app until March 9, 2026. After that, you will not be able to create new scans, but you will still be able to access your previous scans if the app remains installed on your device."

This is not the first time we've had to cover Microsoft Lens being removed from a store. Somewhat ironically, Microsoft retired the Windows version of Office Lens in 2021 before dropping support for the app on iOS or Android.

Microsoft recommends OneDrive as an official alternative. While OneDrive is capable of scanning documents and whiteboards, it cannot store files locally on your phone.

Interestingly, the Microsoft 365 Copilot app is not listed as an alternative despite the app supporting document scanning.

To scan files in the OneDrive app, you just need to select the + button in the lower right-hand corner of the app. To do the same thing in Microsoft 365 Copilot, you need to navigate to the Create tab and select "Scan."

We've known about the demise of Microsoft Lens for a while, so people have had time to prepare for the retirement. Microsoft announced its plans for Microsoft Lens back in August.

Since the olden days of Windows Phone and Office Lens, plenty of document scanners have entered Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store. For example, "Scanner App: Genius Scan" for iOS has 1.3 million ratings and currently sits at 4.9 stars. The same app is also available on Android.

How do you scan documents? Let us know in the comments!

• Link to Windows added new ways to connect your Android phone and PC.
• Link to Windows now supports locking a PC remotely.
• The app has also gained a "Recent Activity" section.
• You can now send files from your PC to your phone.

Controlling your Windows 11 PC with your Android phone just got a bit easier. A recent update to the Link to Windows app introduces the option to lock your PC remotely. It also brings an improved interface.

The update first appeared for users back in July, but at the time it was not available to everyone. It appears to have rolled out to more people. Windows Latest spotted the added functionality in Link to Windows after installing the update that shipped on December 8, 2025.

The "Lock PC" button in Link to Windows allows you to remotely lock your computer. There is not, however, an option to unlock your PC through Link to Windows.

It's a useful addition since it provides another way to lock your PC if you forgot to secure it before getting up in a public place. Windows 11 also has a built-in dynamic lock feature that I'd recommend to people who often step back from their PC when other people are around.

The new Lock PC feature and the improved interface started appearing with version 1.25071.165. The update that shipped on December 8 brings the app to version 1.25102.140.0.

The update revamps the app and adds a Recent Activity section that shows your most recent file transfers and shared photos. Copied text also appears there.

That screen also hosts the feature that lets you share files from your phone to your PC. Previously, file sharing only worked from a PC to a phone. Now it works in either direction.

Phone Link / Link to Windows is one of Microsoft's best new features of the last decade, though it remains more powerful when connected to an Android device.

Link to Windows is available on iOS as well, but deeper integration between your smartphone and PC requires an Android device. There are also some features that are exclusive to select devices.

For example, if you have a supported Samsung laptop, you can automatically connect your phone's cellular connection to your PC through the Windows 11 flyout menu.

The Google Play listing for Link to Windows lacks a change log for its most recent update. There's a chance that some of these features shipped before December 8, but the additions are still worth highlighting.

What do you think? Should Microsoft prioritize unlock next, or is lock enough? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Do you connect your smartphone to your PC? If so, which apps or features do you use? Let us know in the comments below.

Millions of people have an Android or iPadOS tablet in their arsenal for entertainment, gaming, and creativity, but most people still opt for machines powered by Windows or macOS when it comes to getting work done.

That doesn't mean companies aren't trying to close the gaps between form factors and operating systems to create the ultimate all-in-one device that can do everything. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus (Gen 1) falls into this category, being a premium Android tablet that's bundled with a kickstand and keyboard accessories to transform it into a pseudo-laptop.

Plenty of others have attempted to replace their Windows laptop with tablets like this, and I decided I wanted to take a crack at it — especially now that Lenovo is using the "Yoga" branding most commonly associated with its personal computers. I wasn't surprised by what I found, though, and that's great hardware being held back by software that simply isn't suited for this (yet).

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Lenovo. Lenovo had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Beautiful hardware that's priced just right

The Yoga Tab Plus is a premium 12.7-inch Android tablet that competes with the likes of the iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S. Lenovo's offering isn't as refined or feature-packed, but it does undercut Apple and Samsung in price.

Lenovo did a great job with this hardware. The Yoga Tab Plus looks and feels great with its aluminum-and-glass build, and it's smartly designed with its six-speaker system, side-mounted power button with a built-in fingerprint sensor, and cleverly positioned magnets for the various accessories that come in the box.

Yes, Lenovo does include all the accessories you need in the box, too, including the Lenovo Tab Pen Pro, a magnetic kickstand attachment, a full-sized keyboard, and a 45W USB Type-C charger. All those extras will cost you a pretty penny elsewhere, so I love that it's all in the box here. They're good accessories, too.

The Tab Pen Pro active stylus is a nice shape and size, feels well-built, magnetically attaches to the top of the Yoga Tab Plus, wirelessly charges, and performs well. My only criticism is that it has a small touch-sensitive area for shortcuts and actions instead of physical buttons, which can be finicky and inconsistent.

Then there's the kickstand and keyboard. Instead of a bulky, awkward all-in-one case, Lenovo brilliantly splits the two. I especially love the design of the kickstand, which is slim and seamlessly connects to the back of the Yoga Tab Plus via magnets. It also means I can have the kickstand for watching movies or playing games without the keyboard being in the way.

I actually do like the keyboard, too. The layout makes sense, the key action is comfortable and responsive, and the touchpad feels good. I wish there were backlighting, but Lenovo did well with these accessories.

Of course, we can't forget about the core tablet. The 12.7-inch display may not be OLED or MiniLED, but it's still a genuinely fantastic, sharp, smooth, bright, and vibrant IPS LCD panel that's perfect for work and play. It pairs well with the surprisingly full and loud six-speaker system, too.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 may not be Qualcomm's cutting-edge mobile chipset anymore, but the Yoga Tab Plus still boasts excellent overall performance with its 16GB of memory. It's fast and responsive, even with multiple apps and browser tabs open at once. I also had no issues with its wireless connectivity, thanks to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

That doesn't mean I have no complaints. You can't expand the 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage because there's no microSD card slot, and you'll also want to avoid accidental splashes thanks to the lack of dust and water ingress protection.

The singular USB Type-C port does support DisplayPort-out and Power Delivery, but its meager 5GBps transfer speed limits your docking potential. Finally, the 10,200mAh battery only provides average endurance compared to the absolute best tablets, especially if you make use of that bright display or loud speakers.

The issue is Android, but we already knew that

The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus launched with Android 14 and a promise of three major OS updates and four years of security updates, and it's now on Android 16. That's a problem in itself — this tablet simply isn't being supported nearly as long as it should be (and it's regularly behind on security updates, too). Lenovo's promises for its "first AI tablet" also haven't panned out, despite multiple updates.

I'll give credit where credit is due in that Lenovo didn't slap stock Android onto the Yoga Tab Plus and call it a day. The company did make some subtle but important changes and additions to make this tablet work better as a computer replacement, with its own take on a desktop mode, a variety of keyboard shortcuts that work exactly as you'd expect, and various multitasking and interface improvements.

I was pleasantly caught off guard by the thought that clearly went into how to make Android work better with a mouse and keyboard, and I was successfully able to wrangle the Yoga Tab Plus to replace my laptop, at least temporarily. The red herring for this tablet, though, is unsurprisingly Android.

This isn't new information — Android is designed for phones first, tablets second, tablets-turned-laptops a very distant third. Whatever optimizations Lenovo makes, whatever desktop mode you turn on, Android is still optimized for touch and stylus input, lots of Android apps still don't have tablet or desktop modes, and many interactions are more awkward, slower, or simply take more steps to complete than on Windows.

Google apparently has big plans for how to change the status quo of Android on tablets, but even Lenovo doesn't seem to be super confident that the future of "Android PCs" will pose a real threat to your traditional laptop.

Yoga Tab Plus review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want an Android tablet that can sometimes be your laptop.
• You want a premium device with all the accessories in the box.
• You need a great display paired with great speakers.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You're mostly looking for a laptop that can also be a tablet.
• You rely on software that doesn't work as well on Android.

If you are looking for a pure tablet that can be your laptop when you need it, Apple is still way ahead with the iPad Pro. If you're looking for a 2-in-1 laptop that can be your tablet when you need it, Microsoft is still way ahead with Surface Pro. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus (Gen 1) feels awkwardly caught in the middle, but I don't think that's entirely Lenovo's fault.

Honestly, this hardware is excellent for the price (when you include the well-designed accessories), and Android is a polished, intuitive operating system overall. I need a laptop more often than I need a tablet, though, and there's no reason for me to consider this over what I already have.

Still, I'm glad this exists, and I'm glad I gave it a chance to win me over. I hope Lenovo continues evolving this hardware, and I hope Google continues to optimize Android for this form factor. If you're interested, the Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus (Gen 1) is available for $739.99 at BestBuy.com (and at Lenovo.com). Be sure to watch out for the sales I've seen for it!

Microsoft is currently testing a fully featured store section inside the Xbox app for Android. It includes game purchases, DLC, and the ability to build your wishlist.

The update is still in testing, but is expected to be released on iOS and Android. Users on Android can access it now through the Xbox beta app, and users on iOS cannot access the update yet.

The new store tab provides users with searchable listings for games, DLC, and bundles, just like the store on your Xbox console. You can also filter by options such as Xbox Play Anywhere. Additionally, wishlisting support is being added and will sync across devices, whether you wishlist within the app, on the web, or on your Xbox console.

Prior to this, users lacked a full storefront, and the search bar tried to pull in games, people, and more at the same time. It made looking for actual content feel messy on mobile. The Xbox app has always been useful for queuing downloads to your console, but it never offered a real storefront of its own.

If you wanted to buy something, the app often pushed you to a web page instead. There was also no wishlist system on mobile, meaning you could only wishlist games on console or on the web.

A step in the right direction

With this update, the Xbox app is now much more feature-complete and mirrors what you can find on the web and console. Letting users browse titles, purchase add-ons, and manage a synced wishlist without leaving the app.

Microsoft is just testing the new features for now, and there is no confirmed timeline or official statement on when they will appear for everyone. Currently, it’s only available on the beta branch of the Xbox app on Android, but this move does align with the company’s long-term goal of building out a broader Xbox mobile store, something it was not able to launch last year. This update moves the app closer to that direction.

However, users should not expect mobile games that install directly through the Xbox app. This update focuses purely on console and PC content rather than standalone mobile titles.

Perhaps just as important, the Xbox app now feels much better and noticeably faster, and might actually be good now? If you have access to the update, let us know what you think and whether it feels like a real improvement or more of the same. In our testing, it does seem far smoother than before.

PC gaming giant Valve appears to be expanding its gaming software portfolio, currently building an Android compatibility layer called Lepton (via Gaming on Linux). Proof of its official name is slim, but an official Steam store page reveals its froggy logo, and SteamDB hints at its potential origins as a fork of Waydroid.

Waydroid already offers to run an Android system inside Linux, not too dissimilar to how WSL runs Linux in Windows. The creators of our beloved Steam Deck undoubtedly learned a lot from their efforts with SteamOS and Proton, a sort of in-between code translator that allows Windows PC games to run on Linux, so this is at least on-brand.

That, and we already knew that its upcoming Steam Frame VR headset will use a Snapdragon processor built by Qualcomm, so this isn't totally unexpected. Lepton will presumably allow users to run Android apps in virtual reality when the previously codenamed 'Deckard' headset launches, but it isn't too far-fetched to imagine a future where Android games are running on something like the upcoming Steam Machine desktop PC.

Besides, references to 'androidarm64' were added to Valve's Steamworks SDK a few weeks ago (via Gaming on Linux), alongside not-so-subtle hints from Brad Lynch on X that Walkabout Minigolf would be the first Android game appearing on the Steam Frame in VR. 'linuxarm64' is in there, too, related to the ARM64 Snapdragon SoC used in Valve's headset. Neat, but what about the gamers who aren't interested in virtual reality?

So far, there's barely anything more than vaporware to suggest that more AAA-like Android games might make their way to desktop PCs or SteamOS handhelds. At the very least, the foundations of Waydroid allow for this sort of thing to happen in a standard OS environment, but the demand also needs to be there.

Could you name a blockbuster Android game off the top of your head? I couldn't — and that's probably a significant factor in whether Valve would spend its resources making it happen.

This might be just a VR thing for now, especially since touchscreen games would presumably translate far better to that virtual environment than they ever would with traditional controllers. On the other hand, plenty of mobile games have added support for traditional controllers and clip-on joypads. Valve already made staggering progress in making Windows games run well (and sometimes even better) on Linux, so who knows?

Hot off the press, the original Red Dead Redemption is getting a remastered rerelease on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and mobile devices. Yes, that's right, you'll get to play the award-winning John Marshton tale from the comfort of your bus ride to work!

In a newswire post on Rockstar's website, the developer announced the release was created in collaboration with Double Eleven and Cast Iron Games. For current generation consoles, you can expect some new bells and whistles:

• Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5
  • 60 frames per second
  • HDR support
  • Enhanced image quality
  • Up to 4K resolution
• Switch 2
  • DLSS
  • HDR
  • Mouse controls
  • 60 frames per second at a high resolution (not listed)

Directly from Rockstar's release:

On December 2, the epic Western adventures Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare will be available for the latest mobile devices and on current generation consoles — with free upgrades, the ability to carry over game progress, and a number of enhancements.

Step into the events immediately following the blockbuster Red Dead Redemption 2, in the critically acclaimed tale of John Marston's journey to bury his blood-stained past. In its zombie-horror companion Undead Nightmare, fight to find a cure for the zombie plague that has overrun the frontier. All these new versions feature the complete single-player experiences of both games, and also include bonus content from the Game of the Year Edition.

Even better, current owners of the game on PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One backwards compatibility version will get the upgrade for free. That's right, Rockstar is releasing this update for no extra charge on top of the game you already own — something we don't usually see from the developer, so kudos to them.

Mobile and subscription ports

What makes this news even more impressive is the addition of mobile ports. I remember playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and thinking to myself, "This has to be the limit, right?" Never in my dreams did I imagine I'd be playing something as complex as Red Dead Redemption.

I know, I know, we've been getting some fascinating mobile ports like Assassin's Creed Mirage, but come on, Red Dead Redemption on phones before GTA VI? Nobody saw that one coming.

If you're a Netflix subscriber, you also have access to their mobile store. Your subscription will grant access to the mobile version of Red Dead Redemption at no extra charge. So, if you're like me and wary that your 3-year-old device can't run it, there's no strings attached.

Gamers who are subscribed to GTA+ will also have access to the game once it launches. As will PlayStation 5 players who have PlayStation Plus. Why does every subscription end with a plus these days?

Where's the Red Dead Redemption 2 60 frames per second update?

Something I find extraordinary is the lack of any updates for Red Dead Redemption 2. Since it originally launched on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, I've been eagerly waiting since 2020 for Rockstar to do anything with it. Like, do something already.

The fact that you can still only play the game at 30 frames per second on current-generation consoles is staggeringly confusing to me. It seems like an easy slam dunk for Rockstar, especially with the long delay into November of 2026 for Grand Theft Auto VI. Why not capitalize now with a decent update for one of your other most highly rated titles of all time?

I can't be the only one begging for it.

Are you excited to take another run at Red Dead Redemption on whatever device you have? Are you just as disappointed as I am in the lack of a Red Dead Redemption 2 update? Let us know below in the comment section or somewhere on one of our many social media pages. I can't be the only one, right?

FAQ

Lenovo has published an online Q&A that details what Google's upcoming Android PC platform will be good at, while also highlighting potential issues and concerns that customers might want to be wary of as they choose their next computer.

According to Lenovo, Android PCs will be excellent for lightweight and everyday computing tasks such as browsing the web, editing documents, joining meetings, watching media, and even some light photo and video editing.

"The intuitive interface and wide range of apps ensure that users can perform these tasks efficiently" says Lenovo. It also says that Android for PC will be a great choice for low-end or older hardware: "Android OS is designed to be lightweight, which means it can run smoothly on older or less powerful hardware. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want to repurpose older PCs or laptops."

