Users have begun noticing that Kaspersky products are no longer available on the Google Play Store, prompting a long discussion thread on the company’s forum. A company employee responded, saying it was a temporary situation, and that the company was working to rectify it.

Hello everyone,

First of all thank you for being here we will do our best to provide you with answers to your questions.

The downloads and updates of Kaspersky products are temporarily unavailable on the Google Play store. Kaspersky is currently investigating the circumstances behind the issue and exploring potential solutions to ensure that users of its products can continue downloading and updating their applications from Google Play. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

While we are working to restore the availability of Kaspersky solutions on Google Play, users can continue downloading and updating Kaspersky products from other mobile stores, including Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, Xiaomi GetApps and others. The range of available Kaspersky products for Android is the same in each store.

Interestingly, users are reporting they are still able to access the software via Apple’s App Store.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, small businesses are facing both new opportunities and challenges. Among the most transformative elements driving this change are app-based services, which have significantly altered how small businesses operate, market themselves, and interact with customers. This shift has not only streamlined operations but has also enhanced customer engagement and accessibility, enabling small businesses to compete more effectively with larger corporations.

The Rise of App-Based Solutions

The proliferation of smartphones and internet connectivity has led to the widespread adoption of app-based services. These applications offer an array of functionalities, from financial management to marketing automation, making them indispensable for small business owners. In particular, services tailored to specific industries, such as the best gym management software, have emerged to address unique operational needs, allowing businesses to focus more on growth rather than administrative tasks.

Streamlining Operations

One of the most significant advantages of app-based services is the ability to streamline operations. For instance, apps designed for inventory management enable small retailers to track stock levels in real time, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts. This efficiency minimizes waste and ensures that businesses can meet customer demand effectively.

Moreover, customer relationship management (CRM) apps help small businesses maintain strong relationships with their clients. By consolidating customer data and interactions in one place, these applications enable personalized marketing efforts, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. With automated reminders and follow-ups, small businesses can maintain engagement without overwhelming their staff.

Enhancing Customer Experience

The customer experience is a critical factor for the success of any small business, and app-based services play a pivotal role in enhancing this aspect. Applications such as online booking systems have transformed how service-oriented businesses operate. For example, salons and fitness studios can offer seamless appointment scheduling allowing customers to book services at their convenience. This convenience not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces no-show rates, leading to better revenue management.

Additionally, businesses can leverage mobile apps to create loyalty programs that encourage repeat business. Through push notifications and in-app rewards, small businesses can keep their customers informed about promotions and special events, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility

For many small business owners, cost is a significant concern. App-based services often provide a cost-effectiveness solution to various operational challenges. Many applications operate on a subscription model, allowing businesses to choose services that fit their budget. This flexibility means that small businesses can access high-quality tools without the burden of hefty upfront investments.

Furthermore, cloud-based solutions offer the added benefit of accessibility. Business owners and employees can access important information from anywhere, allowing for greater flexibility and remote work opportunities. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses with limited staff, as it enables them to operate efficiently without being tied to a physical location.

Marketing in the Digital Age

Marketing is another area where app-based services have made a significant impact. Traditional marketing methods can be costly and less effective, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. However, app-based marketing platforms offer affordable and targeted solutions.

Social media management apps allow small businesses to engage with their audience effectively. By scheduling posts, analyzing engagement metrics, and responding to customer inquiries from a single platform, businesses can create a cohesive online presence without spending hours managing multiple accounts. Additionally, email marketing services provide tools for crafting professional campaigns that reach customers directly in their inboxes enhancing visibility and driving sales.

Data-Driven Decisions

The ability to gather and analyze data is crucial for any business looking to grow. App-based services provide small businesses with access to valuable insights that inform decision-making. For example, data analytics tools can track customer behavior, sales trends, and marketing campaign performance, enabling business owners to make data-driven decisions that enhance their strategies. While access to medical information helps small businesses provide adequate health coverage to their employees.

With this information, small businesses can identify areas for improvement, tailor their offerings to meet customer needs, and ultimately increase profitability. The agility provided by these data insights allows small businesses to pivot quickly in response to market demands, a crucial advantage in today’s fast-paced environment.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the myriad benefits, the shift to app-based services does come with challenges. Small businesses must navigate the complexities of technology adoption, including the potential learning curve associated with new tools. For instance, those interested in developing their own solutions, like learning how to make a fitness app, are now being tapped by forward-looking business owners. Additionally, data security is a paramount concern; small businesses must ensure that customer information is protected while using online services.

Furthermore, relying heavily on technology can create issues if systems fail or if there are connectivity problems. Business owners need to maintain a balance between technology and personal touch, ensuring that customer relationships remain strong even in an increasingly digital landscape.

Leveraging the Right Applications

App-based services have undeniably changed the face of small business in profound ways. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, these tools provide small businesses with the resources they need to thrive in a competitive market. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for innovation within the small business sector will only grow. Embracing these changes and leveraging the right applications can empower small business owners to achieve their goals and create lasting impacts in their communities. The future of small business is undoubtedly tied to the ongoing evolution of app-based services.

