I open Gmail dozens of times a day. It was where messages landed, and occasionally got starred or archived. I never expected it to be useful beyond email.

However, tucked away in the sidebar is a note-taking app I’d overlooked, even though I use Gmail every single day.

After I started using Google Keep directly inside Gmail, it changed how I handle notes, ideas, and tasks during the workday.

Instead of context-switching or letting thoughts slip away, I now capture them alongside my messages.

The Gmail sidebar I kept ignoring

If you use Gmail on desktop, you’ve probably noticed the slim sidebar on the right. It holds Google Calendar, Google Tasks, Google Keep, and Contacts.

I’d always dismissed it as clutter, thinking of it as something Google added to push its ecosystem.

Out of curiosity (and mild frustration with my inbox), I clicked the Keep icon one day. A familiar panel slid open, showing my notes exactly as they appear on my phone.

By keeping tools like Google Keep just a click away, Gmail offered a lightweight way to capture notes without switching tabs.

How I use Google Keep alongside Gmail

Using Google Keep in Gmail serves as a holding space for my thoughts and ideas while I manage my inbox.

If an email triggers an idea, a follow-up question, or something I want to think about later, I jot it down in Keep instead of leaving the message unread or starred.

That keeps my inbox focused on communication.

I also use Keep to extract context out of long email threads.

I’ll copy key details, such as dates, decisions, or action items, into a note so I don’t have to re-scan the entire conversation later.

It is beneficial for ongoing projects, where information often gets buried across multiple replies.

One limitation is that you can’t directly move an email into Google Keep. There’s no “send to Keep” button, which initially felt like a missed opportunity.

My workaround is simple: I open the email, copy its URL, and paste that link into a Keep note. That way, I can jump straight back to the original message whenever I need context.

This approach works well for ongoing threads. I’ll summarize the key points of the email in my own words, drop the Gmail link underneath, and move on.

It keeps my notes clean while still giving me a direct path back to the entire conversation.

Why this works better than copying emails elsewhere

Before I started using Keep inside Gmail, my default move was to copy email content into another app, whether it’s a note-taking app, a task manager, or a document.

However, every extra step made it less likely I’d capture the information in the first place.

Using Keep directly in Gmail is convenient. I don’t have to decide where something belongs or interrupt my flow by switching apps.

If a thought comes up while I’m reading an email, I capture it immediately.

There’s also less duplication and cleanup involved.

When I copy emails into other tools, I tend to over-save by copying entire threads or unnecessary details. With Keep, I’m more selective.

That makes the notes easier to scan and far more useful later.

Throughout the day, Keep becomes a lightweight scratchpad.

Drafting a reply, outlining a meeting agenda, or capturing something I want to revisit later all happen there, without ever leaving Gmail.

And because it syncs automatically, those notes are automatically updated on the mobile app.

The limitations of using Google Keep inside Gmail

As convenient as this setup is, it isn’t perfect.

Google Keep in Gmail is intentionally lightweight, and that simplicity means it won’t suit every workflow or every type of note.

The most significant limitation is structure. Keep doesn’t offer folders, nested notes, or advanced organization tools.

When your notes start piling up, relying on labels and search can feel a bit limiting compared to other note-taking apps.

It’s great for quick capture, but it’s not designed for managing large, long-term projects.

There’s also the lack of deeper email integration.

Since you can’t directly attach or move an email into Keep, referencing messages requires manual steps, such as copying links or summarizing content yourself.

Finally, the sidebar itself can feel cramped.

Writing longer notes or thinking through complex ideas in a narrow panel isn’t always comfortable.

When a note starts growing beyond a few lines, I often open Keep in a new tab.

Despite these limitations, I’ve stuck with this system because I’m not asking it to do too much.

Google Keep in Gmail doesn’t replace a full note-taking app; it’s there to catch thoughts before they disappear.

The Gmail feature that earned a permanent spot in my workflow

What surprised me most about using Google Keep inside Gmail is how little effort it takes. There’s no setup process or system to maintain.

By keeping note-taking right beside my inbox, I no longer have to trust my memory or let emails pile up as reminders.

It’s worth noting that this setup won’t replace a dedicated note-taking app. For me, its value lies in how seamlessly it fits into the day.

What once felt like a useless sidebar has transformed into one of the most consistently handy parts of Gmail, and now, I can’t imagine working without it.



