device Archives

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

New Google Play Services Update Brings New Wallet Features, More

A fresh update for Google Play Services and the Google Play Store has been released, featuring several enhancements. Google Play Services v26.40 includes: - Disabling the installation of the Find Hub app and removing Find Hub capabilities on Aluminium devices. - Enhancements to system management services for improved updatability. - Updates aimed at enhancing device connectivity, performance, and overall stability. - A new feature in Google Wallet that allows users to scan and add receipts. - Google Pay on Chrome for Android now allows users to bypass the Payment Request UI when sharing their name, email, and phone number with merchants. - Improvements to merchant names in transaction notifications from Google Wallet. - An in-app message center added to Google Wallet for better communication. Google Play Store v53.6 includes: - Users will receive summarized insights and direct citations from real user reviews via Ask Play. - New tag chips at the top of the Listen cube in Collections for better content discovery. - Introduction of AI Summary in Community Posts for quick updates on trending discussions.

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

LineageOS 24 nightly build for Google Pixel 10

LineageOS has released a new nightly build, LineageOS 24.0, for the Google Pixel 10 (codenamed frankel), dated October 11, 2026, with a size of 1.61 GiB and an October 2026 security patch level. The build is named lineage-24.0-20261011-nightly-frankel-signed.zip and is based on the Android 17 framework. Installation requires the latest Android 17 firmware, a computer with adb and fastboot, USB debugging enabled, and prior booting into the stock operating system. Users should check essential features like SMS and calls, and remove Google accounts to avoid Factory Reset Protection issues. Apps requiring device-integrity checks may not function correctly. Nightly builds for the Pixel 10 Pro were reported available on October 12, 2026, while builds for other models like the Pixel 10a, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold have not yet been released.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Microsoft Warns About Windows Update Certificate Expiration

Microsoft has reminded IT administrators about the expiration of certificates that enable trusted connections between Windows devices and Windows Update servers, set to expire in May and June of 2027. Devices without replacement certificates by these deadlines may lose access to Windows Update services. Most supported Windows devices will receive new certificates automatically through security updates, but older or infrequently updated systems may require manual intervention. Organizations that do not update their devices risk losing access to critical updates, particularly unsupported Windows versions that will not receive necessary certificate updates. IT teams should audit device inventories and ensure compliance with updates, as systems on supported versions will obtain replacement certificates seamlessly. Upgrading unsupported systems is essential, and organizations are encouraged to conduct audits and expedite upgrade projects to avoid losing access to Windows Update.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

5 Android Apps to Declutter & Secure Your Phone

DBMB is an app that silences unknown calls while keeping a log of all calls, operating offline without relying on online databases. Cork organizes links and apps into visual boards, allowing users to create personalized dashboards for easy access. Hidebox provides an encrypted vault for sensitive files, secured by PIN or biometric access, with features like a disguised app icon and intruder selfies. Infinite Walls offers curated 4K artwork and AI-generated wallpapers for phone backgrounds, with options for automated changes. Floatkit provides a floating sidebar for quick access to essential tools and functions without leaving the current app, facilitating seamless multitasking.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Use This Hack to Get the Pixel’s AI Dictation on Any Android Phone

Google's AI-powered dictation feature, Rambler, refines spoken words into polished text, eliminating filler words and enhancing grammar. Currently, Rambler is exclusive to the Pixel 11 series. Developer Akshay Kadam has created a modified version of Gboard called PixelBoard, which includes Rambler's features and can run alongside the standard Gboard without requiring device rooting. PixelBoard can be installed via three methods: downloading directly from GitHub, sideloading via USB, or patching the stock Gboard APK. Users can enable PixelBoard in their device settings and access Rambler by selecting it from the dictation options.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Google, Flo Health partner to elevate women’s overall well-being with Fitbit Edge