As software developers have moved to the subscription model, many users are increasingly experiencing subscription fatigue. Savvy developers still offer their software for and old-school, standalone license fee. Despite the fact that it is one of the leading cloud and cloud-based software providers, Microsoft is still offering its most popular piece of software as a standalone option.

Catch our chat on Microsoft launching a non-subscription Office 2024!

The company announced the new release in a blog post.

Microsoft 365 is the best way to access the latest versions of the productivity apps that millions of people use every day to bring their ideas to life and power through tasks. But we know some of our customers still prefer a non-subscription way to access our familiar apps, which is why we’re releasing Office 2024 on October 1 for consumers and small businesses. Office 2024 includes updated, locked-in-time versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook1 for PC and Mac. Read on for more details about what’s new in Office 2024.

The company says the new version features a number of performance improvements.

Whether it’s emails, files, people, or events, get better matches for what you’re looking for with new search improvements in Outlook. Experience faster performance when working in Excel, even if you have multiple workbooks open at the same time. Plus, Mac users can now customize swipe left and swipe right gestures in Outlook for Mac with a multi-touch trackpad or magic mouse.

Office 2024 is available in two separate options, depending on what users are looking for.

Office 2024 comes in two editions. Office Home 2024 is $149.99 USD and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for one PC or Mac. Office Home & Business 2024 is $249.99 USD and comes with everything in Office Home 2024 plus Outlook and the rights to use the apps for commercial purposes. You can buy both editions from retailers worldwide and via Microsoft.com starting October 1, 2024.

For businesses with five or more users, Office Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) 2024 gives you the flexibility of deploying alongside Microsoft 365 using a common set of tools that simplify the management of hybrid environments.

The new version is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, as well as the three most recent major releases of macOS.

It’s refreshing to see a company as big as Microsoft continue to offer an application as important as Office as a standalone purchase. Hopefully, more companies take note and offer customers non-subscription licensing options.

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing a method to allow users with multiple accounts to select which contacts are synced with each account.

Per the outlet:

WhatsApp is exploring a new section that will allow users to manage the synchronization of their address book, scheduled for release in a future update. With this upcoming feature, users will be able to control how contacts are synced for each account independently. For example, users can choose to disable contact syncing for their second account if they prefer to keep it separate from their primary one. This is particularly useful for those who want to maintain distinct contact lists across different accounts, such as keeping work and personal contacts separate.

The revelation is welcome news for users that have multiple WhatsApp accounts and want to keep those accounts—and their contacts—as separate as possible.

The Dichotomy: Business Platforms vs. Technology Platforms

At the core of the discussion lies the distinction between platform business models and technology platforms. “There is constant confusion over platform business models (Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, etc.) and technology platforms (operating systems, mobile platforms, in-house platforms),” Hohpe notes. Platform business models, such as those employed by ride-sharing companies or online marketplaces, are multi-sided markets designed to connect different user groups—drivers and riders, or buyers and sellers—facilitating direct commerce between them.

On the other hand, technology platforms provide the foundational layers upon which these business models are built. They include operating systems like Android and iOS, which enable app development, and in-house platforms that simplify complex IT processes for developers. “An architect riding the #ArchitectElevator will encounter all three, at different floors,” Hohpe says, illustrating how these platforms interact within an organizational structure to create what he terms “Platform Magic”—the harmonization that boosts innovation.

Platform Magic: Innovation Through Harmonization

One of the most intriguing concepts Hohpe introduces is “Platform Magic,” which he describes as the ability of platforms to harmonize diverse components, thereby boosting innovation. “If your users haven’t built something that surprised you, you probably didn’t build a platform,” Hohpe asserts, emphasizing the role of platforms in enabling unexpected user-driven innovation.

This harmonization is particularly evident in developer platforms, which, despite standardizing processes, paradoxically drive innovation by reducing cognitive load and ensuring compliance. “Developer platforms appear to be able to rewrite the laws of IT physics: they boost innovation despite (or perhaps due to) standardizing; they speed up developers while assuring compliance; and they reduce cognitive load without restricting choice,” Hohpe explains. This balance between standardization and flexibility is crucial for platforms that aim to empower rather than constrain their users.

The Hourglass Model: Visualizing Platform Dynamics

To further clarify the dynamics of platforms, Hohpe introduces an hourglass model that represents the intersection of different axes, where platforms operate as the narrow spot. “Love to see this depiction of an hourglass model representation across two axes. Very helpful! Calling out ‘platform magic’ at that intersection point,” commented Steve Pereira, another thought leader in the field.

This model highlights the dual role of platforms in managing both “component diversity” and “participant diversity.” The narrow spot in the hourglass symbolizes the point where platforms facilitate the interaction of diverse elements, creating a streamlined yet flexible environment for innovation. As Tajinder Singh, an enterprise architect, points out, “Platform business models are inevitably marketplaces… Technology platforms, on the other hand, provide a layer for others to build on top of and create another value-added product or service.” Both aspects, according to Hohpe, are essential for achieving the harmonization that drives innovation.