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FlyOOBE has received another feature update to give you more control over various parts of Windows 11. This tool is among the most popular third-party utilities for Windows debloating, and as the dev says in the latest release notes, it recently reached nearly 2.5 million downloads on GitHub, showing how much people want to clean Windows 11 from unnecessary stuff. The newest release, version 2.4, makes FlyOOBE even better by improving its capabilities to detect and remove AI components (the so-called Slopilot).

The release notes for FlyOOBE 2.4 state that the main goal of the update is to give users a choice. AI is not necessarily bad, but users should have the option to turn it off. If you do not want any of it on your PC, FlyOOBE is now better at detecting AI features and offers a deep cleaning feature via the RemoveWindowsAI script, which we reported earlier.

“We need to get beyond the arguments of slop vs sophistication…” - Satya Nadella
Agreed, but users still deserve a choice!!! The AI OOBE control has been refined and is now officially called Slopilot. Slopilot isnt anti-AI - it's pro user choice

In addition to that, there are several improvements for browser detection, extension engine, themes, and more. Here is the full changelog:

   • This update improves detection of AI-related (Slopilot) features across Windows 11 and adds optional deep cleanup capabilities via external tooling such as RemoveWindowsAI.

   • Users can now better understand, review, and disable AI components they don't want, transparently and on their own terms.

   • Improved browser detection in the Browser OOBE.

   • Updated Extensions engine for better coverage and accuracy.

   • Global search functionality expanded and refined across all sections.

   • Improved theme detection in the Personalization OOBE.

   • Minor core optimizations and internal cleanups.

You can download FlyOOBE 2.4 from its official GitHub repository, which is the only right place to get the app. You can find the link to it on Neowin's Software page as well.

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It's January 2026, and Google is finding innovative new ways to make one of its services worse.

Important news for Gmail power users: Google is dropping the feature whereby Gmail can collect mail from other email accounts over POP3.

The company hasn't exactly gone out of its way to call attention to this – like actually telling anybody anything. The news appears in a support note with a sign on the door saying "Learn about upcoming changes to Gmailify & POP in Gmail." The article itself is less euphemistic than its title:

Starting January 2026, Gmail will no longer provide support for the following features:

• Gmailify: This feature allows you to get special features like spam protection or inbox organization applied to your third-party email account.

• Check mail from other accounts: Fetching emails from third-party accounts into your Gmail account, with POP, will no longer be supported.

Firefox users, incidentally, will find the support pages locked. We had to use Chrome. When Google says there are "changes" to Gmailify, that really means that the Gmailify feature will be shut down.

Why is Google doing this now? Opinions vary but some market onlookers suspect it is related to the fact that POP3 requires sending passwords in plaintext. We have asked Google to comment.

About 10,000 years ago (in binary), when the future Reg FOSS desk still had a mostly full head of hair, we explained how to get the most out of Gmail, in what, by our reckoning, was the fifth piece we ever penned for this mighty organ. The second feature of the service that we called out was using it to consolidate multiple email accounts into one: collecting email from other services over POP3, which you could manage using the Gmail webmail interface. Its then-massive one gigabyte of free storage was ideal for this, and we used it ourselves to bring our little-used Hotmail, Yahoo, and AOL email into the Gmail inbox.

Well, that's going away this month. You can still access those accounts via the Gmail mobile app, but the Gmail service itself will no longer retrieve them.

As well as simple consolidation, Gmailify offered a simple, familiar interface to email from other providers. One person using this was web pioneer Jamie Zawinski for staff email at his San Francisco nightclub DNA Lounge.

As he indicates in a blog post titled Today in "Google broke email," he's not happy. We don't blame him. He also notes that the company's suggestion to switch to using IMAP doesn't help him.

If you rely on Gmail to access some older email accounts in this way, it might be time to switch to using a local email client, the old-fashioned way. We suggest MZLA Thunderbird: it's free, runs the same on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it can talk to all manner of email servers, including Microsoft Exchange Server, as well as trusty old Usenet, and chat via XMPP and Matrix. It's another reason why you might still want a local client in the era of webmail.

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Taara has officially spun off from Alphabet and is shaking up the Internet industry with its laser-based technology. Its revolutionary approach promises dramatically faster speeds and lower costs than traditional satellite systems.

