Technology

  Microsoft Tests App Ads in the Windows 11 Start Menu Microsoft is testing a new feature that would add ads for Microsoft Store apps to the Start Menu on Windows 11. The ads would appear in the "Recommended" section, which currently surfaces suggested apps and files. A/B Testing download This test is currently only being offered to a limited number of users in the US on the Windows Insider Beta Channel. It is also only being shown on non-commercial PCs. This suggests that Microsoft is still trying to decide how best to implement app ads in Windows 11, and it is possible that the feature may not be rolled out to all users. Opting Out of Ads Users who are part of the test will be able to opt out of seeing the ads. However, it is not clear how this will be done. Microsoft has not yet said whether there will be a way to disable app ads entirely, or if users will only be able to hide individual ads. Impact on Windows 11 It is too early to say what impact app ads will have on Wind...

Google One VPN Discontinued: Focus Shift to In-Demand Features Google One subscribers, attention! The Google One VPN service, initially introduced in October 2020, is being discontinued in the coming months. This decision comes after Google's analysis revealed lower-than-expected user adoption of the VPN feature. Bye-Bye Google One VPN Previously marketed as an "extra layer of online protection" for Android phones, the Google One VPN offered data encryption and promised peace of mind for users. Google even published a white paper detailing its workings and conducted a third-party audit for transparency. Initially available only on the $9.99/month Premium plan, Google later made it accessible on the more affordable $1.99/month offering in March 2023. Why the Shutdown? download According to Google, discontinuing the VPN feature allows them to "refocus" and prioritize "more in-demand features" for Google One. This shift in focus aligns with Google One...