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I use Bitdefender Total Security to protect all of my devices, and it’s down to $28 at Newegg
Tech Optimizer
October 21, 2026

I use Bitdefender Total Security to protect all of my devices, and it’s down to $28 at Newegg

Bitdefender Total Security is currently available on Newegg for .99, down from its original price of .99, using the promo code EPF56892. This subscription covers up to ten devices across multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS) and includes features like ransomware protection, a limited VPN, and parental controls. The deal represents a savings of approximately 72%. The subscription is for one year and does not require a long-term commitment.
Google extends free Pixel 9 Satellite SOS for one more year
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Google extends free Pixel 9 Satellite SOS for one more year

Google has extended free access to its Satellite SOS feature for Pixel 9 owners for an additional year, following the conclusion of the initial two-year complimentary period. Satellite SOS, launched in 2024, allows users to contact emergency services and share their location without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The feature is available on compatible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but not on the Pixel 9a. The service's availability depends on the user's geographical location. Google has not yet announced any potential subscription pricing or whether the service will transition to a paid model after the extension period.
Android 17 beta tackles a security loophole thieves could exploit
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Android 17 beta tackles a security loophole thieves could exploit

Google has released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2, which includes a security enhancement for Pixel devices that requires PIN or fingerprint authentication to modify Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Data on a locked phone. Non-security tiles like Flashlight and Battery Saver remain accessible without authentication. The beta version also fixes issues such as random reboots, system crashes, Bluetooth pairing failures, and excessive idle battery drain. Users can activate the new connectivity restriction feature in Settings under Security & privacy or Display & touch.
Nvidia’s latest GPU driver brings a new way to speed up PC games
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Nvidia’s latest GPU driver brings a new way to speed up PC games

Nvidia has released GPU driver version 621.01, which includes Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery technology to improve gaming by speeding up game launches and eliminating mid-game shader compilation issues. This technology uses cloud resources to precompile shaders for various hardware configurations, allowing developers to capture shaders into a State Object Database (SODB) using DirectX 12, Windows 11, and the Microsoft Agility SDK. Games like Gears of War: E-Day and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 support this feature when downloaded through the Xbox PC app, and it is compatible with games purchased on other platforms like Steam. The system achieves a near-100 percent cache hit rate, reducing CPU spikes and frame stutters. The driver update is available for download, and Advanced Shader Delivery also works with AMD GPUs (Adrenalin version 26.6.1 or higher) and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 series (driver version 2026.08.3 or higher).
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Remake Reaches Android Thanks to Fan Port
BetaBeacon
October 21, 2026

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Remake Reaches Android Thanks to Fan Port

An unofficial Android port of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remake has been released by developer Nycolazs. The port includes touch controls and runs smoothly on a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE with Snapdragon 865, but may have performance issues on other devices. Users need a device running Android 11 or newer, a legitimate copy of the game for Nintendo Switch, and the necessary keys to run the port.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Gemini’s Personal Intelligence Makes Its Way to Android Auto

Google has introduced the Personal Intelligence feature on Gemini for Android Auto, enhancing the driving experience by integrating with Google apps to provide personalized responses. This feature began rolling out today and will be available in the coming months for Google built-in cars. Users who have previously activated Personal Intelligence in the Gemini app will have their settings automatically applied in their cars, while new users can enable it through the Gemini settings. Personal Intelligence utilizes data from various Google applications, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Maps, to deliver precise answers to user inquiries. The feature is currently available for personal Google accounts for users aged 18 and older, but not for Workspace business, enterprise, or education accounts. Users in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the UK, and Nigeria do not have access to this feature at this time.
Need for Speed Carbon Reaches Android
BetaBeacon
October 21, 2026

Need for Speed Carbon Reaches Android

An unofficial mobile adaptation of Need for Speed Carbon has been released for Android, based on a re-compilation of the Xbox 360 version of the game. The game runs at approximately 60 FPS at 1080p resolution on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with some brief stutters during races that need to be addressed. Touch controls with customizable layouts and support for Bluetooth gamepads are included, along with the ability to adjust resolution and frame rate limits in the settings. Users will need a device running Android 8.0 or newer, a 64-bit processor, and a copy of the European version of Need for Speed Carbon for Xbox 360 to play.
Hades II ported to Android - fan port released based on macOS version
BetaBeacon
October 21, 2026

Hades II ported to Android – fan port released based on macOS version

- Enthusiasts in the gaming community have released an unofficial Android port of Hades II based on the macOS version. - The Android port supports touch controls and external gamepads, showing decent performance even on less powerful devices. - Users have reported positive feedback on performance, with some achieving 30-50 frames per second on budget devices. - Some players have encountered issues such as black screens and control problems, but developers are actively working to address these. - The latest update, version 1.1-beta, has resolved some issues and optimized the game for a variety of hardware configurations. - Players need to have their own files from the macOS version of the game to play the Android port.
Windows Server 2025 gets support for quick machine recovery
Winsage
October 21, 2026

