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Gemini can now use your emails and photos to answer questions in Android Auto
AppWizard
October 23, 2026

Gemini can now use your emails and photos to answer questions in Android Auto

Google is enhancing Android Auto by integrating its Personal Intelligence feature, allowing the Gemini assistant to access information from connected applications. This update began rolling out on October 20 and enables the assistant to retrieve details from Gmail, Calendar, Photos, Maps, YouTube, and Search with user permission. Users can ask questions like flight gate status or request directions without specifying addresses. The integration of connected apps is optional, and users can disable the feature at any time. Personal responses will only be shared when the user's phone is connected to the car. Google is also expanding Gemini's personalized workflows beyond Android Auto.
Windows already has a screen recorder, OCR, clipboard history, and an antivirus that people still pay third-parties for
Winsage
October 23, 2026

Windows already has a screen recorder, OCR, clipboard history, and an antivirus that people still pay third-parties for

Discussions about Microsoft Windows often highlight its shortcomings, particularly regarding unnecessary services and AI features, which can overshadow the valuable tools included with Windows 11. Many users may not be aware of these free tools, leading them to seek costly subscriptions for issues already addressed by the operating system. The Snipping Tool, a staple since Windows 7, has evolved significantly, now offering features like screen recording (Win+Shift+R) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) (Win+Shift+T), along with enhancements such as a Quick Redact button for removing sensitive information and a color corrector for HDR captures. Windows 10 introduced Clipboard History, accessible via Win + V, which retains the last 25 copied items, including text and images, and allows for clipboard syncing between devices. Microsoft Defender, built into Windows 11, has outperformed many paid antivirus solutions, receiving a perfect score in independent tests for protection, performance, and usability, with a 100% detection rate for zero-day malware. Windows 11 is equipped with features that can enhance user experience, suggesting that users should explore these built-in capabilities before opting for paid utilities.
Does Avast Detect Crypto Miners? 6 Layers vs 1.06B Attacks
Tech Optimizer
October 23, 2026

Does Avast Detect Crypto Miners? 6 Layers vs 1.06B Attacks

Cryptojacking attacks reached 1.06 billion incidents globally in 2023, a 659 percent increase from the previous year. Avast classifies all cryptomining software as either a tool or malware based on operational transparency. Legitimate miners that inform users are labeled as tools, while hidden mining programs are classified as malware. Avast utilizes six detection layers, including Web Shield, Behavior Shield, File Shield, DeepScreen, and CyberCapture, to combat cryptojacking threats. In early 2026, SentinelOne reported .5 million cryptojacking incidents, and the anti-cryptojacking solutions market is projected to reach .8 billion by 2030. The Crackonosh malware campaign has infected over 222,000 systems since December 2020, generating 800 new infections daily. An AI incident linked to Alibaba indicates a shift in cryptojacking threats, necessitating adaptations in antivirus strategies.
Half-Life 3 re-re-re-confirmed: A Valve dev just said 'HLX' out loud
AppWizard
October 23, 2026

Half-Life 3 re-re-re-confirmed: A Valve dev just said ‘HLX’ out loud

The gaming community is buzzing about "HLX," a rumored codename for a potential new installment in the Half-Life franchise, which surfaced in a recent update for Counter-Strike 2. This update included data resembling "HLVR," the internal name for Half-Life: Alyx. Valve's composer, Mike Morasky, referenced HLX during a panel at GameSoundCon, mentioning it has its own version of Valve's HDR system. His comment prompted a reaction from fellow panelist David Feise, suggesting that the topic may not have been meant for public discussion. PC Gamer's editor, Tyler Wilde, believes Valve is working on a new Half-Life title, though it may not be Half-Life 3, and he hinted that an announcement could be forthcoming.
Nvidia driver update should greatly speed up PC games
AppWizard
October 23, 2026

Nvidia driver update should greatly speed up PC games

MobileSyrup offers subscribers timely news, exclusive updates about new products and features, and promotional offers tailored for them. By signing up, users consent to receive electronic communications and can withdraw their consent at any time.
Canadian politician calls on government to help BioWare employees buy the studio and run it themselves
AppWizard
October 23, 2026

Canadian politician calls on government to help BioWare employees buy the studio and run it themselves