Building Successful Platforms: Challenges and Strategies

While the potential of platforms is immense, Hohpe also cautions against the challenges of building one. “Many organizations end up with something that’s outdated by the time it’s launched, restricts rather than enables users, and faces a certain demise when its use is mandated in a last-ditch effort to make the economics work,” he warns. This cautionary note underscores the importance of designing platforms that are adaptable and user-centric from the outset.

Hohpe’s advice for building successful platforms is detailed in his work, where he uses metaphors like whether your platform is a “fruit salad or fruit basket” or if it is designed to “sink or float.” These analogies are not just catchy phrases but serve as actionable guidance for making critical design decisions that ensure platforms remain relevant and empowering for users.

The Broader Impact: Platforms in Different Sectors

While much of the discussion around platforms focuses on the private sector, there is also significant interest in their application within public and nonprofit sectors. Fabrice D. Kagame, a digital leader, suggests, “It will be also interesting to deep dive some successful platform business models in the public sector and nonprofit.” These sectors can benefit from platforms that streamline processes, enhance service delivery, and foster innovation in ways similar to their private-sector counterparts.

The Power and Potential of Platforms

In a world increasingly dominated by platforms, understanding the distinctions and dynamics between different types of platforms is crucial. Gregor Hohpe’s insights provide a valuable framework for navigating this complex terrain, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that platforms present. As Charles Betz from Forrester Research aptly summarizes, “A platform is a product you use to deliver other products.” Whether in the form of a business model or a technological foundation, platforms are reshaping the way we interact, innovate, and grow in the digital age.

LibreOffice is one of the best alternatives to Microsoft Office, giving users powerful word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database functionality in a familiar interface. Like most open-source software, LibreOffice already has string privacy features, but this latest release leans in to that even more.

LibreOffice is the only office suite, or if you prefer, the only software for creating documents that may contain personal or confidential information, that respects the privacy of the user – thus ensuring that the user is able to decide if and with whom to share the content they have created. As such, LibreOffice is the best option for the privacy-conscious office suite user, and provides a feature set comparable to the leading product on the market. It also offers a range of interface options to suit different user habits, from traditional to contemporary, and makes the most of different screen sizes by optimising the space available on the desktop to put the maximum number of features just a click or two away.

One of the biggest improvements is to the suite’s handling of personal information.

If the option Tools ▸ Options ▸ LibreOffice ▸ Security ▸ Options ▸ Remove personal information on saving is enabled, then personal information will not be exported (author names and timestamps, editing duration, printer name and config, document template, author and date for comments and tracked changes)

The new version also improves interoperability.

• Support importing and exporting OOXML pivot table (cell) format definitions
• PPTX files with heavy use of custom shapes now open faster

As OpenOffice points out, interoperability is a special challenge, especially when it comes to working with Microsoft’s formats.

The biggest advantage over competing products is the LibreOffice Technology engine, the single software platform on which desktop, mobile and cloud versions of LibreOffice – including those provided by ecosystem companies – are based. This allows LibreOffice to offer a better user experience and to produce identical and perfectly interoperable documents based on the two available ISO standards: the Open Document Format (ODT, ODS and ODP), and the proprietary Microsoft OOXML (DOCX, XLSX and PPTX). The latter hides a large amount of artificial complexity, which may create problems for users who are confident that they are using a true open standard.

LibreOffice has been gaining ground as organizations and governments become increasingly wary of being tied into platforms controlled by Big Tech corporations. For example, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein recently made the decision to migrate 30,000 computers to Linux and LibreOffice.

The new version should go a long way toward improving the experience for users transitioning from Microsoft Office.

GIMP is one of the most powerful alternatives to Photoshop, with the added benefit of being free and open-source software (FOSS). The current 2.x version series has been around for more than two decades, with the initial 2.0 release in March 2004.

The team has been hard at work on GIMP 3.0, bringing a number of features that help close the gap with Photoshop. GIMP 3, as well as the GIMP 3.x series will bring more powerful layers, improved font handling, and (finally) non-destructive editing, non-destructive filters, animation and multi-page support, macros, extensions, and more.

The announced via X that GIMP 3 has entered string freeze.

String freeze refers to the stage of software development where user-facing text, or strings, used in dialogs, labels, and other interface elements, is frozen and will no longer be changed. This gives translators the time they need to translate the strings into other languages prior to the final release date.

It remains unclear when GIMP 3 will make its appearance, with the original tentative May release date obviously not happening. Nonetheless, a string freeze is an important step toward release and indicates that date is certainly drawing close.

With the ever-evolving mobile app development space flutter has been introduced as a pioneering framework. As Google developed Flutter it provides the ability to create an attractive, high-performance application for different platforms using just one base code. 

This article discusses the different challenges of app development that Flutter can solve & why you must choose a flutter application development Surf company.

 The Cross-Platform Dilemma

The problem of making the app feel natural on those numerous platforms was just one of Noble’s other big challenges. Previously, you had to maintain different codebases for iOS and Android, which ends up costing you time and money. 

