availability Archives

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

Google extends free Pixel 9 Satellite SOS for one more year

Google has extended free access to its Satellite SOS feature for Pixel 9 owners for an additional year, following the conclusion of the initial two-year complimentary period. Satellite SOS, launched in 2024, allows users to contact emergency services and share their location without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The feature is available on compatible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but not on the Pixel 9a. The service's availability depends on the user's geographical location. Google has not yet announced any potential subscription pricing or whether the service will transition to a paid model after the extension period.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

Android Auto Gets Gemini Personal Intelligence: Here’s How It Can Help

Google has rolled out Personal Intelligence for Gemini on Android Auto, enhancing the driving experience with personalized AI assistance. This feature integrates with connected Google apps, providing tailored responses while driving. Users must be over 18 and have a personal Google account to access it, which can be set up through the Gemini app or website. The feature can draw information from various Google applications, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Photos, Maps, YouTube, and Search. Once connected, Gemini can provide specific information, such as flight details from Gmail, and remember user preferences for food, appointments, and locations. Personal Intelligence is currently available worldwide, except in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria, with plans for future availability in vehicles with Google built-in technology.

BetaBeacon

October 21, 2026

Gemini Personal Intelligence arrives on Android Auto, letting drivers ask about their own flights and appointments

Google has updated Gemini's reasoning capabilities in cars, allowing users to make plain requests without needing to provide street addresses.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows Server 2025 Gets Support for Quick Machine Recovery

Windows Server 2025 introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) in the October 2026 cumulative update to improve IT recovery processes during boot failures. QMR automates the detection of boot failures using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and can autonomously download and apply fixes via Windows Update. Organizations must manually enable QMR through Group Policy, as it is disabled by default. The feature enhances Windows Startup Repair with cloud-based remediation capabilities and requires a reliable network connection, supporting wired networks and WPA/WPA2 password-based Wi-Fi configurations.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows Server OS Configuration on Bare Metal: Enterprise ERP and MSSQL Deployments

Onlive Server announced specialized operational guidelines as part of its Day 37 digital expansion initiative on October 12, 2026, from Redmond, WA. The company emphasizes the importance of optimized Windows dedicated server hosting for businesses requiring consistent uptime, low-latency data routing, and stringent data governance. Their offering aims to maximize bandwidth throughput and ensure robust hardware isolation for enterprise ERP and MSSQL deployments. Key features include dedicated bare-metal resources, optimized regional network routing, and enterprise security with Tier-III datacenter standards. Onlive Server provides global web hosting solutions, including bare-metal dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and cloud infrastructure across multiple regions, supported by 24/7 technical assistance.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

Google brings Gemini Personal Intelligence to Cars with personalized answers

Google has launched its Gemini feature, now available on Android Auto and vehicles with Google built-in technology. The rollout includes Personal Intelligence, which integrates information from various Google services with user consent to provide tailored responses during in-car conversations. Key features include checking flight details, finding restaurants based on preferences, navigating to appointments, recognizing places from photos, and returning to previously discussed locations. Users can choose which apps to connect for privacy and can disable the feature anytime. Gemini will handle standard tasks without personalization. The rollout for Android Auto begins on October 21, 2026, with availability for cars with Google built-in expected soon. Eligible accounts are personal Google accounts for users aged 18 and older, while Google Workspace accounts and users in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria are excluded.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows 11 Auto-Recovery: Cloud Repair Off by Default on Corporate Devices, Forcing IT Departments to Weigh the Pros and Cons

Microsoft's Quick Machine Recovery feature, integrated into Windows 11, is disabled by default for enterprise-managed devices due to a significant incident in July 2024 when a faulty security update caused many devices to be unable to boot. The feature identifies devices that fail to boot multiple times and connects to Windows Update via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to search for fixes. It is available in Windows 11 version 24H2 (build 26100.4700) and later, with default settings varying based on device management status: disabled for Enterprise/Education editions and domain-joined Pro editions, and enabled for Home and unmanaged Pro editions. Administrators can configure options such as enabling/disabling cloud repair, automatic repair, and setting remediation check frequencies. A test mode is available for devices in the Windows Insider Program. Additionally, starting October 13, 2026, Microsoft will implement restrictions on external storage devices formatted with ReFS, which will be audited by default, with enforcement beginning in January 2027. Users will need to transition data from ReFS to supported formats by this date. A registry and Group Policy setting named "RefsRemovableDeviceMountPolicy" will allow customization of this restriction.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

Google Announces New Android Auto Feature That Could Make Users Love or Hate Gemini

Google has announced the global availability of Gemini on Android Auto and Android Automotive, introducing a feature called Personal Intelligence aimed at enhancing user experience. This feature leverages data from various Google applications, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Photos, to provide personalized responses. Users can ask Gemini for information like flight details, and it can access relevant data from their emails and other apps to deliver comprehensive answers. Gemini is designed to communicate in a natural, conversational manner and can retain conversational context for a cohesive experience. Users have control over their data, as apps are not connected until they choose to enable it, and Personal Intelligence is optional. The rollout has begun on Android Auto, with expectations for vehicles equipped with Google built-in to receive the feature by early 2027. Personal Intelligence is available only for users aged 18 and older with personal Google accounts.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

Google upgrading Gemini for Android Auto with Personal Intelligence

Google has begun rolling out Personal Intelligence for Gemini on Android Auto and Android Automotive, enhancing user experience by utilizing data from Google Workspace applications like Gmail, Calendar, Photos, Maps, Search, and YouTube for personalized responses. Users can ask complex queries without needing specific details, such as flight information or directions to appointments, and the system retrieves necessary information seamlessly. Gemini understands user preferences, recognizing dietary choices without repeated specifications. Users can access information while driving without pulling over, and can continue previous conversations easily. Opting into Personal Intelligence is voluntary, and users who do not enable it can still use basic functions like navigation and music playback without personalized responses. Personalized responses for Android Automotive will only be available when the phone is connected to the vehicle, with the rollout for Android Auto starting now and Android Automotive planned for the coming months.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Google Gemini Brings Personal Intelligence to Android Auto for Smarter, More Personalized Driving

Google has introduced the Personal Intelligence feature integrated into Gemini for Android Auto, enhancing the driving experience by allowing drivers to access information, navigate, and manage tasks without using their phones. The rollout began on October 19, with further support for vehicles with Google built-in expected in the coming months. Gemini can connect to various Google services, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Maps, to provide tailored responses based on individual schedules and preferences. It can retrieve personal information, synthesize details from multiple sources, and offer intuitive navigation and recommendations. Users can manage their privacy settings and choose to disable the feature if desired.