Blender's initiative to develop a native iPad version of its 3D creation suite is currently on hold, as confirmed by the development team. The project, initially announced in July, aimed to create a multitouch interface for the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil support, but no release date was provided. A status update in January indicated that the iPad development is paused until further notice, with the team now focusing on Android tablets. Despite this, a live tech demonstration of the software running on an iPad was showcased at the SIGGRAPH conference, suggesting the project may not be entirely abandoned. The latest build optimized for Apple silicon Macs is available for free download on the Blender website.
Researchers from Kaspersky have discovered an Android backdoor named Keenadu, embedded in the firmware of devices, allowing it to infect tablets before they reach consumers. This malware, affecting over 13,700 users globally, primarily targets advertising fraud by hijacking browser search engines, monitoring app installations, and generating fraudulent revenue. Tablets from various manufacturers, including Alldocube, have been found compromised, with the malware likely inserted during the firmware build stage through a compromised supply chain. Keenadu has multiple variants, some hidden in applications, and employs evasion tactics based on device language settings and time zones. It cannot be removed using standard Android security tools, and users are advised to install clean firmware or replace their devices entirely.
Android 17 Beta 1 has launched for Pixel phones, introducing significant changes in app orientation and resizability restrictions. It eliminates the option for developers to opt-out of these restrictions on larger screens (width greater than 600 dp), disregarding five specific attributes and APIs for applications on large screens or games. This aims to improve user experience on Android tablets, foldable phones, and Chromebooks, addressing issues with apps that lock into a single orientation. Developers must adapt their applications to comply with the new standards set by SDK 37, ensuring compatibility with the phase-out of certain manifest attributes and runtime APIs from Android 16. Users will retain control over their app experience through aspect ratio settings. The upcoming Aluminum OS will require Android applications to operate seamlessly in landscape mode, indicating a push for a more unified Android experience.
A sophisticated Android malware named Keenadu has been discovered embedded in the firmware of various device brands, compromising all installed applications and granting unrestricted control over infected devices. It employs multiple distribution methods, including compromised firmware images delivered over-the-air, access via backdoors, embedding in system applications, modified applications from unofficial channels, and infiltration through apps on Google Play. As of February 2026, Keenadu has been confirmed on approximately 13,000 devices, primarily in Russia, Japan, Germany, Brazil, and the Netherlands. The firmware-integrated variant remains dormant if the device's language or timezone is associated with China and ceases to function without the Google Play Store and Play Services. While currently focused on ad fraud, Keenadu has extensive capabilities for data theft and risky actions on compromised devices. A variant embedded in system applications has limited functionality but elevated privileges to install apps without user notification. The malware has been detected in the firmware of Android tablets from various manufacturers, including the Alldocube iPlay 50 mini Pro. Kaspersky has detailed how Keenadu compromises the libandroid_runtime.so component, making it difficult to remove with standard Android OS tools. Users are advised to seek clean firmware versions or consider replacing compromised devices with products from trusted vendors.
A selection of free Android apps designed to automate daily life includes:
- Action Blocks: Developed by Google, it allows users to create buttons for actions and integrates with Google Assistant.
- Samsung Modes and Routines: A built-in feature for Samsung devices that enables users to automate tasks through "If" and "Then" scenarios.
- Automate: An app that allows users to create complex automation sequences in a flowchart format, suitable for tech-savvy individuals.
- Microsoft Power Automate: Automates tasks across devices with a drag-and-drop interface, facilitating synchronization between smartphone and desktop.
- aProfiles: A user-friendly app for scheduling actions like alarms and switching data connections, ideal for those without coding experience.
- MacroDroid: Combines advanced automation features with an intuitive interface, allowing users to customize tasks using triggers and actions.
- IFTTT: Automates online activities and integrates with smart devices, providing a platform for syncing various tasks and interactions.