Unfortunately for Google, that's where the good news ends. The rest of the article is about why people might want to avoid Android PCs in favor of a Windows 11 one. Android PCs will have "limited desktop features, app compatibility issues, gaming performance limitations, hardware compatibility concerns, and a learning curve for new users" compared to existing PCs.

Lenovo says that Android PCs will be able to install apps from the Google Play Store, which means the platform won't have many desktop-class apps to use. Most Android apps are mobile apps, and so the Android PC platform will be stuck with using these less-capable alternatives. "Not all apps are optimized for PC use, which can lead to compatibility issues or subpar performance."

When it comes to using Android PCs, Lenovo says there will be a learning curve. "For users accustomed to traditional desktop operating systems, there may be a learning curve ... it lacks some features found in traditional desktop operating systems, such as advanced file management and multitasking capabilities."

Lenovo also highlights gaming as a potential area of concern. While Android PCs will be able to play Android games, it's "not designed for high-performance gaming and may not meet the needs of dedicated gamers." That means it likely won't run PC games available on Windows or Linux.

Based on all of this information, it sounds like Google's upcoming Android PC platform is perfectly suited to tackle the low-end PC space. On older hardware, or new hardware with low-powered chips, Android PC will run better and be more energy efficient compared to Windows 11, which is bloated by comparison.

However, that lightweight Android experience comes at the cost of true PC capabilities, according to Lenovo. If you want a computer that can run traditional desktop apps and games, you might want to avoid Android PCs and stick with Windows or even Linux distributions.

With that said, it's still not great for Microsoft that Windows 11 is so bloated that it struggles to perform well on low-end hardware. Android PCs will be great for a lot of people, and so Microsoft should still be feeling the heat from Google. Qualcomm recently said on record that Android PCs will be incredible.

Afterall, Android PCs will only get better and more capable from here. Google hasn't said when the first Android PCs will be available, but rumors suggest the first devices will begin shipping sometime next year.

FAQ

I have good news for Android users who love generating AI images; OpenAI's Sora tool is now available to download for free from the Google Play Store. It's available for users from the US, Canada, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The announcement from the Sora X account was accompanied by a Sora-generated video of an alien speaking with a newscaster, stating that the Sora app is now available on Android.

Sora has had its fair share of controversy since it originally launched in 2024, but it was the September 2025 update that brought the AI tool into the spotlight for many people.

OpenAI introduced the world to Sora 2 on September 30, and with it came a new Sora social app, similar to TikTok, for sharing created content. Unfortunately, the Sora app was only available on iOS until today.

Considering Android makes up roughly 70% of the world's phone market, that's a lot of users who didn't get the full experience through the app. Some might refer to Sora's creations as "AI slop," but one look at Sora 2's images proves that the slop part is quickly disappearing.

Sora 2 can create unbelievably accurate videos, and it can carry out detailed prompts and instructions. The OpenAI team, at launch, likened Sora 2 to the "GPT 3.5 moment for videos," hearkening back to ChatGPT's monumental March 2022 update.

The Sora app is designed around social elements, creating an algorithmic bubble of AI-generated content that you can endlessly scroll to your heart's desire. It allows for clips up to 10 seconds long, but there's no option to upload your own videos or photos; it's all AI.

Should you want yourself or your friends to be featured in your AI videos, Sora is happy to oblige. What were once called "deepfakes" are now called "cameos" in the Sora world. You just have to confirm your identity in the app and choose whether or not your likeness can be used by your friends.

Access to Sora 2 via the web or the Sora app was, until recently, available only with an invite. That changed a few days ago, when ChatGPT opened the gates to users in the US, Canada, South Korea, and Japan. Users from the listed countries will have limited-time access, but it's a great way to jump in and see for yourself what Sora 2 can do.

What makes OpenAI's Sora image generator so controversial?

OpenAI launched Sora at the beginning of 2024, which CEO Sam Altman explained during an interview with Bill Gates was one of the top requests from ChatGPT's user base.

Sora's capabilities, despite not being nearly as good as Sora 2, were enough to send shockwaves through the creative industry. Although OpenAI was quiet about sharing the content it used to train Sora, reports began emerging about the use of game content, including that from Minecraft, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and more.

It was also revealed this week that Japanese IP holders represented by the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) have demanded that OpenAI stop using their content to train its AI.

Members include the legendary Studio Ghibli — the animation studio that created Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle — as well as video game publishers Bandai Namco and Square Enix.

I suspect that the legal battles between content creators and AI firms using that content to train their models are only beginning, especially as image generators like Sora continue to improve in quality.

It's already fairly easy to create a short AI clip that is indistinguishable from actual human-created content, and it's not hard to imagine those abilities growing into full-length features that anyone can tap.

Elsewhere in the AI world, Microsoft just launched its first custom AI image creator on Bing. MAI-Image-1 is what it's called, and it's available through the Bing Image Creator and Copilot Audio Expressions.

MAI-Image-1 isn't yet available in the EU, but it is expected to launch there soon.

FAQ

You can use many Android smartphones as a webcam on Windows 11 (or Windows 10) simply by connecting them to your PC with a standard USB cable and making a small change in the phone's settings. By default, the "stock" version of Android chooses "charging this device via USB" and tops up your battery, but changing it to "webcam" can offer a significant improvement over the standard webcams built into many laptops.

I do it all the time with my Google Pixel, especially when I'm traveling. I can detach the same USB-C cable that was included with the phone from its AC adapter and hook it up to most laptops, and it'll often provide a much better image. On the other hand, some manufacturers, such as Samsung and Motorola, disable the "Use USB for Webcam" feature on their Android devices, which can make the process a little longer.

Nevertheless, I can place my smartphone almost wherever I need it (to the limit of the cable's length, at least), which usually delivers a little more of a flattering picture than a tilted-up laptop screen. I've used this method extensively with a Google Pixel 7 Pro, and Phone Link works wirelessly for other manufacturers, so let me show you exactly how it works.

How to use a Google Pixel as a webcam

It isn't a complex process, but it isn't the standard mode for your Google Pixel phone whenever it's connected to a Windows PC, either. Here's how it works.

1. Connect your Pixel to your Windows 11 PC with a compatible USB cable
2. Navigate to your Notifications panel, usually by scrolling down from the top-center part of your phone's display
3. Tap the USB notification, which usually displays a "Charging this device via USB" message
4. Within USB preferences, change the "Use USB for" setting to Webcam

• Optional: At this point, you can check in Device Manager whether Windows 11 has correctly identified your Google Pixel smartphone as a webcam, and verify that "Android Webcam" appears under the Cameras subsection. Press your Start menu and type "Device Manager" to find this.

5. Open the Camera app in Windows 11, and select Android Webcam by clicking the Change camera button in the top-right area of the app (an icon of arrows rotating around a circle)

Using other Android smartphones as a webcam

Some smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung and Motorola, disable the "Use USB for Webcam" feature on their Android devices, which can make the process a little longer, but it still works with Phone Link, a native Windows app.

1. Set up your Android smartphone with the Mobile devices section of the Settings app on Windows 11 by following our guide
2. Ensure "Allow this PC to access your mobile devices" is set to On
3. Click Manage devices and set "Use as a connected camera" to On for your intended Android phone
4. Open the Camera app in Windows 11 to check that it's working, and select Android Webcam by clicking the Change camera button in the top-right area of the app (an icon of arrows rotating around a circle)

5. Check your phone to control which camera (front or rear-facing) is used by Windows 11

Don't use a laptop webcam, use your phone!

It's a simple switch, but one that makes a huge difference to webcam quality in video calls if you're primarily using a laptop. Some PCs will have better cameras than others, but plenty of us often have incredible lenses attached to the smartphones in our pockets, and that's regularly where they'll stay. Comparing the webcam of this ASUS Zenbook (left image) to my Google Pixel 7 Pro (right image) shows how significant it can be.

If you haven’t noticed, our 2025-era Android phones are extremely powerful compared to full desktop PCs from 24 years ago. That means, in theory, you should be able to run something that at least looks like Windows XP without a hitch.

Now, a developer has done just that and released it free to the world, and it’s ridiculously good.

Following a major update a few days ago, Reddit user /u/gjovanovski (Gorjan Jovanovski) shared the Windows Android launcher APK (along with a Virus Total Check), letting anyone download and sideload the launcher to their Android phone.

By default, the launcher replicated the Windows XP desktop, complete with a functioning Start menu and even dialog screens for Settings and a working version of Internet Explorer. But the launcher can do much more than that, including looking like Windows 95, 98, ME, and 200, each with its own “welcome screen, music, startup/shutdown sounds, and start menu banner.”

But why stop there?

Jovanovski has also coded in other features, like:

• Working home screen, with desktop icons that can be renamed and changed (included are a bunch of icons from the era)
• Working Start Menu as an app launcher
• Gestures (swipe down, up, and right for notifications, Start menu/search, and favorite app, respectively)
• Included wallpapers from the era, 3D pipes screen saver, and customization options
• Calendar & Weather Integration
• Windows Update (just checks my server for a new APK version and lets you download it)

As if that wasn’t enough, the developer even coded “retro apps, all coded from scratch to be as close as possible to the original but work on modern phones,” including:

• Internet Explorer 6 - works as a browser (hold the homepage button to set the current page as the homepage)
• Winamp - plays local files
• Notepad - for storing notes, but included tabs as well
• Phone Dialer - working phone with basic features and speed dial
• Registry Editor - to check locally stored settings, modify, export/sync to your Google Drive to later restore easily
• 2 games: Minesweeper & Solitaire

Perhaps the biggest surprise in running this launcher was just how complete it all feels. There are just tons of little moments that delight.

How well does it run?

I’ve been using the Windows Android Launcher for the last few hours on my recently reviewed Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and I was even surprised by how well it handles that form factor, with really no issues jumping between folded and unfolded. Obviously, being unfolded, I get a “fuller” desktop experience, so in some ways this is even more ideal than your standard non-folding Android phone.

Obviously, you need to sideload the free 72MB launcher, which is a security risk for some, and you may need to disable some firewalls on your phone to do that (like Auto-blocker on Samsung). You also need to give it some permissions manually, e.g., location for weather, etc., to get the full experience, so this isn’t quite as polished as a Google Play Store app (due to copyright issues, such a launcher can’t go into the Play store, hence the forum release).

But here’s the bottom line: Overall, I’m blown away by how many little things are coded into this launcher to recreate the Windows XP experience. Whether it’s changing the wallpaper, enabling the 3D Pipes screensaver (which actually works), bringing up the retro phone dialer (which works), and the way the dev has made it all functional on our modern phones is extremely impressive.

User beware: Is it worth the risk?

One concern is that this project is not on GitHub (so, we can’t view the code), and with updates from the author’s server, even if the app is safe today, a future update could change all of that, putting your phone at risk.

As noted in comments, the developer, Gorjan Jovanovski, has his own Wikipedia page and is a “Macedonian eco-activist, entrepreneur and software engineer, working on raising awareness about air pollution through technology.”

That means he’s not some anon, and this is very likely just a passion project, but if you are concerned about privacy and security, your best bet is probably to not install this or wait to see if it goes open-source/GitHub so more scrutiny can be offered to the code.

Will I stick with it once the novelty wears off? Maybe. I’m a pretty big fan of Samsung’s OneUI (especially paired with GoodLock), but I may keep fiddling with this Windows XP style for a while.

Either way, if you love Windows XP and are looking for some fun on your Android phone, you should definitely install this launcher over lunch today and relish how good it is.

Grab the APK and read more about the app on Reddit, and let me know in the comments what you think of it once you try it!

Google is coming for Microsoft’s lunch, and Qualcomm might just help them along the way. At this years Qualcomm Summit, Google’s Rick Osterloh confirmed that the company is building a unified Android platform that will run on not only smartphones, but PC form factors too: “We are building together a common technical foundation for our products on PCs and desktop computing systems,” Osterloh said.

This isn’t the first time Google has teased that such a project is in the works. In fact, it has mentioned several times now that it has plans to bring Android to PCs in an attempt to seriously compete against Windows and macOS with a real desktop-class operating system. Google is planning to bring the full Android AI stack, along with Android apps and developer community to these new Android PCs.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon says the project “delivers on the vision of convergence of mobile and PC,” which is something Microsoft attempted to do with Windows a decade ago with Windows 10, Continuum, and eventually Windows Core OS. Unfortunately, Microsoft pulled the plug on its converged operating system before it had the chance to take off. Now, it looks like Google wants to bring to life what Microsoft failed to.

Both Apple and Google have slowly been converging their mobile platforms with the PC form factor. iPadOS is Apple’s attempt at scaling up iOS to become more desktop-like, and now Google is doing the same with Android. With the foundations it has already laid with Chrome OS, the relationships it has built with PC makers, and the thousands of Android apps that are already available, Google is in a pretty good spot to make a good go at this.

Of course, Chrome OS never really took off in the way Google was hoping it would, and so there’s no guarantee Android-powered PCs will be any different. With that said, this news should still be ringing all kinds of alarm bells for Microsoft. Both Google and Apple are coming for the PC market with more lean and modern operating systems, something Microsoft doesn’t currently have.

Windows 11 is not a modern platform by any stretch of the imagination. It’s built on decades of legacy code, and designed to maintain backwards compatibility with software from the 90s. This has its benefits, but it also comes with major drawbacks such as bloatedness, slower performance, less efficiency, and higher risk of potential security or stability issues. It also means Windows today can’t run on form factors outside of the PC space.

That has severely limited Windows’ growth potential over the last handful of years, to the point where Windows as a whole has slowly been losing market share for years. Where Google and Apple are thriving in bringing their operating systems to new and interesting form factors, Microsoft is stuck with PCs, because it has given up on trying to bring Windows to anything else.

Up until now, that’s been okay. Google and Apple haven’t really been interested in coming after the PC market, but the tide is changing, and these companies are now interested in taking a bigger bite out of Microsoft’s pie. Apple Silicon really turned the Mac platform around, and iPadOS is in a better place than ever to replace the laptop for most people. But it’s Google that Microsoft should be really worried about.

Unlike Apple, Google already works with PC makers like HP, Dell, and Lenovo, and likely has a good working relationship with them. If Google comes along and offers something better than Windows, with a large app catalog, leaner OS core and faster performance, why wouldn’t there be interest from OEM makers? For most people who just use Windows for Office, web browsing, Teams/Slack, and media consumption, an Android PC will fit the bill.

If Android PCs do take off, I think Microsoft is going to have a hard time fighting to keep its userbase. Through years of enshittification, Microsoft has lost any goodwill it had with its users on Windows, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a large chunk of the Windows userbase is already open to jumping ship should something better come along.

Ultimately, if Google really is bringing Android to PCs next year, Microsoft will need to take action. It’s going to need to start innovating in the OS space again, building good features that people want, and modernizing the platform so it can better compete head-to-head with these more modern rivals. But will Microsoft want to do that, or is it happy to conceded the market to Android?

That remains to be seen.

Arguably the most famous Android launcher just lost its founder and original developer. Kevin Barry, who has been the only person working on Nova Launcher for the past year, has announced that he has left Branch and is no longer involved with Nova Launcher.

Nova Launcher has been considered one of the best Android launchers for years. Its customization options and excellent performance made it stand out in the crowded launcher space. The app has stagnated lately, but it undoubtedly has earned a place in history. Many features you see on modern launchers were inspired by Nova Launcher.

Branch Metrics, a mobile analytics company, acquired Nova in 2022. At the time, former CEO Alex Austin said that Nova Launcher would be open-sourced if Barry left the company. With a new CEO in charge of Branch, it's unclear if that will still occur.

Barry has, however, been preparing Nova Launcher to be open-sourced. He shared the following in a farewell post:

"For the past several months I have been preparing the Open Source release of Nova Launcher. This work included cleaning up the codebase, reviewing licenses, removing or replacing proprietary code, and coordinating with legal to ensure a proper release. When Branch acquired Nova in 2022, Branch then-CEO and founder Alex Austin made several public commitments to the community about Nova's future."

Barry has since been asked to stop working on the launcher, including work to make the app open source.

A Change.org petition has been created to make Nova Launcher open source, though it only had 3,011 votes at the time of publication.

