calls Archives

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Windows 11 could kill Control Panel faster, as Microsoft quietly tests Settings in the Microsoft Store

Microsoft is testing an application called "Project Odeon," which resembles the Windows 11 Settings interface and is categorized under Productivity in the Microsoft Store. The app is currently in a Preview version, identified as Microsoft.ProjectOdeon, version 1.0.9.0, and requires Windows 11 build 26100 or later with Developer Mode enabled for installation. Odeon does not replace the existing Settings app, allowing both to coexist, and it can identify system information similar to the built-in Settings app, although there are discrepancies in reported data. Some pages in Odeon appear unfinished, and it features a hidden preview mode with a dummy account for testing purposes. The architecture of Odeon suggests it may not fully replace the Settings app but could function as a modular Store app with helper executables for system-level changes. Microsoft is exploring the possibility of delivering updates to the Settings app through the Store, potentially phasing out the traditional Control Panel. There is currently no public release planned for Project Odeon.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Ledger Atom: Ledger’s $849 Android Security Device Ships 2027

Ledger has introduced the Ledger Atom, a hardware signer designed to run standard Android applications while ensuring robust security features. It operates on a dual-mode system, using Android Open Source Project software for everyday tasks and Ledger OS on a Common Criteria EAL6+ certified Secure Element for sensitive operations. The device features a secure chip, a dedicated screen, and a Privacy Switch to disable the camera and microphone. It is equipped with a 6.77-inch AMOLED display, a 50 MP rear camera, a 32 MP front camera, and connectivity options including 4G and 5G via eSIM. The Atom is a data-only device that does not support traditional voice calls or SMS. It is priced at 9 for the Founders Edition, with shipping expected in the second quarter of 2027.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Google’s new Googlebook has clever AI tricks. I’d still pick a Windows laptop

Two new platforms have launched on the PC scene: the Googlebook and the Nvidia RTX Spark platform. The Acer Googlebook 14 was reviewed by Ashley Biancuzzo, while the reviewer is currently focusing on Lenovo’s Googlebook 15, which has a subpar keyboard but features Google’s new Aluminium OS aimed at enhancing the Chromebook experience with AI-powered productivity. To fully utilize the Googlebook, an Android phone running Android 17 is required, although some Samsung phones have been allowed to connect. In contrast, Windows offers Phone Link, which connects an Android phone to a Windows PC and only requires Android 10, allowing for photo transfers, calls, messages, and running Android apps within PC windows. Phone Link is seen as a strong competitor to Googlebook’s offerings, except for app streaming.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Zenzap raises $44M for its AI chat app that aims to replace WhatsApp in the workplace

Businesses are increasingly using consumer-facing chat applications for staff communication and document sharing. Zenzap is a new private messaging platform led by Guy Weiss, designed for organizational context and compliance, featuring AI capabilities. The startup has secured funding from investors such as Bessemer, Lightspeed, and individual backers, marking Weiss's first fundraising effort after previously bootstrapping an e-commerce platform. Zenzap, founded in 2022, aims to serve various industries, offering features such as group chats, task management, calendar integration, and AI-powered tools on both free and paid plans. It currently counts clients like FedEx, Taco Bell, and Starbucks, and has a team of 50 employees across multiple locations. Zenzap's versatility is emphasized, as it targets a broader audience beyond developers, focusing on the majority of employees using personal messaging applications.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Experts warn cheap Android phones are shipping with malware

Cybersecurity experts from Bitdefender have found that budget Android smartphones, such as the Doogee S200 X, Doogee Fire 3 Max, and Cubot KINGKONG X, may come pre-loaded with malware embedded in their firmware, posing significant security risks. This malware is introduced during the manufacturing process, particularly affecting devices with MediaTek chipsets. Thousands of users in around 150 countries, including Mexico, France, Italy, the United States, Germany, Brazil, and Spain, have been impacted. Bitdefender identified a network of 32 malicious applications disguised as legitimate utilities that generate fraudulent ad impressions. Some infected phones can function as residential proxies for criminal activities, including spam campaigns and DDoS attacks. Uninstalling the malicious app may not eliminate the infection if it is integrated into the system software, potentially requiring firmware-level remediation. Buyers of budget phones should research manufacturers' supply chain control and commitment to security updates.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is almost the Android tablet we needed

The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro features a 12-inch display with a resolution of 2800 x 1840 pixels and utilizes "Nanomatte" technology to reduce glare. It is priced at 9.99 and is one of four models in the Alexa Tablet series, which includes an 8-inch version starting at .99. The tablet is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor and offers access to the Play Store, moving away from Amazon's previous proprietary operating system. The audio quality is satisfactory, and while the cameras are functional, they lack color accuracy. Users can customize the interface to reduce Amazon's influence, but the Alexa Plus assistant is less effective compared to Google’s Gemini assistant. The tablet is suitable for media consumption and casual use, although it competes with the iPad in terms of software and app support.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Android Auto 18 Now Available With Hidden “Cielo” Major Update Evidence

Google is preparing a significant update for Android Auto, with the latest version, Android Auto 18, currently in beta. The update, codenamed Cielo, represents the first major overhaul since Coolwalk and will introduce a new interface featuring widgets integrated alongside the main display. This design aims to maximize screen usage across various vehicle displays, including unconventional shapes like round screens. Android Auto 18 will also include a dynamic font called Google Sans Flex and enhancements to Work Profiles, allowing users to activate a work profile when connecting their phones to the vehicle. Additionally, the update will improve the capabilities of Gemini, which will leverage data from other Google services for contextual responses. Users can download the Android Auto 18.0 beta via an APK installer, but it is advised not to rely on this version for daily use due to potential issues.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Android 17 could soon fix your phone’s Wi-Fi and mobile data problems for you

Google is expanding its diagnostic tools for Pixel smartphones to address connectivity issues related to calls, Wi-Fi, and mobile data. The new features will be located under Device Health & Support, alongside existing diagnostics for battery, Bluetooth, and touchscreen. The latest Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 and an updated version of Google Play Services introduce these diagnostic options, allowing users to analyze and potentially resolve connectivity problems or receive troubleshooting guidance.

Winsage

October 13, 2026

One click let you escape Microsoft’s forced sign-in on Windows 11. Of course, Microsoft killed it

Recent changes in Windows 11's setup process have made it difficult for users to create local accounts, as the previously accessible link for bypassing the Microsoft account requirement now redirects to a data management page. Testing of the latest Windows 11 26H2 ISO revealed that this shortcut has been closed off, with no option to proceed without a Microsoft account. Microsoft has been actively blocking methods to skip the account requirement over the past year, citing concerns about incomplete configurations. Despite some acknowledgment of user frustrations from Microsoft executives, there is no indication that the Microsoft account requirement will be relaxed. Users seeking a simple local account option continue to face cumbersome alternatives, leading to calls for a more user-friendly setup process.

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

Huion Kamvas Pad 12 review: a budget Android drawing tablet that gets the small things right

Creative Bloq's review highlights the Huion Kamvas Pad 12 as a compact, entry-level Android art tablet priced at 9 / £449. It features the new PenTech 4.0 stylus with 16,384 pressure levels, a sturdy design resembling an iPad, and an etched glass surface for a paper-like feel. The tablet runs on Android 16, supports various drawing apps, and has a battery life of up to eight hours. While it offers good color accuracy covering 99% of sRGB, it may not match the precision of higher-end models like the iPad Pro or Wacom tablets. Palm rejection could be improved, and users may need a drawing glove to prevent unintended screen interactions.