A new wave of deals for Android games and applications has been released, featuring significant price reductions on titles such as Super Onion Boy 2, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD, Asdivine Hearts, and BE-A Walker. Additionally, Best Buy is offering Black Friday Doorbusters, including Lenovo Android tablets starting at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: On Friday afternoon, a fresh wave of enticing deals for Android games and applications has emerged, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and casual users alike. This latest collection complements a variety of spooky and horror-themed titles that have seen price reductions throughout the week. Among the standout offerings are Super Onion Boy 2, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD, Asdivine Hearts, and BE-A Walker, all of which are now available at significantly lower prices.
In addition to these game deals, consumers are encouraged to explore the ongoing Best Buy Week 1 Black Friday Doorbusters, which feature a range of enticing offers. Notably, Lenovo's budget-friendly Android tablets are now priced from just 0, while LG OLED TVs are available starting at 0. Furthermore, the OnePlus Halloween sale adds another layer of excitement for shoppers looking for great tech deals.
Best Android app and game price drops:
Super Onion Boy 2
Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD
Asdivine Hearts
BE-A Walker
More Android app deals still live:
Explore additional titles and discounts available this week.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] and LG OLED TVs also starting at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: On Friday afternoon, a fresh wave of enticing deals for Android games and applications has emerged, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and casual users alike. This latest collection complements a variety of spooky and horror-themed titles that have seen price reductions throughout the week. Among the standout offerings are Super Onion Boy 2, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD, Asdivine Hearts, and BE-A Walker, all of which are now available at significantly lower prices.
In addition to these game deals, consumers are encouraged to explore the ongoing Best Buy Week 1 Black Friday Doorbusters, which feature a range of enticing offers. Notably, Lenovo's budget-friendly Android tablets are now priced from just 0, while LG OLED TVs are available starting at 0. Furthermore, the OnePlus Halloween sale adds another layer of excitement for shoppers looking for great tech deals.
Best Android app and game price drops:
Super Onion Boy 2
Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD
Asdivine Hearts
BE-A Walker
More Android app deals still live:
Explore additional titles and discounts available this week.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"]. The OnePlus Halloween sale is also ongoing.
Google is enhancing the Android experience on tablets by introducing a feature that allows users to run any Android app in a floating bubble. This feature, referred to as "bubble anything," will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar and drop it into a corner of the screen, launching it in a smaller, movable window. This functionality aims to improve multitasking on Android tablets, aligning with existing features like split-screen mode. A new tutorial with animations will guide users on how to use the drag-to-float gesture. Currently, the bubble feature is limited to conversation notifications from select messaging apps, but the upcoming update will expand this capability to all apps pinned to the taskbar. The timeline for the release of this feature is uncertain, but development is ongoing.
Google is set to enhance tablet multitasking in the upcoming Android Q release by introducing a new gesture that allows users to create a compact floating "bubble" window for any app. This feature will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to the screen's bottom corners, facilitating a more seamless app-switching experience. The floating windows will allow various applications, such as browsers and note-taking tools, to float above the main workspace, enabling users to engage with multiple applications simultaneously, particularly on larger devices. This enhancement aims to improve the user experience on Android tablets and foldable devices by providing a more intuitive multitasking environment. The feature will utilize the Bubbles API and is expected to be rolled out for user testing as part of Google's quarterly platform release schedule.
Google is enhancing multitasking on Android tablets by introducing a feature that allows users to launch any app in a floating bubble. This feature, identified in the Android 2510 Canary build, enables users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to open it in a floating bubble window. It facilitates simultaneous use of applications like YouTube, Chrome, or Messages, improving workflow. Although not officially confirmed, it is speculated to be included in Android 16’s third quarterly release (QPR3) around March of next year. The floating bubbles feature enhances productivity by allowing users to stream, chat, or browse while engaged in other tasks, offering a more efficient alternative to split-screen mode. It is integrated into the taskbar and home screen for a more intuitive experience. This capability could transform Android tablets into effective multitasking devices, allowing users to manage multiple tasks without switching between apps and optimizing screen space on smaller tablets.
