Windows 11 and Android, next-gen foldables, and more

Windows11: The announcement of Windows 11 on Thursday was a big moment for Microsoft’s next-generation operating system. The useful facts first: it’s a free update if you have Windows 10, and it’s coming sometime in late October. What’s to come are overdue cosmetic changes, new features for gamers, better ways to snap apps and windows, easily configurable desktops for work, home or games, new widgets, and much more. It’s a little more iterative than a Revolution, making it feel like a Windows 10 Plus, but Microsoft has some key new features like natively running Android apps – more on that next.

Windows 11 runs native Android apps! There was a real surprise at the presentation: Microsoft is bringing Android apps natively to Windows 11, of all things via Intel Bridge technology and via the Amazon Appstore. There is so much to talk about and so much to experience in the coming months. Still, Microsoft’s collaboration with Amazon’s Appstore for Android apps doesn’t mean Google Mobile Services, which means Google apps won’t work. So it’s Android without Google that may open up the ecosystem more? Confirmation for sideloading via APKs also came later in the week.

The next generation foldables from Samsung are released: This was a rich week to discover Samsung’s next generation foldables. First, FCC filings have proven that Samsung’s devices are very much on the rise. The documentation also described some of the key specs, including Qualcomm chipsets, MST, and wireless and reverse wireless charging, and S Pen support for the Fold 3. We also got a first look at the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip later 3 thrown over renders from a reliable source.

MWC 2021: MWC is next week, but with some companies leaving, we expect a lukewarm introduction. However, Samsung announced a virtual event for Monday June 28th that looks like it will be smartwatches, despite the latest rumors that Samsung may just be talking about its software. Instead, the Galaxy Watch 4 series is expected to be launched later this year along with the foldable Samsung series. Here’s everything we know about the Galaxy Watch 4 series in the meantime.

Sony Xperia 1 III: Sony has finally set July 1st as the pre-order date for its Xperia 1 III, a powerful flagship with a classic Sony price tag: $ 1,299, or $ 100 more than the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Mi 11 Ultra. But maybe, just maybe, the list of features will convince you of their worth. We’re waiting for reviews to see how one of the best datasheets of 2021 yet comes together in real life.

Apple’s Sideload Wars: Apple released a 16-page whitepaper this week stating that the ability to sideload apps (or alternative app stores) would lead to a loss of trust within its ecosystem (Apple). Apple is more interested in protecting its fiefdom than it is in iPhone security Android authority Reaction. Regardless of the swirling opinions, it looks like regulators are deciding the issue, and Apple is stepping up its lobbying efforts. Tim Cook also called in Nancy Pelosi to argue for the iPhone. Big Tech has a lot of work to do in 2021 to maintain its preferred status quo. Also, Apple was tracking one of the most accurate and well-known leaks, apparently because he was too good at leaking. Do you remember that in 2006 in the Apple vs. Does case this got ugly? (EFF).

Swear online: And in another free speech case on the internet, the Supreme Court said a school can’t punish a cheerleader for cursing her on Snapchat (The edge).