Bluetooth connectivity Archives

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

This Android-based tablet blends a paper-like display with app support

The HANNspree Lumo features a 7.8-inch reflective LCD display that mimics paper, prioritizing user comfort and versatility. It is categorized as a "Dynamic Paper Tablet," utilizing ambient light for a matte, low-glare screen. The tablet weighs approximately 250 grams and is 6.6mm thick. It supports full color with a 60Hz refresh rate and has a resolution of 1024 x 768, optimized for reading. The device runs on Android 14, powered by a MediaTek MTK8781 chip, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, stylus support (sold separately), front and rear cameras, a built-in microphone, and a 3,000mAh battery that lasts about 6.5 hours for video playback. The Lumo is currently available in Europe for around €369, with no confirmation of a U.S. release.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck

Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.

BetaBeacon

January 7, 2026

8BitDo FlipPad controller for enjoying portrait games on Android and iOS

8BitDo has introduced the FlipPad, a portrait mode clip-on controller for mobile gamers who prefer minimal accessories. The controller has 12 face buttons and a D-Pad, making it suitable for portrait games that do not require shoulder trigger buttons. It is designed to overlay over on-screen keyboards for ergonomic comfort and is compatible with third-party applications and emulators. The controller plugs directly into smartphones via USB-C and does not have Bluetooth connectivity.

Winsage

December 22, 2025

Insider build focuses on further AI integration in Windows 11

Microsoft has released a new preview version of Windows 11 for Windows Insider Program members, featuring builds 26220.7522 and 26220.7523 in the Dev and Beta channels. The update focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, particularly enhancing the Copilot feature for quicker access to contextual actions via the taskbar. New agents are being tested to assist with tasks within the Windows environment. Usability improvements include updates to the Narrator screen reader, touch keyboard, and voice typing functionalities, along with a new Discover Windows widget to help users find features. The release also includes various bug fixes related to the taskbar, Windows Search, Bluetooth connectivity, and File Explorer, while cautioning users about known issues. Insiders can temporarily switch between the Dev and Beta channels, but this option will end as higher build numbers are released.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Xbox November Update: Gaming Copilot Available on Mobile, Full Screen Experience Out Now, and More

The full screen experience (FSE) is now available on a wider range of Windows devices, providing a clean interface for controller-first gaming. Windows Insiders can preview this feature on various Windows 11 PC form factors. A new user-selected resolution feature allows Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream games at resolutions up to 1440p. Xbox Cloud Gaming has expanded to India, marking its 29th market, and is now available on LG TV and Amazon Fire TV devices in Brazil and Argentina. Xbox Cloud Gaming support is being added to more Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and Fire TV Omni QLED TVs. The Xbox Design Lab is offering free engraving on controller purchases from November 28 to December 12. The Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition accessory is designed for use across multiple screens and offers both wired and wireless connectivity. Over 1,000 games now support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to switch devices without losing progress, with recent additions including ARC Raiders and Keeper. Xbox is also expanding its cloud gaming library for Game Pass members. Mouse and keyboard support, along with touch controls for over 230 games, have been introduced. Xbox encourages community feedback through the Xbox Insider Program for early access to new features.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Windows 11 KB5068861 won’t install, File Explorer SMB search not working on network shares, and other issues

Windows 11 users are facing installation issues with the KB5068861 update from the November 2025 Patch Tuesday release, which addresses 63 critical security vulnerabilities. Errors reported include 0x80070306, 0x800f0983, and 0x800f081f. Affected users can wait for an optional release or use the Media Creation Tool, which downloads the same patch. Some users have reported a malfunctioning SMB search feature after the update. The installation errors have prompted reports of specific error codes, and attempts to resolve them through SFC scans or health checks have been largely ineffective. Downloading the .msu package from the Microsoft Update Catalog is recommended, followed by an installation attempt. If unsuccessful, the Media Creation Tool can be used while retaining user data. The November 2025 Update includes enhancements like a revamped Start menu, improved battery icons, and performance improvements, particularly for gamers. However, some users have encountered Bluetooth connectivity issues, especially on AMD PCs, with a temporary fix involving adjustments in Device Manager. The KB5068861 update has also caused a bug affecting search functionality over shared networks, leading to slower search results or empty listings for businesses. This issue arises from a breakdown in communication between the Windows client and the server’s search index. Users can restore functionality by restarting the Windows Search service or rebuilding the index. Additionally, the remote search functionality over SMB is compromised, preventing the Windows client from utilizing the server’s index. Users may need to uninstall the update to restore functionality, which requires disabling the Sandbox feature first. Specific DISM commands can be used to identify and remove the update, or it can be uninstalled through the Settings menu.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Microsoft fixed an old Windows bug

Microsoft has resolved a bug in Windows 11 that caused issues during the update installation process, where users experienced unexpected reboots after clicking "Update and shut down." This problem had affected users for over two years and was also present in Windows 10. A fix is available in the beta version of the OS, with plans for a broader rollout. Additionally, Microsoft has fixed two other bugs in Windows 11 related to Windows Hello face recognition and Bluetooth connectivity.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

Nothing owners can now try Android 16 thanks to Nothing OS 4.0 open beta

The open beta for Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, is now available for users of the Nothing Phone 2, Phone 3, and Phone 2a series. Key features include a new quick setting tile size of 2×2, two new lock screen clock faces, an Extra Dark Mode, and support for Essential Apps with shareable widgets. The Nothing Phone 3 can support up to six Essential Apps widgets, while other models can support up to two, with plans for future expansion. The Nothing Phone 3 will also include an “AI usage dashboard” within Essential Space and improvements in Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi stability, display brightness, and camera functionality. The Nothing Phone 2, Phone 2a, and Phone 2a Plus will receive the “Stretch” camera preset and app optimizations for faster startup speeds. An open beta for the Nothing Phone 3a series is expected to launch in October.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

This Niagara Launcher feature should be standard across all Android phones

Rita El Khoury has been using the Niagara Launcher for about a year and appreciates its simplicity, notification grouping, and customizable app icons. A standout feature is its ability to display apps on the home screen only when connected to Bluetooth devices, which helps manage limited home screen space. This feature, available in the premium version Niagara Pro, is not found on Pixel or other Android devices tested by El Khoury, although Samsung offers a similar function through its Modes and Routines feature. However, Samsung's approach is more limited as it triggers a single app rather than providing a list of relevant apps like Niagara does. There is hope that future Android updates will incorporate more versatile contextual app access features.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft’s phone app can now remotely lock your PC

Microsoft is introducing a new feature in the updated Link to Windows app for Android devices that allows users to remotely lock their PCs. This feature enhances security by enabling users to secure their PCs even when they are not physically present. The update also reorganizes the app's interface for improved usability and is available in version 1.25071.165 or higher.