device Archives

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Worried about status bar clutter with Android Halo? Google may let you clean it up

In Android Canary 2607, Google is developing a new "Status bar" settings section that will allow users to manage the visibility of specific system and notification icons. Notable features include the ability to toggle off the Android Halo AI assistant icon and a new option to hide the mute icon, similar to the existing option for the vibration icon. The settings will include toggles for showing the assistant agent in the status bar and controlling mute icon visibility. The Android Halo icon will only be visible on devices that support the unannounced "Agent Task" feature, which is distinct from Gemini Intelligence. These features are still in development and not yet available to the public.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Steam Summer Sale may be over, but this Fanatical bundle has 15 Steam Deck games worth $206 for $22

The Steam Summer Sale ends on July 9, and Fanatical has launched the Onyx Bundle, allowing gamers to customize their selection of titles. The pricing for the bundle is as follows: three to four games cost .65 each, five to six games cost .60 each, seven or more games cost [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the Steam Summer Sale draws to a close, with its final curtain falling on July 9, gamers are left to reflect on the discounts that have now reverted to their original prices. However, for those who may have missed the excitement, Fanatical has introduced a new opportunity that is sure to pique interest among Steam Deck owners and PC gamers alike. What does the bundle offer? How much does it cost? Enter the Onyx Bundle, a customizable offering that allows gamers to select their desired titles rather than purchasing a pre-defined package. This build-your-own theme empowers players to curate their gaming experience, enabling them to exclude any games they may have already played or simply aren’t interested in. The flexibility of this bundle means you can also share any extra codes with friends. The pricing structure of the Onyx Bundle is designed to reward bulk selections. For instance, choosing three to four games will set you back .65 each, while selecting five to six games lowers the price to .60 per title. The savings continue to grow, with seven or more games bringing the cost down to an impressive .45 each. Opting for the full 15 Steam Deck-compatible games will cost only .75, a staggering 89% discount from the original total of 5.84. Here’s a detailed look at the Steam Deck-friendly games included in Fanatical’s Onyx Bundle. Keep in mind that this offer is available for just six more days, so act quickly to take advantage of these savings: Game Steam Deck compatibility Original price Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Verified .99 Last Time I Saw You Verified .99 Heroes Of Loot: Gauntlet Of Power Verified .99 Surmount: A Mountain Climbing Adventure Verified .99 Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Playable .99 Hamster on Rails Playable .99 SHEEPO Verified .99 Escape From Lavender Island Playable .99 Garden Simulator Verified .99 Fight of Animals Unknown, but reportedly runs fine .99 Russian Subway Dogs Unknown, but reportedly runs fine after some tweaks .99 Omno Playable .99 Nasty Zombies Playable .99 Diorama Builder + Medieval Castle DLC Playable .98 VOSPETKA Simulator Playable .99 For newcomers to the Steam Deck ecosystem, games marked as Verified are guaranteed to perform seamlessly on the device, while those labeled as Playable may require minor adjustments for optimal play. Additionally, for those looking to expand their library further, Fanatical's Indiependence Day bundle features 15 Steam Deck-friendly games valued at 8, available for just .49." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].45 each, and the full 15 games cost [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the Steam Summer Sale draws to a close, with its final curtain falling on July 9, gamers are left to reflect on the discounts that have now reverted to their original prices. However, for those who may have missed the excitement, Fanatical has introduced a new opportunity that is sure to pique interest among Steam Deck owners and PC gamers alike. What does the bundle offer? How much does it cost? Enter the Onyx Bundle, a customizable offering that allows gamers to select their desired titles rather than purchasing a pre-defined package. This build-your-own theme empowers players to curate their gaming experience, enabling them to exclude any games they may have already played or simply aren’t interested in. The flexibility of this bundle means you can also share any extra codes with friends. The pricing structure of the Onyx Bundle is designed to reward bulk selections. For instance, choosing three to four games will set you back .65 each, while selecting five to six games lowers the price to .60 per title. The savings continue to grow, with seven or more games bringing the cost down to an impressive .45 each. Opting for the full 15 Steam Deck-compatible games will cost only .75, a staggering 89% discount from the original total of 5.84. Here’s a detailed look at the Steam Deck-friendly games included in Fanatical’s Onyx Bundle. Keep in mind that this offer is available for just six more days, so act quickly to take advantage of these savings: Game Steam Deck compatibility Original price Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Verified .99 Last Time I Saw You Verified .99 Heroes Of Loot: Gauntlet Of Power Verified .99 Surmount: A Mountain Climbing Adventure Verified .99 Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Playable .99 Hamster on Rails Playable .99 SHEEPO Verified .99 Escape From Lavender Island Playable .99 Garden Simulator Verified .99 Fight of Animals Unknown, but reportedly runs fine .99 Russian Subway Dogs Unknown, but reportedly runs fine after some tweaks .99 Omno Playable .99 Nasty Zombies Playable .99 Diorama Builder + Medieval Castle DLC Playable .98 VOSPETKA Simulator Playable .99 For newcomers to the Steam Deck ecosystem, games marked as Verified are guaranteed to perform seamlessly on the device, while those labeled as Playable may require minor adjustments for optimal play. Additionally, for those looking to expand their library further, Fanatical's Indiependence Day bundle features 15 Steam Deck-friendly games valued at 8, available for just .49." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].75 each, representing an 89% discount from the original total of 5.84. The bundle includes various Steam Deck-compatible games, with some marked as Verified and others as Playable. Additionally, Fanatical offers an Indiependence Day bundle featuring 15 Steam Deck-friendly games valued at , available for .49.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Microsoft is rewriting Windows patch guidance because of AI

