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Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is shaping up to be Google’s best beta yet
AppWizard
September 1, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is shaping up to be Google’s best beta yet

Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability with the release of Beta 4, locking the application programming interfaces (APIs) and allowing developers to refine their apps. The update focuses on system polish and bug fixes rather than new features. Google has addressed issues affecting Pixel users, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation glitches, battery charging limitations, Recents screen problems, Bluetooth audio inconsistencies, and screen-recording complications. Hardware support enhancements include fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, compatibility with 3D smart-glasses displays, and improvements to low-light Face Unlock functionality. The beta journey began on July 20, with Beta 1, followed by Beta 2 on August 3 and Beta 3 shortly after. Beta 4 includes critical bug fixes such as resolving thermal management issues, battery charging behavior, gesture navigation refinements, and fixes for the transparent status bar during full-screen video playback. Other improvements address app drawer search issues, Bluetooth audio routing, Recents screen freezing, and screen-recording audio bugs. Beta 4 reinstates screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and resolves issues with 3D mode for smart glasses. Feedback from early testers has been positive, with reports of reduced lag and improved performance. However, some users have noted oversized text and lower display resolution issues, which can be resolved by rebooting. A persistent Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has been reported across all QPR2 betas. The update is being rolled out to various Pixel phones and tablets, with a download size of approximately 671MB on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Existing Pixel owners in the beta program will receive the update over the air, but exiting the program after installation may result in data loss.
Windows 95's taskbar didn't come from Steve Jobs' NeXT Dock, and a former Microsoft VP explains what did
Winsage
September 1, 2026

Windows 95’s taskbar didn’t come from Steve Jobs’ NeXT Dock, and a former Microsoft VP explains what did

The Windows 95 taskbar was not inspired by the NeXT Dock, as clarified by former Microsoft executives Joe Belfiore and Brad Silverberg. Instead, its design was influenced by a Microsoft project called Cairo, which aimed to provide users with easy access to information. The taskbar was created to address usability issues from Windows 3.1, specifically to help users keep track of minimized windows. In 2021, with the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a centered taskbar and later allowed it to be repositioned to any edge of the screen, reflecting a commitment to user experience.
Google enforcing new Android app memory limits in February
AppWizard
August 31, 2026

Google enforcing new Android app memory limits in February

Google will implement new memory management policies for Android applications starting in February 2027, which will enforce specific memory limits based on device RAM. The defined limits are: - For 4GB devices: 2GB in the foreground, 1GB for user-perceived services, 1GB in the background. - For 6GB devices: 2.25GB in the foreground, 1.25GB for user-perceived services, 1.25GB in the background. - For 8GB devices: 2.25GB in the foreground, 1.5GB for user-perceived services, 1.5GB in the background. - For 12GB devices: 3.25GB in the foreground, 1.75GB for user-perceived services, 1.75GB in the background. - For 16GB devices: 4.25GB in the foreground, 2GB for user-perceived services, 2GB in the background. Devices with more than 16GB of RAM will be largely exempt from these restrictions. The changes are motivated by RAM shortages and the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on memory availability, aiming to maintain device performance and user experience. Apps exceeding these memory limits may face reduced functionality or removal from the Google Play Store.
The most anticipated PC game on Steam in September 2026 has been named - players are not only waiting for the new game from The Witcher 3 game director
AppWizard
August 31, 2026

The most anticipated PC game on Steam in September 2026 has been named – players are not only waiting for the new game from The Witcher 3 game director

- The Blood of Dawnwalker, an action-RPG by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, will launch on September 3, 2026. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword will be released on September 4, 2026. - WARDOGS, a first-person shooter, is set to release on September 10, 2026. - CONTROL Resonant will debut on September 24, 2026. - Nivalis Nights, a life simulator in a cyberpunk city, will be available on September 29, 2026. - BOMBANANA! will be released on September 2, 2026. - Aniimo, an open-world RPG, is scheduled for September 16, 2026. - Graveyard Keeper 2 will launch on September 22, 2026. - Wanderburg, a roguelike adventure, will be available on September 8, 2026. - Active Matter, an extraction shooter, is set for release on September 15, 2026. - Transport Fever 3, a transport tycoon simulator, will be released on September 29, 2026. - Crimson Moon, featuring a Nephilim character, will be available on September 1, 2026.
This fan-favorite image editor is the first app to support Android's new location data controls
AppWizard
August 31, 2026

This fan-favorite image editor is the first app to support Android’s new location data controls

Snapseed has integrated the new location metadata API within Android’s Photo Picker, allowing users to manage image location data. In version 4.1.5.970833206, users receive a prompt when selecting an image to edit, asking if they want to include location information. A toggle in the Photo Picker interface enables users to quickly enable or disable location data sharing. This feature allows users to retain or eliminate location data for selected images, enhancing privacy control.
The AI memory crunch has reached the apps on your phone
AppWizard
August 31, 2026

The AI memory crunch has reached the apps on your phone

Google will implement new memory usage regulations for Android applications starting in February 2027, due to a global RAM shortage. Apps exceeding the set memory limits may be throttled, terminated, or face reduced visibility on the Play Store. The memory thresholds vary based on device specifications, with specific limits for foreground, background, and bitmap memory usage. Non-compliance will result in penalties affecting app distribution and visibility. The memory crisis is attributed to increased demand from the AI data center industry, leading to rising RAM costs. The new limits will first apply to Pixel devices with Android 17, and other manufacturers are expected to follow. Additionally, by April 2027, all apps on the Play Store must support zero-tap credential restoration for users transitioning to new devices.
ValleyRAT Backdoor Hides in Signed Adware That Users Add to Antivirus Exclusions
Tech Optimizer
August 31, 2026

ValleyRAT Backdoor Hides in Signed Adware That Users Add to Antivirus Exclusions

Silver Fox is linked to the distribution of a backdoor malware called ValleyRAT, disguised as the legitimate QN Wallpaper adware application. Once installed, ValleyRAT provides complete control over the compromised machine. The malware uses DLL sideloading to operate under the guise of a legitimate process, bypassing security measures. It disables Windows Defender and adds itself to autorun entries, and can mark its process as critical, causing system crashes if terminated. Kaspersky has identified specific indicators of compromise (IoCs) including hashes, command-and-control servers, and associated domains. In 2026, Kaspersky recorded over 100,000 detections of ValleyRAT affecting more than 1,500 unique users, mainly in China and India.
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