BioWare, an Edmonton-based game studio known for its popular franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, has recently closed down after being acquired by Electronic Arts, leading to criticism from figures such as Avi Lewis of the New Democratic Party. Lewis condemned the practices of private equity in the gaming industry, expressing concerns about their impact on local economies. The closure has elicited a mixed response from the community, with many lamenting the loss of a studio that significantly influenced the gaming landscape.
A new Fallout 4 mod adds an entire town, but more importantly, it lets you join a gang
AppWizard
October 23, 2026

A new Fallout 4 mod adds an entire town, but more importantly, it lets you join a gang

A newly launched mod for Fallout 4 introduces a settlement named Detour, located atop an overpass near Bedford Station. This mod features a vibrant town with engaging quests and over a dozen characters voiced by real actors. Players can join a group called Maud's Muggers for a criminal quest that leads to a satisfying conclusion. The mod also adds a new member to the Detour Degens, expanding the group to four distinct personalities. The Detour mod is available for download and was created without AI involvement, highlighting the creativity of the modding community.
My GOTY is $7 and has 253 Steam reviews
AppWizard
October 23, 2026

My GOTY is $7 and has 253 Steam reviews

Stuntboost is a skateboarding game that also incorporates cars, offering a unique platforming experience. It features layered leaderboards, shortcuts, and first-person platforming, while providing a fluid and improvisational gameplay style. The game includes levels with cars that introduce drifting mechanics and free-roaming scooter segments for collecting S-K-A-T-E tokens. The longboard serves as a unique gameplay element without jumping capabilities. Stuntboost shares similarities with Trackmania, featuring ghosts, high speed, and wild tracks, but differs by eliminating the need for brakes. Each level has hidden tapes that unlock a free camera mode and additional bonus levels, including a tower gauntlet and speedrun mode. The game is recognized for its innovative movement mechanics and engaging gameplay, standing out as a notable indie title.
A hidden Windows 11 menu could make moving the taskbar so much easier
Winsage
October 23, 2026

A hidden Windows 11 menu could make moving the taskbar so much easier

Microsoft has restricted the ability to move the taskbar in Windows 11, a feature that was available in Windows 10. A hidden menu discovered in a preview version of Windows 11 (Build 26340.9750) may allow users to reposition the taskbar by accessing 'Taskbar settings' through a right-click. This menu is not currently available to the general public, and its access method remains undisclosed. Users can only move the taskbar to four predetermined positions: bottom, top, right, or left edge of the screen. The timeline for a public rollout of this feature is uncertain.
Meta lets ordinary Android apps on Quest open extra windows without becoming VR apps
AppWizard
October 22, 2026

Meta lets ordinary Android apps on Quest open extra windows without becoming VR apps

Meta has introduced a VR Layout SDK for Quest users, allowing Android applications to open additional windows alongside their main interface without requiring a transition to the Spatial SDK. The VR Layout SDK is compatible with apps developed using Jetpack Compose or React Native, but does not support the creation of 3D objects or alterations to the user's environment. Meta advises developers to use a primary window and no more than two significant spatial windows, with a solid background and consistent size. Additionally, Meta has released a VR UI Set SDK for Jetpack Compose, providing design tools that ensure usability. Users can interact with apps using gaze and pinch controls, and gaze data is not shared with applications. The specific apps utilizing these features have not yet been announced.
HackerNoon - read, write and learn about any technology
AppWizard
October 22, 2026

HackerNoon – read, write and learn about any technology

HackerNoon is a platform for technologists to read, write, learn, and publish insights, with over 50,000 contributing writers and more than 4 million readers each month. Established in 2016 by ArtMap Inc., it is led by COO Linh Dao Smooke and CEO David Smooke. The platform fosters an inclusive community that encourages knowledge sharing and innovation.
Google Chrome will let you know if a website 'doesn't seem right' with these updates
AppWizard
October 22, 2026

Google Chrome will let you know if a website ‘doesn’t seem right’ with these updates

Google has introduced updates to its Chrome browser to enhance user safety while browsing. Key updates include alerts for suspicious websites and full-screen warnings for known dangerous sites. The new warning system identifies potentially harmful websites exhibiting deceptive patterns associated with attempts to steal personal data. Additionally, Google's AI technology, Gemini, now provides scam warnings for various threats, including scams and spam. Users can override alerts if they believe a site is safe.
Gemini app expands Google Maps Personal Intelligence, replacing Deep Think
AppWizard
October 22, 2026

