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Amazon’s Alexa Tablets bring full Android and Google Play from $229.99
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

Amazon’s Alexa Tablets bring full Android and Google Play from $229.99

Amazon has introduced a new series of Alexa Tablets, marking a shift from its Fire tablets to devices that operate on Android and provide access to the Google Play Store. Three models were announced, priced between 9.99 and 9.99, set to launch on October 14 in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and on October 19 in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The flagship model, the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, starts at 9.99 and features 8GB of memory, 128GB of storage, and a 12-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. A premium version with a Nanomatte anti-glare screen is also available. The lineup includes the Alexa Tablet 11 starting at 9.99 and the Alexa Tablet 8 priced at 9.99. Each tablet features Alexa+ with On-Screen Intelligence and a dedicated reading mode for the Kindle app. Amazon will discontinue Fire tablet production but will support existing devices for four years after the last shipment. The pricing of the new tablets is not affected by a recent memory chip shortage.
Microsoft revamps Windows for agentic AI
Winsage
October 8, 2026

Microsoft revamps Windows for agentic AI

The Fortune Brainstorm AI event is scheduled for December 7 to 8 at the St. Regis in San Francisco, featuring notable attendees such as Fei-Fei Li, Aaron Levie, Richard Socher, Trae Stephens, and Pedro Franceschi. Microsoft is introducing updates to its Windows operating system to integrate AI agents and tools, with CEO Satya Nadella describing it as evolving into a "hybrid intelligence" system. The reimagined Copilot AI app will be integrated into Windows, allowing it to perform tasks autonomously. Microsoft is also launching the Surface Laptop Ultra, priced at ,599, starting October 16. Anthropic has debuted Claude Haiku 5.5, OpenAI introduced GPT-6 to ChatGPT, and Google launched Playground for creating games with AI. Amazon's Ring has unveiled its first smart lock.
Android Pause Point Review: Does It Cut Screen Time?
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

Android Pause Point Review: Does It Cut Screen Time?

Google has introduced a feature called Pause Point to help users manage their screen time by interrupting the habitual opening of certain apps. Users can select specific applications, such as YouTube, X, Snapchat, and WhatsApp, to apply this feature, which provides a brief interruption before accessing the app. The pause can take one of five forms: Breathe, Remind, Divert, Plan, and Reflect, each designed to disrupt automatic app usage. While some variations of Pause Point are more effective than others, a limitation is that it cannot discern the context behind each app opening, requiring users to navigate through the interruption even in urgent situations, such as receiving a call or responding to a message.
Google Faces £1.2bn UK Class-Action Over Android Fees
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

Google Faces £1.2bn UK Class-Action Over Android Fees

A class action lawsuit seeking £1.2 billion in damages from Google has been initiated in London on behalf of approximately 20 million consumers and businesses in the UK. The case focuses on purchases made through the Google Play store or via Android devices between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026, including paid applications, subscription services, upgrades, and in-game purchases. Plaintiffs argue that Google's standard fee of around 30 percent has unfairly inflated costs for consumers. Google claims it has some of the lowest fees in the industry and denies having excessive market power. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) described Google and Apple as operating an "effective duopoly" in the mobile operating systems market. In a related case, Apple was found to have abused its dominant position, resulting in potential damages of around £1.5 billion for an estimated 36 million consumers.
Android users can now add Oklahoma Driver’s License, State ID to Google Wallet
AppWizard
October 8, 2026

Android users can now add Oklahoma Driver’s License, State ID to Google Wallet

Eligible Android users in Oklahoma can now integrate their driver's licenses or state ID cards into Google Wallet. Residents must still carry their physical IDs even if they are uploaded to mobile devices. Participating TSA checkpoints, including Tulsa International Airport and OKC Will Rogers International Airport, accept these digital IDs, along with over 250 airports nationwide. Service Oklahoma has introduced a free verification app, "Oklahoma Reader," for businesses to confirm transaction details without retaining customer data. Digital IDs in Google Wallet are encrypted and require personal authentication for access. To add an Oklahoma Driver License or State ID to Google Wallet, users must open the app, tap "Add to Wallet," select "ID Card," and follow the verification instructions.
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