device Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Russia’s “National Messenger” Turned Out to Be… “Putin Is Watching”

The Russian government is pressuring citizens to download a mobile app called "Max," which has raised privacy and surveillance concerns. Max is a popular messaging platform in Russia and integrates messaging, government services, and payment functionalities. Research by a University of Michigan team found that Max can capture users' screens without consent, access sensitive information, impersonate users, and potentially enable cyberattacks via code injection. Despite these concerns, many Russians still use alternative messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. Some government officials are using separate devices for Max, indicating unease about its surveillance capabilities. The app is linked to a social media company connected to the Russian government, and President Putin may have an indirect financial stake in it.

BetaBeacon

September 19, 2026

Android-powered Arc X1 gaming handheld launches with 7-inch display, Snapdragon G2 Gen 2

Arc has introduced its first gaming handheld, the Arc X1, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset and running on OwlOS, a custom Android-based operating system.

Winsage

September 19, 2026

These 4 built-in Windows tools helped me build a self-healing PC

Windows operating systems include built-in tools for maintaining PCs, allowing users to monitor system health, repair corrupted files, and recover from boot failures with minimal intervention. Task Scheduler automates maintenance tasks by triggering them based on schedules or events, accessible via the Start menu or taskschd.msc. It can activate tasks at fixed intervals, on startup, during idle periods, or in response to Event Viewer entries. Tasks should run with the highest privileges and can be configured to execute regardless of user sign-in status. The Settings tab allows missed tasks to run as soon as possible. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line utility that repairs the component store, essential for installing updates and restoring system files. It offers three inspection levels: CheckHealth, ScanHealth, and RestoreHealth, with the latter requiring an internet connection for downloading replacement files. DISM logs operations in C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log. SFC (System File Checker) verifies and repairs core operating system files using Windows Resource Protection. The command sfc /scannow checks all protected files, while /verifyonly provides a report without changes. SFC's effectiveness depends on the integrity of the component store, making it essential to run DISM first. Results are logged in C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.log. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced in Windows 11, addresses boot failures by connecting to the internet to find solutions when repeated boot failures are detected. QMR is enabled by default on unmanaged devices and can continuously check for fixes. It is designed to respond to widespread issues rather than unique problems and may not work effectively on older hardware or without a network connection. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive approach to system maintenance in Windows 11, ensuring the operating system remains healthy and efficient without additional software.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Why ESG reporting standards matter in the Android and mobile tech ecosystem

ESG reporting standards are becoming increasingly important in mobile technology, affecting various aspects such as data management, material sourcing, energy consumption, privacy, supply chain dynamics, and product accountability. The lifecycle of mobile devices involves raw material sourcing, component manufacturing, device assembly, shipping, marketing, sales, updates, repairs, trade-ins, and disposal. Companies must understand ESG standards to create coherent sustainability narratives and may need to disclose supplier practices, carbon emissions, and governance documentation when partnering with larger firms. Consumers are now asking more questions about the longevity of software updates, repairability, data collection, packaging design, and the accountability of product creators. The rise of connected devices complicates ESG reporting due to extended product lifecycles and the need for ongoing software support. Companies should track product lifespan estimates, warranty data, repair trends, and update schedules to improve product quality and ESG reporting credibility. Emerging tech companies can start their ESG journey by cataloging product claims, consolidating evidence, designating ownership of records, and reviewing product lifecycle information. Global sustainability frameworks exist but may not align with consumer needs for straightforward product information. Successful mobile tech companies will need to bridge formal reporting requirements with accessible product-level communication. Trust and transparency in practices will increasingly influence consumer choices in mobile technology.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Samsung’s Gallery App is Getting New Google Photos Sync Feature

Samsung is replacing the OneDrive integration in its Gallery Android app with Google Photos, following Microsoft's announcement that OneDrive photo backup will cease after September 30, 2026. The new cloud sync feature with Google Photos is being rolled out to select Galaxy users, who must update their Gallery Cloud Sync, Samsung Cloud, and Samsung Gallery apps. The integration does not support supervised personal Google accounts or Google Workspace accounts. Users can back up their camera roll, specific albums, and local device folders to Google Photos, but edited photos will appear as separate items, and some Google Photos features will not be accessible for synced photos. Samsung's Gallery app will continue to operate alongside Google Photos, and the company is developing its own web browser for Android and Windows.

