device

AppWizard
October 17, 2026
A spare tablet, a USB cable, and a small investment can turn a workspace or kitchen counter into a hub for Android Auto, allowing users to repurpose older devices. To set up Android Auto without a car, you need an Android phone running Android 11 or newer, a spare Android tablet or phone, and a data-capable USB cable. A receiver app, such as Open Headunit or Headunit Reloaded, must be installed on the secondary device. The setup involves connecting the tablet to the phone via USB, selecting Android Auto in the phone's USB options, and following prompts to grant permissions. Android Auto is designed for driving, simplifying interactions with larger controls and allowing voice commands for messages. It can manage smart home devices through Google Home but may not always function reliably. A spare tablet can be positioned conveniently for essential tasks, but trade-offs include limited app availability and the need for the primary phone to remain connected.
AppWizard
October 17, 2026
In a survey by GameDiscoverCo involving over 16,000 Steam users, 42.4% reported exclusively engaging in PC gaming, while 15.6% played on PC, console, and mobile platforms. Additionally, 91.5% of respondents play PC games for at least one hour monthly. Among cross-platform users, 22% enjoy mobile games alongside PC, and 11.5% play both PC and console games without engaging in mobile gaming. The survey methodology included participant recruitment through online giveaways and cross-referencing responses with Steam library data.
AppWizard
October 17, 2026
A high school student named Emirhan Duman developed an app called Crisis Connect in response to communication failures during the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in southern Türkiye and northern Syria. The app uses Bluetooth technology to allow users to send messages and make calls without cellular or internet connections, particularly useful in disaster scenarios. Crisis Connect enables nearby phones to exchange messages, creating a network that can reach isolated individuals. It includes features like SOS beacons, a compass, live location broadcasting, and a metal detector. The app conserves battery life by default but can be activated in emergencies. Crisis Connect is available for free on the App Store and Google Play, and its open-source code allows for global contributions.
AppWizard
October 16, 2026
Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR2 Beta 7.1, which includes a performance-enhancing fix but no significant user-facing changes. The build number is CP41.260831.019. The update is compatible with various Pixel devices, including Pixel 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, 10a, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold. Users can report issues via the Android Beta Feedback app or engage with the community on Reddit. Beta 7 will be available as an OTA update for those on Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.
Tech Optimizer
October 16, 2026
NordVPN has introduced a new offering called "next-gen antivirus" (NGAV) to address evolving cybersecurity threats, particularly those from artificial intelligence. NGAV aims to redefine online security by protecting against sophisticated threats like socially engineered scams and phishing attacks, rather than just traditional viruses. It operates in the background, alerting users to potential scams, blocking ads and trackers, and removing malware without requiring extensive technical knowledge. The company recognizes that personal AI agents present a new cybersecurity challenge and is developing features to protect these agents. NordVPN has incorporated bespoke AI solutions into its NGAV, using efficient models that can identify phishing attempts while running locally on user devices. The company has also shifted to open-weight models to reduce costs while maintaining capabilities, although sensitive areas like payment processing remain unaffected by AI. Despite privacy concerns regarding AI, NordVPN has not faced significant pushback from customers about its AI features and emphasizes its commitment to not using customer data for model training. Briedis warns that over-regulation could hinder innovation in cybersecurity. Looking ahead, he envisions a comprehensive application that monitors users' digital environments and manages their data presence online, while NordVPN plans to focus on creating localized solutions rather than hardware development.
Winsage
October 16, 2026
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra features a sleek aluminum chassis available in "nightfall" and platinum colors, weighs 4.4 pounds, and includes a Mini-LED display with a resolution of 3270 x 2180. It is powered by an Nvidia RTX Spark N1X CPU with 20 cores and a GPU with 6,144 CUDA cores, accompanied by 32GB LPDDR5X-9400 memory and a 1TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, has a 1080p Surface Studio camera, and a 92 WHr battery. It measures 12.95 x 9.40 x 0.75 inches and is priced at ,699.99. The device runs Windows 11 Pro and has a battery life of approximately 10 hours and 43 minutes. It can run games like God of War: Ragnarok at 2560 x 1440 with ultra settings, achieving frame rates between 41 and 47 fps, but faces compatibility issues with some titles. The display brightness reaches 944 nits, surpassing competitors.
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