Is Microsoft Launcher abandonware?

With Nova Launcher losing its founder and final developer, many will be on the hunt for a new launcher. Microsoft Launcher used to earn rave reviews, but its developer has slowed down over the years.

Officially, Microsoft Launcher is fully supported. The app received a small update on July 22, but it has not received meaningful updates in a while.

Apart from some token integration with Copilot in 2024, which does not feel special considering even Notepad on Windows 11 integrates with the AI tool, Microsoft Launcher has felt abandoned for months, if not years.

Our Executive Editor Jez Corden and Senior Editor Zac Bowden discussed five good Microsoft products that have become stagnant earlier this year. One of those products, Microsoft Movies & TV, is now being shut down.

At the time, I joked that Jez flagged the existence of Movies & TV to Microsoft, which then led the tech giant to end support for the service. Maybe publishing an article about Microsoft Launcher isn't a good idea.

Looking for a launcher in 2025

Microsoft Launcher came out at a time when third-party launchers were more important for a smartphone experience. Arrow Launcher, which later became Microsoft Launcher, entered beta testing in 2015 and first shipped to the public in 2017. The smartphone ecosystem has changed a lot since then.

First-party launchers have improved greatly, including optimizations for specific form factors. In many cases, you'll get the best experience on a foldable by using the launcher that ships with the device.

While it's worth browsing through the best Android launchers, it's not vital in 2025.

I recently got a new phone, and for the first time in years I have not installed Microsoft Launcher. Instead, I've opted to use the default launcher for the device as I look into alternatives.

With Nova Launcher losing its last dev, I may not look in that direction either. But that will depend on whether the app is open-sourced and picked up by the community.

Do you use a third-party launcher on your Android device? Let us know in the comments below!

Microsoft Edge has an experimental feature that supports background video playback on Android. Anyone can try the feature, but you have to download Microsoft Edge Canary for Android and jump through a few hoops, including enabling a flag.

The answer to the most pressing question is yes, the feature does let you play YouTube videos in the background even if you do not have YouTube Premium. I tested it on several videos, including the Windows Central Podcast and various songs.

Video Background Play works when you navigate to other tabs, swap to another app, and even when you lock your phone.

Playing YouTube videos while your phone is locked is nothing new, but Google tends to plug holes and workarounds from time to time. Having the option in Edge is convenient, assuming it makes its way to general availability.

The new feature was spotted by Leo Varela, who shared a video on X (formerly Twitter).

The new feature is still in testing, so you may run into some bugs. In my brief time with it, video background playback has worked well. Music, podcasts, and other content continue to play even when I shut my phone or lock my device.

The media banner on my phone even brings in the correct artwork for whatever video is playing in the background.

How to enable video background playback on Microsoft Edge

1. Download Microsoft Edge Canary for Android.
2. Open Edge Canary.
3. Navigate to edge://flags in the navigation bar.
4. Search for "background."
5. Tap the box below "Video Background Play" and toggle the setting to "Enabled."
6. Follow the prompt to restart Microsoft Edge Canary.

If videos on Edge still stop playing when you navigate to a different tab or switch apps, make sure that Edge has background playback enabled. Note that this is a different setting to the flag you just enabled.

1. Open Microsoft Edge Canary.
2. Open Settings using the hamburger menu and tapping "Settings."
3. Scroll down and select "Site Settings."
4. Select "Background video playback."
5. Toggle the option on.

Hopefully, Microsoft streamlines this process into a single setting.

Microsoft vs. Google

In a vacuum, the new feature for Microsoft Edge is a useful addition to the browser. But it's difficult to view anything related to Microsoft and Google in a vacuum. The tech giants have a feud lasting well over a decade that's centered around YouTube.

Google famously refused to make Google Chrome or YouTube apps for Windows Phone. Third-party developers did their best to fill the gap with apps such as MetroTube and myTube! Even back then, third-party apps had features like offline playback and playing content in the background.

Microsoft even built its own YouTube app, but Google controversially revoked Microsoft's YouTube API keys.

It would be funny to watch Microsoft reignite the war over YouTube through this new Edge feature. I can't imagine Google is happy about such an easy method for background video playback being available.

The ability to play videos in the background is one of the benefits of YouTube Premium. That subscription also removes ads from the platform and lets you download content for offline use.

To be completely honest, YouTube Premium is an excellent value, as long as you take advantage of its features. Full access to YouTube Music and an ad-free YouTube experience are worth $13.99 in my opinion.

But if you just want to play content in the background, you don't need to subscribe to YouTube Premium. You just need to use Microsoft Edge.

Windows 11 users will soon have a seamless way to resume apps from their Android phone on their PC. Microsoft just released an Insider build of Windows 11 that includes support for Cross Device Resume.

If you're a Windows Insider in the Dev or Beta Channels, you may see the option to continue listening to a Spotify track on your computer. The feature is gradually rolling out, so you may not see it even if you're in the Dev or Beta Channels.

I've used Windows my entire life and since the death of Windows Phone, my smartphones have run Android. While both of those operating systems meet my needs, I am envious of the Apple ecosystem sometimes.

If you're fully invested in Apple software and hardware, it feels like your devices are an extension of a single platform. Microsoft has taken several steps over the years to replicate this, but there are some gaps.

Microsoft has quite a few ways to connect devices across platforms, including OneDrive, Microsoft Edge, and Link to Windows. If you have a Samsung phone and laptop, you'll enjoy even more connections. The new Cross Device Resume feature builds on that idea.

In addition to Cross Device Resume, Windows 11 Build 26200.5761 improves the battery icon on the lock screen and includes the following changes, as outlined by Microsoft.

Windows 11 Build 26200.5761: Changes and Improvements

Click to Do (Preview)

The following changes and improvements are rolling out for Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs:

• By pressing and holding two fingers anywhere on your screen (on your Copilot+ PC with a touch screen), you can simultaneously launch Click to Do, select the entity under your finger and see relevant actions. This new invocation method provides the ability to use touch with an accelerated entry point into Click to Do, like Win + Click when using a mouse or touchpad today.

Agent in Settings

The following changes and improvements are rolling out for agent in Settings on Copilot+ PCs:

• We now provide a direct navigation link to the corresponding settings page from the agent search results.

Automatic Super Resolution

The following changes and improvements are rolling out for Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs:

• We have simplified the settings controls and added streamlined ways to configure Auto SR directly from toast notifications.

Input

• We’re adding a new keyboard shortcut to make it easier for you to insert an En dash (–) or Em dash (—) while typing anywhere in Windows. Going forward, pressing WIN + Minus (-) will insert En dash, and WIN + Shift + Minus (-) will insert Em dash. Note – if you have Magnifier running, WIN + Minus (-) will still zoom out Magnifier, rather than inserting an En dash.

Windows Share

• In the last few Dev and Beta flights, we have begun trying out the ability to pin your favorite apps in the Windows share window.

Windows 11’s Handoff clone

Microsoft has been testing this functionality for a while, though the feature was not always documented publicly. Back in February, Microsoft started testing the ability to resume OneDrive files on your PC. That functionality shipped to Windows 11 recently.

The tech giant then held a session during Build 2025 titled "Create Seamless Cross-Device Experiences with Windows for your app." That session was later deleted, but X user @phantomofearth managed to grab a screenshot before the removal.

Coss Device Resume bridges the gap between your phone and your PC by allowing you to pick up where you left off. The feature was originally limited to OneDrive files but will soon support other apps.

I confess I’m confused about why Microsoft chose Spotify to demonstrate this feature. Spotify already has built-in features that allow you to seamlessly continue to listen to content across devices.

I understand Cross Device Resume is an OS feature that developers can implement in apps lacking similar functionality. But demonstrating it with one of those apps would have had more impact.

Since the feature is new, we will likely see more developers adopt it over time. Microsoft invites developers to integrate Cross Device Resume into apps in its Windows Insider blog post. A document from the company outlines how to do so and provides resources for developers.

From events hosted by individual companies like HP Amplify 2025 to major conferences with thousands of attendees like the Consumer Electronics Show 2025, I periodically leave my office to travel to faraway cities.

Each time I do, I notice multiple people in the industry carrying E-Ink tablets, relying on them for taking notes and keeping track of their schedules instead of their smartphones or Windows laptops. Curious, I asked some colleagues about them and received strong recommendations in return.

That was enough to decide I wanted to jump into this unique category of tech myself, and a company called BOOX happened to reach out to me. Fast forward a bit, and I've been using the BOOX Note Air4 C for a few weeks now to see if there's a place for an E-Ink tablet in my life.

Immediately, I found myself opening my laptop less to keep track of the little things... Which often led to me scrolling social media or checking my email. I understand now — this is a companion to keep the distractions at bay.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by ONYX. ONYX and BOOX had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

The ideas behind E-Ink tablets

When BOOX put itself on my radar by announcing this seriously weird E-Ink monitor, I broke down the strengths and weaknesses of this unique display technology. If you've ever used an Amazon Kindle or other e-reader, you already have a rough idea — E-Ink only consumes power when the content on the screen changes, it resembles paper much more than other display types, and it's perfectly legible in even the harshest sunlight.

That makes E-Ink absolutely perfect for e-readers, but the display tech has been used in many other ways, too. In recent years, that has also included tablets designed with notetaking and productivity in mind (on top of reading).

Weeks-long battery life takes away battery anxieties, it looks and feels like you're writing on paper, and the weaknesses of E-Ink with color and responsiveness make it less likely you'll be distracted by the million other things our personal devices can do for us. You can focus on your notes, your reading, or whatever else you need to do.

An E-Ink tablet can be invaluable for the student or busy worker who needs to stay focused and needs something much more powerful and capable than a standard paper notebook. I'll be honest, though, even knowing all of this didn't quite help me understand, and that's where the BOOX Note Air4 C comes in.

The Note Air4 C shows how to do this right

The BOOX Note Air4 C isn't a massive departure from a lot of other E-Ink devices in that it's stunningly thin (less than 6mm thick, actually), with a "shelf" on the left side that makes it easy to hold the device in one hand while you write or turn pages with the other.

On the front, you'll find a 10.3-inch E-Ink touch display using BOOX's "Kaleido 3" tech, which is 2.4K in resolution with black & white content and 1.2K in resolution with color content. That display is covered in a uniquely textured glass screen and is supported by a frontlight that supports both warm and cold hues at different brightness levels (important for being able to use an E-Ink device in the dark).

On the right side, you'll find a magnet to dock and charge the included BOOX stylus, which boasts 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The magnets are on the weak side, but the optional magnetic cover comes with a clasp that's more secure. Up top, you'll find a combination power button/fingerprint sensor, which is nice to see.

Powering the BOOX Note Air4 C is an octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a custom interface layered on top of Android 13. BOOX designed its interface to be more intuitive on an E-Ink display, and it's certainly better than stock Android would've been.

That octa-core processor is usually responsive, too, but it definitely slows down at times — especially when you're trying to edit or move multiple files or navigate around large note projects.

The Note Air4 C's hardware is honestly great overall and easily feels deserving of the ~$500 price tag attached, especially since you're getting a high-quality color E-Ink display with better-than-average response times and refresh rates.

I don't love that the USB Type-C port for charging is on the left side, where it's covered by the magnetic cover (so you have to leave it open to charge), but weeks-long battery life makes that an occasional problem.

The Note Air4 C also lacks any IP rating for dust or water resistance, so you'll want to be wary about that. You can even see where the frontlight bleeds out of the edges of the screen.

While we're covering weaknesses, the stylus' tips are soft and wear relatively quickly when writing on the Note Air4 C. This problem is likely exacerbated by the textured glass, so it's worth investing in a set of extra stylus tips.

When it comes to actually writing, drawing, or annotating, though, the experience is excellent. This is by far the best-feeling device I've ever used with a stylus, with writing feeling completely natural.

The Note Air4 C's custom software is built around this stylus, making it easy to markup almost any document or book. You can even sync all your notes and other projects to various cloud services and other notetaking platforms, including Microsoft's OneDrive and OneNote.

So, how did I use the BOOX Note Air4 C? Mostly, I used it to take notes while playing Blue Prince, an absolutely brilliant puzzle game that basically requires keeping a journal handy.

I literally had dozens of pages of notes taken over dozens of hours of playtime, and the Note Air4 C made it easy to connect related pages, notes, and diagrams with easy-to-use links (which even updated automatically if new pages caused the linked note to move), and the notetaking software included a ton of tools and gestures that let me get creative.

It wasn't as powerful as apps like OneNote, but this is also an Android tablet. You can install any app you want from the Google Play Store, and while many won't play nice with the E-Ink display, they'll all work.

The Note Air4 C also supports a wide variety of ebook formats, so you can load up all the digital books you own and read them, annotate them, and everything else. BOOX didn't throw together this hardware and call it a day, this is a company actively investing in and thinking of how to improve E-Ink devices.

Of course, BOOX can't magically remove the compromises that come with E-Ink, so the Note Air4 C still isn't as great as a regular Android tablet. You won't want to watch videos or play games on this, even if you absolutely can.

My final thoughts on the BOOX Note Air4 C tablet

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want an e-reader that does much more than just read books.
• You take a lot of notes and want a capable dedicated device for it.
• You need a productivity companion that won't distract you.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You're looking for a tablet that you'll also use for notes and reading.
• You only need something for reading ebooks wherever you go.

BOOX actually makes a lot of E-Ink products, and some are bigger, faster, and far more expensive than the Note Air4 C. There are also more affordable options with fewer features or a less impressive display. This tablet, though, feels like the perfect companion for me and for a lot of students and workers, too.

The 10.3-inch display is large enough to comfortably write notes, but small enough that you can easily one-handed the Note Air4 C and slip it into any bag. Android gives you a ton of versatility if you need it, but the custom interface leans into the strengths of E-Ink, focusing on the stylus and notetaking experience.

More importantly, anyone who reads a lot, writes a lot, or simply lives a busy lifestyle that doesn't meld well with distraction-heavy smartphones and tablets or the inconvenience of plugging in every single day can find a ton of value in something like the Note Air4 C.

There are certainly other options out there, but this one is good enough that I'm not eager to set it aside for something else. If you're interested, you can get the BOOX Note Air4 C for $529.99 at Amazon, and you can pick up the magnetic cover for $50.99 at Amazon and a box of replacement stylus tips for $24.99 at Amazon.

In the rapidly expanding world of gaming handhelds, conversations are dominated by the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows PC gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally.

Whether it's a carefully curated experience with legendary exclusives, all the versatility and control of a gaming PC in your hands, or something in the middle, there's a gaming handheld for everyone these days.

Lately, though, the gaming handheld I've reached for more than my Nintendo Switch OLED or even my ASUS ROG Ally X doesn't fall into any of these categories, and instead belongs to an oft-forgotten and neglected group.

I've elevated the mobile gaming experience to all-new heights by combining the best Android-powered gaming tablet and the best mobile gaming controller to create something with a ridiculous amount of versatility, and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite ways to play.

A brief history of Android gaming handhelds

One of the first high-profile Android gaming handhelds was the Logitech G Cloud that I reviewed, and it's still a great device for cloud gaming if you can find it on sale.

Then I reviewed the Razer Edge Android handheld back in 2023, and a lot of it was discussing the viability of these mobile gaming devices and what problems needed to be addressed for a "Razer Edge 2" to truly succeed.

Fast forward to now, and... nothing of note has happened. Sure, our smartphones have gotten more powerful, mobile app stores like the Google Play Store have gotten bigger and more ambitious games, mobile controllers have dramatically improved, and cloud gaming has continued to get better with larger libraries and smoother performance.

No one is really taking a shot at combining all of these parts into one cohesive whole. It makes sense — most people have powerful phones in their pocket and can buy a mobile controller if they like, and hardcore gamers are more likely to buy a Switch or a more powerful PC handheld.

Does that mean there's no place for an Android-powered gaming handheld? I think there is, so I took matters into my own hands.

My ultimate pairing of tablet and controller

I went hands-on with the last-gen Razer Kishi Ultra mobile controller before my colleague reviewed it, and Razer used an iPad Mini to demo the peripheral. My first thought back then: "This is what the Razer Edge should be."