Flutter solves this problem by making developers write a single codebase, and it works perfectly on both platforms. After ensuring your users this way, it is additionally consistent with clear up your code and also keeping up vital progress.

 Accelerated Development Process

Being fast to market is key in this highly competitive landscape of app development. You get a hot reload feature hot with flutter where you see the changes instantly within your setup in a few seconds without even building or running the app from the scratch. 

This makes for a faster development cycle and means that teams can turn around and get products into the market quickly. Thus, businesses that make use of a flutter application development provider will efficiently cut down their time to market and also secure a competitive advantage.

 Cost Efficiency

Developing and supporting separate apps for each OS can get costly. Using Flutter, businesses can cut development and maintenance costs drastically. Surf company can provide best-in-class cross-platform apps that help you get maximum return on investment, hence becoming a cost-effective option for many businesses.

 Enhanced Performance

The success of a mobile app primarily depends on performance. Written in the Dart programming language, Flutter compiles directly to the native ARM code that runs on the device, and thus ensures a rich set of features and the efficiency of native apps. 

Under that hood, it maintains that high performance with a modern, reactive app framework, which combines the power of reactive programming and declarative layout.

 Customizable and Attractive UI/UX

In the world of mobile app development, user experience reigns high. This approach enables highly customizable and visually appealing frontend interfaces, taking advantage of Flutter’s widget-based architecture. 

This allows developers to easily build complex, responsive UIs that provide a compelling user experience. This functionality is desirable especially for enterprises planning their killer app that will make an exclusive user segment fall in love.

 Scalability and Flexibility

Architecture of Flutter is Scale-friendly and Flexible. Flutter will provide you a solution for a very simple app to an enterprise web app. Modular allows you to develop large-scale applications with that can grow with your requirements. 

This flexibility is what makes Flutter a fantastic choice for companies that want to be one step ahead of the game with their app investments.

 Integration with Native Features

Integrating Native Features and Third-Party Plugins with Flutter Developers can easily work with all the device-specific features like camera, GPS and other sensors without any fear of poor performance of the app. 

The cogeneses of a flutter application development Surf company in bringing the businesses the advanced features, help the app to stagnate according to the businesses the exclusive features that make the app stand out as distinctive else do the business face.

 Robust Community and Continuous Improvement

A solid community and thoroughly detailed documentation are really important for developers, and that is what you get with Flutter. A vibrant community offers ongoing support and sharing of knowledge and plugins and best practices. 

This contributes to a more interactive environment and the developers can thus battle with their challenges and likely complete their projects faster. When you take the partnership of a flutter application development Surf provider then you also tend to have the benefit of the latest innovations and community support.

 Reduced Maintenance Efforts

This often ends up in code duplication across different platforms, which can be a pain to maintain while also introducing bugs. Single codebase of Flutter: It reduced to work by making and maintaining all apps to a single codebase to apply similar changes to all apps. 

On the other hand, lowered maintenance leads to a better cost in the long-term, as well as a more consistent app for users.

 Seamless Integration with Existing Systems

Flutter is a very good choice for businesses who have their own applications in other technology as it is seamless to transition to Flutter. One of the key things about Flutter is that it is incremental adoption, so you can choose to integrate into an existing app without having a massive rewrite. 

This minimizes disruption, utilizing Flutter strengths while keeping the core of your current app. The Surf company of yours which specializes in flutter application development can make this transition turn smooth so that your operations are intact.

 Ensuring Security and Reliability

App security is a top concern. With Flutter, you have everything you need to build beautiful and secure for your users. Its solid foundation and dependability mean apps are able to perform, even in adverse conditions and is a great, obviously dependable solution for companies and end-users.

 Future-Proof Technology

Thus, opting for appropriate technology plays a major role in building the application in the long run. The continuous growth and support of Google ensure that Flutter will continue to be one of the market-leading technologies for mobile development. 

Additionally, working with a flutter application development Surf company also means businesses benefit from the future-oriented technology which changes along with the trends and demands of the market.

To sum up all, Flutter is the ultimate answer to various obstacles in mobile app development. It handles the major pain points very strongly from making sure the cross-platform consistency, accelerating the development, cost efficiency to best performance. Its customizable UI/UX, scalability, and integration with native features are the reasons that it is an effective tool for developing highly functional, dynamic, and secure applications.

Pairing with a flutter application development Surf company equips businesses with data and resources to boot up to flutter efficiently. Whether you’re building a new app or improving an established one, Flutter provides a predictable, idiomatic, and productive way to develop for the platform.

Microsoft acquired Clipchamp in 2021, making it part of Microsoft 365. The video editor is a popular option, given that its browser-based nature results in a lower barrier to entry than traditional video editors. Microsoft is continuing to add new features, including two significant AI-powered features.

The first feature is noise suppression.

Bad audio can ruin a great video. Whether you want to eliminate a subtle hum or a loud distraction, noise suppression can do just that, without compromising the quality of your voice. Now, you can salvage audio recorded on a busy street, at home with the kids in the background, or even in cyclonic winds.

Best of all, unlike traditional video editors, Clipchamp’s noise suppression doesn’t require expensive equipment to use.