Gemini app expands Google Maps Personal Intelligence, replacing Deep Think

The Gemini app has enhanced its Personal Intelligence feature on Android Auto and expanded its integration with Google Maps, allowing it to use user data for personalized responses. The new Google Maps integration includes user searches and saved locations, and it can merge this data with Calendar access for tailored daily recommendations. Users can enable Personal Intelligence through gemini.google.com/personalization-settings. Additionally, Google has announced that the Gemini 4 Argon model will soon replace the existing Deep Think feature for AI Ultra subscribers, although it is unclear if Deep Think is being phased out entirely or just the mode itself. Currently, Gemini 3.1 Pro offers a "Deep Think" mode, which is above the High, Medium, and Low thinking levels.
'We probably sold millions of boards because of that game, and it was magnificent': 3dfx cofounder gives Quake a 'great deal of credit for our overall success'
AppWizard
October 22, 2026

‘We probably sold millions of boards because of that game, and it was magnificent’: 3dfx cofounder gives Quake a ‘great deal of credit for our overall success’

3dfx was a significant player in retro PC gaming hardware, known for the Voodoo graphics card, which transformed the gaming landscape and advanced graphics technology. Ross Smith, a founder of 3dfx, noted the card's success was largely due to the 'Quake effect,' as the game demonstrated the Voodoo card's 3D acceleration capabilities. The Voodoo functioned as a co-processor alongside a 2D card, allowing the CPU to handle other tasks. 3dfx faced legal challenges with Nvidia over patent infringements in the late '90s and early 2000s, and after its bankruptcy, Nvidia acquired many of its assets, contributing to Nvidia's future successes. The Voodoo cards did not include a VGA output, a decision influenced by limited design experience and a focus on profitability and compatibility with a smaller number of games.
Someone leaked a Mass Effect 5 trailer and now I feel even worse, because it looks really good
AppWizard
October 22, 2026

Someone leaked a Mass Effect 5 trailer and now I feel even worse, because it looks really good

BioWare has closed, leading to the cancellation of the next Mass Effect installment. A trailer for a project called Mass Effect: Universe appeared on Reddit shortly after the closure announcement, though its authenticity is unconfirmed. Industry journalist Jason Schreier stated that the trailer is genuine and that BioWare had been working on the game before its closure. The trailer features a mix of action, drama, and elements familiar to Mass Effect fans, generating excitement among viewers.
Splash Damage acquired this studio just 3 months after laying off a bunch of people—now it's laying them off, too
AppWizard
October 22, 2026

Splash Damage acquired this studio just 3 months after laying off a bunch of people—now it’s laying them off, too

Gamepires announced a significant reduction in its workforce to adapt to challenging market conditions and ensure long-term sustainability. This decision reflects broader trends in the gaming industry, where studios are facing market pressures. Gamepires was acquired by Splash Damage Group eight months ago, which has also experienced layoffs. Despite these challenges, the game Scum continues to thrive on Steam with regular updates. The specific number of layoffs at Gamepires has not been disclosed, but Splash Damage acknowledged the impact on affected employees.
One of the Best GTA-Style Open-World Games Is Heading to iOS and Android Soon with DLC Included and It Will Only Cost $20 USD
BetaBeacon
October 22, 2026

One of the Best GTA-Style Open-World Games Is Heading to iOS and Android Soon with DLC Included and It Will Only Cost $20 USD

Saints Row: The Third, a popular GTA clone, is coming to iOS and Android on October 29, 2026. The mobile port includes the base game with 47 story missions and all original DLC packages. It offers 30+ weapons, vehicle customization, and a full campaign co-op mode for two players. The game is optimized for touchscreen but also compatible with controllers, keyboards, and mice. It will run on Apple devices with iOS 18 or later and Android devices with version 13 or newer.
Here's how to get the Windows event wallpaper Microsoft never released
Winsage
October 22, 2026

Here’s how to get the Windows event wallpaper Microsoft never released

Microsoft unveiled the RTX Spark laptops featuring innovative superchips and a new wallpaper design reminiscent of the Bloom design associated with Windows 11. The wallpaper has not yet been released for public use, causing frustration among enthusiasts. A Discord user discovered the wallpaper embedded in Microsoft's Retail Demo Experience app files, leading to its sharing, although the available version is compressed. A full-resolution version is promised for the future. Discussions about this development are ongoing in the r/WindowsCentral community on Reddit.
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