application Archives

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

We got Googlebook’s text editor app to run on Android, and it looks great

Googlebooks have officially started pre-orders ahead of their launch on October 4. The new laptop range includes a feature called Continue On, which facilitates seamless transitions between a Googlebook and a smartphone. An early preview of the Text app, a dedicated text editor available on the Google Play Store, shows it supports various programming languages and offers syntax highlighting. The app adapts well to different screen sizes, features a tab-based layout for managing multiple projects, and includes conventional tools like find and replace. While other text editor options will be available, the native Text app is specifically designed for Googlebooks. There are currently no plans to extend this app to other Android devices.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Nothing Phone (4a) and (3a) Pro can now join Android 17 open beta

Nothing has released the Nothing OS 5.0 open beta for the Phone (4a), Phone (3a Pro), and Phone (3a) ahead of the official launch of Android 17 next month. The Android 17 package includes enhancements such as newly designed widgets, upgrades to the camera application, and a dedicated Glyph app for managing light controls. The rollout is on schedule, with the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus set to receive updates in October, and the official Android 17 build for the Phone (4a) and Phone (3a) series expected in early November, concluding by January 2027.

BetaBeacon

September 22, 2026

Valve Unveils Lepton for Running Android Games on Linux

Valve has open-sourced Lepton, a project designed to enable Android games to run on Linux through Steam, specifically for the upcoming Steam Frame hardware. Lepton runs Android games inside containers, with each application having its own container. It can utilize components from the host OS, supports integration with development and debugging tools, and incorporates patches from various projects. Lepton is not a desktop Android solution for Linux users but focuses on running games within Valve's Steam ecosystem. The source code for Lepton is available on Valve's SteamOS GitLab instance.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Why Android App Problems Start With Phone Settings

When an Android app encounters issues, the cause may be related to the device's settings rather than the app itself. Factors such as missing permissions, battery restrictions, or disabled notifications can affect app functionality. Users should check the specific feature that is failing, such as verifying microphone permission for voice messages or camera access for QR code scanners. Background restrictions can hinder apps that require background functionality, and different apps have varying background requirements. Notification settings should be inspected if alerts are absent, as these can differ by application and device. Storage space and cache management are important, with a recommendation to avoid clearing everything at once. If problems arise after installing an app from an untrusted source or if it requests excessive permissions, the app itself may be the issue. Android settings can vary between devices, so users may need to search for specific settings if guides do not match their device. Troubleshooting should be done one step at a time to identify the root cause of the issue.

Winsage

September 22, 2026

Microsoft Defender is causing slow VLC startups. Here’s the fix

Recent investigations have shown that a specific update to Microsoft Defender has caused performance issues for VLC Media Player, particularly a slowdown in startup times. Jean-Baptiste Kempf, a VideoLAN developer, attributed this sluggishness to a bug in the Microsoft Defender update, which quarantined VLC's plug-in cache. The problematic Defender signature update is version 1.455.50.0, linked to Windows Update KB5121003 released on August 11th. Users can reset the plug-in cache to improve performance by either reinstalling VLC or using the built-in functionality to regenerate the cache with vlc-cache-gen.exe. Alternatively, users can reset preferences and cache files by searching for "VLC" and selecting the reset option. Microsoft has not yet provided a fix for these issues, and users may need to set an exclusion in Microsoft Defender for VLC Media Player to prevent unnecessary scans, enhancing its performance.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

What Google’s new Android laptops can do with your Galaxy phone

Google has launched preorders for Googlebooks, a new category of laptops that combine Android's mobile capabilities with ChromeOS features. Initial offerings come from manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, while Samsung is not included in this launch. Googlebooks are designed to integrate with Android phones, allowing users to transfer information during setup. Key features include Continue On, which lets users pick up tasks started on their phones, and Cast My Apps, enabling control of phone applications on the laptop. Quick Access allows users to open files from their phones without transferring them first, and notifications can be managed on the Googlebook. Users need to have One UI 9 (Android 17) or newer to utilize these features. Samsung is reportedly developing its own Android-based Galaxy Book laptops that may incorporate similar functionalities.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

RatHat is a new Android malware that records your screen touches to steal passwords

Cybersecurity researchers at Zimperium have identified a new strain of malware called RatHat, targeting Android devices and linked to threat actors from China. RatHat uses generative AI to maintain persistence and control over infected devices. The malware is typically spread through social engineering, tricking users into downloading counterfeit applications that appear legitimate. Once installed, RatHat requests accessibility permissions, activates Wireless Debugging, and can capture text messages, create overlays, and steal passwords and multi-factor authentication codes. Its AI capabilities allow it to navigate the device interface in real-time, making detection by security software more difficult. To protect against RatHat, users should avoid downloading apps from untrustworthy sources, and removal requires a factory reset of the device.

Tech Optimizer

September 21, 2026

Fake LastPass Authenticator Installer Abuses Microsoft-Signed Driver to Kill Antivirus and EDR

On September 17, researchers from LastPass and Delphos Labs discovered a counterfeit LastPass Authenticator installer on GitHub that installs a malicious Windows kernel driver designed to disable antivirus and steal passwords. The driver, named Alinubx.sys, was signed through Microsoft's hardware compatibility program and initially scored zero detections on VirusTotal. The fake installer is hosted on a fraudulent GitHub page that mimics a legitimate LastPass product page. When executed, the installer uses DLL side-loading to gain SYSTEM-level access and terminates security processes, allowing it to harvest saved passwords from various browsers and applications. The driver is a renamed variant of a known malicious driver, evading detection due to its new file hash. Delphos reported the driver to Microsoft, but it was not considered a security vulnerability. Users who executed the fake installer should treat their passwords and sensitive data as compromised and change them from a secure device. The malicious server has been linked to impersonation pages for multiple brands, and the loader was likely created using a specific crypter tool.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

Microsoft remembers Mixed Reality exists, adds basic features I bet you thought were already here

A recent update to Mixed Reality Link has improved the user experience for utilizing a virtual reality headset as a monitor for Windows 11 PCs. The update, version 26.9105.9070.0, allows direct access to the headset's microphone and cameras within the Windows environment. Mixed Reality Link enables the connection of up to three virtual monitors on compatible headsets, such as the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, supporting both wired and wireless connections. Previous versions required users to connect an external microphone, but the latest update integrates the headset's built-in microphone and camera with Windows applications.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

Microsoft: September updates break File History backup feature

Microsoft has issued a caution regarding the File History backup feature in Windows, indicating potential functionality issues on certain systems after installing the September 2026 security updates. Users may experience application crashes related to FileHistory.exe and KERNELBASE.dll, and may be unable to create or update backups. Misleading messages such as “Reconnect your drive” may appear, and the “Last Backup” timestamp may fail to update. Affected Windows versions include Windows 10 21H2 or later, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016/2019, and Windows 11 23H2 and later. Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing issues related to the September 2026 updates and is working on solutions.