The ~8-inch display of the iPad Mini was the perfect size for mobile gaming, mirroring the best gaming handhelds but with far less bulk attached to it. Mobile controllers can also prioritize ergonomics without worrying about the internals or thermal management of your device, so this combination was immediately more comfortable than any dedicated handheld I've used.

Then I had an opportunity to test the Lenovo Legion Tab, an Android-powered iPad Mini competitor with an 8.8-inch display — but this tablet was designed from the ground up with gaming in mind.

In my Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 3) review, I praised the design and performance. It's a fantastic device, and I couldn't ask for anything better to make my handheld dream a reality.

I then reviewed the Razer Kishi V3 Pro and praised it just as heartily. Finally, I had the best gaming tablet and the best mobile controller in one place, and it proved to me that I was right all along — the potential was always there, but companies aren't taking the risk.

Why I actually love this gaming experience

Mobile gaming gets a lot of flak, and there are a lot of good reasons for it, but there are also a lot of good reasons why mobile gaming is so successful.

With Android, you get full access to the growing library of native games (which includes more "full" console and PC games every day), a thriving ecosystem of emulation apps and communities to play classic games, and cloud gaming platforms to play practically everything else.

With the Legion Tab gaming tablet, you get a spacious, vibrant, and smooth 165Hz display, top-notch performance, and far superior battery life to any PC handheld.

With the Razer Kishi V3 Pro mobile controller, you get the surprisingly great Razer Nexus app, high-quality haptic feedback (including Razer's audio-to-haptics), Razer PC Remote Play for streaming from your gaming PC (but matched to the resolution and refresh rate of your device), and the ability to map your physical controls to the touch controls of any game that doesn't natively support controller input.

I played a lot of Minecraft, tried Zenless Zone Zero for the first time (which just released on Xbox, by the way), kicked a lot of butt in Call of Duty: Mobile, and streamed a lot of games through Xbox Cloud Gaming.

I can revisit the legendary Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic games (one of many titles available natively on Android), emulate some classic Nintendo games from long-gone consoles, and even hook the Legion Tab to an external display, keyboard, and mouse and go full desktop mode (or stream mouse and keyboard games).

Xbox Cloud Gaming was especially handy to have around, as it seems the service's performance and stability have improved a lot lately. I had no issues playing every game I threw at it, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Of course, I could also download NVIDIA GeForce Now for even more games and better performance. Cloud gaming is good enough now that games often look and run better than they do natively on PC handhelds, and there's a healthy library of games to play when you don't have a good internet connection.

Only problem? This handheld isn't cheap

Honestly, I think this is my new favorite gaming handheld. I know that may be blasphemous to say, but when it comes to simply having fun playing the games I want, this has been the best solution lately.

If Google were to add native controller support to Android and Gboard, game publishers would bring more full games to the Google Play Store, and device manufacturers would take this category seriously; there could be a lot of reasons not to buy that new ASUS ROG Ally.

My setup can be considered the peak, though, so it's not cheap. The Lenovo Legion Tab (Gen 3) is $549.99 at Lenovo, which is a very fair price for such a capable tablet, while the Razer Kishi V3 Pro runs for $149.99 at Amazon, on the pricier side for a mobile controller.

This isn't the only way to make a gaming handheld of your own, though. Any smartphone or mini tablet would do, and there are plenty of great (and more affordable) mobile controllers.

Microsoft Edge for Android now has two of the most popular ad blockers. Both uBlock Origin and uBlock Origin Lite can be enabled within the mobile browser.

Until recently, enabling uBlock Origin required switching Edge to another language. That's no longer the case, as the extension has rolled out to the stable version of Edge that's generally available.

Leo Varela, who tracks the progress of several Microsoft apps, highlighted the addition on X.

uBlock Origin is a popular ad blocker, but it has run into limits lately. Google Chrome shifted to Manifest V3 recently, which resulted in uBlock Origin no longer working. The extension has stopped working on several other browsers as well.

Mozilla Firefox will continue to support the API required for uBlock Origin to run.

Microsoft's support document discussing Manifest V3 still lists "TBD" (to be determined) regarding the cutoff date for Manifest V2 extensions. If Microsoft continues to support those types of extensions, Edge would have another clear differentiator over Chrome.

uBlock Origin causing Edge to crash

After uBlock Origin rolled out to the stable version of Edge, I tested it on several websites. The extension works as you'd expect, blocking ads automatically and allowing fine-tuned controls for blocking certain types of content.

Unfortunately, uBlock Origin appears to have some issues on Edge for Android. When using uBlock Origin, Edge will periodically crash.

I've seen mixed reports about the behavior, so it appears to be a sporadic issue. Varela has not experienced any crashes, while others have seen constant issues.

Hopefully, the bugs are fixed soon. If not, Edge also supports AdGuard Adblocker.

How to use uBlock Origin on Microsoft Edge for Android

I believe uBlock Origin and uBlock Origin Lite appeared in Edge for Android without requiring an update, though it's a good idea to make sure Edge is up-to-date regardless.

To enable uBlock Origin or uBlock Origin Lite:

• Open Microsoft Edge for Android.
• Tap the menu button (three lines).
• Tap Extensions.
• Scroll down to uBlock Origin or uBlock Origin Lite and tap Get on the right-hand side of the extension name.

These same steps can be performed to get other extensions, such as Dark Reader, Keepa, and NordVPN.

Running a successful company like Microsoft for 50 years is no easy feat. As part of the challenges of operating a multi-trillion-dollar industry, several mistakes are made along the way.

For instance, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella admitted that pulling the plug on Windows Phone at the height of its glory was a strategic mistake. While in an interview, the executive indicated that there were other plausible alternatives that the company could've embraced rather than culling the mobile division:

"The decision I think a lot of people talk about — and one of the most difficult decisions I made when I became CEO — was our exit of what I'll call the mobile phone as defined then. In retrospect, I think there could have been ways we could have made it work by perhaps reinventing the category of computing between PCs, tablets, and phones."

As Microsoft's 50th anniversary edges closer, I'm looking back at Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates' greatest mistake. In 2019, while speaking at an event with venture capital firm Village Global, the executive admitted that his greatest mistake during his tenure as Microsoft CEO was losing the mobile space to Android.

In every sense, Microsoft is arguably the best software development company, which is evident across its earnings reports. Building on this premise, the philanthropic billionaire claims developing an operating system similar to Android would've been "a natural thing for Microsoft to win."

However, Bill Gates indicated that Microsoft missed its opportunity with Android partly due to his mismanagement, coupled with anti-trust issues that capped the company's progression.

This gave Google the upper hand and competitive advantage over Microsoft, allowing it to acquire Android in 2005 and launch its first device in 2008. As you may know, Android is the most popular overall operating system in the world, predominantly because of its versatility and wide array of customization options.

Was Microsoft's Android fumble Bill Gates' fault?

More recently, Bill Gates was placed under fire by Android co-founder Rich Miner for whining about Microsoft losing mobile to Android. Miner indicated that he helped develop Android to prevent Microsoft from "stifling innovation" by controlling the phone like they did with PC.

For context, Miner was among the development crew that helped Orange launch the first Windows Mobile phone in 2002. According to Miner:

"So, sorry, Bill, you're more responsible for losing the $400B than you realize."

Bill Gates admits that were it not for his mismanagement, Microsoft would've seized the opportunity with Android and become the company.

According to the Microsoft co-founder:

"You know, in the software world, in particular for platforms, these are winner-take-all markets. So, you know, the greatest mistake ever is the whatever mismanagement I engaged in that caused Microsoft not to be what Android is, [meaning] Android is the standard non-Apple phone form platform. It really is a winner-take-all. If you’re there with half as many apps or 90% as many apps, you’re on your way to complete doom. There’s room for exactly one non-Apple operating system, and what’s that worth? $400 billion that would be transferred from company G [Google] to company M [Microsoft]."

To that end, Android stacks miles ahead of Windows with 45.53% of the market share compared to the latter's mere 25.36% (via StatCounter). It'll be interesting to see if Microsoft is able to catch up with Android, especially as Windows 10's end-of-support edges closer and a wave of backlash against Windows 11 grows stronger.

While fans of Microsoft’s ill-fated Windows Phone won’t see a return of the OS, at least they can take solace in Microsoft Edge, finally getting the ability to have the web address/search bar at the bottom of the browser

We started noticing this feature last week on iOS and in what seemed to be A/B testing for Android. But yes, Microsoft is now letting you choose where to put the address bar, something that the Samsung Browser has offered for quite some time now.

The feature is off by default but is turned on easily enough. Simply navigate to the settings cog in Microsoft Edge and choose Appearance. Scroll to the bottom of that page; an area should be called “Address bar.” Clicking it takes you to another screen with a mockup of where the bar would live and lets you pick between the top or bottom.

As noted above, when our senior Windows reporter, Zac Bowden, mentioned this to me on our podcast, I did not see it in my settings for Microsoft Edge on my Android phone (although it was available for iOS). I assume this is due to some A/B testing of the feature or a slow rollout. Regardless, you can force the feature to appear through a simple browser “flag.” Here’s how:

• Type “edge://flags/” (without quotes) into the Microsoft Edge address bar
• Hit enter
• Search for “EdgeToEdgeBottomChin”
• Choose “Enabled”
• Search for “Enable bottom Omnibox”
• Choose “Enabled”
• Hit restart

(For some reason, in my testing, you must enable both flags above.)

Now, when you navigate to Settings > Appearance, you should see the new ability to switch the address bar to the bottom of the browser.

Why the bottom address bar is better for smartphones

I feel I shouldn’t have to explain this as it’s an obvious UI and UX situation for me, but having the address bar near the bottom makes it much easier to select it with your thumb when holding the device one-handed. If holding the phone with two hands, you don’t need to reach the top of the screen to select the address/search bar to enable the keyboard and then bring your hand back down.

Indeed, I don’t understand why any part of a phone’s UX has entry bars at the top of the display (like device/apps search), but for some reason (cough, Apple), it was decided to make mobile browsers look just like desktop browsers despite the completely different user modality and interactions.

Of course, if you find everything I wrote here to be complete nonsense and think web address bars belong at the top, you’re good to go and don’t have to follow this change.

Either way, Microsoft finally letting the web address bar live at the bottom of the browser is something I’ve wanted since Microsoft Edge came out, so I’m glad it’s finally here.

During an interview with Eventbrite CEO Julia Hartz, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates revealed his greatest mistake while running the software giant, indicating:

“The greatest mistake of all time is the mismanagement I engaged in that caused Microsoft not to be what Android is.”

As a result, Google ended up developing Android before Microsoft, arguably the most popular operating system, majorly due to its versatility and high level of customization. While the billionaire claims developing a similar operating system would be "a natural thing for Microsoft to win," he admits mismanagement on his part and an array of antitrust-related issues prevented the company from seizing the opportunity,

Following Microsoft's missed opportunity, Google moved to acquire Android in 2005, prompting the launch of its first device in September 2008. On the other hand, Apple had a significant lead over Google in the mobile landscape for over one year and had already launched its first iPhone in 2007.

Interestingly, Android co-founder Rich Miner shares a different account on Bill Gates and Microsoft's missed opportunity with Android. According to Miner:

"I literally helped create Android to prevent Microsoft from controlling the phone the way they did the PC - stifling innovation. So it's always funny for me to hear Gates whine about losing mobile to Android."

Miner further disclosed that he was part of the team that helped Orange launch the first Windows Mobile phone in 2002. Speaking of Windows Phone, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella admits pulling the plug on It was a "strategic mistake."

The Android co-founder further indicated that he was worried Microsoft would end up controlling mobile like PCs. "So, sorry, Bill, you're more responsible for losing the $400B than you realize," Miner concluded.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates added that if he had seized the opportunity when it presented itself, Microsoft would be the company.

However, Microsoft is fairing quite well and is among the world's top three most valuable companies, battling for the top spot against Apple and NVIDIA. Last year, Microsoft briefly held the crown ahead of Apple and NVIDIA with over $3 trillion in market valuation, predominantly due to its early investment and adoption of generative AI across its tech stack. Bill Gates says the tech giant continues to enjoy considerable success through its wide array of products, including Windows and Office.

• Microsoft's Windows Phone smartphone efforts ended in 2019.
• Many people miss the look and feel of Windows Phone.
• MrMobile recently showed how to replicate Windows Phone on Android.

Windows Phone appearing in two articles on the same day? What is it, 2015? While researching for my piece about Windows 11 being forced to run on a phone, I ran across the most recent video from my colleague MrMobile (aka Michael Fisher). In that video titled "I made My Phones Fun Again," MrMobile converted his Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra into a "Windows Phone."

Launcher 10 has been around for a while, but MrMobile's video serves as a great reminder of how versatile Android launchers are. The app allows you to customize the interface of your smartphone with pinpoint precision, including customizing columns and other finer details. If you want to make your Android phone look like a Windows Phone, Launcher 10 is one of the best ways to do it — as well as one of only a few reliable launchers with that goal.

Before he shows how Launcher 10 can customize an Android phone to look like a Windows Phone, MrMobile discussed Windows (Launcher 95), which replicates the look of a classic Windows PC. But if you're just interested in the Windows Phone-esque experience provided by Launcher 10, jump to the 2:40 mark of his video.

Windows Phone lives on... sort of

Since Microsoft abandoned Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile, fans of the operating systems have had to look for alternatives. While iOS is reliable and Android is versatile, neither completely replicates the magic formed by Windows Phone.

Even though Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella admits pulling the plug on Windows Phone was a "strategic mistake," it seems unlikely Microsoft will bring back a dedicated mobile operating system. The company has even stopped its efforts to make mobile devices by killing Surface Duo. Microsoft also shifted away from Live Tiles with the release of Windows 11. The company's Android launcher, Microsoft Launcher, never featured Live Tiles.

I admit I have nostalgia for Windows Phone. I have a box of old Lumia devices I can't make myself recycle even though I never use them. Heck, the reason I work here is because I used to read Windows Phone Central articles to get the best experience from my Lumia 930 (known as the Lumia Icon in the United States). Finding third-party apps for my Windows Phone helped me form relationships with developers, which springboarded into reviewing apps for Windows 11 after Microsoft closed its doors on Windows 10 Mobile and our site became Windows Central.

I've used Launcher 10 in the past and similar apps, such as Square Home. I even wrote a guide on how to make your Android phone look like a Windows phone back in 2019.

I like the look of Live Tiles and the clean interface seen on Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile. I confess that I find interactive widgets more useful than Live Tiles, but the look of the Windows Phone home screen is unmatched. It's lovely to see MrMobile highlight the unique design of Windows Phone and show people how to replicate it in 2024.

In the post Windows Phone world, Microsoft finds itself in the unenviable position of having to beg Google and Apple for scraps to support its mobile computing efforts.

Whether it's Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Copilot, or Xbox Cloud Gaming, Apple and Google are doing everything in their power to prevent their biggest rival from making any headway on phones, as you might expect. The latest scuffle revolves around Android, which as of right now, certainly doesn't make it easy for third-party developers to find success on its platform.

To that end, Microsoft, Epic Games, and even companies like Samsung have explored building their own app stores to sidestep Google's fees. However, since 99% of people get their Android apps direct from Google Play, there's little to zero chance of any third-party app store on Android ever finding real traction. Still, that hasn't stopped them from trying. Microsoft's own Android app store for Xbox mobile games has since been delayed pending court decisions in the United States, over Google's rules for Android app delivery.

Yesterday in a post on BlueSky, Sarah Bond laid out the current state of play for the Xbox mobile app store for Android. "At Xbox, we want to offer players more choice on how and where they play, including being able to play and buy games directly from the Xbox app. I recently shared our ambition to unlock these features first with the Google Play Store on Android devices in the U.S. while other app stores adapt to meet consumer demand," Bond emphasized. However, as expected, Google isn't taking Microsoft's efforts lying down.

Google was granted a grace period by the U.S. courts while it builds its appeal case, leading to the feature being delayed. Bond continued, "Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned. Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision."

Now, Google itself has responded (via PureXbox). "Microsoft has always been able to offer their Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from their app – they’ve simply chosen not to." Google claims, "The Court’s order, and rush to force its implementation, threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience. Microsoft, like Epic, are ignoring these very real security concerns. We remain focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just two of the largest game companies."

