communication

Winsage
October 12, 2026
In September, Google introduced the 'Googlebook,' a premium laptop alternative to its Chromebooks, developed in collaboration with OEMs like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. The ASUS Googlebook 14, priced at ,299, features a lightweight design, weighing approximately 0.97 kg (2.13 lbs), and a 14-inch OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and brightness of up to 450 nits. It includes a comfortable keyboard with 1.5mm key travel and a 6-inch haptic touchpad. However, usability challenges exist, such as the Caps Lock key activating a context menu and the lack of a dedicated delete key. App compatibility issues have also been noted, with some applications performing poorly compared to their desktop versions. Despite these challenges, the Googlebook shows potential for improvement with future updates.
AppWizard
October 12, 2026
Android users can now locate and optionally restore deleted messages in the Google Messages app. Users can personalize notification icons with their faces and create unique sounds for each conversation using the Priority conversation setting. The app includes a snooze option to temporarily silence notifications and allows users to customize conversation themes. Google Messages profiles are now more accessible for personalization. Videos can be expanded in-line within messages, and web links gain context with the right settings. The Gemini image editing tool enhances image sharing when functioning properly.
Winsage
October 12, 2026
Microsoft is updating the certificates that authenticate communication between Windows PCs and Windows Update servers, with the current certificates expiring on May 17 and June 19, 2027. Users will generally not need to take action as the new certificates will be included in regular monthly security updates. Specific requirements for different Windows versions include: - Windows 11 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11 24H2: Must install the September 2025 security update or newer. - Other supported Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions: Need the July 2026 update or later before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Deadline of May 17, 2027. Devices running unsupported versions will lose access to Windows Update services. Home users with Windows 10 PCs not enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU) after October 2025 may miss the critical July 2026 patch. Microsoft has extended ESU coverage until October 12, 2027. Users should check their update history to ensure they have received a cumulative update from July 2026 or later.
Winsage
October 11, 2026
Windows machines that are not current with updates will face changes in access to Windows Update due to two critical certificate expirations on May 17, 2027, and June 19, 2027. Supported versions must install specific security updates before these dates to maintain access. - Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: Must install the September 2025 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - Other in-support Windows 11 versions and Windows Server 2022: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - In-support Windows 10 versions: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before May 17, 2027. - Any other Windows version: Upgrade to a supported release to maintain access. Devices that are up to date will continue receiving updates without interruption, while those that are behind will lose access to Windows Update services after the expiration dates. Out-of-support versions will lose access entirely. The notice regarding the certificate expiration was posted on October 8, 2026, and reiterated on October 10, 2026.
TrendTechie
October 10, 2026
Following the closure of Bulgarian torrent sites Zamunda.net, ArenaBG, and Zelka.org, users in Bulgaria have shifted to international torrent platforms. This change was noted by Vladislav Todorov from the General Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime (GDBOC). The shutdown was part of a coordinated international effort involving Europol, GDBOC, the State Agency for National Security (DANS), and U.S. authorities, resulting in the confiscation of domain names after a U.S. court ruling. Four individuals have been arrested in Bulgaria as part of the investigation, but there has been no official communication regarding further steps. After the closures, Bulgaria was removed from the U.S. "301 List" monitoring intellectual property protection issues, while the European Union remains on the list. Todorov warned that downloading from torrent trackers poses cybersecurity risks.
AppWizard
October 10, 2026
The Zonko Android 16 Tablet is currently available at Walmart for under 0 during a limited-time Flash deal, including an accessory bundle. It features a 10-inch display with a resolution of 1280×800 HD, dual speakers, and a dual-camera setup with an 8MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera. The tablet runs on the Android 16 operating system, has 12GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, expandable up to 512GB. It is equipped with a 6000mAh battery that lasts between 32 to 48 hours, and offers dual-band 2.4G/5G WiFi. The purchase includes a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, screen protector, protective case, and charger. The device supports Google Mobile Services and comes with parental controls. However, it has received only a few reviews and does not support downloading Apple apps, except for Apple TV or Apple Music.
AppWizard
October 10, 2026
Ghost Town Games is releasing Stage Fright, a co-op adventure focused on collaboration. The game features two players guiding children through a whimsical world, solving puzzles and dodging threats. It uses a simple single-button mechanic and emphasizes verbal communication without traditional inventory management. The gameplay is likened to an escape room experience, with clues that may not be immediately relevant. The developers describe it as a family-friendly version of Silent Hill, blending lightheartedness with mystery.
AppWizard
October 9, 2026
WhatsApp is testing a dedicated Contacts tab in its Android application, currently available in the beta version. This tab is integrated into the navigation bar and allows users direct access to their contact list, featuring a green dot indicator for online users. The new section includes birthday reminders with notifications and emojis, a search bar for locating contacts by name, phone number, or username, and sorting options for organizing the contact list by activity or alphabetically. Users who have disabled their "last seen/online" status will not appear as active.
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