What’s more, you won’t need expensive microphones or software to achieve great audio quality, noise suppression is coming to Clipchamp completely free for personal and work accounts.

The second new feature is background image removal.

Busy backgrounds can be distracting. This feature lets you remove the background of your images with just a few clicks, and help focus your audience’s attention on what matters: your content. Simply right-click any image and select Remove background.

You can layer any video or image of your choice behind your image to create a whole new look, by adding another track row below. You can also apply image background removal to images with objects in the foreground to create your own stickers.

The new features should go a long way toward giving users a powerful, easy-to-use option for their video editing needs.

While not one of Microsoft’s most powerful apps, 3D Paint nonetheless has a strong following among some users. As XDA points out, however, the app never gained the widespread traction that the classic Microsoft Paint enjoys.

Leaker phantomofearth broke the news on X, sharing a screenshot of the retirement banner.

Given how much Microsoft has been adding features to Classic Paint, it’s possible Microsoft may eventually bring some of 3D Paint’s features to the classic app.

Google has been moving from Manifest v2 of Chrome’s extension platform to Manifest v3. Google says the change is “to improve the privacy, security, and performance of extensions.” Unfortunately, as many critics and privacy advocates have pointed out, Manifest v3 will cripple some of the most effective adblockers that are currently available—a convenient result for a company that makes its fortune from online ads.

uBlock Origin is one of the most popular, and certainly most capable, ad blocking extension, for both Firefox and Chrome-based browsers. The developer has alerted users that Chrome will begin notifying them that uBlock Origin will no longer work, beginning with Chrome 127.

This is the result of Manifest v2 support being deprecated in favor of Manifest v3.

uBO is a Manifest v2 extension, hence the warning in your Google Chrome browser. There is no Manifest v3 version of uBO, hence the browser will suggest alternative extensions as a replacement for uBO:

uBO Lite (uBOL) is a pared-down version of uBO with a best effort at converting filter lists used by uBO into a Manifest v3-compliant approach, with a focus on reliability and efficiency as has been the case with uBO since first published in June 2014.

However the focus on reliability and efficiency in a Manifest v3 environment meant having to sacrifice many features beyond those not possible within a Manifest v3 framework.

The developer says Manifast v3 uBOL will not replace the original, as there are still other browsers that rely on it, such as Firefox. Nonetheless, in an effort to support Chrome users, uBOL will continue to be offered as an alternative.

Manifest v2 uBO will not be automatically replaced by Manifest v3 uBOL. uBOL is too different from uBO for it to silently replace uBO — you will have to explicitly make a choice as to which extension should replace uBO according to your own prerogatives.

Ultimately whether uBOL is an acceptable alternative to uBO is up to you, it’s not a choice that will be made for you.

The developer has authored a FAQ page outlining the differences between the two versions to help users understand and decide what is right for them.

WordStar is used by George R. R. Martin, William F. Buckley, Jr, Ralph Ellison, Anne Rice, James Gunn, Michael Chabon, Arthur C. Clarke, and of course Sawyer, to name just a few. Unfortunately of its devoted users, WordStar’s last release was in 1992. Even worse, the company behind WordStar went out of business years ago, leaving the software’s future and ownership in question.

According to The Register, Sawyer has decided to take the risk and declare the software “abandonware,” re-releasing the last official version for free, along with all documentation and translation tools to convert the documentation to newer formats. Sawyer also incorporated two FOSS tools that will help users run WordStar on modern versions of Windows.

Sawyer describes the work he put into the project on his blog:

There was no proper archive of WordStar for DOS 7.0 available online, so I decided to create one. I’ve put weeks of work into this. Included are not only full installs of the program (as well as images of the installation disks), but also plug-and-play solutions for running WordStar for DOS 7.0 under Windows, and also complete full-text-searchable PDF versions of all seven manuals that came with WordStar — over a thousand pages of documentation.

I’ve also included lots of my own explanations on how to use and customize WordStar, many WordStar-related utility programs, and numerous other goodies.

WordStar became popular as a result of offering features and abilities that are ideally suited to a writer’s workflow. As word processors become more complex and generalized, most lost—or never had—these features, leaving writers hanging on to an abandoned program. Although there have been multiple attempts to create WordStar clones, none have matched the original.

Sawyer is aware there’s a legal risk to the action he’s taken, since “abandonware” is a descriptive term, not a legal one. Thankfully, it’s unlikely anyone will take any action against Sawyer, and the myriad of users who still rely on WordStar will hopefully be able to use the software for years to come.

Here’s the link to the full WordStar 7 archive, including releases for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Skype was once the king of online messaging, before losing popularity to a host of newer competitors that offered better security, including WhatsApp, iMessage, Signal, and Telegram. What’s more, those services generally offer a far superior experience, including an ad-free one.

It appears Microsoft is at least addressing that last issue, according to a post on its community forums.

We’re excited to announce that Skype is now ad-free! Our latest update removes all ads from Skype channels and the entire Skype platform, ensuring a smoother, decluttered and more enjoyable user experience.

