device Archives

Winsage

October 17, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Core Apps and Memory Use in Bid to Win Back Users

Microsoft is overhauling Windows 11 six years after its launch, with significant updates currently available to Windows Insiders and a broader rollout expected later this year. Key enhancements include the reintroduction of taskbar repositioning, a complete redesign of the Search and Photos applications using WinUI3, improved memory management allowing up to 2GB more active data in RAM, and performance improvements of up to 20% in response times for certain tasks. Windows Hello and Bluetooth pairing have been optimized for speed, and the AI assistant Copilot has been redesigned to be less intrusive. Starting in November, new Windows 11 PCs will come bundled with classic and contemporary games. The updates aim to address user frustrations and improve the overall experience, particularly for those with lower-end hardware.

Winsage

October 17, 2026

Get Windows 11 Pro for less than the cost of lunch

You can upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for .97 until October 20. The license includes features such as Snap Layouts for multitasking, Copilot for assistance, enhanced cybersecurity with biometric login and BitLocker device encryption, as well as advanced functionalities like Hyper-V for virtual machines, Windows Sandbox for secure application testing, and Azure AD for identity management.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

What’s actually eating all the storage space on your Android Phone?

Running low on storage space on Android devices is common due to apps, images, videos, and downloads. To free up space, users can uninstall unused apps via Settings > Device Care > Storage > Apps, or archive them to keep settings intact. Android's auto-archive feature can free up nearly 60% of an app's storage when space is low. Deleting unwanted images and videos can also help, with options to back up media using Google Photos, which offers 15GB of free cloud storage. For larger collections, a Google One subscription provides additional storage. Users can free up space in Google Photos by deleting backed-up items and enabling Smart Storage. Additionally, exploring sections for Duplicate files and Large files in Settings can reveal items for deletion. Clearing cached data from streaming and social media apps and regularly emptying the trash can further save storage space.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

Android Auto can be used outside of your car: Here’s how

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.

Winsage

October 17, 2026

Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Core Apps and Memory Use in Bid to Win Back Users

Microsoft is overhauling Windows 11 six years after its launch, with updates currently available to Windows Insiders and set for public release later this year. Key changes include the ability to reposition the taskbar, a complete redesign of the Search and Photos applications using WinUI3, and enhancements in memory management that allow for more active data in RAM. The revamped Search feature includes direct controls and document previews, while Photos now offers semantic search and improved editing tools. Memory management improvements will benefit lower-end hardware by conserving memory and improving response times. Additional refinements include optimized sign-in processes, faster Bluetooth pairing, and a redesigned AI assistant, Copilot. Starting in November, new Windows 11 PC purchases will come with a selection of games. The updates aim to address user concerns and improve the overall experience of the operating system.

Tech Optimizer

October 17, 2026

Microsoft Wants to Protect Your Linux Desktop with Defender

Microsoft has expanded its Defender security software to Linux desktop environments, currently in public preview. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is designed for organizations using Linux workstations and aims to enhance security for developers who interact with sensitive resources. Key features include real-time antivirus protection, endpoint detection and response, threat investigation, vulnerability management, and centralized security monitoring. The software uses the same deployment packages and installation methods as those for Linux servers, supporting distributions like Ubuntu LTS, Debian, Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, openSUSE Leap, SUSE Linux Enterprise, Rocky Linux, and AlmaLinux. Compatibility with desktop environments is based on the underlying distribution and kernel. The software identifies devices by assessing operating system metadata, and if it cannot classify a machine as a workstation, it defaults to identifying it as a server. This development follows the introduction of Defender for Linux servers in 2020. Organizations need a Microsoft Defender for Endpoint subscription and must meet Linux system requirements to use the software.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

42.4% of Steam Users Play PC Games Exclusively

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

Teen’s Disaster Messaging App Can ‘Hop’ Across Bluetooth When Cellular Networks Collapse

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

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 7.1 rolling out for Pixel

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.

BetaBeacon

October 16, 2026

DroidDeck Setup: Play Steam Games on Android [2026]

DroidDeck is a project that allows users to run a real Steam client on their Android device, enabling them to access and play their existing Steam library without the need for a strong, low-latency network connection or a gaming PC. The latest version, 0.4.0, includes multi-storefront logins, four-controller local co-op support, and a KDE Plasma-style desktop interface. Users need to ensure their device meets specific hardware requirements, including having an Adreno GPU, sufficient RAM, and free storage space.