Google's inference of its court battles with Epic Games led to the Fortnite dev's CEO Tim Sweeny swinging in with some comments of his own: "Google’s statement is deceitful," Sweeney's post on Twitter reads, "Shame on them. They well know that the 30% cut they demand is far more than all of the profit from game streaming. They know this because they blew hundreds of millions of dollars building the failed Stadia game business themselves."

Oof, as the kids say. Let's break down what's actually going on.

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And what's the bottom line?

Tim Sweeney is completely correct that Google's statement is deceitful. The firm doesn't mention the fact that Microsoft and Epic Games are opting out of the Google Play model due to its steep 30% cut on software sales. Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo all take a similar cut on their hardware platforms, but the hardware there is sold at cost or for wafer thin margins generally speaking — the cut is there to keep the platform afloat. Apple conversely sells its hardware at a premium on top of its 30% cut for developers, which is a bit like having your cake and eating it.

But wait, Google itself doesn't actually deliver its own hardware for the most part, so there's no margin to speak of there generally speaking. Its Pixel phones have a vanishingly small global footprint, and its own Android Pixel tablet range has reportedly been cancelled. The Android business hinges almost entirely on software and services rendered through Google Play on third-party devices, while also feeding its mammoth ad empire (which, by the way, the United States recently described as a monopoly). Google requires its hardware partners to preinstall its apps and services on these handsets to gain access to Google Play, while also controlling the default apps on top too. This gives it a huge advantage when it comes to data powering its search and ad empire.

Its status as a middle man has irritated developers like Microsoft and Epic Games, who can't grow new businesses, like the cloud gaming business, owing to that 30% cut on app revenue. Cloud gaming is unprofitable as of 2024 by all accounts, and the inability to sell in-app purchases on Google Play is one thing holding it back. At the same time, discoverability will be near non-existent without a Google Play listing, increasing Microsoft's user acquisition costs.

As much as I loathe Google (in no small part for its anti-competitive behavior towards Windows Phone), it's hard not to see their point of view to some degree. With the United States Department of Justice describing Google's ad business as a monopoly, there's a real chance that they might have to explore other avenues for Android profitability if they're forced to dent its own ad business. It would be neglectful of them to not fight this, playing devil's advocate for a sec, given that they could be forced to give up two revenue streams for Android instead of just one.

Microsoft's 30% cut on developers for Xbox games is designed around selling the Xbox Series X|S hardware as cheaply as possible for consumers and customers Microsoft has signalled that it intends to open up future Xbox consoles to third-party game stores like the Epic Games Store and Steam itself, but that vision is likely years away from materializing. Microsoft does take a smaller cut than usual on its Microsoft Store for PC games, though, at around 12% compared to the typical 20-30%.

I would argue Windows' open platform model has been better for consumers than what is offered by iOS and Google-brand Android, where Microsoft takes 0%, leaving innovators to build business like Steam unhindered. Android is more open than iOS, allowing for easy side-loading and pre-installed OEM app stores, but the tight grip it maintains over Google Play does promote its own products at the expense of others. Amazon's Kindle book app on Android, for example, was also forced to remove in-app purchases by Google, while Google continues to sell books itself via Google Play.

Where all of this goes will ultimately be up to the courts, but it could've all been avoided if Microsoft had just continued investing in growing its own mobile platform... you know, like Windows Phone. And THAT'S the bottom line!

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• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• Walmart: Early savings on practically everything
• Target: Live deals on a huge range of products
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• HP: Save big on laptops, desktops, accessories, and more
• Lenovo: Doorbuster deals on all Lenovo PCs, monitors, accessories, and more
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Take advantage of free shipping for a limited time
• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live
• Amazon: Constantly rotating sales on everything you can imagine

There's a reason so much of Black Friday and Cyber Monday seems dominated by gaming handhelds, as that market has rapidly expanded throughout 2024. Most of the focus has been on the biggest, most powerful, and most feature-packed PC gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally, though, which can be costly. Fortunately, there's a more affordable, underrated alternative for those who don't need all that power.

The Razer Edge is a capable Android-powered gaming handheld with a smooth AMOLED display, detachable controls, and access to an impressive library of games — and over a year after its release you can add one to your setup for nearly half of its original price. You read that right, the Razer Edge is available for only $212.48 $247.95 at Amazon, which is honestly a great price on a mobile gaming powerhouse that can also play more Xbox and PC games than you'd expect.

• Check out our LIVE hub for all the best PC gaming handheld Black Friday deals

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• Dell: Lowest PC prices of the year for a little longer after Cyber Monday
• HP: Aggressive "Cyber Week" deals on laptops while supplies last
• Lenovo: Still save up to 68% on laptops, desktops, and select doorbusters
• Samsung: Week-long holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more

A misunderstood gaming handheld that deserves some love

We here at Windows Central believe in being honest about how we feel, so I'm not going to sit here and lie that I'd happily trade my ASUS ROG Ally X for the Razer Edge... Because I wouldn't. The ROG Ally X is the best gaming handheld I've ever used, and it's far more powerful and capable than the Razer Edge. The ROG Ally X also costs over three times as much as the Razer Edge does, even with its own Black Friday discounts, so that's to be expected.

What I can tell you is that, when I reviewed the Razer Edge, I praised it for its performance, AMOLED display, and the versatility of the Android ecosystem. That was when it cost a whopping $400, but now you can get your own Razer Edge for nearly half that amount. That being said... Why should you?

Well, as I already mentioned, the Razer Edge isn't like other gaming handhelds on the market. The ASUS ROG Ally may be a full-blown Windows PC (and with its current deals, a better value than the Xbox Series S in my opinion), but it's big, heavy, and — again — a lot more expensive. By comparison, the Razer Edge feels more like a beefy smartphone or compact tablet that's designed from the ground up for gaming.

The core of that experience is Android. The Edge is powered by the same operating system that runs over a billion smartphones, and that gives it access to three massive libraries of games: the huge and growing catalog of mobile games in the Google Play Store (which increasingly includes actual console and PC-level games with controller support), a thriving community of classic game emulation platforms, and ways to stream almost any Xbox and PC game you want through services like Xbox Cloud Gaming.

To make all of that feel as great as possible on its gaming handheld, Razer stuffed Qualcomm's most powerful, gaming-focused ARM chipset of the time inside, added a buttery smooth 144Hz OLED display, and included its Razer Kishi V2 Pro mobile controller in the box. That means you get great performance all around, and the Razer Edge boasts unique features like virtual control emulation (so you can still use the physical controls in almost any mobile game, even those that only support touch) and audio-to-haptics, which converts game audio to haptic feedback in real time.

I wish the Razer Edge was shaped more like a traditional handheld console and that Razer was more aggressive with its software additions — like the Logitech G Cloud Android handheld, actually — but for those that want a casual, compact, less costly way to game on the go, the Razer Edge is a fine choice. When the Razer Edge only costs $212.48 at Amazon, it's a great choice. Of course, those with small tablets or powerful smartphones can turn their own device into a capable Android-powered gaming handheld with the Razer Kishi Ultra mobile controller, which is also on sale for $129.99 at Amazon.

Microsoft's latest marketing campaign declared that everything with a screen is an Xbox. And if you're going to play on an Xbox, you need a controller.

Right now, you can get a Backbone One mobile gaming controller for iPhone or Android from Target for just $69. That's a $30 savings that you can use toward some Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (16.99 for one month from Target) to keep you gaming on the go.

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A budget-friendly entry point to handheld gaming

The handheld gaming revolution is in full swing, with consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally shaking up the concept of gaming on the go. These consoles can cost hundreds of dollars, but some more high-end versions even push a grand price tag. And that doesn't even consider that we're all still actively waiting for Xbox to release a native handheld console.

There is undoubtedly a barrier to entry to handheld gaming. Thankfully, we also happen to be in an era when nearly everybody has a supercomputer in their pocket in the form of a smartphone that can—and probably already does—play games.

Accessories like the Backbone One make it possible to turn the smartphone you already have in your pocket into a handheld console without draining your rainy day fund. The Backbone One is iPhone-compatible and Android-compatible and pairs exceptionally well with Xbox Cloud Gaming (available only through an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription) to get you playing whenever you want, wherever you want. You're not just limited to playing games available on Game Pass, either, as Xbox has recently announced an update that lets users bring their own games to streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

In the Windows Central review of the Backbone One, we dubbed it one of the best controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming. That said, there are some trade-offs when opting to use your smartphone and a controller instead of a handheld gaming console. Unlike handheld gaming consoles, the games require a high-speed internet connection to stream them. There's also the added cost of an Xbox Game Pass subscription, which is required to access cloud streaming of Xbox games. However, the Backbone One is also compatible with native mobile games.

At just $69, the Backbone one is an excellent way to get into the Xbox ecosystem while on the go—at least until an Xbox handheld officially comes along.

🍁More great Black Friday deals🦃

• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• Walmart: Early savings on practically everything
• Target: Live deals on a huge range of products
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• HP: Save big on laptops, desktops, accessories, and more
• Lenovo: Doorbuster deals on all Lenovo PCs, monitors, accessories, and more
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Take advantage of free shipping for a limited time
• Samsung: Holiday deals on laptops, TVs, phones, and more are live
• Amazon: Constantly rotating sales on everything you can imagine

What you need to know

• Microsoft Edge on Android will soon have the option to have the address bar appear on the bottom of the browser.
• That functionality is already available on Edge on iOS and is now making its way to Edge on Android.
• Microsoft Edge for macOS and Linux also has a new addition on the way that brings support for history thumbnail images.

Since Microsoft Edge is available on so many platforms and has so many Insider channels, it can be a bit tricky to keep up to date with what's on the way to the browser. Microsoft makes it more complicated than it should be, since some release notes are available in blog posts while others are in support documents. Some changes aren't noted at all, leaving internet sleuths to spot what's in testing.

While the changes are listed in different places, information is available. Here's a quick rundown of what's on the way and in testing for Microsoft Edge.

If you'd like to test new and upcoming features for Edge, you can become an Insider through Microsoft's website.

Microsoft Edge for Android

Microsoft Edge expert Leo Varela noted that Edge on Android will soon have the option to show the address bar at the bottom of the browser. This change rolled out to Edge on iOS shortly after Chrome on iOS received the same feature. Now, with Chrome on Android getting the ability to place the address bar at the bottom of the browser, Edge on Android is ready to follow suit.

The upcoming feature was confirmed by a member of the Microsoft Edge team in a Reddit comment. People have requested the ability to move the address bar to the bottom of Edge for years, so it will be a welcome addition when it ships.

Microsoft Edge Dev

The list of official changes for Microsoft Edge Dev is rather short, at least on the new feature side of things. The Insider version of the browser can now show synchronization status in the profile settings page. The latest update to Edge Dev also includes some general improvements and fixes, as listed by Microsoft:

Microsoft Edge Dev: 117.0.2033.0

• Added Features:
• Added the synchronization status in the profile details section on the profile settings page in WebUI2.
• Improved Behavior:
• Resolved an issue that caused browser to crash on iOS when an image was pressed and held to move, then released.
• Resolved a crash issue in browser that occurred upon relaunch after closing both the main profile and the guest profile.
• Fixed an issue where browser would crash on Android devices when the New Tab Page (NTP) was returned to after saving logs.
• Changed Behavior:
• Fixed an issue where icons were being cut off in the browser uninstall dialog.
• Resolved an issue where Feeds did not retain the previous browsing position after navigating back to the New Tab Page (NTP).
• Fixed an issue where the wallpaper would slightly shrink when sliding on the New Tab Page (NTP) for the first time.
• Fixed a layout issue with group headers under tab groups.
• Resolved an issue where the button sizes in the top row were inconsistent in the tab center.
• Android:
• Resolved an issue where the Workspace would not close upon opening a link in browser on android.
• Fixed an issue where the ‘Add to Home’ page did not transition correctly between landscape and portrait modes on Android devices.
• iOS:
• Resolved an issue where feedback from iOS users did not automatically contain URL information.
• Fixed a margin issue with the PDF toolbar icons on iOS.
• Resolved an issue where the initial letters of ‘Online PDF Toolbar’ were not capitalized in the edge: //flags settings on iOS.
• Fixed an issue where the ‘Close’ button was missing from the video player when selecting ‘Drop’ from the overflow menu on iOS.
• Fixed an issue where clicking ‘Send to devices’ would open the ‘Sign in’ panel, but interactions with the ‘Sign in’ panel were unresponsive on iOS.
• Resolved an issue where browser was unable to open or search for images via the context menu in online document files on iOS.

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What you need to know

• Microsoft changed how Office files open on Android recently.
• Now, if you have Microsoft 365 and a standalone Office app on your phone, files will open in the standalone Office app by default.
• Microsoft explained that many users found the old default behavior confusing.

Microsoft 365 can be assessed several ways on a smartphone, which is convenient but can also cause confusion. Users shared with Microsoft that the default way Office files opened on iOS and Android created uncertainty. Microsoft has cleared things up with new default behaviors that dictate how Office files will open.

If you have a standalone Office app installed, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, files you open will open in their respective standalone apps. If you do not have any standalone Office applications on your smartphone, you'll see no change and files will still open in the Microsoft 365 app. If you are sent an Office file but do not have any Microsoft apps to open it, you will now be directed to the App Store or Google Play Store page for the appropriate standalone app.

Microsoft broke down the changes in a Tech Community post:

"Our goal is to improve predictability for how files get opened when starting from our key “hub” experiences on mobile devices (OneDrive, Outlook, Teams) – the standalone Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps if installed will essentially be favored to handle file open operations," said Microsoft.

"For customers who want to open more than one Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file at once, the standalone apps can better handle side by side and windowing scenarios that modern tablet and mobile operating systems support."

OneDrive on iOS and Android have already received the change. Microsoft will ship the update to Outlook on iOS and Android gradually throughout October and November. Exact dates for the change being implemented in Teams on iOS and Android are still being determined by Microsoft.

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Microsoft 365 vs standalone Office apps

Microsoft's Office apps have been available on iOS and Android for years, though the exact method of using the apps has shifted a bit over time. In 2020, Microsoft introduced a combined Office app that included Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. The app also integrated with Office Lens to make scanning documents easier.

If you look in the Google Play Store or App Store for Microsoft Office, you won't see an app named "Office." That's because Microsoft rebranded Office to Microsoft 365 in 2022. Along with that shift in branding came a new name for the tech giant's mobile efforts. Now, Microsoft 365 is a central hub for Microsoft services.

While a centralized hub is convenient, having all your Office files open in a single app can be restrictive. As highlighted by Microsoft, multitasking is made better with standalone apps because you can open them side-by-side. For example, if you want to have a Word document and an Excel spreadsheet open at the same time, you'll want at least Word and Excel installed on your smartphone.

Having a spreadsheet and a document open at the same time on a smartphone would have been laughable when devices were smaller, but with large screens now the standard and folding devices being normal, multitasking on a smartphone is now a viable option. Being able to open multiple files at once is also handy if you have a device that supports a desktop-like environment, such as Samsung DeX.

GameSir has steadily gained recognition in recent years, particularly within the budget gaming controller market. I always look forward to reviewing their products, as they consistently offer great value for money.

Earlier this year, I reviewed theGameSir G8 Galileo and it quickly earned a spot on our list of best controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming list. Now, they've launched the GameSir G8 Galileo Plus. Now, they've introduced the GameSir G8 Galileo Plus. The key difference? The new model supports Bluetooth, making it compatible with a wider range of devices. Aside from that, there are a few minor upgrades that I’ll cover in this review. 

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by GameSir. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

GameSir G8 Galileo Plus: Price, availability and specs 

Based in Hong Kong, GameSir is a company that specializes in gaming accessories, with a strong focus on controllers for Xbox, PC, and mobile platforms. The GameSir G8 Galileo Plus is available for purchase either through GameSir’s official website or on Amazon, priced at $79.99. Inside the box, you’ll find the controller, user instructions, a set of stickers, and three different thumbstick options, allowing users to personalize their gaming experience by swapping in their preferred thumbsticks. A USB-C cable is also included for charging the device. Below is a quick comparison table outlining the key differences between the GameSir G8 Galileo Plus and the original GameSir G8 Galileo.

