application Archives

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

OM SDK sandbox cuts Android ad session start to 11 ms, IAB Tech Lab says

IAB Tech Lab has released version 1.6.10 of its Open Measurement SDK for Android, introducing the ability for verification scripts for native ads to run within Android's Jetpack JavaScriptEngine instead of the traditional WebView. This update, effective from October 1, 2026, allows for a significant reduction in verification check initiation time, with the sandbox environment taking approximately 11 milliseconds compared to 268 milliseconds in the WebView. Applications that do not implement this new feature will continue to function as before, and HTML-based ads are not included in this update. The JavaScriptEngine library allows JavaScript evaluation without a WebView, reducing resource consumption and enabling compatibility with background services. The adoption process for this feature involves updating to OM SDK Android 1.6.10 or later, integrating the androidx.javascriptengine dependency, and maintaining the sandbox throughout the app's lifecycle.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 is crashing some games and apps, promises to fix it in the next update

In October 2026, Microsoft is addressing ongoing issues from its September updates for Windows 11, particularly related to audio decoding. Certain applications and games using Windows' built-in AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio decoding may crash when users adjust volume or audio settings. This issue primarily affects older applications and games, while most modern apps are expected to function normally. Microsoft has issued multiple updates, including a mandatory Patch Tuesday update and an emergency patch, but some audio problems remain unresolved. The September updates also introduced a significant increase in security fixes, addressing 974 vulnerabilities compared to 86 in September 2025. Additionally, an emergency update disrupted the functionality of File History, which Microsoft is investigating. An optional update aimed to fix File History but led to new crashes in various applications. Microsoft is currently working on a resolution for the audio-decoding bug without a specified timeline.

BetaBeacon

October 4, 2026

Winlator 11.2 Setup: Run Windows Games on Android [2026]

Winlator is a free, open-source Android application that translates Windows game instructions into ARM instructions on the fly. It uses Wine, Box64, Box86, DXVK, VKD3D, and a graphics translation stack to achieve this. The performance of Winlator depends heavily on the chip doing the translation.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Zoho launches business version of messaging app Arattai

Zoho has launched a business version of its messaging application, Arattai, designed for seamless communication between businesses and customers. Alongside this, the Arattai Business Platform has been introduced to integrate existing business software with Arattai, featuring a Mini-App capability for smooth AI integrations. Users can opt out of business promotions, and a dedicated business chat view has been added. Zoho positions Arattai as an alternative to WhatsApp, aiming to capture the Indian market. The platform will be free for government entities, public services, and healthcare and educational institutions.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Apple removes messaging app used by protesters to bypass internet restrictions in India

Apple removed the offline messaging application Bitchat from its India App Store following a request from the Ministry of Information Technology. This decision was influenced by reports that demonstrators at Jantar Mantar used Bitchat to communicate during protests against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations amid internet restrictions. Bitchat is an open-source, decentralized messaging app that allows communication without mobile data or Wi-Fi, using Bluetooth Low Energy technology and ensuring privacy through end-to-end encryption. The app's removal halts new downloads and security updates, although it remains accessible on existing devices. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, to facilitate the takedown, citing national security and public order. The Internet Freedom Foundation criticized the removal as unconstitutional, arguing it infringes on free speech rights and called for transparency regarding the blocking order and rationale behind the action.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

Nadella has lost the plot calling Copilot an OS again, it’s a web app on Windows 11

Satya Nadella has referred to Copilot as a “new OS for work” during a leadership update, following Microsoft's introduction of the latest iteration of Copilot. The new Copilot app, which replaces the previously named Microsoft 365 Copilot, is currently available for users, although some features like Home, Code, and Autopilot are still forthcoming. The app operates as a standard Windows application, specifically a rebranded Microsoft Edge launcher built on a Chromium framework. Nadella reiterated his vision for Copilot in a post dated October 1, emphasizing its role in consolidating various work functions into a single platform. The Copilot app integrates features such as Home, Office applications, and a proactive command center named Today. Currently, the app primarily functions as a chat interface, with significant features yet to be rolled out. The architecture of Copilot relies on a lightweight launcher and a complete Edge build, resulting in high RAM consumption. Microsoft has shifted Copilot’s architecture from a native WinUI version to a web-based wrapper, supported by a secondary component for additional functionalities. Internal documents reveal a vision for a prototype called CopilotOS, indicating a long-standing ambition to create a cohesive workspace.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

These 9 Thunderbird features made me ditch Gmail for good

The author switched from Gmail to Thunderbird after 15 years, citing frustrations with Gmail's ad inundation and cluttered features. They appreciate Thunderbird's offline email access, extensive customization options, open-source nature, absence of forced AI features, free distribution without targeted ads, cross-platform compatibility, reliable notifications, effective multi-account management, customizable junk filtering, and its focus solely on email functionality. These aspects have led to a more streamlined and efficient email experience compared to Gmail.

Winsage

October 3, 2026

Microsoft confirms big Windows 11 announcement, as it keeps ripping out Windows 95-era UI and chasing speed

Microsoft's event on October 7 will showcase advancements in Windows, Surface devices, and NVIDIA RTX Spark technology. The event is set for 10:00 AM PT, with a focus on innovations for builders and creators. Key highlights include the Surface Laptop Ultra, which features RTX Spark technology, and enhancements to Windows 11 aimed at supporting AI-driven hardware. Microsoft will introduce Project Zenith, a specialized version of Windows 11 for high-performance PCs. The event will also cover Microsoft Execution Containers for secure AI agent operation, improvements to Windows task scheduling, and enhancements to the Prism emulator for running x86 applications on Arm architecture. The Surface Laptop Ultra, featuring up to 128GB of unified memory and a 15-inch mini-LED display, is expected to be priced at the higher end of the market, with various configurations available.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Google rounds the week out with Android 17 QPR 3 Beta 1

Google has released the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel testers, supporting devices from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 11 series. Most devices receive build DP11.260918.006, while the Pixel 11 family uses DP11.260918.005. The update focuses on bug fixes, including issues with audio output device switching, crashes when starting foreground services, excessive spacing in app icons, failures in displaying app previews, NFC service crashes, device freezes with fingerprint unlock, crashes in Face Unlock settings, MediaPlayer crashes, application freezes, camera feed rotation issues, UI glitches, unexpected dots on the Mobile Data icon, front camera malfunctions, crashes in calling apps, eSIM profile issues, excessive battery drain with Flip to Shh, crashes in the Settings app, audio playback interruptions on Bluetooth devices, loss of cellular service, and Wi-Fi connectivity failures. Users can register for the beta through Google’s Android Beta for Pixel program but should back up data. They can unenroll to revert to a stable version. Preliminary findings suggest new features, including gamepad control of the cursor and potential phone unlock integration.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Google implemented Android developer verification rules

Google has introduced a new Android developer verification policy requiring developers to undergo verification in key markets such as Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. This policy will oversee app installations from various platforms, including the Google Play Store and others. The verification requirement is set to expand to additional markets starting in 2027. While unverified applications can still be sideloaded, users will face a 24-hour waiting period before installation.