Tech Optimizer

September 18, 2026

Best Free Antivirus for Windows 2026: 6 to Install, 1 to Skip

Avast Free Antivirus is recognized as the best free antivirus solution for Windows in 2026, achieving a perfect score from AV-TEST. It operates on the same engine as paid versions, providing comprehensive protection. Other notable free antivirus options include Bitdefender Antivirus Free, which is efficient for older systems; Microsoft Defender, a built-in option with solid protection; AVG AntiVirus Free, suited for older hardware; Avira Free Security, which includes additional tools; and Malwarebytes Free, best for cleaning infections. Each product generates revenue through upselling or data collection. Avast scored 99.78% in detection tests, while Bitdefender achieved 97.6%, and Microsoft Defender reached 99.93%. AVG matched Avast with a 99.97% protection rate, and Avira recorded 99.96%. Malwarebytes had a detection rate of 99.57%. Kaspersky is noted as a product to avoid due to misleading trial offers.

Winsage

September 18, 2026

Windows 11 Update Can Break Active Directory Trust Relationships

A recent security update from Microsoft, KB5124008, has caused disruptions for organizations using on-premises Active Directory, particularly affecting domain-joined Windows 11 devices with Credential Guard. After installing this update, some devices lost their secure trust relationship with the domain, preventing users from logging in with valid credentials. The issue is linked to Machine Identity Isolation, a security feature that enhances machine account credential protection but requires domain controllers to operate at the Windows Server 2025 Domain Functional Level. Organizations that enabled this feature without meeting the prerequisite may experience trust relationship failures. Microsoft has suggested a workaround to disable Machine Identity Isolation and plans to suspend its enforcement in an upcoming update while improvements are made.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Android users are getting important Google system updates

Google has released system updates designated as Google System Updates 26.36 for September 2026, applicable to various devices including smartphones, tablets, Android TV, Google TV, Android Auto-compatible vehicles, and Wear OS gadgets. - Bug fixes have improved stability in account management services for smartphones. - Location sharing capabilities have been enhanced in account management for smartphones and Wear devices. - New features for developers have been introduced to facilitate better integration with Google Maps on smartphones. - Devices can now be set up regardless of their operating system for a streamlined onboarding process. - Developers have new features to enhance device connection processes within their applications for smartphones and Wear devices. - New functionalities for location- and context-based processes have been added for developers on smartphones. - Bug fixes related to system management and diagnostic services have been addressed across cars, PCs, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices. - Updates to system management services have improved device updateability for cars, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices. - The update allows real-time price adjustments in the shopping basket for PC and smartphone users during checkout. - Smartphone users switching to a new device will receive a notification to re-add their Google Wallet cards for mobile payments. These updates are distributed through the Play Store and are set to automatically install on Android devices. Users can manually initiate the download through Settings > System > Software Updates > Google Play system update.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Samsung Gallery finally gets Google Photos sync — here’s what you need to do

Samsung is ending its OneDrive integration on September 30 and will instead offer direct Google Photos backup within the Samsung Gallery app. The update, version 15.9.01.7, introduces a "Sync photos and videos" option that allows users to connect a personal Google account for photo and video backup. Users can selectively sync specific local folders or disable main camera roll uploads. This feature is available only on devices running Android 13 or later and requires a compatible Samsung device. Users can disable the Google Photos sync if they prefer not to use it, while still accessing previously backed-up photos via Google Photos.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

This clever Plex app could give your aging LG TV a new lease on life

A new open-source Plex client named PlxNative has been developed for older LG TVs running on webOS to improve the browsing experience of Plex libraries. It operates independently of a web browser using a native Rust/OpenGL interface, allowing it to launch in about one second and ensuring fluid scrolling and menu navigation. PlxNative supports various Plex functionalities, including library browsing, profile switching, audio and subtitle selection, and direct play or server transcoding. It does not replace the TV's built-in video decoder and connects directly to the Plex Media Server over the local network after initial sign-in. Installation options include the Homebrew Channel or sideloading via LG’s Developer Mode, which requires periodic session renewals. The developer has submitted PlxNative for official review by LG.