device Archives

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

How to stop audio from auto-playing on Android Auto

Many drivers experience unexpected audio playback when starting their vehicle with Android Auto, as the last listened-to content resumes at the previous volume. To stop this autoplay, users can disable the "Start music automatically" option in Android Auto's settings under Settings > Connected devices > Android Auto. If this does not resolve the issue, it may be related to Bluetooth interactions. Users are advised to remove their phone from the car's Bluetooth memory and reconnect via USB. Additionally, Bluetooth devices paired with the phone can influence autoplay behavior, and users should test different devices to identify the cause. Keeping Spotify and device software updated may help, but a universal solution is not guaranteed. If necessary, users can remove Spotify from Android Auto, though this will limit access to the app through the car's display.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Sound stickers, a toggle to remove the sticker outline and a two-line compose box are in WhatsApp’s beta code, per an Android Authority teardown.

In version 2.26.41.11 of WhatsApp's Android app, a teardown revealed several new features under development: sound stickers that allow users to add audio to stickers, a toggle to remove the outline from user-created stickers, and an enhanced two-line compose box for messaging. The sound sticker feature includes a sound wave icon for recording or selecting audio clips up to 10 seconds long, with video stickers automatically extracting five seconds of audio. The outline toggle will be available in the sticker creation screen, and the two-line compose box aims to improve user experience by organizing icons for attachments and camera below the typing area. These features are currently inactive, and no timeline for their activation has been provided.

Winsage

October 19, 2026

Why Windows 11 still won’t let you name a file CON, and Microsoft’s explanation goes back to MS-DOS

In Windows 11, certain names such as CON, PRN, AUX, and NUL are reserved as they correspond to specific devices, preventing users from naming folders with these terms. These reserved names date back to DOS 1.0, where folders did not exist. The names have specific functions: CON refers to the console, PRN to the printer, AUX to an auxiliary device, and NUL to a null device that discards output. Attempts to rename a folder to any of these names result in an error message indicating the device name is invalid. Adding extensions to these names does not bypass the restriction, as names like NUL.txt are still treated as equivalent to NUL. Despite some changes in Windows 11, the prohibition against using these reserved names for files or folders remains in place due to legacy compatibility concerns.

Tech Optimizer

October 19, 2026

5 Best Antivirus with Anti-Phishing Protection in India

Phishing attacks can compromise personal and financial information through deceptive messages and links. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) reported 425,808 phishing attacks in June 2026, the highest monthly total since April 2023. SMS-based phishing, or smishing, increased by 40% from Q1 to Q2 2026. Antivirus software with anti-phishing features can block fraudulent websites and identify malicious links. 1. Quick Heal: Offers anti-phishing and online protection, with features like AntiFraud.AI and Scam Protection in Total Security. 2. Norton 360: Combines antivirus with web security and AI-driven scam detection, including a password manager and dark web monitoring. 3. Kaspersky Standard: Provides real-time antivirus, anti-phishing tools, and online payment security. 4. Bitdefender Total Security: Includes anti-phishing protection and real-time behavioral analysis for threat detection. 5. McAfee Total Protection: Features a Scam Detector and premium antivirus, along with web protection and identity monitoring. When choosing antivirus software, consider anti-phishing capabilities, online banking protection, and device compatibility.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Android Auto Might Soon Let You Use Apps From Your Work Profile

Google is enhancing its in-car software, Android Auto, to support professional applications, allowing users to receive notifications from their work profiles while driving. Recent code findings indicate that work profiles will soon be operable on car dashboards, enabling drivers to view calendar meetings and listen to messages from supervisors through their vehicle's audio system. This update will allow users to access business applications directly from their main console, improving productivity during commutes. An official release date for this feature has not yet been announced.

BetaBeacon

October 18, 2026

AYN Thor Setup Guide: 13 Steps, 90 Minutes [2026]

- AYN's Thor is a clamshell Android handheld with two AMOLED panels: a 6-inch top display and a 3.92-inch touchscreen on the bottom. - It comes in four configurations: Lite, Base, Pro, and Max, with varying specs including RAM, storage, and GPU. - Setup of the AYN Thor takes longer than expected as it does not come with bundled games, preinstalled emulators, or a third-party launcher. - The setup process includes steps such as unboxing and inspecting the model, charging fully before the first boot, updating firmware, configuring the dual-screen display, setting up the microSD card, installing RetroArch, Winlator, and Moonlight, mapping controls, calibrating sticks, setting up cloud and PC game streaming, optimizing battery and thermal behavior, organizing storage, launchers, and backups, and running a final full-system pass.

Winsage

October 18, 2026

Microsoft should be proud of Surface Laptop Ultra, but is Windows 11 a selling point or a roadblock for its premier PC?

Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra, showcasing its features during a presentation led by CEO Satya Nadella and other key figures. This device is part of the first wave of RTX Spark laptops aimed at creators seeking enhanced AI capabilities. Reviewers have compared it favorably to Apple’s MacBook Pro, highlighting Microsoft's intent to compete in the high-performance laptop market. Microsoft has also announced significant improvements to Windows 11, including an upgraded search experience and faster File Explorer, while promoting the value of modern Windows 11 PCs. The Surface Laptop Ultra is described as the most powerful Surface device in years, with a focus on attracting developers who typically use Macs.

Winsage

October 18, 2026

His scanner wouldn’t work on Linux — so he let Claude study the Windows driver

Christian Schaller, an engineering director at Red Hat, faced challenges digitizing family negatives with a Plustek OpticFilm 8200i scanner due to Linux driver incompatibility. After pausing the project, he successfully scanned using a new strategy and launched an open-source initiative called hw-harness to help developers tackle hardware lacking Linux support. Schaller reverse-engineered the scanner driver by analyzing USB traffic and comparing it with data from a Windows environment. His driver outperformed the upstream version in speed and included features like infrared dust removal and various scanning capabilities. He also developed an application named Negative Vibes for image processing. Additionally, Schaller improved the camera on his Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon by addressing issues in the Linux kernel and libcamera, resulting in significant enhancements in image brightness and color accuracy. His hw-harness project is available on GitHub, providing tools for driver development and analysis.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

All Users Can Now Download Android Auto 18.0 As “Cielo” Update Is Coming

Android Auto 18.0 has transitioned to production, rolling out to devices outside the beta program, focusing on under-the-hood improvements. The update includes references to the Cielo update, which introduces a redesigned layout, widgets integrated into the main interface, and expanded app support for video applications. Users will soon be able to watch videos on their infotainment screens while parked, with an audio-only mode being developed for use while driving. The full build number for the update is Android Auto 18.0.6642, and the Cielo update is expected to be ready for production devices by the first quarter of 2027.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

How To Find And Remove Spyware From Your Android Phone

Malwarebytes reports a 147% increase in spyware incidents among Android users in the first half of 2025, with SMS-based malware rising by 692% in one month. Symptoms of spyware include sluggish device performance, overheating, rapid battery drain, and excessive data usage. Recommended spyware removal applications for Android include Avast Antivirus & Security, Avira Antivirus Security, Bitdefender Mobile Security, and Kaspersky Premium for Android. Users can manually remove spyware by rebooting in safe mode and uninstalling malicious apps. To revoke administrator permissions from malicious applications, users should navigate to Settings, select Security and Privacy, and choose Device admin apps. Users are advised to exercise caution when downloading apps, even from the Google Play Store, and to implement additional security measures to reduce infection risks.