GameSir G8 Galileo Plus: What's good

The USB-C version of this controller is already my top choice for Xbox Cloud Gaming, largely due to its exceptional comfort. So, it’s no surprise that I feel the same about the GameSir G8 Plus. The core shape and size remain unchanged, and they didn’t need to be—it's already the perfect fit. The controller features a textured finish on the grips and back, enhancing its ergonomic feel. We also get full-sized buttons and triggers, though the thumbsticks are slightly smaller, aligning more with handhelds like the ROG Ally rather than the larger Xbox controller sticks. The standout feature of the G8 models is how they feel in your hands, and nothing else quite compares.

One subtle difference, when comparing the two side by side, is that the original G8 mimicked the Xbox controller's start and menu button design. The G8 Plus, however, uses ‘plus’ and ‘minus’ symbols, akin to the Nintendo Switch. Despite this design change, the buttons still function identically.

Where the GameSir G8 Galileo truly stands out from its competitors is its inclusion of hall-effect triggers and joysticks—a feature that's gaining traction in the market and one that I personally appreciate. In fact, it’s a technology we wish Xbox would implement in their controllers. Hall-effect technology uses magnetic sensors to measure movement and distance with extreme precision, offering unmatched accuracy and durability in control mechanisms. Since no physical contact occurs between parts, there’s no wear and tear, meaning no stick drift over time. These sticks will remain reliable even after a year of use.

Additionally, instead of simply providing thumbstick caps, GameSir goes a step further by allowing you to swap out the entire thumbstick. The G8 Galileo includes three extra thumbstick options: a small thumbstick, a tall thumbstick, and a dome-shaped thumbstick. The faceplates are magnetic and pop off, making it easy to customize your setup based on your preferences.

The G8 Plus is slightly heavier than the original G8 due to its added 1000mAh battery, but the weight is well-balanced and doesn’t lead to the same hand fatigue that comes from holding a bulkier device like the Steam Deck. Pairing it with my phone was a breeze—just turn the controller on, and the flashing GameSir logo button signals it's ready to pair. My Samsung found it quickly, and I appreciate how seamlessly Bluetooth works when there’s no hassle involved.

The GameSir logo button also doubles as an indicator for which device it’s paired with, glowing yellow for Android, blue for iOS, and red if paired with a Switch. Speaking of the Switch, the G8 Plus includes a 6-axis gyroscope—something the USB-C model lacks. Along with dual motors for vibration, this makes the G8 Plus a better value at the same $79.99 price point.

The controller also features a rubberized housing for your phone, ensuring it stays secure without slipping during gameplay. Thanks to Bluetooth, the G8 Galileo Plus is compatible with more devices than the USB-C version. Many marketing images highlight its use with folding phones, a feature many mobile controllers don’t support. While I didn’t have a folding phone to test, it’s assured to fit most models.

The rear of the controller includes two remappable buttons, which is a great feature, especially for games that require repetitive movements. Being able to remap controls makes it easier on your thumbs, enhancing comfort during longer gaming sessions.

While the GameSir app provides useful options for mapping touch controls to buttons, I found the onboard controls sufficient for quickly and easily remapping the rear buttons. However, the app is still handy, particularly if your main focus is mobile gaming.

GameSir G8 Plus: What's not so good

As with the original G8 Galileo, the triggers do not provide the satisfying tactile feedback I personally prefer, producing a hollow sound when pressed quickly and repeatedly. Personally, I like triggers that have a more substantial feel, but I understand that having them this way keeps the controller weight limited.

There's also the potential issue of compatibility with phones that have large, protruding rear cameras, like the Google Pixel 9 Pro. In such cases, the controller may not sit flush because its design fully encompasses the device.

Additionally, since this is a Bluetooth controller, it adds another device to remember to keep charged if I want to use it, as opposed to the convenient plug-and-play functionality of a USB-C device. Unfortunately, if your phone's charging port is covered, you can't charge your phone while using the controller. This is a notable drawback compared to the original G8, which offers pass-through charging.

GameSir G8 Plus: The Competition

The Galileo G8 Plus closely resembles another controller I tried last year, the PowerA MOGA XP7-X. To address the charging issue, the MOGA XP7-X included the ability to charge your device wirelessly, but this feature wasn’t implemented very well and lacked consistency. I actually prefer that Galileo opts to leave out this feature if it helps keep costs down. The PowerA MOGA XP7-X retails for $20 more and does not include hall-effect technology, which makes its $99.99 price tag hard to justify.

For those seeking greater portability, the Turtle Beach Atom is another excellent option. It connects via Bluetooth and can compactly clasp together into a carry case, making it a more travel-friendly choice if you’re specifically looking for a controller designed for on-the-go gaming.

Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the Razer Kishi Ultra certainly delivers, but you'll pay a steep price of $149.99 for that luxury. This controller features USB-C connectivity, RGB Chroma lighting, haptic feedback, and generally higher-quality components. However, that $149.99 price tag can be hard to swallow. Personally, I believe GameSir offers much better value for money at this lower price point.

GameSir G8 Galileo Plus: Should you buy? 

You should buy the GameSir G8 Galileo Plus if ...

You should not buy the GameSir G8 Galileo Plus if ...

In conclusion, the GameSir G8 Galileo Plus is an excellent choice for mobile gamers seeking a controller that provides a console-like experience. It features several small improvements over the original model and offers broader compatibility at the same price point. With its ergonomic design, hall-effect technology, and compatibility with various smartphone sizes (excluding folding phones), it stands out among competing brands. Given its affordability, it’s a clear choice for Xbox Cloud Gaming, earning our recommendation for enhancing the overall gaming experience in hand. 

What you need to know

• The latest optional update for Windows 11 includes an integration that makes it easy to share files from a PC to an Android device.
• The integration, which relies on Phone Link, is similar to AirDrop within the Apple ecosystem.
• Users can install the optional update now or wait until the same changes make their way to general availability next month.

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11 that will soon be available to everyone through an upcoming Patch Tuesday update. The most notable change is that sharing content to an Android device through Windows Share is now possible. Doing so requires setting up Link to Windows and Phone Link and connecting your devices. That experience became available to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel recently, and it is now making its way to more users.

Sharing files between Android and Windows devices has been possible for years, but this new integration should be a bit simpler. If you've set up Link to Windows and Phone Link, you can share files through the Windows Share menu. It's the closest thing to Apple's AirDrop on Windows, at least when it comes to direct OS integration. The connection also works in both directions, much like AirDrop.

Note that the new sharing method is not the "cross-device copy and paste" feature, which has existed since 2020.

The optional Windows update also improves Narrator, Voice access, and File Explorer. The Widgets Board also sees changes in this update, though the largest changes are for users in EEA regions.

There are a few ways to grab this update. You can go through Settings > Windows Update to grab Windows 11 build 22621.4112 and 22631.4112 (build dependent on which version of Windows you're running). Since this is an optional update, you must opt-in to receive it. You can also grab the update through the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual installation. Assuming there aren't any significant issues with the update, the same changes should ship to everyone on Tuesday, September's patch, so you could also just wait a couple of weeks to update your PC.

Microsoft lists the highlights and changes in the update in a support document:

Windows 11 optional August update

Windows Share

• You can now share content to your Android device from the Windows Share window. To do this, you must pair your Android device to your Windows PC. Use the Link to Windows app on your Android device and Phone Link on your PC.

Narrator

• This update makes scan mode respond quicker. This is especially helpful when you use Microsoft Edge and read large documents. To use scan mode, you must turn on Narrator first (Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter). Then, turn on scan mode by pressing Caps lock + Spacebar during a Narrator session.

Voice access

• You can now dictate the characters that you spell at a faster speed. You also have more editing options for the commands that select, delete, and move within text.

File Explorer

• When you press Windows logo key + E, a screen reader might say a pane has focus, or the focus might not be set at all.
• When you press Ctrl + F, sometimes the search does not start.
• Keyboard focus sometimes might get lost when you press Shift + Tab.
• Screen readers do not announce when you open or browse items that are in a breadcrumb of the Open or Save dialog.
• Screen readers do not announce when you open or browse items in the column header.

Widgets board

• We are rolling out an update to the Widgets Board to improve security and the APIs for creating widgets and feeds for users in EEA regions. As part of this update, the Microsoft Start Experiences app will power the Microsoft Start widget and feed experiences. Also, as part of this update, some existing widgets will be removed and others will be modified, temporarily affecting their functionality. This update sets the foundation for new widgets and other features in development, set to roll out soon.

What you need to know

• A new report suggests Microsoft has placed an order for "hundreds of thousands" of micro-OLED displays for a new VR headset.
• The headset will reportedly focus on content consumption such as gaming and movies, not the metaverse.
• Microsoft is also working on bringing full desktop Windows apps to mixed reality via the cloud.

A new report from The Elec (via RoadToVR) has revealed that Microsoft has signed a new deal with Samsung that will see the Korean display manufacturer supply “hundreds of thousands” of new micro-OLED displays for a next-generation mixed reality headset that Microsoft is currently developing.

According to the report, an unnamed industry official says Microsoft’s new mixed reality headset will focus on experiences like “enjoying or watching content such as games and movies, rather than the metaverse.” This implies the device may have a consumer focus, unlike Microsoft's current HoloLens line of headsets.

The news comes after a turbulent few years for Microsoft’s mixed-reality division. In 2022 it was reported that Microsoft had scrapped plans to ship a third-generation HoloLens, and in December 2023 the company announced that the Windows Mixed Reality platform was being shut down.

With that in mind, what might a next-generation mixed-reality headset from Microsoft look like? Recent patent filings suggest the company is exploring a design similar to the Apple Vision Pro, featuring OLED displays and passthrough cameras to simulate augmented reality experiences.

My own sources say it’s likely that Android, not Windows, will power a future Microsoft-made mixed-reality headset. The current HoloLens 2 runs Windows Core OS, a platform that only runs UWP apps. Microsoft now considers the UWP app platform deprecated, and so Microsoft needs to find a new home for any future mixed reality ambitions.

Meta recently opened its platform up to third-party headsets, and Google is rumored to be launching a new Android XR platform this year, both of which could be a good fit for Microsoft given it no longer has its own mixed reality platform to build upon. That said, I’m told Microsoft does intend to incorporate Windows apps in some capacity.

According to sources familiar with the project, Microsoft is working on a solution that will allow mixed-reality headsets to run full Windows desktop apps via the cloud. Codenamed “Williams Bay,” this solution will allow users to place desktop Windows apps around their mixed reality space and interact with them as if they were running locally, similar to iPad apps on an Apple Vision Pro.

Williams Bay will also enable developers to “enhance” desktop Windows apps with 3D extensions that can be displayed alongside them within a mixed reality 3D environment on the headset. It’s unclear if Williams Bay is an experience that will be exclusive to Microsoft’s own mixed reality headset, or if it’ll be available on other headsets and platforms also.

It’s unclear when Microsoft’s mixed reality headset will be ready to launch, assuming it’s not canceled before then. The Elec says it won’t be ready until next year at the earliest, but 2026 seems more likely.

What you need to know

• Microsoft wants its China staff to ditch Android phones for iPhones.
• The move is designed to enhance security as cyberattacks scale greater heights and become more sophisticated.
• Microsoft will replace its staff's Android phones with iPhone 15s. 

Microsoft staffers in China will soon be forced to ditch their Android phones for iPhones. The Windows 11 Android integration provides a better user experience than the iPhone, making the move rather odd.

According to a Bloomberg report, the move is slated to take effect in September later this year. This doesn't mean that Microsoft will require its employees to buy iPhones out of their pockets. The Redmond giant will provide an iPhone 15 for its employees using Android phones. 

The move is part of Microsoft's Secure Future Initiative, designed to help "prepare for the increasing scale and high stakes of cyberattacks." As you may know, the iPhone is well-known for its privacy and security features.

Microsoft employees in China access IT infrastructure via Microsoft multi-factor authentication (MFA) apps. After September, employees will be restricted from using these apps on Android devices, hence the big push for the iPhone.

Does this mean the iPhone is more secure than Android phones? While the answer remains debatable, Apple has stringent rules about the apps that make it to its App Store compared to Google's Play Store on Android phones. However, the EU pressured Apple to allow third-party apps on its platform, placing it in the same boat as Google.

Microsoft has a security problem it's determined to fix

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says, "Security underpins every layer of the tech stack, and it's our No. 1 priority. We are doubling down on this very important work, putting security above all else before all other features and investments."

In the past few years, the tech firm has been riddled with cascades of security failures, including a cyberattack that allowed hackers to access confidential emails belonging to high-ranking government officials. 

As part of Microsoft's broader plan, the company recently announced that it will hold top executives accountable for cybersecurity by tying a portion of their compensation packages to meeting security goals and metrics. It also plans to accelerate its response time and remediation when handling security issues.

What you need to know

• HMD Global is rumored to be reviving the classic Lumia 920 design in a new Android device this year.
• The device is codenamed Skyline, and leaked renders confirm it looks like a modernized Lumia for 2024.
• The device features an edge to edge display, a rear triple camera array, and is expected to ship in all the fun colors Lumia's are known for. 

Do you remember the bright and colorful Lumia smartphones from Nokia? Those were the days, back when Windows Phone was thriving with the best cameras and smartphone designs on the market. Although those days are now long gone, it appears that the classic Lumia design may be making a return very soon.

A new leak has revealed that HMD Global, the current owners of Nokia’s smartphone brands and patents, is working on a new upper mid-range device codenamed “Skyline” that takes the form of an updated Lumia 920. According to the leak, the HMD Skyline will feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with under-display fingerprint reader, 8 or 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2.

The phone will feature a triple-camera setup on the back consisting of a 108MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide sensor 2MP macro lens, along with a 32MP front facing camera for selfies. The device will also be IP67 water and dust resistant, include NFC for wireless payments, and rock a 3.5mm audio jack just like the old Lumia handsets.

The leaked render reveals that the phone really will look like a modernized Lumia 900 for 2024, complete with a full-screen front display with relatively thin bezels paired with that classic rounded chassis that made the Lumia 900 series so comfortable to hold. The leak suggests the device will be available in black, blue, yellow, and pink colorways to match that original Lumia vibe.

Of course, the device will run Android and is said to get three years of major Android OS updates. Now, while it might look like a Lumia on the outside, it’s unclear if this device will actually be branded as a Lumia smartphone, or if HMD Global will choose to give it a new name given Microsoft likely still owns the Lumia brand.

What is for certain is that the classic Lumia vibe is making a return to the smartphone market soon, and it’s about time. I’ve always thought those classic Lumia designs were some of the best smartphone designs ever put to market, and the vibrant colorways and premium unapologetic plastic were unique in a market full of metal and glass slabs.

HMD Global is expected to unveil the Skyline later this year and is rumored to cost around €500.

What you need to know

• Remember Continuum from Windows Phone? A recent report suggests Google is trying to do the same (finally) with Android. 
• The report suggests Google is experimenting with leveraging ChromeOS to act as a desktop interface when connecting an Android device to an external display. 
• Just like Continuum (RIP), this could be a huge step in the workplace or for travel, even for Microsoft users. 

Spoiler alert: I like Chromebooks. I also like Android, in fact, it was working on our sister site, Android Central, that gave me my first break in this industry. Windows Phone got its hooks in, though, and the rest is history. So imagine how much I smiled when a recent report shows, yet again, how our fallen favorite was years ahead of its time. 

Android Authority's Mishaal Rahman has detailed an internal experiment at Google that's said to leverage ChromeOS (sort of) to act as a desktop environment when a Pixel phone is hooked up to a display. 

It's not entirely the same as Continuum, in a sense that when we hooked up a Windows phone, we were just using the phone and its apps natively. This report suggests Google has built a special version of Chromium OS (the open source version of ChromeOS) that runs inside the Android Virtualization Framework. ChromeOS and Android are different platforms and Google has previously said it wouldn't merge them, so this seems like the best alternative. 

Android Authority also has a first look at this actually working, albeit on the phone display only right now. But Google is said to have been showing it off to partners at a private event recently. 

