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Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 gives us an early look at next year’s Pixel updates
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.
Here’s everything new in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 [Gallery]
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.
Android could soon let you trigger Emergency SOS without touching your phone at all
AppWizard
October 2, 2026

Android could soon let you trigger Emergency SOS without touching your phone at all

Google is developing a hands-free Emergency SOS trigger for Android devices, allowing users to activate the feature by saying "Help" three times. This voice-activated option is still under development and is not yet available to the public. The feature may include auditory confirmations and could extend to various supported Android models, excluding Samsung devices. An animation found in the code illustrates the activation process, which includes location checks, emergency video recording, and emergency calling. Concerns have been raised about the necessity of auditory confirmation before activation, as it may hinder effectiveness in critical situations.
How Two Android Intent Bugs Broke My App’s Red Alert Button
AppWizard
October 2, 2026

How Two Android Intent Bugs Broke My App’s Red Alert Button

An Android application named CareVocal (internally referred to as CareBridge) was developed to facilitate communication for the user's mother living in a village. The app features three buttons: green for "feeling good," yellow for "something hurts," and red for "need help." Tapping the red button triggers three actions: saving an entry for her doctor, generating a pre-filled SMS to trusted contacts, and opening the phone dialer with the local emergency number pre-typed. The app requires the user to confirm sending the SMS and calling the emergency number to comply with Google Play's restrictions. During testing, issues arose where the SMS draft would not appear if the dialer was opened first, leading to adjustments in the code. A method was implemented to launch multiple intents simultaneously, ensuring that the SMS draft and dialer could be accessed without conflicts. Additionally, the recording feature was modified to start only after a second tap on the red button, separating it from the alert process to avoid distractions during emergencies. The app does not collect location data and is designed solely for logging and communication without diagnostic capabilities.
Microsoft Windows and Surface Event: What We Expect to See on Oct. 7
Winsage
October 1, 2026

Microsoft Windows and Surface Event: What We Expect to See on Oct. 7

Microsoft will host its first dedicated laptop event in two years on Wednesday in San Francisco, focusing on innovations in Windows and Surface devices. Windows 12 will not be unveiled at the event. The event will discuss how local AI will influence the future of PCs, aligning with Microsoft's AI initiatives and partnerships with chip manufacturers like Qualcomm. Key figures, including CEO Satya Nadella and Pavan Davuluri, will speak. The potential launch of the Surface Laptop Ultra, a 15-inch model powered by Nvidia’s RTX Spark chip, is anticipated, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also attending. Earlier this month, Microsoft introduced new Surface laptops with Snapdragon Elite X2 chips at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit. The computer hardware industry is experiencing rising prices due to increased manufacturing costs and demand for advanced chips, compounded by recent Windows licensing fee hikes. The event will begin at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET and can be watched via livestream on YouTube.
Arc Raiders is messing with your loot hotspots to make games more exciting
AppWizard
September 28, 2026

Arc Raiders is messing with your loot hotspots to make games more exciting

The Frozen Trails update for Arc Raiders is set to introduce a new Player versus Environment (PvE) mode, aimed at diversifying gameplay and attracting both new and returning players. The update will also feature dynamic loot zones to enhance replayability by varying loot locations and challenges. These changes are intended to address the monotony experienced by players and improve the overall gaming experience, particularly in light of issues with cheaters in PvP interactions.
Android 17 QPR1: What Pixel Gets
AppWizard
September 26, 2026

Android 17 QPR1: What Pixel Gets

Android 17 QPR1 began its stable rollout in the United States on September 15, 2026, coinciding with Google’s September Pixel Drop. This update introduces the Pause Point feature, which temporarily halts access to a selected app for 10 seconds, allowing users to reconsider their choice. The update is compatible with Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 through the Pixel 10a generations, as well as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold models. The rollout is staged, leading to varying delivery times for users. Pause Point imposes a 10-second delay when accessing a configured app, offering options like breathing exercises and alternative app suggestions. Disabling Pause Point requires a phone restart. Scam protection features vary by region, with Gboard scam warnings initially exclusive to the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer devices, while notification-based Scam Detection has expanded to nine additional regions, excluding Spain. Android 17 QPR1 also includes a refresh of the Pixel interface, adding a new Keyboard tile to Quick Settings and improving visual aesthetics with enhanced translucent and blurred backgrounds. Screen recording defaults to capturing a single app, and the VIPs widget has been upgraded for easier calling and messaging. Google and Audible have collaborated to provide Harry Potter-themed packs for Pixel users, featuring customized wallpapers and icons, along with a two-month Audible trial, though eligibility conditions are unspecified.
Samsung accidentally freezes its smart fridges with a software update
AppWizard
September 24, 2026

Samsung accidentally freezes its smart fridges with a software update

Samsung has paused a SmartThings update for its smart refrigerators in South Korea due to significant malfunctions reported by users, including complete failure of the refrigerators, issues with the automatic door-opening feature, and internal lights not working. A Samsung representative confirmed that an error occurred during the testing of the software update, leading to abnormal symptoms in some units. The company is taking emergency measures and has halted the update distribution. Affected customers are advised to contact service centers, where technicians are replacing motherboards in malfunctioning units. Many customers are also seeking compensation for spoiled food, coinciding with the Chuseok holiday.
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