A small team of engineers in California believes it can outdo one of the most ambitious Internet projects ever launched. With a few custom-built devices and a new company name — Taara — the team broke away from Google’s parent company, Alphabet, aiming to reshape global connectivity. This time, though, they’re doing it from the ground up, not from space.

The Mountain View–based group has developed an Internet system that uses laser beams instead of fiber cables or satellites. Their pitch is bold: deliver connections faster than a standard Starlink antenna for just a fraction of the price. On March 17, 2025, Taara officially became independent, opening the door to direct investments and new partnerships.

High-speed Internet powered by light

Taara’s system transmits data through focused light beams — known as Lightbridges — capable of sending information up to 20 kilometers at speeds of 20 gigabits per second. Each device, about the size of a traffic light, can be mounted on rooftops or poles, maintaining a clear line of sight.

Unlike traditional fiber networks, which require trenches and cabling, Taara’s setup can be deployed without any digging. That makes it perfect for challenging terrain — over rivers, across valleys, between buildings, or in isolated regions with little broadband infrastructure.

This isn’t an entirely new idea. Similar “free-space optical” systems have existed since the late 1990s, but earlier versions were limited by weather conditions and fragile alignment mechanisms. Taara says its next-generation devices have solved those issues, using advanced beam tracking and durable engineering to maintain a stable connection.



Early rollouts in Africa and California


Before gaining independence, Taara quietly began testing its network in real-world environments. In Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it filled key gaps in the city’s communication infrastructure. In Nairobi, Kenya, Taara’s systems connected underserved neighborhoods. And in the United States, its Lightbridges provided high-speed connectivity at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.

The company says these trials proved that its light-speed system can deliver fast, stable Internet where laying cables would be far too expensive or complicated. Rather than replacing satellite coverage, the goal is to bridge the “last mile” — connecting the places that need it most.

Founder and CEO Mahesh Krishnaswamy explained that Taara is targeting regions long ignored by traditional providers. “We can deliver a connection 10 to 100 times faster than a typical Starlink antenna, and at a much lower cost,” he told reporters.



A new chip, and a new direction

By 2026, Taara plans to push its innovation even further with a miniaturized version of its Lightbridge system — a microchip small enough to fit on your fingertip. This downsized version will remove the need for bulky mounts and optics, slashing installation costs and simplifying setup.

The chip will use a section of the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared and visible light while maintaining data transmission distances of up to 20 kilometers. Moving from complex mirror-based systems to a near plug-and-play model marks what Taara calls a major simplification of its design — a critical step toward widespread adoption.

The company’s origins go back to Alphabet’s Project Loon, which once tried to deliver Internet through high-altitude balloons. When that project shut down in 2021, Krishnaswamy and his team reimagined its optical link technology for terrestrial use — giving birth to Taara.

How Taara fits alongside Starlink

Although it’s often compared to Elon Musk’s Starlink, Taara plays a different role in the Internet ecosystem. Starlink delivers global coverage from low Earth orbit, using thousands of satellites to reach remote communities. Taara, meanwhile, connects specific points on the ground — villages, towns, or event venues — where localized demand makes terrestrial infrastructure more practical.

Eric Teller, who leads “moonshot” initiatives at Alphabet’s X division, called the spin-off a strategic move. “They can now tap into capital markets, attract investors, and scale up faster than before,” he said.

Today, Taara operates in 12 countries and employs about 20 people. While manufacturing and pricing details remain under wraps, the company’s mission is clear: to expand access worldwide and help close the global digital divide for the three billion people who still lack reliable Internet service.

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Google is advancing Android toward desktop computing by 2026, merging it with ChromeOS in Aluminium OS for seamless cross-device experiences, enhanced multitasking, and AI integration. Hardware innovations and app optimizations aim to challenge Windows and macOS. This could revolutionize personal computing with efficient, unified platforms.

Android’s Desktop Ambitions: Forging a New Era in Personal Computing by 2026

As the tech world edges closer to 2026, a quiet revolution is brewing in the realm of operating systems. Google, the powerhouse behind Android, is positioning the platform not just for smartphones and tablets, but for desktops—a move that could upend traditional computing paradigms. This shift isn’t sudden; it’s the culmination of years of incremental advancements, from enhanced multitasking features to deeper hardware integrations. Industry observers are buzzing about how Android’s adaptability, vast app ecosystem, and AI-driven capabilities might finally make it a viable contender against Windows and macOS on larger screens.