The overall idea isn't new, though, but it does feel very Continuum-esque. I also think it's a much better idea for projecting from a phone to an external display than something like Samsung DeX. ChromeOS is far better suited to using on a larger display, especially with web apps. 

We've been here before 

Yes, Windows Phone is dead, but we all still love to talk about it at any given opportunity. I'm actually surprised that it took Google this long to do something like this. The focus on using PWAs in ChromeOS makes it a perfect, lightweight desktop OS for less demanding needs. Our own Ben Wilson has recently explored PWAs properly for the first time, and he's hooked. As am I. 

Continuum really was ahead of its time. The idea was insane, the execution shaky, but ultimately, headed to Microsoft's graveyard. The notion of being able to just use your phone like a computer though had many merits, and if Google pulls this off, the same will apply. 

All of the Windows Central team had a good crack at using Continuum as much as possible. I remember making it my goal (and mostly successful, I might add) on a trip to Hong Kong and China to use my Lumia 950 XL hooked up to my hotel room TV instead of a laptop. 

The world has moved on a lot since those days, though, and with PWAs as prevalent as they are now, a ChromeOS-based solution with an Android phone would, I think, be better overall than Continuum ever was. Microsoft has its own slate with the Office suite, and they're very good. The company has even worked with Google to make setting up Office and OneDrive on ChromeOS easier, and more integrated. 

For travel, or for hooking up to a display and keyboard in your office, for example, something like this would be a lightweight, user-friendly productivity tool. We may no longer have our Windows phones, but its spirit will forever live on. For those, like me, that still pine for the good old days, it looks like Google might be giving us something to fill one more gap. 

What you need to know

• Beeper is a free app with an optional future paid subscription model that connects up to 14 chat services into a single desktop and mobile app.
• Previously charged $10 per month, the release version dropped its fee and iMessage support after Apple implemented a block.
• Compatible with Windows and Android, among other popular platforms, Beeper supports messaging, group chats, images and videos, and other rich chat elements.

After a period of exclusive access restricted by a waitlist, Beeper has opened its universal chat app to everyone across multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and Android devices. The public launch follows Automattic's acquisition of Beeper, which already owns website builder WordPress, blogging platform Tumblr, and survey creator Crowdsignal.

Previously named Beeper Cloud, the truncated version also drops its more obvious aesthetic inspiration of 1990-era pagers in favor of a more vibrant, all-encompassing chat network theme as the official Beeper Android app leaves its beta status and stands alongside versions for Apple's iPhone, iPad, macOS, and even ChromeOS alongside Windows and Linux.

Unfortunately, while iOS and macOS are supported, iMessage isn't included after the development team had to abandon their efforts when Apple blocked Beeper to 'protect' the service. Still, it's arguably the best option to consolidate your long list of chat apps into one accessible place with a universal inbox, connecting up to 14 different networks, including:

• Telegram
• WhatsApp
• Signal
• X (Twitter)
• Facebook Messenger
• Instagram
• Slack
• LinkedIn
• Discord
• Android SMS
• Google Messages (SMS/RCS)
• IRC
• Matrix
• Google Chat

Beeper is available to download for free, following a business model that its developers announced in March 2023, removing a $10 monthly fee. It won't necessarily stay that way forever, as the app's FAQ page describes a plan to "offer an optional paid subscription at some point in the future." Thankfully, the key word there is "optional," which implies basic functionality will remain for free users, and "additional features like being able to add multiple acounts per network" will be reserved for paid, premium users.

I tested Beeper for Windows and Android, and it couldn't be easier to set up

I regularly use at least six of the fourteen chat apps that Beeper supports, potentially pushing that to eight if I really want to read some unusual private messages on 'that' ex-bird network. Admittedly, I don't have each installed as a dedicated app on my Windows 11 desktop, so I'm often slow to reply to chats on a handful of the more web-centric networks (sorry, LinkedIn.) Now, I don't have much of an excuse, as those conversations are grouped, albeit in a tidy manner, with a separate icon on a sidebar, with the likes of Instagram DMs.

Setting up Beeper on Windows 11 first is the best approach, as following up with the Android app on my Google Pixel smartphone relieved me of any hard work other than entering my username and password once. Telegram and WhatsApp both make admiral use of QR codes to authorize logins, while most of the others stick with a traditional login, which is made easier with saved passwords on Microsoft Edge or whatever browser you choose.

Beeper's instructional messages rightly suggest that you keep your original chat apps installed but mute their notifications (except for voice and video calls; those aren't supported yet). Allowing the Beeper app to display its notifications instead and access your contacts helps with relevant profile photos to identify contacts at a glance, whether or not you choose the 'Pro' view (as I do), highlighting per-network badges.

Once you're finished with set up and everything works, it'll feel familiar and even nostalgic to those like me who used Trillian around the turn of the millennium, which offered a similar solution to contacting friends fractured over chat networks like MSN Messenger, ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger.

Naturally, technology has progressed significantly since then, and a focus on privacy and safety has become a priority for Beeper's development team as they lean on the open-source 'Matrix' networking protocol for zero-access encryption and local recovery keys. However, end-to-end encryption may still be more effective per-app for specific apps like WhatsApp and Signal.

Personally, I dig it. The desktop app is simplistic without looking ugly, and the benefit of never missing a message on a rarely visited service is self-explanatory. The only downside is that now I have to reply to all of my friends and colleagues who have been left on read for too long (or do I?).

Microsoft’s dual-screen smartphone vision is long dead, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t right about the form factor. There are thousands of Surface Duo users out there who still believe dual-screen smartphones are the way forward, and I am one of them. I love my Surface Duo and am beyond gutted that Microsoft never stuck the landing with this product line.

I’m not the only one either, as in recent months, there’s been a significant push to keep the Surface Duo alive by any means necessary. Even though Microsoft has washed its hands with it, two talented developers have taken it upon themselves to keep the vision alive by bringing Windows 11 and Android 14 to it.

Windows on Arm for Surface Duo, developed by Gustave Monce, has been picking up steam over the last handful of months, and just recently released a new installation method which uses a custom built FFU tool to flash the Windows 11 image directly onto the Surface Duo, streamlining the install process.

Then there’s the custom Android 14 ROM for Surface Duo, developed by Thai Nguyen. This project aims to bring a relatively stock version of Android to the dual-screen Surface Duo, with a few tweaks to ensure the stock UI isn’t clashing with the gap between the two displays and is able to adapt to some of the Surface Duo’s postures.

I’ve had a chance to sit down and chat with both Monce and Nguyen about their latest projects, to find out what makes the Surface Duo so special, and learn more about the process of getting an OS to run on a device it was never intended for.

Bringing Windows to the Surface Duo

Monce has been working on bringing the full version of Windows to devices that aren’t supposed to run it for many years. He started on the Lumia WOA project, which successfully brought full Windows 10 to the Lumia 950 and 950 XL. Much of that expertise has carried over to the Surface Duo project.

“What we're doing is trying to make it run something a little bit more interesting and different, which is the full desktop operating system. There's a lot going on in this project, from firmware and driver development to servicing and even documentation and bug reporting. It's very big thing in general to do. “

Perhaps famously, Surface Duo was originally supposed to run Windows, but that effort was canceled late into development. The hardware was recycled as an Android device, but that hasn’t stopped Monce from dreaming about what the device would have been like with Windows.

“This was very fascinating at the time, and it obviously didn’t launch … all of this is missed opportunity with the canceled [Windows] operating system. That pushed me to look into essentially doing what didn't happen in the end and brought in Windows, and I think it's a really different experience when you do this, instead of just running Android with no changes at all made to it.”

Although Surface Duo was supposed to be a Windows device originally, that doesn’t mean it’s been easy porting Windows 11 to it. In fact, there have been quite a few challenges along the way.

“Pretty much all the technical challenges were a fun learning experience for me. During the first day we quickly realised that OK, the screens are not going to work … I tried to fight against it, trying to figure out why, and when you lack all the documentation for the device, it's complicated to figure out … It uses a Snapdragon 855, and that chip is not supported at all by Windows. So, I had to deal with many problems … we started two years ago, and we are not fully done yet. There's still a few things to figure out. It's not easy, but … I think in the end it's a fun experience and something new too.”

I’ve been running Windows on Surface Duo for the last handful of weeks, and I’ve found it to be quite eye-opening. It’s surprising just how cool it is to have a fully-fledged Windows PC that fits in your pocket. Monce and his team have done a lot of work to ensure basic device functionality like sleep, touch, and the buttons work as intended. But Monce says it’s not in a daily drivable state just yet.

“It's not really at a state where you can daily drive it because even though the Surface Duo is a device with rather large screens, even when deployed fully flat on a table, it remains a small device and the Windows desktop operating system is not really built to take advantage of these screens.”

It’s also worth noting some drivers aren’t fully working yet either, including sound and the camera. Monce says these will work in time, but it’s a question of when rather than if. The Windows UI really is the biggest issue this project faces, as the Windows desktop just isn’t designed for screens this small.

The Windows on Arm for Surface Duo project is available on Github, and you can install it right alongside Android if you wish to keep the ability to use your Surface Duo as a phone. Installing the project will wipe your Android install, however, so be warned.

Building a custom Android 14 ROM for Duo

Speaking of Android, ex-Microsoft developer Thai Nguyen has been working on his custom Android 14 ROM, which aims to bring Surface Duo up to date with the latest version of Android, all while maintaining support for some of the Duo’s unique postures and form factor. His love for ROMs began back in the Windows Mobile 5.0 days:

“I started tinkering with smartphones way back in 2006-2007 with the O2 XDA Orbit that was a running Windows Phone 5.0 … I was running ROMs on the HTC HD2 [which] shipped with Windows Mobile 6.5. And then it had Windows Phone 7 ported to it and then it had Android ported to it. So I've been tinkering with phones for a long time, but generally I did this thing because I really loved the Surface Duo.”

Microsoft actually did a lot of custom work to get Android to adapt to the Surface Duo’s dual-screen setup, which means it’s not easy to get a custom Android ROM up and running with all the basics working as you’d expect on Surface Duo. On its own, Android isn’t very good at supporting two screens simultaneously.

“I think that's also one of the reasons Microsoft decided to make it a big virtual screen that spans the two physical displays. The approach that Microsoft took here is great because it allows for smooth animations and certain UX/UI. But the problem with this approach is that it's a lot of effort to do window management."

This is one of the reasons why it took so long for Microsoft to bring new versions of Android to the Surface Duo, because with each new Android release, Microsoft needed to port its custom window management and UX work over to the latest version. Nguyen decided to streamline this process with his custom ROM.

“If you look at the Duo without the hinge, it's a big wide screen and if you fold it back into flip mode, that's the same as resizing the screen to a smaller one, the same way that you would fold the Huawei Mate X … Instead of doing what Microsoft did, which is when you fold the duo up, it moves all of that UI to one screen and then you leave the other screen blank. In my version, I just resize the logical screen to match one of the display panels … I put all of these in separate system service so that it's very separate it from Android itself, so that when we have a new version of Android, it's very easy to port it over.”

Android has basic native support for outward foldables, unlike the dual-screen setup that Surface Duo has, but the premise is the same. Folding the Surface Duo into single-screen mode is the same as folding an outward facing foldable screen into phone mode. But that doesn’t solve the Duo’s biggest strength: Multitasking.

“The ability to swipe apps to one side to split [the] screen. To swipe the app to the center to span the two screens. Android stock not having that is a great shame, so that's why I tried to add it back into Android, but because of the way that Android development is set up, it's very tedious and time consuming to iterate on gestures and animations. I do intend to work on that further, but I need to find time first.”

Even with all the hard work that has gone into the custom ROM so far, there’s still a few issues that are out of Nguyen’s control.

“A common problem for all custom ROMs is that most devices are now running on 4G and 5G networks and those are not usually not [fully] supported, because the part where you connect to the 4G and 5G networks are usually proprietary with modifications to the ROM to support that. I've seen some promising development on the open-source side to have all that telephony stuff working. But I think it will still be a while yet until we get that … as a secondary device to keep running and up to date [to] see what the new UX on Android looks like on the Duo, I think it's pretty usable.”

The custom Android 14 ROM for Surface Duo is available on Github, and can be installed by unlocking the bootloader and flashing the image. Nguyen says he intends to release an Android 15 ROM for the Surface Duo later this year.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced that it will deprecate Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11 on March 5, 2025.
• Following that date, Amazon Appstore on Windows and all apps reliant on Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11 will no longer be supported.
• Amazon has since sent out an email clarifying that Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 will no longer be available starting today, March 6, 2024.

Microsoft abruptly announced the deprecation of Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 11. Users have until March 5, 2025 to find alternative ways to run Android apps on their PCs, since after that date all apps that rely on WSA will no longer be supported. But Amazon may have just accelerated the effective cutoff for Android apps on Windows 11.

Amazon sent an email out to users of the Amazon Appstore stating that the store will no longer be available, effective today, March 6, 2024. That's a full year before the end of WSA support on Windows 11. While those who already have Amazon Appstore installed on their PC will continue to be able to use it, anyone looking to try Android apps on Windows 11 will not have it as an option.

WSA lacks official support for Google Play services and the Google Play Store, leaving Amazon Appstore as the preferred method of installing Android apps onto Windows 11. It is possible to sideload Android apps onto Windows 11, though that may be wasted effort since it will no longer be supported as of March 2025.

Amazon sent out the following email to users of the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11:

"Dear Customer,

We are writing to inform you about changes to the availability of Amazon Appstore on Windows 11.

Starting March 6, 2024, Amazon Appstore will no longer be available for download from the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 devices. After March 5, 2025, Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 and any apps downloaded from it will not be supported. For additional details and insights into this transition, please read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section: www.amazon.com/appstoreonwindowsFAQ

Despite this change, we want to assure you that Amazon Appstore will continue to be available and supported on Fire TV, Fire Tablet and Android devices. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to enhance and evolve the Amazon Appstore experience on those devices.

If you have further questions, please contact Amazon Customer Service.

Amazon Appstore"

Between now and March 2025, people will be able to use Android apps installed through the Amazon Appstore and reinstall apps that have been installed previously. Some functionality may degrade during that year, however. Following the cutoff, Amazon Appstore will no longer be supported.

Android apps on Windows 11

While the deprecation of Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11 came suddenly, it's not surprising when you consider how little the feature did to differentiate itself from other options. Lack of official Google Play Store support and the lackluster selection of applications in the Amazon Appstore gave people little reason to use Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11.

I applaud the technical achievement of Microsoft getting Android apps to run on Windows 11 and having a subsystem dedicated to doing so, but Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11 always felt like a proof of concept rather than a finished product.

I also value the efforts of Simone Franco who makes WSATools and other developers that worked to improve the Android experience on Windows. But while the efforts are commendable, I question if many will miss using Android apps on their PC.

Even in the aftermath of Microsoft's announcement, I've yet to see people give a list of must-have Android applications they use on Windows 11. Ironically, Microsoft's own Outlook app may be the best argument for running Android apps on Windows 11, especially since Microsoft launched the controversial new Outlook app for Windows.

Additionally, there are other ways to run Android apps on PCs, such as BlueStacks. One could argue that BlueStacks always offered a better way to run Android apps on Windows 11 than Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11, though that comes down to personal preference.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has announced that it is deprecating the Windows Subsystem for Android on Windows 11.
• This means support for installing and running Android apps is being removed from the OS.
• The feature will be deprecated on March 5, 2025.

In a shocking move, Microsoft has announced that it is deprecating the Windows Subsystem for Android, a feature that allowed Windows 11 users to run Android apps directly on their PCs. Tied to the Amazon Appstore, users have been able to browse and download Android apps since the launch of Windows 11 in 2021.

The death of the Windows Subsystem for Android was announced in a developer document:

"Microsoft is ending support for the Windows Subsystem for Android™️ (WSA). As a result, the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all applications and games dependent on WSA will no longer be supported beginning March 5, 2025. Until then, technical support will remain available to customers. Customers that have installed the Amazon Appstore or Android apps prior to March 5, 2024, will continue to have access to those apps through the deprecation date of March 5, 2025."