Microsoft advises organizations to expedite their Windows update deployment timelines due to advancements in artificial intelligence that allow cyber attackers to quickly exploit vulnerabilities after security updates are released. Jeremy Chapman, Director of Microsoft 365, warns that delaying critical quality updates with security fixes increases the risk of exploitation. Microsoft recommends a quality update deferral period of fewer than three days, update deadlines of zero or one day, and a grace period of no more than two days. The Windows Autopatch report within Microsoft Intune helps identify unpatched devices, allowing administrators to adjust update deferral policies. Organizations can configure update delivery settings through policy controls in Windows Autopatch and Microsoft Intune, as well as other management tools like Microsoft Configuration Manager and Windows Server Update Services. Microsoft also promotes the use of Hotpatch for quicker installation of security updates without rebooting and encourages Conditional Access policies to restrict access to corporate resources for devices that lack required updates.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Proton VPN on Android: features, requirements, how to install

Proton VPN is a prominent VPN provider known for its speed and security, with its headquarters in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. The Android app features include Secure Core for enhanced anonymity, NetShield Ad-blocker to block ads and trackers, a kill switch to protect data during connection drops, alternative routing for bypassing restrictions, split tunneling for selective app usage, a VPN Accelerator for increased speeds, and P2P support for secure file sharing. The app requires Android 8 or later for installation, which can be done via the Play Store. Users can connect as guests to access limited features of Proton VPN Free.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

25 Games Tested On The Steam Machine: A Good, But Pricey Device

Valve's Steam Machine, priced at ,000, was tested with a 2TB unit using default settings at 1080p resolution, upscaled to 4K. Various games were evaluated for performance, including: - Cyberpunk 2077: Smooth 60 FPS with light ray tracing; stability issues at resolutions above 1080p. - Mouse: P.I. for Hire: Ran flawlessly at 60 FPS with default settings. - Left 4 Dead 2: Performed admirably. - Borderlands 4: Had visual issues initially; became playable after adjustments. - Hades 2: Ran seamlessly at default settings. - Silent Hill 2: Struggled with performance. - Doom: The Dark Ages: Played smoothly; could use visual adjustments. - Megabonk: Performed impressively. - Spider-Man 2: Decent at default settings; improved with resolution increase. - Windrose: Struggled at default settings; medium settings improved performance. - Overwatch: Exceptional experience at default settings. - Grand Theft Auto V: Ran well after initial setup issues. - Gears of War Reloaded: Visuals improved after tweaks. - Fallout 4: Maintained solid performance without adjustments. - Control Ultimate Edition: Needed settings lowered for stable performance. - Arc Raiders: Playable but with fuzzy image quality. - Elden Ring: Performed admirably with some tweaks. - Vampire Crawlers: Provided a sharp experience. - Resident Evil 4 remake: Satisfactory but needed adjustments for better visuals. - Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: Became playable after adjustments. - Helldivers 2: Ran well but lacked sharpness compared to PS5 Pro. - Resident Evil Requiem: Solid experience but fell short against PS5 Pro. - The Last of Us Part II Remastered: Ran exceptionally well. - Peak: Required no adjustments and performed comparably to high-end PCs. - Warhammer 40K: Darktide: Achieved stable 60 FPS after tweaks. - Halo: Master Chief Collection: Unplayable due to login issues. - Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip: Ran smoothly at maximum settings. - Rage: Ran smoothly after adjustments. The Steam Machine is seen as intriguing but its high price limits appeal to dedicated enthusiasts. It offers access to a vast library of Steam games, particularly older or 2D titles, but may not be justifiable for non-PC gamers, especially with upcoming titles on rival consoles.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Windows 11 Has a Hidden Tracker – Here’s How to Limit It