Recent developments underscore this trajectory. For instance, Android 16’s introduction of desktop windowing on tablets and foldables marks a significant step toward a full-fledged desktop experience. This feature, born from collaborations like Google’s partnership with Samsung on DeX-like functionalities, allows users to manage multiple windows, customize keyboard shortcuts, and connect to external monitors for a PC-like interface. Such innovations suggest Google is methodically bridging the gap between mobile and desktop computing, leveraging Android’s lightweight architecture to appeal to users seeking seamless cross-device experiences.

Beyond software tweaks, hardware plays a pivotal role. Reports indicate Google is testing new chipsets for devices that blur the lines between laptops, tablets, and desktops. The emergence of projects like Aluminium OS—a rumored unification of Android and ChromeOS—promises a single, cohesive system capable of running on everything from premium laptops to small desktop setups. This isn’t mere speculation; internal testing and leaks point to a 2026 rollout, aiming to deliver Android apps natively on larger form factors with enhanced performance.

Unified Platforms and AI Integration

Aluminium OS represents Google’s boldest bet yet. According to insights from Android Authority, this new operating system is designed to merge the best elements of Android and ChromeOS, creating a flexible platform for diverse hardware. By 2026, it could enable seamless transitions between phone, tablet, and desktop modes, with AI at its core for smarter resource management and user interactions. Gemini integration, for example, might automate tasks across devices, from predictive app launching to contextual suggestions based on user behavior.

This unification addresses longstanding fragmentation in Google’s ecosystem. ChromeOS has long catered to lightweight computing, but its reliance on web apps limits versatility. Android, with its millions of native applications, fills that void. Posts on X from tech enthusiasts highlight excitement around this merger, noting how it could provide cross-device syncing, superior multitasking, and deep AI features—echoing sentiments from users like those discussing Google’s plans for a 2026 launch.

Moreover, collaborations extend beyond Google. Samsung’s advancements in Exynos chipsets, including the upcoming 2nm process with in-house GPUs, are tailored for high-performance desktop modes. As detailed in recent X discussions, these chips promise better heat management and efficiency, crucial for sustained desktop use. This hardware-software synergy could make Android desktops not just feasible, but preferable for productivity tasks.

Market Dynamics and Competitive Pressures

The push toward Android desktops comes amid intensifying competition. Microsoft’s Windows on ARM initiative and Apple’s silicon transition have shown that mobile-derived architectures can power desktops effectively. Google, not one to lag, is adapting Android’s AOSP foundation to similar ends. A report from How-To Geek posits that 2026 might be remembered as the year Android claims the desktop throne, much like the perennial “year of the Linux desktop” meme, but with real momentum.

Consumer demand is another driver. With remote work and hybrid setups normalized, users crave devices that switch effortlessly between portable and stationary modes. Android’s desktop aspirations tap into this, offering a familiar interface with robust security features inherited from its mobile roots. Recent web searches reveal trends toward foldable-focused updates in Android 15 and 16, which include built-in desktop OS elements, setting the stage for broader adoption.

Challenges remain, however. Developers must optimize apps for larger screens, a hurdle Google is addressing through tools like Jetpack Compose for responsive UIs. As outlined in a Medium post on Android trends for 2026, AI-powered workflows and cross-platform frameworks will accelerate this process, ensuring apps feel native on desktops without extensive rewrites.

Emerging Trends in App Development

Looking ahead, app development for Android desktops is poised for transformation. Trends point to increased use of augmented reality and immersive interfaces, as noted in Octal Software’s blog. By 2026, developers might leverage quick response codes for seamless AR experiences, blending mobile and desktop worlds. Sustainable coding practices, emphasizing efficiency to reduce power consumption on desktop hardware, are also gaining traction.

AI’s role can’t be overstated. Google’s Project Aura, collaborating with Xreal on XR glasses integrated with Gemini, hints at extended desktop environments. Imagine a setup where Android desktops interface with smart glasses for augmented workspaces— a concept echoed in Android Central’s 2025 scorecard, which anticipates Aluminium OS reveals by mid-2026. This integration could redefine productivity, allowing users to manipulate virtual screens in physical spaces.