• Ad-Free Channels: Enjoy uninterrupted browsing and communication in all your favorite Skype channels.
• Seamless Conversations: Focus on your chats without any ad distractions, making your Skype experience cleaner and more user-friendly.
• User-Centric Design: We’ve prioritized your feedback to create a more streamlined and pleasant environment across all platforms.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to make Skype the best communication tool for everyone. Enjoy an ad-free experience and keep the conversations flowing!

In addition to getting rid of ads, Microsoft has improved the interface, streamlined access to the AI image creator, optimized menu items, improved navigation, and made sign-ins easier with OneAuth integration.

Sonos rolled out a major new version of its app, but the it was a definite step back from the previous version. In fact, users complained of poor performance, bugs, and missing features they relied on. In the wake of the rollout, Spence is apologizing and promising the company will fix the issues.

We know that too many of you have experienced significant problems with our new app which rolled out on May 7, and I want to begin by personally apologizing for disappointing you. There isn’t an employee at Sonos who isn’t pained by having let you down, and I assure you that fixing the app for all of our customers and partners has been and continues to be our number one priority.

We developed the new app to create a better experience, with the ability to drive more innovation in the future, and with the knowledge that it would get better over time. However, since launch we have found a number of issues. Fixing these issues has delayed our prior plan to quickly incorporate missing features and functionality.

Spence goes on to say that the company has released new updates roughly every two weeks, each one brining “significant and meaningful improvements.”

Spence outlines the company’s roadmap for continued improvements to the new app:

July and August:

• Improving the stability when adding new products
• Implementing Music Library configuration, browse, search, and play

August and September:

• Improving Volume responsiveness
• User interface improvements based on customer feedback
• Improving overall system stability and error handling

September:

• Improving Alarm consistency and reliability

September and October:

• Restoring edit mode for Playlists and the Queue
• Improving functionality in settings

Hopefully the company is able to deliver on Spence’s promise and restore the functionality and experience users are accustomed to.

WhatsApp is the world’s most popular cross-platform messaging service, but its popularity has lagged in the US thanks largely to the popularity of Apple’s iPhone and iMessage service. The service is making headway, however, with WhatsApp reporting 100 million US users.

The company made the announcement in a blog post:

It’s been a long time since we’ve written about the momentum of WhatsApp and today we have some exciting news to share. As of this month, WhatsApp now has 100 million users in the United States.

The blog goes on to make the point that WhatsApp is “the solution” to the cross-platform messaging issues that currently plague the US market:

This milestone has been a long time coming and it proves that WhatsApp is the solution to the cross platform divide in America. No matter if you have an iPhone or Android, people want private and secure messaging that works well for everyone and that’s what we do best.

WhatsApp is referring to the blue vs green bubble debate, where texting between iPhone and Android devices is a subpar experience at best. Efforts have been made to address the issue, with Apple finally adopting RCS—the feature-rich successor to SMS—to improve cross-platform texting. Still other solutions, such as Sunbird Messaging, are trying to address the issue by bringing a form of iMessage directly to Android.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp is trying to position itself as a viable option that already exists, has widespread global adoption, and has a longstanding track record of reliability.

WhatsApp is adding a Favorites feature, giving users the ability to set contacts as Favorites. Once set, Favorites will appear as a filter option at the top of the chat and call screen, as the company highlights in a blog post.

Whether it’s your family group chat or your best friend, your ‘favorites’ will be the same across your chats and calls, so you can speed dial them from your calls tab too.

To add to your ‘favorites’:

• From your chats screen, select the ‘favorites’ filter, and select your contacts or groups there.
• From the calls tab, tap ‘Add favorite’ and select your contacts or groups.
• Or, simply manage your ‘favorites’ in your settings by going to Settings > Favorites > Add to Favorites, and you can reorder them at any time.

WhatsApp says the feature started rolling out Tuesday and will be available to all users within the coming weeks.

Thunderbird is the popular open-source email client and PIM suite backed by Mozilla. The new version includes a number of improvements that improve stability, performance, and the overall user experience, some of which is due to the inclusion of more Rust code:

We’ve devoted significant development time integrating Rust — a modern programming language originally created by Mozilla Research — into Thunderbird. Even though this is a seemingly invisible change, it is a major leap forward because it enhances our code quality and performance. This overhaul will allow us to share features between the desktop and future mobile versions of Thunderbird, and speed up our development process. It’s a win for our developers and a win for you.

Cards View also received some notable improvements:

The Cards View, which debuted in 115 Supernova, has been tuned and refined for an even better experience. The new layout is more attractive and makes it easier to scan your email threads and glean information at a glance. Plus, the height of email cards adjusts automatically based on your settings, ensuring everything looks just right.

The Folder Pane received a number of improvements, “including faster rendering and searching of unified folders, better recall of message thread states, and multi-folder selection.”

The new version includes improved theme compatibility, which Thunderbird’s Jason Evangelho says will especially benefit Ubuntu and Linux Mint users, making the application seamlessly blend with their desktop environment.

