audio playback Archives

Winsage

September 16, 2026

Windows 11 out-of-band update fixes audio glitch and other bugs – grab it now

Microsoft released an out-of-band patch on Monday to resolve an audio issue affecting Windows 11 users on versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2. The patch addresses a glitch that caused no audio output, unresponsive sound settings, and error messages in Device Manager related to USB-connected devices using the USB Audio Class 1.0 standard. This issue originated from a September 8 security update. The patch also fixes several security vulnerabilities, including CVE-2026-62721 and CVE-2026-85921, and resolves bugs in Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services and Hyper-V platform. Users can install the update through Windows Update, with specific update labels for each version.

Winsage

September 14, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11’s update kills audio on some PCs, and the bugs keep piling up

Windows 11 update KB5124008, released on September 8, has caused significant audio issues for users, including failure of audio devices to initialize or produce sound, and problems with microphones and multichannel audio. The update is linked to Explorer.exe crashes, disruptions in File History backups, Remote Desktop difficulties, and GPU issues on certain AMD systems. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems and indicated that the audio issues primarily affect USB Audio Class 1.0 devices. Users may see error logs in Device Manager indicating "This device cannot start (Code 10)." A temporary workaround is to switch to a 2-channel mode, and wireless audio devices appear to be unaffected. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution.

AppWizard

September 12, 2026

Android Auto’s Wavy Audio Line Is Leaving Users Conflicted

Google Maps is experiencing a bug that affects traffic information, coinciding with the rollout of a redesigned media player interface for Android Auto that features a new squiggly audio playback progress line inspired by Material 3 design. User reactions to the new interface have been mixed, with some appreciating the improved visibility of the current track while others criticize the layout changes and seek ways to revert to the previous design, which is not straightforward. The rollout of these updates has been slow and inconsistent, with some users reporting different experiences based on their devices. Enhancements in the new design include expanded album art display and repositioned media playback buttons, which many users find beneficial for easier track changes while driving.

BetaBeacon

September 8, 2026

One of the best PS3 emulators on Android fixes heating issues, uncapped speeds, and more

The ARMSX3 PS3 emulator update (version 0.9.7) fixes CPU overheating issues by resolving the root cause of excessive CPU resource consumption when idle. Additionally, the update introduces a new GPU device to improve the shutdown process, allowing users to exit the emulator smoothly.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

How To Access Your Android Phone’s Secret System Update Menu

Android devices with the Google Play Store have a hidden 'System services' menu that allows users to manage updates for essential system services. This menu includes various modules such as Adaptive Connectivity Services, Android AICore, Android System WebView, Google Play Protect Service, and many others. Users can apply pending updates or remove recent updates from this menu, which is useful for troubleshooting. Most modules allow for one-tap updates, though some may require a device restart. These modules receive monthly updates through Google Play System updates, and while manual updates are available, automatic background installations occur over time. The update distribution model originates from Google's Project Treble and Project Mainline, which aim to streamline the OS update process by allowing independent updates for various services.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

How to sideload apps onto Android Auto

Android Auto was designed for simplicity, but users want more functionality like streaming YouTube or screen mirroring. Sideloading allows users to install unapproved apps, unlocking additional features, though it poses risks to security, reliability, and safety. To sideload apps, users must enable Developer Mode on their phone and Android Auto, then install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) and explore open-source apps like CarStream and AAMirror. Risks of sideloading include safety concerns with video streaming while driving and increased exposure to malware, as sideloaded apps bypass Google’s security checks. Google plans to introduce new verification requirements for developers starting in late 2026 to mitigate these risks. Most drivers find the standard Android Auto experience sufficient, and sideloading should be approached cautiously.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

New Hidden Android Auto Changes Discovered As Big Update Is Coming

Google is releasing a significant update to Android Auto, version 17.6, which includes a new green icon with rounded corners. The update is being rolled out gradually, but users can manually download it from the Google Play Store. New features include quick toggles for settings, with a Do Not Disturb (DND) toggle currently being tested. Additional enhancements will include widget support, allowing apps to display widgets on Android Auto, and support for video applications like YouTube, which will enable users to watch videos while stationary and use an audio-only mode while driving. A Premium subscription will be required for background audio playback on YouTube. The rollout of these features is expected later this year.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Android Auto YouTube Limitations: Is It Worth Using In The Car?

The experience of using YouTube on Android Auto is currently limited, primarily allowing audio playback while driving. Google announced plans for enhancements during the Android Show: I/O Edition event in May, which will enable HD video playback at 60 frames per second when the vehicle is stationary and transition to audio-only mode when in motion. The update will also feature a revamped interface and improved integration with brands like BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, and Hyundai. Users can access audio from YouTube videos while driving, but full video playback is available only for YouTube Premium subscribers. An update later this year will bring native YouTube support to Android Auto, allowing users to watch videos while parked. Unofficial methods like the Fermata Auto app or AA Browser can provide video playback while parked, but these are not officially supported solutions.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Valve’s magical play-Windows-games-on-Linux tech is rebased, updated, and ready to play Resident Evil

Valve has launched Proton 11, which is based on Wine 11 and available to Linux users through Steam settings. This version includes support for several games, such as "Deadly Premonition," "Resident Evil," and "DCS World Steam Edition." Key fixes in Proton 11 include improved KDE window maximization support, video playback fixes, and enhanced controller support. The update also addresses various rendering issues, game crashes, and performance improvements for multiple titles. Proton 11 is rebased on Wine 11.0 and includes updates to several components, enhancing the gaming experience on Linux platforms.

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Lenovo’s stunning new Windows 11 all‑in‑one finally dethrones the Surface Studio with its bold Yoga AIO i Aura design

The Lenovo Yoga AiO i 32 Aura Edition features a unique upside-down V-shaped stand that supports the display and houses the computing hardware, creating a floating screen illusion. It has a 32-inch 4K OLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 99% DCI-P3 color rating, making it suitable for creative professionals. The device is powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor and integrated Intel Arc B390 graphics, performing well in various tasks but lacking a dedicated GPU option for high-performance gaming. The built-in speaker system has been reported to produce a persistent hissing noise, affecting audio quality. The port selection is limited, with only a few USB ports and no Ethernet jack or SD card reader, which may require users to invest in additional adapters or peripherals.