Windows Server 2025 gets support for quick machine recovery

Microsoft has introduced a Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature for IT administrators managing Windows Server 2025, enabling quick recovery from boot failures after the October 2026 security update without physical access to systems. When activated, QMR boots the system into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to troubleshoot issues, collecting crash data for remote assistance from Microsoft. Cloud remediation is disabled by default but can be enabled through Group Policy. Administrators can disable QMR by turning off 'Enable Cloud Remediation' and 'Enable Auto Remediation.' QMR was initially introduced in November 2024 as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative and began testing in March 2025, with improvements made by November 2025.
Windows Server 2025 Gets Support for Quick Machine Recovery
Winsage
October 21, 2026

Windows Server 2025 Gets Support for Quick Machine Recovery

Windows Server 2025 introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) in the October 2026 cumulative update to improve IT recovery processes during boot failures. QMR automates the detection of boot failures using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and can autonomously download and apply fixes via Windows Update. Organizations must manually enable QMR through Group Policy, as it is disabled by default. The feature enhances Windows Startup Repair with cloud-based remediation capabilities and requires a reliable network connection, supporting wired networks and WPA/WPA2 password-based Wi-Fi configurations.
Windows 10 users were right: Windows 11 still can’t drag the taskbar, so Microsoft is testing a menu instead
Winsage
October 21, 2026

Windows 10 users were right: Windows 11 still can’t drag the taskbar, so Microsoft is testing a menu instead

Windows 10 allowed users to drag the taskbar to any screen edge, a feature missing in Windows 11, which initially frustrated users. Microsoft is currently testing a new right-click menu in Insider Preview Build 26340.9750 that enables users to reposition the taskbar without accessing the Settings menu. This menu includes buttons for moving the taskbar to the left, top, right, or bottom of the screen. Although the menu is available in the Experimental channel, it remains hidden from casual users and has not been officially announced. Testing confirmed that the taskbar can be moved smoothly between positions, although some minor inconsistencies with the Start menu were noted. The right-click menu concept has been in development for some time, as indicated by a previously deleted video from a Microsoft engineer. Users previously had to navigate through Settings to change the taskbar position, and while Microsoft reintroduced some movement capabilities, the process is still cumbersome. The auto-hide feature is only available when the taskbar is at the bottom, limiting customization options. Microsoft is also exploring additional features, including different taskbar positions per monitor and the potential return of drag-and-drop functionality.
Windows Server OS Configuration on Bare Metal: Enterprise ERP and MSSQL Deployments
Winsage
October 21, 2026

Windows Server OS Configuration on Bare Metal: Enterprise ERP and MSSQL Deployments

Onlive Server announced specialized operational guidelines as part of its Day 37 digital expansion initiative on October 12, 2026, from Redmond, WA. The company emphasizes the importance of optimized Windows dedicated server hosting for businesses requiring consistent uptime, low-latency data routing, and stringent data governance. Their offering aims to maximize bandwidth throughput and ensure robust hardware isolation for enterprise ERP and MSSQL deployments. Key features include dedicated bare-metal resources, optimized regional network routing, and enterprise security with Tier-III datacenter standards. Onlive Server provides global web hosting solutions, including bare-metal dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and cloud infrastructure across multiple regions, supported by 24/7 technical assistance.
People Are Vibe Coding the Ads Out of Their Smart TVs: Here's How
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

People Are Vibe Coding the Ads Out of Their Smart TVs: Here’s How

A developer enhanced the user experience on his parents' Xiaomi TV by disabling 25 pre-installed packages, creating a home screen similar to that of an Apple TV. This effort is part of his open-source project, cleanyourtv, which is compatible with 107 TV models across 37 brands. The tools used allow users to deactivate apps without permanently deleting them, enabling easy restoration. The project has gained popularity, with thousands of users applying similar techniques, improving their TVs' performance and functionality. Users have reported freeing up memory and customizing their devices creatively, while concerns about privacy and data collection from smart TVs continue to be raised. The cleanyourtv repository is expanding with community contributions, reflecting a shift towards user control in smart technology.
Google brings Gemini Personal Intelligence to Cars with personalized answers
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Google brings Gemini Personal Intelligence to Cars with personalized answers

Google has launched its Gemini feature, now available on Android Auto and vehicles with Google built-in technology. The rollout includes Personal Intelligence, which integrates information from various Google services with user consent to provide tailored responses during in-car conversations. Key features include checking flight details, finding restaurants based on preferences, navigating to appointments, recognizing places from photos, and returning to previously discussed locations. Users can choose which apps to connect for privacy and can disable the feature anytime. Gemini will handle standard tasks without personalization. The rollout for Android Auto begins on October 21, 2026, with availability for cars with Google built-in expected soon. Eligible accounts are personal Google accounts for users aged 18 and older, while Google Workspace accounts and users in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria are excluded.
Windows AI agent security: how isolation works
Winsage
October 21, 2026

Windows AI agent security: how isolation works

Microsoft's AI agent security is structured around three execution boundaries: local process isolation, session isolation, and cloud-based Windows 365 for Agents. The introduction of Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) on June 2, 2026, enhances local isolation through two methods: process isolation, which restricts an agent's access to specific files and networks, and session isolation, which separates an agent from the user's interactive environment. The MXC framework includes policies for filesystem access, network traffic, and user-interface controls, with an audit mode that disables sandbox security for analysis purposes. The choice between local isolation and Windows 365 for Agents depends on the agent's execution environment, with local isolation providing limited access and Windows 365 offering a completely separate cloud environment. MXC is in early preview, while Windows 365 for Agents is generally available.
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