There are a number of other improvements, including account color customization, streamlined menu navigation, native Windows notifications, and improved context menu. Features that didn’t quite make it into this version, but are progressing nicely, include built-in Microsoft Exchange support, as well as support for Mozilla Sync. Both of these features should show up in a Nebula point release (128.x).

The Rise of No-Code Development

No-code development has emerged as a significant trend over the past decade, offering a way for individuals without programming skills to create software applications. Using visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools, no-code platforms allow users to design and deploy software without writing a single line of code. The low-code and no-code development market is projected to reach $36.4 billion by 2027, underscoring its growing importance in the tech industry.

“No-code platforms empower non-technical users to bring their ideas to life flexibly, meaning you can fail and fix quickly,” Gillespie explains. The key benefits of no-code development include cost efficiency, as it eliminates the need for expensive traditional developers, and speed, allowing products to reach the market significantly faster. “You’ll be able to get your product to market quickly since no-code, on average, typically needs traditional development time by 70 to 90%,” she adds.

Gillespie highlights popular no-code platforms such as Bubble.io, Adalo, Webflow, and Glide, which can be used to create various applications, from internal business tools to mobile apps and e-commerce websites. “This has really changed the game in the tech world because gone are the days where you need a technical founder or co-founder for a successful tech startup,” she says.

Real-World Success Stories

The appeal of no-code is evident in success stories like that of Jason Schotksy, co-founder of TicketRev. Schotksy, who lacks technical skills, raised $1.1 million in pre-seed funding by developing his startup on Bubble. “We stayed as lean as possible to see if what we were even doing worked and provided value to people,” Schotksy shares, emphasizing the efficiency and speed advantages of no-code development for startups.

Hiring a no-code agency can provide a cost-effective alternative even for those who find the learning curve of no-code platforms steep. These agencies specialize in no-code development, offering their expertise to build robust applications without the hefty price tag associated with traditional development. “Even if you don’t want to go through the learning curve of building the software yourself on a no-code platform, you can still reap the benefits by hiring a no-code agency,” Gillespie notes.

Potential Pitfalls of No-Code

However, Gillespie warns that no-code development is not without its drawbacks. One significant issue is vendor lock-in, which can occur when users depend on a specific no-code platform. Unlike traditional development, where code can be migrated across different frameworks, switching no-code platforms often requires starting from scratch. “You are locked into whatever the given platform has,” Gillespie explains. “And while I will say that no-code platform offerings have come quite a long way, you might just come across that one thing that isn’t convenient or easy to build or even possible to build on the no-code platform that you have currently selected.”

Another potential pitfall is scalability. Businesses must carefully evaluate whether a no-code platform can handle the expected load and provide real-time data updates. “Are you planning for this software to be used by millions of users? Will they be accessing it at the same time? Will they need their data to be updated in real-time?” Gillespie asks. She points out that platforms like Adalo have limitations on data storage, app actions, and integrations, which could become problematic for large-scale applications.

Additionally, no-code platforms can sometimes complicate simple tasks. “Sometimes accomplishing something incredibly simple in traditional development takes a large amount of complexity or effort in a no-code platform,” Gillespie notes. This can result in confusing and hard-to-maintain software, particularly when dealing with complex logic or large-scale applications. For instance, when using Glide, most logic is contained in the database itself in computed columns, which can complicate tasks like creating a graph or an if-else statement.

A Balanced Perspective

Despite these challenges, Gillespie maintains that no-code platforms offer substantial benefits, particularly for rapid prototyping and market validation. “No-code offers speed, cost efficiency, and flexibility, which can be vital for businesses looking to quickly validate their ideas and launch minimal viable products,” she says. This approach allows companies to gather user feedback and iterate quickly, adapting to market demands and optimizing operations effectively.

By 2025, it is estimated that 70% of new business applications will utilize low-code and no-code technologies. This trend highlights the growing acceptance and utility of these platforms, even as developers must remain aware of their limitations.

“No-code is not a trap. It’s just important that you do your research on what your software will need prior to committing to a certain no-code platform,” Gillespie advises. Understanding your software’s specific needs and your chosen platform’s capabilities is crucial to avoiding common pitfalls. Just as with traditional development, different no-code platforms come with their own sets of pros and cons, necessitating a thorough evaluation before commitment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, no-code development is not inherently a trap, but it requires careful consideration and research. “Understanding the specific needs of your software and the capabilities of your chosen platform is crucial to avoiding common pitfalls,” Gillespie emphasizes. With the right approach, no-code development can be a powerful tool for innovation and efficiency, transforming how software is created and deployed in today’s fast-paced tech landscape.

As Gillespie succinctly puts it, “No-code development, like most things, has its pros and cons. It can be a great option for many different use cases, but there are also certain instances where it may not be the best option.” Her balanced perspective offers valuable insights for anyone considering no-code development, highlighting its transformative potential and the importance of thorough research and understanding.

By effectively leveraging no-code platforms, companies can rapidly prototype, gather user feedback, and iterate, enabling them to adapt swiftly to market demands and optimize their operations. This approach allows businesses to focus resources on refining and scaling successful products, ensuring they can meet evolving customer needs and stay competitive in dynamic industries.

