building Archives

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Android Bench 2.0 focuses on long-horizon tasks, agent evaluations

Google has released version 2.0 of Android Bench, which focuses on managing complex development tasks rather than minor adjustments. The new version evaluates tasks that may take engineers days or weeks to complete, such as adding features and building applications. A continuous scoring method has replaced the previous pass or fail system, assessing completion rates based on functionality, visual fidelity, and adherence to instructions. Various AI models have been tested, with GPT-6 Astra achieving a 28% pass rate, significantly lower than the previous scores around 90%. No model has achieved a 100% pass rate in porting cross-platform applications, with the best reaching 80%. AI performs better in writing new code than in refactoring existing code, facing challenges with architectural complexity and runtime validation. Android Bench utilized agents from model providers for evaluations and plans to incorporate various model combinations in future updates.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Google just put the latest AI models through a brutal coding test

Google has launched Android Bench 2.0, a benchmark for evaluating large language models (LLMs) and AI agents on complex Android development tasks. This version focuses on long-horizon tasks (LHTs) that are more intricate than those assessed by the original benchmark. Key tasks include upgrading dependencies, adding major new features, and building Android apps from scratch. The new grading system uses continuous scoring instead of a binary pass-or-fail method, providing a more detailed performance evaluation. Currently, GPT-6 Astra leads the leaderboard with a 28% pass rate, followed by Gemini 3.8 Flash at 8%. Other evaluated models include Claude Fable 5.1, GPT-5.6 Sol, and Claude Opus 5. Google plans to expand the leaderboard with more models and results.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Microsoft Azure CTO used AI to port 20-year-old Windows tool to macOS in two days: “I was flabbergasted”

Mark Russinovich, the Chief Technology Officer of Microsoft Azure, transitioned ZoomIt, a Windows tool for screen zooming, recording, and annotation, to macOS using artificial intelligence. Originally developed to aid in teaching Windows Internals, ZoomIt has been enhanced over the years with features like screen recording and webcam overlays. Despite initial reluctance due to time constraints, Russinovich utilized AI to create a functional macOS version in just two days, significantly faster than anticipated. The AI model leveraged the original Windows code, allowing for a high-fidelity clone of ZoomIt that includes essential features. ZoomIt for macOS is now available as a free and open-source tool, requiring macOS 14 Sonoma or newer, and can be installed via Homebrew or from Microsoft’s GitHub repository. Users can access its functionalities through keyboard shortcuts and a menu bar icon.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Microsoft Calls In NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang For Its Biggest Windows Event In Years

Microsoft will hold a Windows event on October 7 in San Francisco, marking its first major dedicated Windows gathering in over two years. The event will feature CEO Satya Nadella, Windows and Surface chief Pavan Davuluri, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, focusing on the impact of local AI on personal computing. A highlight will be the Surface Laptop Ultra, designed to compete with the MacBook Pro, featuring a custom NVIDIA RTX Spark SoC, an NVIDIA Blackwell GPU, up to 128GB of RAM, and the ability to run complex AI models on-device. Microsoft has also introduced a Workload Profile Scheduling system for efficient task distribution across CPU cores and optimized its Prism emulation layer for legacy x86 applications on ARM systems. The event is not expected to announce Windows 12, as Microsoft will focus on enhancing Windows 11. Major hardware partners like Dell, Lenovo, and ASUS are also involved in the RTX Spark ecosystem.

BetaBeacon

September 17, 2026

Lepton from Valve to run Android games on Linux is now open source

Valve has opened the source code for Lepton, a compatibility layer for running Android games on Linux. Lepton is designed to work with the Steam client and focuses on getting Android games to run seamlessly on the Linux operating system. It is not intended for general Android use, but specifically for launching games. Lepton also offers features to assist game developers in bringing their VR Android games to Steam. Valve's commitment to open-source projects like Lepton benefits the wider Linux gaming community.

BetaBeacon

September 17, 2026

Medieval “Tetris” Drop Duchy is being ported to Android and iOS – pre-registration is open

Drop Duchy is a mobile game that combines mechanics of "Tetris", city-building simulator, and card roguelike. The player transforms falling "Tetris" pieces into plots of a medieval duchy, places buildings and assembles an army. The game will be distributed under a "try before you buy" model, with the full version costing 475 rubles.

Winsage

September 16, 2026

Ex-MS engineer reveals the story behind the infamous ‘FCKGW’ Windows XP key: ‘Pirates started baking the key into images or just writing it on the CD with a Sharpie’

David Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, was the primary author of Windows XP's Product Activation system, which included the infamous product key FCKGW. This key became widely used on pirated copies of the operating system. Plummer created the activation system by compressing and encrypting disc data, ensuring its security. The FCKGW key was specifically tied to certain data configurations, making it ineffective on standard XP CDs. A piracy group, Devils0wn, leaked a complete Windows XP Pro Corporate ISO and the valid FCKGW key just five weeks before the official launch, allowing unauthorized installations. Microsoft responded by blacklisting product IDs associated with the compromised keys in Service Pack 1 and blocking updates for installations using the FCKGW key in Service Pack 2. Valid, un-leaked Volume License Keys (VLKs) remained functional for years after the incident. Plummer noted that the media and the key were leaked before the product reached stores, preventing the intended hardware-binding from functioning.

Tech Optimizer

September 16, 2026

This Mac Antivirus Is Half Price, and It Now Covers Your iPhone Too

Intego has reduced the price of its top-tier Mac security plan, the Intego ONE “Complete” plan, to half its usual cost during the back-to-school season. The plan, which covers one Mac and one iPhone, is now priced at .99 for a year, down from .99. A two-year subscription is available for .98, reduced from 9.99, equating to .74 per month. The promotion does not require a discount code, as the price is automatically applied at checkout, and it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, valid until September 30. The “Complete” plan features Intego VPN and an iPhone app, providing comprehensive protection even when the laptop is not in use. The VPN encrypts internet traffic and conceals the user's IP address, while the iPhone app audits device settings and includes a Wi-Fi security check. Intego acknowledges that macOS has built-in security features and positions its antivirus as a complementary layer. The plan is particularly beneficial for users who travel frequently or connect to public Wi-Fi.

Tech Optimizer

September 15, 2026

Best Free Antivirus: 11 Steps, 18/18 Score [2026]

Microsoft Defender scored 17.5 out of 18 in the June 2026 evaluations by AV-Test, while Avast Free Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus Free both achieved a perfect score of 18 out of 18. Avira Internet Security scored 16.5. The evaluations assessed 16 consumer antivirus products based on protection, performance, and usability. Microsoft Defender is built into Windows 11 and is free, while Avast and AVG are true free offerings. AV-Test uses a scoring system where each category is scored out of 6.0, leading to a maximum total of 18.0. Users should ensure they have the latest versions of antivirus products and only run one real-time antivirus engine at a time. Common pitfalls include running two real-time engines and downloading from unofficial sources. For low-risk users, Microsoft Defender is sufficient, while those seeking higher protection may consider Avast or AVG.

AppWizard

September 15, 2026

Steam users cautioned as new free RPG hit with ‘do not play’ warning

GAMINGbible highlights a new free RPG called Adventurers Guild, developed by AG Studio, which features a whimsical fantasy world and gameplay elements reminiscent of popular franchises. However, the game has been criticized for not matching the vibrant visuals shown in its trailer, with players expressing skepticism about its authenticity. The Steam listing includes a personal email for customer service, raising further concerns. Reviews warn of potential scams, false advertising, and misleading marketing tactics, advising caution when considering the game. There is currently no evidence of malware, but players are urged to be vigilant.