Bluetooth Archives

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Google’s Find My Device gets a much-needed update

Google's Android operating system update on May 13 rebranded Find My Device to Find Hub, adding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tag support and satellite connectivity for improved tracking. Google plans to partner with airlines to enable Bluetooth tag location sharing for lost luggage recovery, launching early next year. The update is part of the Android 16 revamp, which includes personalization options and the introduction of Material 3 Expressive. Additionally, Google I/O announced the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini Live across various platforms for a more intuitive AI experience.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Locate your lost belongings in more ways with Find Hub on Android.

Android's Find My Device is evolving into Find Hub, enhancing tracking for both possessions and loved ones. New features include built-in luggage tracking from July, a partnership with Peak for ski tracking, and Disney-themed Bluetooth tags from Pixbee. Find Hub will introduce nearby finding capabilities using ultra-wide band (UWB) technology with the moto tag. Later this year, satellite connectivity will be integrated for safety in areas without cellular service. Upcoming partnerships will allow easy sharing of Bluetooth tag locations with select airlines to aid in recovering lost luggage, set to roll out early next year.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (KB5058496) has been released for the Beta Channel, specifically for Windows 11, version 24H2. Users on version 23H2 can choose to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. The update introduces a new AI-powered agent in Settings for easier navigation and task automation, currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel PCs coming soon. Enhanced intelligent text actions have been added to Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text. A dedicated FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page. Several fixes have been implemented, including improvements to the Start menu, File Explorer, and voice access. Known issues include problems with PC reset display and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5058493) has been released to the Dev Channel. New features include enhanced intelligent text actions in Click to Do for AMD and Intel™-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to Summarize, Create a bulleted list, or Rewrite text. These features are available when the default language is English and at least 10 words are selected. For users with French or Spanish as their primary language, only Summarize, Create a bulleted list, and Refine options are temporarily available. Improvements include the ability to safely remove devices compatible with Dynamic Lighting and the introduction of a FAQs section in Settings to help users find information about their PC. Fixes have been made to the Start menu, File Explorer, Voice Access, Taskbar, Windows Spotlight, and Live captions. Known issues include problems with the PC reset option and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs, allowing access to tools like Cocreator and Generative Fill in Paint, and summarization or rewriting in Notepad. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Windows Insider release blocked by OS-busting bug

The Windows team at Microsoft has discovered a significant bug affecting the Canary build, which has led to the delay of several Insider builds. This bug impacts essential functionalities such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, USB accessory connections, and the onboard camera for Windows Hello. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider program described the bug as "really bad" and noted that it arose from a specific code change in newer builds not yet released to Insiders. Microsoft is currently working on a fix and hopes to deliver a new build to the Canary channel by the end of the week. The situation emphasizes the company's focus on quality control to prevent flawed releases from reaching users.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Fast Startup might actually be slowing your PC down

Fast Startup on Windows enhances boot times by placing the computer in a hibernation-like state, saving the system state to disk for quicker startups, but does not preserve open programs and processes. Disabling Fast Startup is advisable for users with modern SSDs unless they experience noticeable slowdowns. Fast Startup circumvents traditional shutdowns, which are necessary for proper power cycling of components, potentially leading to system issues over time. It can disrupt Windows updates, causing instability and missing features, making it wise to keep it disabled for regular updaters. For dual-boot systems with Windows and Linux, Fast Startup should be disabled to avoid boot issues and potential data corruption. It can also exacerbate wake-from-sleep problems, leading to slower wake times and peripheral malfunctions. Users with modern NVMe SSDs may find that Fast Startup offers minimal advantages and could even result in longer boot times.

BetaBeacon

May 10, 2025

Everything you need to turn your phone into the ultimate gaming handheld

Various phone controllers are available to enhance mobile gaming experiences, such as the GameSir G8 Plus, ASUS ROG Tessen, and Backbone One. Additionally, options like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus Premium, and Amazon Luna allow console and PC gamers to play from anywhere. Emulators like RetroArch can handle games up to PS2, and launchers like ES-DE and Console Launcher can enhance the gaming experience on phones. Ultimately, phones are capable of playing a wide range of games, including emulation, making them versatile gaming devices.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Google’s May 2025 Pixel update is here with bug fixes and a critical security patch

The May 2025 security update for Google Pixel devices began deployment on May 6, addressing a critical zero-day security vulnerability (CVE-2025-27363) and including three bug fixes along with 28 security patches. The rollout may take about one week to reach all devices, depending on models and carriers. The update prevents devices from reverting to older, vulnerable versions of the bootloader. It also resolves specific issues for Google Pixel 6 and newer devices, including improvements in microphone recording quality, resolution of Bluetooth pairing issues with certain smartwatches, and correction of secondary language display issues in quick settings. Users are advised to check for the update in the Settings app under System > Software update.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Exploring ChromeOS – A New Era In Android App Support

ChromeOS has introduced significant enhancements, particularly in Android app support, improving functionality and integration. The latest updates include upgraded Bluetooth technologies, improved content search capabilities, and the integration of Android 11 changes using virtual machines for better app performance. The initiative "Start building apps for ChromeOS" provides guidance for developers to optimize applications for these devices. Accessibility features like Face Control, Bounce Keys, and Slow Keys have been added to assist users with various needs. Security improvements include theft detection and quick locking, while usability enhancements like Fast Pair simplify device connections. Recent updates also focus on integration and compatibility with existing file systems and support for Android and Linux applications, aiming to create a cohesive ecosystem.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 now ready to rollout to everyone

Microsoft has announced the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which is now available for all compatible PCs, except those with safeguard holds. The gradual rollout via Windows Update is nearing completion, and eligible users will see an option to download the update in their settings. Automatic updates will apply to Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2) not managed by IT departments. Upgrade blocks are in place for systems with incompatible hardware or software, including certain applications and drivers. Users can check compatibility using the PC Health Check app or Windows 11 specifications. The update introduces new features such as AI-powered capabilities, an energy saver, Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, Bluetooth LE audio support, HDR background support, natural language understanding in search, and a revamped Windows Recall feature. The rollout began in May 2024 for enterprise testing and transitioned to general availability in October. It will also be available to eligible PCs running Windows 10 22H2 in late January 2025, with a force-installation for unmanaged systems on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. Microsoft provides a guided walkthrough and support document for users during the upgrade process.