The company tells me that Android apps on Windows 11 will stop functioning after March 5, 2025. Users should migrate any data they may have in their Windows Subsystem for Android instance before that date to avoid losing any data. The company has already removed the ability to download new apps from the Microsoft Store.

It's likely that Microsoft is killing the Windows Subsystem for Android because not enough people use it. There's little use for Android apps on Windows, especially with the lack of Windows tablet hardware on the market these days. 

What you need to know

• Some users can now set Microsoft Copilot as their default assistant app on Android.
• To set Copilot as your default assistant app, you have to have a beta version of Copilot installed.
• At the moment, Copilot is quite limited, as it can't perform tasks like taking a screenshot on your phone or integrating with the system in a meaningful way.

Microsoft Copilot will soon be able to be your default assistant app on Android. In fact, if you're running Microsoft Copilot beta, which doesn't seem to be listed in the Google Play Store, you can already set it as your default assistant app. The change was spotted by Mishaal Rahman on X (formerly Twitter).

As the functionality is in beta testing, it's limited at the moment.

"You can now set the Microsoft Copilot app as your default assistant app on Android! However, it seems Copilot isn't taking full advantage of this, as invoking it just launches the main activity. It doesn't even automatically listen for input yet, nor does it use the APIs that would let it grab a screenshot of the current on-screen content," explained Rahman. "I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft is working on these aspects, though."

In its present state, setting Copilot as your default assistant app essentially creates a shortcut to Copilot. The app doesn't start listening for a voice command by default. Copilot also lacks integration with Android, so it can't perform tasks such as taking a screenshot.

In its current state, Copilot cannot replace Google Assistant/Gemini, Alexa, or even Bixby Voice, at least in everyday use. Microsoft hasn't announced the functionality yet, so there's a good chance that it's in its early stages.

Microsoft Copilot vs Google Gemini

It's a shame that Cortana never worked out for Microsoft. If things had lined up differently, we may have seen Copilot gain access to smart devices and commands like Gemini has with Google Assistant (though that setup isn't perfect). While Copilot has a place on a computer, I think an assistant on your smartphone needs to be able to do more day-to-day tasks. I can't speak for anyone else, but I use my digital assistant to control my smart lights or start music while using Android Auto. I think Microsoft Copilot will be rather limited if it can never gain access to those types of features.

It will be interesting to see what Microsoft does with Copilot on Android. The tech giant is certainly capable of adding functionality expected from a digital assistant, but that isn't the current focus of Copilot.

Microsoft is eager to get Copilot into the hands of users. You can now summon Copilot with the push of a button on Windows 11. When Copilot first launched on Windows the tool could only perform a few system tasks. Microsoft has since expanded that list. In a recent Insider build of Windows 11, Microsoft added a wave of capabilities through integration with Power Automate Desktop.

One potential solution would be Microsoft Copilot working with another assistant. That's not an entirely foreign concept, since Cortana could work with Alexa at one point. But again, would that be viewed as a step forward by Microsoft?

GameSir is a brand that has steadily risen in prominence, especially within the budget gaming controller sector, over the past few years. I always welcome the opportunity to review their products because, more often than not, they offer excellent value for money. This is partly due to their status as a Chinese company, which potentially allows them to source parts at a lower cost compared to other brands.

The GameSir G8 Galileo is a mobile gaming controller that connects to your phone via USB-C and transforms it into a handheld console. It has a similar layout to an Xbox controller, with its asymmetric sticks, a D-pad and four face buttons. What sets it apart is the inclusion of hall-effect sticks and two additional rear buttons for customizable remapping. It boasts a USB-C port for pass-through charging and comes with the GameSir app, which enables you to easily map controls for any game.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by GameSir. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

GameSir G8 Galileo: Price, availability and specs 

Based in Hong Kong, GameSir specializes in gaming accessories, with a primary focus on controllers designed for Xbox, PC, or mobile platforms. The GameSir G8 Galileo is conveniently available for purchase either directly from GameSir's website or through Amazon, where it is listed at an MSRP of $79.99. Upon unboxing, you'll find the controller along with instructions, a selection of stickers, and three thumbstick options, allowing users to customize their controller experience by swapping in preferred thumbsticks as needed.

GameSir G8 Galileo: What's good

I've tested many mobile controllers in my time here at Windows Central, and in fact, gaming using Xbox Cloud Gaming was my primary way to game before getting hold of a Steam Deck. With a discerning eye for comfort and functionality, I can confidently say that the GameSir G8 Galileo surpasses all others I've tried in that domain. 

The controller's design, which mirrors that of a split Xbox controller, contributes significantly to its superior comfort. While the thumbsticks are sized for handheld use similar to the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, the remaining buttons and triggers maintain a full-size feel, enhancing the overall ergonomic experience.

Now where the GameSir G8 Galileo stands out from its competitors, is the addition of hall-effect triggers and joysticks, something that's become a bit of a marketing beat of late, and certainly something I appreciate. 

Hall-effect technology, uses magnetic precision to measure movement and distance, and offers unparalleled precision and durability in control mechanisms. Including such technology in a mobile controller, while seemingly extravagant, underscores GameSir's commitment to innovation and affordability. 

Not only that, but rather than just including thumbcaps, you can replace the whole stick with 3 included options. The G8 Galileo is equipped with three extra thumbsticks: a small thumbstick, a tall thumbstick, and a dome thumbstick. The faceplates are magnetic, allowing you to swap them out based on your preferences.

At $79.99, the GameSir G8 Galileo represents a lasting investment, considering its durability, and you'll not need to replace it until USB-C is no longer the connection standard. Something I can't see happening anytime soon.

Speaking of USB-C, the connection for your phone in the controller pivots forward for easy insertion. Something too many mobile controller manufacturers leave out. I don't want to have to bend and snap my expensive smartphone into a controller, I want the controller to do the work for me. The pivoting USB-C connector does just that. No friction, no problem. Other thoughtful touches include a rubberized base to stop the phone from sliding around inside the device. 

The rear of the controller has two remappable buttons, again a nice touch and means for repetitive movement games like Diablo 4 I can remap some controls to make it more comfortable on my thumbs.

While my primary use of the controller centered around Xbox Cloud Gaming and remote console play, its versatility extends to basic mobile gaming and even serves as a viable alternative to the PS Portal, boasting a PS mode for PlayStation Remote Play functionality. Considering the PlayStation Portal's retail price of $199.99, the GameSir G8 Galileo's capability to fulfill a similar role with a smartphone is undeniably impressive.

While the GameSir app offers useful features for mapping touch controls to buttons, I found onboard controls sufficient for remapping rear buttons with ease.  It's still handy to have if your primary interest is mobile games. 

GameSir G8 Galileo: What's not so good

There wasn't much to complain about with this controller, but there are a couple of areas that I think could have taken it to 5-star territory. Firstly, the triggers and bumpers leave something to be desired. Despite boasting advanced technology, they feel somewhat cheaply constructed. 

The triggers lack the satisfying tactile feedback I prefer, emitting a hollow sound when pressed fast and repeatedly. Personally, I prefer triggers with a more substantial feel, and this aspect of the controller fell short of expectations.

My second niggle here is the controller's size, which impacts its portability. Unlike some competing models like the Turtle Beach Atom and the Razer Kishi, the GameSir G8 Galileo doesn't compactly clasp together for easy transport. Its bulkiness may pose a consideration for travelers seeking a more portable option.

Additionally, while the pivoting USB-C connector offers convenience, it fails to address the needs of users with folding phones. The lack of accommodation for folding phones remains a challenge across the mobile controller market. 

While it's not unique to GameSir, it's worth mentioning, especially considering the inquiries I receive regarding compatibility with folding phones every time I post one of these reviews on socials. Unfortunately, the GameSir G8 Galileo doesn't cater to folding phone users, as it lacks a USB-C connector capable of accommodating such devices' unique form factors.

GameSir G8 Galileo: The Competition

Upon first seeing the Galileo, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to PowerA's MOGA XP7-X, which I had the opportunity to test last year. Similar to the MOGA, the Galileo immediately impressed me with its comfort and well-sized controls. However, where the MOGA fell short was in its outdated micro-USB charging port and lacklustre wireless charging feature, which failed to justify its $99.99 price tag. In contrast, the GameSir G8 Galileo, priced $20 lower, has superior features and eliminates the need for charging altogether.

The true test lies in whether the G8 Galileo can dethrone the Turtle Beach Atom as my preferred mobile controller. Frankly, I believe both controllers deserve recognition at the top, as they cater to different needs and preferences. While the G8 Galileo excels in its affordability and feature set, the Turtle Beach Atom offers its own unique solutions. 

The Turtle Beach Atom, priced at $79.99, boasts the quirkiest design among the mobile controllers I've tested., and I can't help but root for something that looks so out of the ordinary. Its real genius is the magnetic snap design, which conveniently clasps the two sides together, rendering it remarkably compact for travel. It effortlessly fits into any small bag I own, making it an ideal companion for train rides or stashing in a suitcase without displacing essential items, like... shoes. When it comes to on-the-go Xbox Cloud Gaming, the Turtle Beach Atom remains my top choice.

For those that prefer a USB-C connection to Bluetooth though, the GameSir G8 Galileo is your best choice, you don't need to charge it, it just works — and if you do have the bag room for it, or you're only playing at home anyway, it's going to be the more comfortable controller.

Of course, there are numerous other contenders worth considering. The Backbone One, priced at $99.99, and the Razer Kishi V2, also priced at $99.99, provide sleek and stylish alternatives. However, these options come with a higher price tag and lack the hall-effect technology found in the GameSir G8 Galileo, which ensures durability for your joysticks. For even more cash, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro edition, priced at $149.99, caters specifically to Xbox gamers with features like the iconic home button, haptic feedback, and microswitch ABXY buttons. While sleeker and more stylish, these controllers come at a premium and may not offer the same joystick longevity as the GameSir G8 Galileo.

GameSir G8 Galileo: Should you buy? 

You should buy the GameSir G8 Galileo if ...

You should not buy the GameSir G8 Galileo if ...

In conclusion, the GameSir G8 Galileo is a great option for mobile gamers who want a controller that offers a console-like experience. Its ergonomic design, hall-effect technology, and compatibility with all sizes of smartphone (other than folding) combined with its price point being lower than competing brands make it a no-brainer choice for Xbox Cloud Gaming, and it's earned our recommendation for enhancing the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is working on extension support for Microsoft Edge on Android.
• You can already test a small set of extensions within Microsoft Edge Canary.
• Extensions are popular on desktop browsers but only a handful of popular mobile browsers support them, including Firefox and Samsung Internet.
• Notably, Google Chrome for Android does not support extensions.

Microsoft Edge on Android should soon get a major boost in the form of extension support. Edge Canary for Android now has a flag that allows you to enable extensions within the mobile browser. Well-known Edge expert Leo Varela shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) and showed off some of the extensions that are already supported.

Extensions are incredibly popular on desktop browsers, but surprisingly few popular mobile browsers support them. Firefox and Samsung Internet work with extensions but Google Chrome for Android does not. And of course, Edge did not support extensions until Microsoft began testing the functionality in Edge Canary.

Now, if you like Microsoft Edge and extensions, you don't have to pick between the two, at least if you're an Edge Canary user.

Saving Microsoft Edge

Adding extension support to Microsoft Edge for Android could help the browser compete with Google Chrome. Edge is barely a footnote when it comes to mobile usage, holding just a 0.24 market share, according to Statcounter in December 2023. Microsoft Edge as a whole didn't even register as "dominant enough" to warrant being under European Commission Digital Markets Act regulations.

I use Edge on a regular basis, but a large part of that is due to my job. I have to keep up to date on the latest Edge features and bugs to cover the browser. I like several elements of it, including its layout and general design, but it's nothing special when it comes to browsing.

While not unique to Edge on Android, extension support could go a long way in differentiating Edge from other browsers. I doubt many will convert from Google Chrome to Microsoft Edge due to Microsoft renaming its browser, but the addition of extensions could move the needle.

At this point, it's not clear how many extensions will be supported. Will Microsoft allow a vast library of extensions like it does on Edge for computers or will it be a small, curated list?

How to use extensions on Microsoft Edge for Android

The number of extensions you can use right now within Microsoft Edge Canary on Android is quite limited. At the time of publication, only three extensions can be installed: Dark Reader, uBlock Origin, and Global Speed. You can install or uninstall those three and in my testing, they work well, but that's it for now.

I hopped over to the Microsoft Edge Add-on store but the option to get any of the extensions is grayed out.

That being said, you can use extensions within the mobile browser, and I assume the general process will remain the same, so here's how to do it:

1. Install Microsoft Edge Canary from the Google Play Store.
2. Go to Edge://flags in the address bar.
3. Search for "Android Extension."
4. Toggled Android Extension to "Enabled."
5. While on any webpage, tap the hamburger menu (three lines) in the lower-right-hand corner of Edge.
6. Scroll down and select "Extensions," which appears next to a puzzle piece icon.
7. Select "Manage Extensions."
8. Choose which extensions you'd like installed on Microsoft Edge.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is testing a new feature dubbed Mobile Copilot Chat with Images on Edge for Android.
• The feature is designed to allow users to ask the chatbot anything regarding a selected image on a webpage.
• It can also generate an AI version of the selected image within Copilot's chat window. 

Microsoft's Chromium-based browser, Edge, has undergone several changes over the past few years. With the emergence of AI and Microsoft's multi-billion dollar investment in OpenAI's technology, the company aims to enhance the user experience of its mobile browser.

Despite Microsoft's doubled-down efforts to ship new features, updates, and a fully-fledged AI-powered assistant to Microsoft Edge, users are seemingly more inclined toward Google Chrome. In the past, users have openly expressed their reluctance to use Microsoft Edge, predominantly because of its bloatedness. 

But as it happens, the tech giant is looking to turn things around. According to a spot by MSPowerUser, Microsoft Edge on Android recently received an optional update that further enhances Copilot's capabilities. 

The new update builds on Copilot's existing capabilities with new features, including the ability to "Ask Copilot" about an image and request the chatbot to "Generate AI images." These options should be available under the "Mobile Copilot Chat with Images" feature. 

RELATED: Microsoft to add dedicated AI Copilot key to all future PCs

Per our testing and analysis, we could not access the experiment despite running on Android's latest version of Microsoft Edge. As is the case with most features in the testing phase, there's a possibility that the feature might not reach a full release, or if it does, it'll ship several tweaks and changes. Microsoft often buries such experiments under Edge flags as they could potentially negatively impact your security and privacy.

That said, you can try to enable the feature on your browser by following the highlighted steps below:

1. Ensure your running on the latest version of Microsoft Edge on your Android device.
2. Navigate to edge://flags, and search for Mobile Copilot.
3. The Mobile Copilot Chat with images flag will pop-up, tap on it and select the option to have it enabled.
4. Restart the browser on your phone.

Voila! You should be able to access the Ask Copilot or Generate AI images options directly from the context menu on your browser. To test this, head to a webpage with an image and tap on it. The context menu will pop up with the new AI-powered options. 

The image will pop up in your Copilot chat after selecting either of the new options. From this point, you can ask the chatbot anything about the image or even request it to generate an AI version of the selected photo. 

Microsoft on the AI tip

Since Microsoft partnered with OpenAI, the company has integrated AI across most of its products and services, which now ship with a Copilot system. As you might know, Windows 11 already ships with an AI-powered assistant dubbed Windows Copilot. The same applies to Microsoft Edge across its desktop and mobile clients. And now, the company is further enhancing Copilot's capabilities on the Edge browser on Android.

In case you missed it, Microsoft recently renamed its Edge browser on iOS and Android to "Microsoft Edge: AI Browser." This perfectly aligns with the company's focus on AI for Edge on mobile. 

Elsewhere, a new report by Appfigures indicated that OpenAI's ChatGPT continues to reign over Microsoft Copilot despite its recent launch on Android and iOS. The report further included that Microsoft's timely launch of the app on mobile with free access to OpenAI's latest LLM, GPT-4, and DALL-E 3 technology didn't impact ChatGPT's revenue or installations. 

Do you think Microsoft's AI push will make users transition from Google Chrome to Edge? Share your thoughts in the comments.