Bluetooth devices Archives

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 already rolling out Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel

Google has released the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, following the QPR2 release, with a stable version expected in March 2027. The beta includes several enhancements and fixes, such as: - Functional audio output device switching during playback from apps without active media controls. - Stabilized foreground service initiation from Quick Settings tiles. - Adjusted application icons in the app menu to reduce excessive spacing. - Reliable app previews in the recent apps screen. - Improved NFC service stability. - Optimized fingerprint sensor unlocking to prevent device freezes. - Refined Face Unlock settings to avoid crashes. - Enhanced MediaPlayer functionality for non-ASCII audio attribute tags. - Improved application launch stability to reduce ANR errors. - Correct functioning of video calling apps without camera feed rotation in desktop mode. - Streamlined user interface navigation back to the home screen. - Corrected Mobile Data icon anomalies in Quick Settings. - Screen recording now supports front camera functionality. - Stabilized calling apps to prevent crashes after device reboot. - Addressed eSIM profile activation issues. - Minimized battery drain during idle with Flip to Shh enabled. - Stabilized access to battery settings in the Settings app. - Improved audio playback consistency on LHDC v5 Bluetooth devices. - Mitigated cellular service disruptions due to modem reporting issues. - Enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity for automatic reconnections during background wakes. The Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 system images are available for various Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 8 models. Users can report issues through the Android Beta Feedback app and join the Android Beta Program for OTA updates. Opting out of the Beta program after installation will result in a data wipe, while opting out before installation will not.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 gives us an early look at next year’s Pixel updates

Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel devices, including models from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 11 family, with most devices receiving build DP11.260918.006 and Pixel 11 users receiving DP11.260918.005. The QPR updates are quarterly enhancements aimed at refining performance and addressing issues without breaking changes to the API. Google is addressing a range of issues in this beta version, including crashes, fingerprint freezes, eSIM problems, Wi-Fi failures, battery drain, and Bluetooth audio glitches. A stable release is targeted for March 2027. Specific issues being worked on include: - Audio output device switching problems. - Crashes when starting foreground services from Quick Settings. - Excessive spacing in app icons. - App previews failing to display in recent apps. - NFC service crashes. - Device freezes with fingerprint unlocking. - Crashes in Face Unlock settings. - MediaPlayer crashes with non-ASCII audio tags. - Applications freezing and triggering ANR errors. - Camera feed rotation issues in video calling apps. - User interface problems when returning to the home screen. - Unexpected dot on the Mobile Data icon. - Front camera malfunction during screen recording. - Crashes in calling apps after device reboot. - eSIM profile enabling issues. - Excessive battery drain with Flip to Shh enabled. - Crashes in the Settings app when accessing battery settings. - Audio playback interruptions on Bluetooth devices. - Crash loops and loss of cellular service related to SIM slot indices. - Wi-Fi reconnection failures during background wakes. Users can expect a stable release by early next year and are advised to remain on the stable channel until the public QPR2 launch if they prefer not to participate in the beta.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Here’s everything new in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 [Gallery]

Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, with a stable release expected in March 2027. The beta includes a new Notes Quick Settings Tile for the Pixel 11 series, while the previous Notes lockscreen shortcut and homescreen widget remain exclusive to Pixel 11 devices. Changes to the status bar include a bolder VPN icon and enlarged Bluetooth and Airplane Mode icons. The Gemini Intelligence boot animation is now available on the Pixel 10 series. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues such as audio output device switching, app crashes, excessive spacing in application icons, NFC service crashes, device freezes with fingerprint unlock, and Wi-Fi connectivity problems.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Tesla Hints at Grok Text Messaging Support

Tesla is enhancing its voice control system, evolving from basic commands to a conversational assistant named Grok. This system supports various tasks such as navigation, phone calls, media search, and vehicle commands. Recent updates to the Model Y owner's manual indicate that text messaging will be a forthcoming feature, allowing users to ask Grok to send text messages. Grok has expanded its reach from the U.S. to several other countries and is designed to manage vehicle operations while maintaining driver focus. Future developments may include Grok Bot integration and control over Full Self-Driving capabilities. The exact timeline for text messaging activation remains uncertain, but it is expected to be part of an upcoming over-the-air update.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Is Control Panel dying in Windows 11? Microsoft’s biggest UI revamp says not yet

Windows 11 is undergoing a significant design transformation, with updates to key components like Print Management, the Properties Sheet in File Explorer, and the AutoPlay dialog from Windows 8, all receiving a WinUI makeover. The Control Panel's future is uncertain, but it will remain until Microsoft can transition its features into Windows Settings. Microsoft plans to minimize the need for legacy features and is cautious about removing the Control Panel due to its importance for enterprise compatibility. Upcoming features include a modern Windows Run dialog set to launch in 2026, which will be faster and allow users to navigate to their user directory more efficiently. A modern Properties dialog is also being developed to replace the legacy version, and the AutoPlay dialog will be revamped to remember user preferences. A new Print Management app is in testing, aimed at improving printer management. The overall modernization of Windows 11 suggests that the Control Panel may eventually be phased out, but the timeline for this change is still unclear.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

App used in Gen Z protest installed without internet: Bitchat sends messages via Bluetooth; govt asks the c…

Jack Dorsey has introduced a new feature for his offline messaging app, BitChat, allowing Android users to share and install the app directly from one device to another via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, without needing an internet connection or access to the Google Play Store or GitHub. This feature is designed to enable users to install BitChat by sharing the APK file, making the app accessible even if it faces restrictions on online platforms. The update follows concerns from the Indian government about the app being exploited by criminal organizations. The BitChat team has stated that the app can now be distributed among users, transforming every device with BitChat installed into a potential distribution hub.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

Android’s Find Hub app now lets you remove old Bluetooth headphones & earbuds

The Find Hub app on Android has been updated to allow users to remove Bluetooth audio devices, such as headphones and earbuds, from the interface. Previously, these devices cluttered the app without an option for removal. The update includes a feature that enables easy removal of these devices, with the location of the option varying slightly by device. This feature has been confirmed to work across various devices, including Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, Pixel Buds, Nothing earbuds, JBL speakers, and OnePlus Buds. The update is being rolled out widely to users.