According to WABetaInfo, some beta tests already have access to the new features, giving them the ability to transcribe messages in various languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese (Brazil), and Russian.

Best of all, WhatsApp has deployed the feature in a way that helps preserve privacy, according to the outlet:

In fact, these voice transcripts are generated on-device, so nobody else can hear your voice notes or read the transcripts. Those users can now choose to download one from the available language data packages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, and Hindi, with the potential for more languages to be supported in the future. Since WhatsApp offers data packages for these 5 languages, it suggests that this feature may currently be available only to a limited number of users in some countries where the respective languages are widely spoken or supported.

As the outlet points out, the feature should be a boon for users who prefer to quickly skim through or read a message rather than listen to it in its entirety:

This feature also offers convenience to users who receive lengthy voice notes, as it allows them to quickly read the transcriptions instead of having to listen to the entire audio message, enabling them to understand the content more efficiently. It is worth noting that transcriptions provide a quick reference even through searching the voice note later, enabling users to find and review the content of voice notes without having to replay the audio.

Some users may be able to access the new feature by installing the beta version via the Play Store. Otherwise, the feature should be rolling out to users in the coming weeks.

In 2023, there were around 257 billion mobile app downloads recorded globally. Using a smartphone also often means downloading and using apps.

Many mobile apps perform their best when they have access to precise and reliable location and travel information. In these instances, distance matrix APIs come into play. Here’s a look at how they work in app development.

Understanding Distance Matrix API

A distance matrix API refers to a tool that calculates travel times and distances between a given set of origin and destination points. 

It is designed to provide a matrix of distances and travel times between multiple origins and destinations. It also considers various settings and modes of transport, offering flexibility and accurate estimates.

Aside from providing estimates, a distance matrix API also calculates the shortest or most efficient route between given origins and destinations. It can be beneficial for optimizing routes for delivery and logistics purposes.

Importance of Distance Matrix APIs in Modern App Development

Distance Matrix APIs have become a crucial component in modern app development. They are instrumental in mobility-based businesses and mobile apps like ride-hailing, logistics, and delivery.

This API calculates travel times and distances between multiple origin and destination points, helping with route planning and overall operational efficiency.

Enhancing user experience

One of the primary benefits of distance matrix APIs is their ability to enhance the user experience. These APIs help users plan their journeys more effectively by providing accurate travel time estimates.

The information provided by a distance matrix API reduces uncertainty and improves predictability. As a result, people can better manage their time and make informed decisions.

For example, a distance matrix API in ride-hailing apps helps assign the nearest driver to each customer, reducing wait times and improving efficiency. Consequently, customers get a better experience, as they can expect timely and reliable services.

Improving operational efficiency

Aside from enhancing user experiences, distance matrix APIs also improve operational efficiency. 

As it optimizes routes and reduces travel times, the API helps businesses streamline their operations using mobile apps. These improvements can lead to resource savings and improved productivity.

Let’s look at its usage in logistics and fleet management. Distance matrix APIs can help manage and optimize routes for massive fleets of vehicles. This optimization reduces travel times and improves efficiency, allowing companies to deliver goods and services more quickly and cost-effectively.

Applications in Various Industries

Distance matrix APIs have become a crucial component in various industries, as they help with efficient route optimization and improved operational efficiency. Here are some critical applications of distance matrix APIs across different sectors and industries:

Ride-hailing

Distance matrix APIs help optimize routes and reduce wait times in ride-hailing apps. 

These APIs calculate the shortest distance between multiple origins and destination points and help assign each customer the nearest driver. By ensuring efficient and timely services, the customer gets a positive experience.

Distance matrix APIs help drivers select the best trip routes, saving precious time and fuel resources.

E-commerce

Distance matrix APIs also significantly benefit e-commerce retailers and applications. They help find the best delivery routes for online orders.

Distance matrix APIs calculate the most efficient route between multiple delivery points. With this information, they can help reduce delivery times and costs. It also helps e-commerce platforms calculate shipping costs depending on the origins and destinations.

As a result, e-commerce businesses can provide faster and more reliable delivery services, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

On-demand delivery

On-demand delivery services, such as meal and grocery delivery, rely heavily on distance matrix APIs. 

The API ensures that orders are delivered quickly and efficiently by finding the best delivery routes. Reduced travel times and costs help on-demand delivery apps and services provide faster and more reliable services.

Trucking and logistics

Distance matrix APIs help optimize routes for trucking fleets in the trucking and logistics industry.

These APIs calculate the most efficient route between multiple delivery points, helping reduce travel times and costs. They also help drivers maximize their available energy and take adequate rest stops to avoid exhaustion and stay on time.

Trucking and logistics companies can improve operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption with distance matrix APIs.

Choosing a Distance Matrix API for Your Mobile App

Selecting the proper distance matrix API is crucial when building a mobile app with location-based services. Looking through your options, you can find several providers offering APIs you can use in app development. 

However, not every distance matrix API is made equal. Here are some vital factors to consider when selecting an API that suits your needs and requirements.