Security enhancements are equally critical. With desktops handling sensitive data, Android’s evolution includes advanced protection features, like those in Android 16’s streamlined notifications and image editors. X posts from industry insiders emphasize how these updates, combined with quarterly releases, ensure platforms remain current, mitigating vulnerabilities that plague traditional desktops.

Hardware Innovations Driving Adoption

On the hardware front, premium devices are key to Android’s desktop success. Google’s internal testing of Aluminium OS on various chipsets suggests compatibility with ARM-based processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek, optimized for desktop workloads. This could lead to affordable yet powerful Android desktops, challenging the dominance of x86 architectures.

Samsung’s DeX evolution, now baked into Android 16, exemplifies this. Users can connect phones to monitors for a full desktop experience, complete with window management and peripherals support. As per Gadget Hacks’ coverage of Android 2025 revolutions, Google’s overhauled update mechanisms ensure these features roll out swiftly, fostering ecosystem growth.

Partnerships with OEMs like Lenovo and Sony, potentially showcased at CES 2026, could introduce hybrid devices. CNET’s preview of the event highlights futuristic robots and cutting-edge TVs, but Android desktops might steal the spotlight, offering unified experiences across screens.

Economic Implications and User Adoption

Economically, Android desktops could democratize computing. Lower entry barriers, thanks to Android’s open-source nature, might attract emerging markets where cost-effective alternatives to Windows are sought. TechRadar’s 2026 tech trends forecast inescapable AI and humanoid robots, but Android’s desktop push aligns with agentic development trends discussed in The New Stack, where AI agents manage complex tasks across platforms.

User adoption hinges on familiarity. Billions already use Android on mobiles; extending that to desktops reduces learning curves. X sentiments from users like those praising Google’s merger plans reflect optimism, with many anticipating seamless integration by 2026.

Potential pitfalls include regulatory scrutiny. As Google consolidates its OS offerings, antitrust concerns—similar to those in ongoing lawsuits—could arise. Yet, the benefits, from energy-efficient computing to innovative interfaces, position Android as a forward-thinking choice.

Future Visions and Strategic Moves

Envisioning 2026, Android desktops might incorporate edge computing, diminishing reliance on local OS heaviness. X discussions speculate that AI models like Grok and Gemini will accelerate this, with device announcements possibly before year’s end. This aligns with broader trends toward decentralized processing, enhancing privacy and speed.

Strategically, Google is investing in developer tools. Android Authority’s deep dive into 2025’s ecosystem reveals new features like sophisticated Jetpack patterns, enabling apps that scale from wearables to desktops. This holistic approach ensures Android isn’t just ported to desktops but reimagined for them.

Finally, as Android Central’s 2026 mobile predictions suggest, shifts in AI, pricing, and features will evolve the market. With Aluminium OS on the horizon, 2026 could indeed mark Android’s desktop ascendancy, blending mobility’s agility with desktop’s power in ways that reshape how we compute.

Industry Insider Perspectives

Insiders view this as Google’s response to stagnation in traditional OS markets. By infusing AI deeply—think predictive analytics for workflow optimization—Android desktops could outpace competitors. MSN’s article, republishing How-To Geek’s insights at MSN, reinforces that under-the-radar developments are aligning for a breakthrough year.

Collaborative efforts, such as Google’s work with Xreal on Project Aura, extend to smart glasses with OLED displays, potentially creating augmented desktops. Android Central notes this excitement, positioning 2026 as a pivotal moment for XR integration.

Developer sentiment, gleaned from Medium’s list of 20 Android trends, emphasizes rapid iteration. With Android 16’s developer preview already out, the pace ensures innovations like desktop windowing mature quickly, ready for mainstream by 2026.

Sustainability and Global Reach

Sustainability emerges as a key theme. Android’s efficient kernel suits energy-conscious desktops, aligning with global pushes for green tech. Octal Software highlights sustainable coding, reducing carbon footprints through optimized algorithms.

Globally, this could empower regions with limited access to high-end hardware. Affordable Android desktops, running on modest specs, democratize technology, fostering innovation in education and business.

In summary—wait, rather, peering ahead, the convergence of these elements paints a compelling picture. Google’s strategic maneuvers, backed by robust hardware and AI, set the stage for Android to claim a significant share of the desktop domain by 2026, promising a more integrated, intelligent computing future. (Word count approximation: 1240)

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