Microsoft ends support for Android apps on Windows 11

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Microsoft announced it will discontinue support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), effectively ending Android app functionality on Windows 11. The change takes effect March 5, 2025. Existing users can continue using previously downloaded Android apps from the Amazon Appstore until the support end date. However, new app downloads won't be possible, and searching for the Amazon Appstore or Android apps in the Microsoft Store will be unavailable starting tomorrow, March 6.

This move comes as a surprise, considering Microsoft's ongoing efforts to improve WSA. While the feature aimed to compete with Apple's ability to run iOS apps on M1 Macs, the reliance on the Amazon Appstore instead of the Google Play Store limited its potential. The lack of access to popular apps likely played a significant role in Microsoft's decision.

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Google Drive on iOS gains user-friendly search filters

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Google announced an update to their Google Drive app for iOS, bringing intuitive search filters via dropdown menus for file type, owner, and last modified date. These filters appear before and after a search, with dynamic recommendations popping up as you type. The update caters to all Google Drive users, including individual and Workspace subscribers. While currently exclusive to iOS, Google confirms a similar update is on the way for Android users.

These new filters address the pain point of locating specific files when you're unsure of their exact name or location. For example, if you're looking for a recently saved video, you can simply select "Videos" under the file type filter, then choose a custom date range under "last modified" to pinpoint your search. 

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Pixel phones get Ultra HDR boost for Instagram

Google Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel Fold users can rejoice with the March feature drop. This update brings the ability to upload and view Ultra HDR photos directly on Instagram. This move follows Samsung's Galaxy S24 series, which first offered Ultra HDR photo support on Instagram. Now, Pixel owners can capture the full potential of their upgraded cameras with vibrant colours and stunning contrast. The update even extends to video, allowing users to share 10-bit HDR videos on Instagram Reels for even richer content creation.

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Google introduces next-gen call screening for Pixel phones

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Google has unveiled a new call screening feature for some Pixel phones that lets you use Google Assistant to handle incoming calls. With the new Hello button, you can activate Google Assistant to ask the caller for their name and purpose and listen to their reply live. You can then decide whether to take the call, reject it, or ask the caller to hold on. This gives you more flexibility and convenience than the previous Call Screen feature, which only shows you a transcript of the caller’s response. The new feature also records the transcripts for later review. The new call screening feature is exclusive to the Pixel Fold and Pixel 6 phones and newer.

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