alternatives Archives

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

An Essential Google Maps Feature Keeps Disappearing For Some Android Auto Users

Google has introduced a speedometer feature in the Google Maps app on Android Auto, displaying current speed alongside the speed limit. Users have reported issues with the speedometer disappearing from their screens, with some having never accessed it. Other functionalities, such as real-time traffic updates and traffic light information, have also been inconsistently available. Some users have found temporary fixes by opting out of beta programs, using the latest stable versions of the apps, or clearing the cache. Currently, the speedometer is accessible only during active navigation, and Google is working on a feature for an always-on speedometer, but there is no timeline for its full rollout.

Winsage

September 27, 2026

Windows 11’s driver signature requirement is one of the best anti-consumer security features out there

Windows 11 requires drivers to be digitally signed, a policy aimed at enhancing security by preventing unauthorized code from executing at the kernel level. This requirement, which began with Windows Vista and became mandatory with Windows 10, version 1607, has tightened over the years, especially with the introduction of UEFI Secure Boot and TPM in Windows 11. While this enforcement protects against malware and supports anti-cheat systems in gaming, it limits user autonomy and imposes significant challenges for developers, particularly those working on smaller projects. In contrast, Linux allows users more freedom to modify their systems, though this flexibility can compromise security.

Winsage

September 27, 2026

Microsoft doesn’t think Surface needs to compete with MacBook Neo: “We do not have to play in every field”

Brett Ostrum, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Surface, stated that Microsoft has never shipped a gaming PC and has allowed original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to cater to the gaming market. He mentioned that Microsoft was aware of the upcoming MacBook Neo and chose not to compete directly in that space, as OEMs like Dell and ASUS already provide viable alternatives. Microsoft has received feedback from various stakeholders about Surface's absence in this competitive area but maintains that it does not need to compete in every market. The Surface lineup has been categorized into three tiers: Entry Premium, Premium, and Ultra Premium, with the Entry Premium starting at over ,000. This shift reflects changes in the market and leadership within Surface. The Surface Laptop Ultra is set to be unveiled on October 7.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

Five Ad Blocker Hacks Every Android User Should Know

Ads are prevalent on Android devices, leading users to choose between enduring them or paying for premium subscriptions. BlockAds is a free, open-source app that blocks ads on Android by creating a local VPN, filtering traffic without requiring device rooting. Users can also employ DNS filtering to block ads by changing their DNS server settings, with services like AdGuard and NextDNS available for this purpose. Firefox supports the uBlock Origin extension for ad-blocking on Android, while NewPipe allows users to watch YouTube videos ad-free and access premium features. The DuckDuckGo browser includes a built-in YouTube ad blocker, and the Brave browser automatically blocks ads and trackers without additional setup.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

These three Microsoft 365 apps lasted just one year before getting axed

Microsoft will retire the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps from its Microsoft 365 suite on December 16, 2026. These apps were launched a year ago to enhance productivity by providing quick access to information via the Windows 11 taskbar. However, their role has shifted from essential tools to supplementary resources, as users can access the same information through existing Microsoft services. Microsoft recommends alternatives such as Outlook, Teams, Windows Search, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for users to utilize after the retirement of these apps.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft 365 Companion Apps Are Being Retired

Microsoft will retire its Microsoft 365 companion apps for Windows 11, including the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps, by December 16, 2026. These apps were introduced at no additional cost to users with eligible Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses, with the Files and People apps debuting in March 2025 and the Calendar app in May 2025. Microsoft integrated its Copilot feature into these applications last October. Users are advised not to wait until the retirement date, as the apps will become non-functional prior to December 16. Administrators can remove these apps as needed, and Microsoft has provided a template for notifying users. Alternatives for functionality include Outlook, Teams, Windows Search Box, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Office applications.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Your Android phone may no longer stop you from walking into a pole

Google is winding down its "Heads Up" pedestrian safety feature within the Digital Wellbeing suite. The latest beta version of Digital Wellbeing has revealed code strings indicating that users will soon receive an in-app alert about the feature's impending removal. Heads Up, launched in 2021, was designed to enhance pedestrian safety by using motion sensors and location data to remind users to stay aware of their surroundings while walking with an unlocked screen. Initially available for Pixel devices, it later expanded to other Android phones. There is currently no specified timeline for the feature's removal, and Google has not provided a formal statement regarding its discontinuation.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

ARC X1 Packs a 120Hz Screen and 9,300mAh Battery Into an Android Handheld

The X1 handheld gaming device uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 Gaming Platform with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB. It features a 7-inch 120Hz display and OwlOS software for a controller-first interface. The device also includes TMR sticks for precise control and a 9,300mAh battery for long gaming sessions. The price for the X1 is ₹29,500 for the Community Batch Drop, with reservations starting in October 2027.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

GrapheneOS just confirmed its first supported non-Pixel phone

GrapheneOS has announced that the Motorola Signature 27 will be its first supported device from Motorola. This decision was confirmed on social media, with GrapheneOS stating it would be the initial supported phone. The Signature 27 features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip and promises seven years of operating system and security updates. Key features include hardware memory tagging and enhanced secure-element integration. GrapheneOS aims to provide alternatives to Google’s Pixel phones while focusing on privacy and security. The announcement follows challenges GrapheneOS faced with Google regarding the Pixel 11 and access to certain Android APIs. Additionally, GrapheneOS is revamping its software ecosystem, including updates to its Messaging app and new privacy features.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft’s new AI‑powered Ink Canvas aims to reinvent how Surface users write, sketch, and create — debuts alongside refreshed smaller Surface Pro and Surface Laptop

Microsoft has introduced updates to its Surface lineup, including the Surface Pro 12-inch (2nd Edition), Surface Laptop 13-inch (2nd Edition), and a new Surface Mouse, all powered by Snapdragon X2 Plus processors. Additionally, Microsoft launched Microsoft Ink Canvas, a pen-first workspace that integrates handwriting, sketches, annotations, and AI functionalities. This follows an update to the Ink Workspace in Windows 11, which allows users to pin applications for easier access to inking experiences. The integration of AI with inking capabilities is part of a broader trend in the tech industry.