Peter Stokes is involved in a breach with a luxury retailer, using tactics like VPNs and rotating IP addresses to hide his digital activity. The FBI discovered a Global Device Identifier (GDID) linked to his Windows installation, which is a persistent device-level identifier that uniquely identifies Windows installations. GDID remains unchanged through operating system updates but resets with a full reinstallation. Disabling GDID is not possible, as attempts to do so would disrupt Windows activation. Users can minimize data linked to GDID by using a local account, reducing diagnostic telemetry, disabling Activity history, and carefully managing reinstalls. VPNs do not prevent Microsoft from logging GDID, IP address, and URL data. Privacy researchers view GDID as a covert tracking mechanism, and Windows lacks user-facing options to reset this identifier, unlike Apple and Google.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Microsoft confirms Secure Boot update failing on some Windows 11 PCs, promises a resolution

Microsoft has acknowledged that some Windows 11 PCs are facing issues with Secure Boot certificate updates, which may fail to install or be blocked. The company is working with PC manufacturers to develop a patch, while users may need to take proactive measures if their certificates are obstructed. Microsoft has temporarily halted the rollout of Secure Boot for certain devices due to complications, and affected users will receive detailed error messages in the Windows Security app regarding their Secure Boot certificates. Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011 have expired, and Microsoft is replacing them with new certificates issued in 2023. Most modern hardware is already utilizing the new certificates, but some devices may have disabled Secure Boot or faulty firmware. Users can check their Secure Boot status in the Windows Security app. HP has confirmed that Secure Boot updates are being blocked on some of its PCs due to a BitLocker issue, which prevents the installation of new certificates. Microsoft has paused Secure Boot certificate updates for devices affected by known issues while collaborating with manufacturers to identify specific devices or firmware complications. A firmware update will be necessary for affected devices, but it is not yet available. The majority of PCs have received the Secure Boot certificates via Windows Update, but compatibility issues may prevent some devices from receiving the update. Older devices or those not among the OEM’s top-selling models may not receive updates if the UEFI firmware is unsupported. Secure Boot is a security feature required for Windows 11, preventing unauthorized software from executing at boot. While an expired Secure Boot certificate does not stop a PC from functioning, it may limit long-term security protection. Microsoft advises users not to disable Secure Boot, as it would compromise security further.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

Microsoft explains the different types of Windows updates you get

Microsoft provides various types of Windows updates, including Patch Tuesday updates, which occur on the second Tuesday of each month. An example is the KB5094126 update for Windows 11, released on June 9, which includes both security and non-security content. IT administrators can use tools like Autopatch, Intune, and WSUS to deploy these updates. Hotpatching allows security updates to be applied without restarting devices. Optional non-security preview updates are released in the fourth week of each month for testing purposes and can be accessed by users on non-IT-managed devices. Out-of-band (OOB) updates can be issued at any time to address significant issues or vulnerabilities. Microsoft also enhances Windows 11 through annual updates, monthly updates, and Microsoft Store offerings, utilizing Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) for feature deployment. Users are encouraged to keep their systems updated and can join the Windows Insider Program for early access to new features.

Winsage

July 10, 2026

MS Office Pro Plus 2019 and Windows 11 Pro are now just $26

The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is priced at .99, reduced from its regular price of 9.99. It includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, which offers offline access to applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, along with updates for improved functionality. The bundle also features Windows 11 Pro, which includes tools for multitasking and organization, as well as advanced options for business network management and device security.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2026

Gen Digital stock holds steady as cybersecurity demand supports long term growth

Gen Digital is a publicly traded company focused on cybersecurity and digital privacy solutions, primarily targeting consumers and small businesses. The company generates revenue through recurring subscriptions for its security and identity protection services, which include antivirus software, VPN services, and identity monitoring. Gen Digital's business model relies on bundling multiple security features into comprehensive offerings, providing predictable revenue and stability in cash flows. The company emphasizes continuous updates to its services to protect against evolving cybersecurity threats. Its growth prospects are linked to trends in cybersecurity spending and the increasing adoption of subscription-based solutions. Gen Digital differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on individual devices and home networks rather than large enterprises. The company also benefits from distribution partnerships that help expand its customer base. Long-term demand for its products is driven by digitalization, cyber risks, and growing consumer awareness of privacy issues. Gen Digital's stock performance is influenced by both company-specific factors and broader market trends in technology and cybersecurity.