Google has partnered with Flo Health, which has over 80 million monthly users, to enhance health offerings for women, focusing on topics like perimenopause and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. This partnership coincides with the launch of the Fitbit Edge, priced at [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: In a strategic move to enhance its health offerings, Google has unveiled a partnership with Flo Health, a platform that boasts a monthly user base of over 80 million women. This collaboration aims to provide a more tailored health experience for women, addressing often overlooked topics such as perimenopause and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The initiative aligns with Google's commitment to creating a personal health experience that adapts to individual lifestyles, habits, and biological needs. The announcement coincides with the launch of the Fitbit Edge, which enters the market at a starting price of 0. This latest fitness tracker is designed to build upon the features that consumers enjoyed in the previous Charge 6 model. With a 45% larger and 40% brighter OLED touchscreen, the Fitbit Edge promises to deliver advanced health tracking capabilities typically found in more robust smartwatches. Flo Health for Google's wearables The Fitbit Edge is equipped with an array of essential features, including built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, ECG, and blood oxygen tracking. Notably, it also incorporates a replaceable battery, which is expected to extend its operational life significantly. For users with a Fitbit subscription, the device offers access to the Gemini-powered AI Health Coach, providing personalized health insights and guidance. Looking ahead, Google has indicated that users will be able to sync their Flo Health data with Google Health starting in early 2027. This integration is poised to empower women in managing their health more effectively through the Fitbit Edge, Fitbit Air, and Pixel Watch 5, further solidifying Google's commitment to enhancing women's health features in its wearable technology. As the landscape of health technology continues to evolve, this partnership between Google and Flo Health represents a significant step toward providing more comprehensive and personalized care for women's health. With a focus on understanding and addressing the unique health challenges women face, this collaboration is set to pave the way for more informed health management solutions." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"], featuring a 45% larger and 40% brighter OLED touchscreen, built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, ECG, and blood oxygen tracking. The Fitbit Edge includes a replaceable battery and offers access to a Gemini-powered AI Health Coach for personalized health insights with a Fitbit subscription. Users will be able to sync their Flo Health data with Google Health starting in early 2027, allowing for better health management through Fitbit Edge, Fitbit Air, and Pixel Watch 5.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 hits end of updates Oct. 13: What you should do now

Windows 11 version 24H2 for Home and Pro systems will stop receiving security updates on October 13, 2026. After this date, these editions will not receive any updates or technical support, although they will still boot. Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, and Enterprise multi-session editions will continue to receive support until October 12, 2027. Organizations are advised to verify their systems' versions and editions, especially for those without endpoint management systems. Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2 are available as upgrade options, with 25H2 supported until October 12, 2027, and 26H2 supported until October 10, 2028, for Home and Pro editions. The rollout of 26H2 will be phased, and safeguard holds may be implemented if compatibility issues are detected. Unmanaged Home and Pro devices on 24H2 will automatically receive 25H2, while managed devices may require IT intervention. Regular monitoring and proactive management of Windows versions are necessary to ensure compliance and avoid future deadlines.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Nothing OS 5.0 is rolling out, but not every phone gets it yet

Nothing OS 5.0 has begun rolling out for the Nothing Phone (3), built on Android 17. The update includes over 80 changes in design, performance, and AI features. Key enhancements involve a redesigned Home Screen with transparent widgets and an adaptive color scheme, a new Micrographics clock face on the Lock Screen, improved organization through Smart Collections, and faster transcription with Essential Voice. Users can also create AI-powered apps without coding through the Essential Apps Builder, which will be gradually introduced. Performance improvements include better touch response and resource management. Android 17 adds separate Notifications and Quick Settings panels, cross-platform Quick Share, enhanced privacy controls, and a redesigned Recents screen. The rollout will extend to the Phone (4a) and Phone (3a) series in November, with other compatible models to follow.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Adding WhatsApp, LinkedIn and Email Chats to an Android App Without Rebuilding Each One

Field sales applications, recruitment tools, and property management systems can integrate with messaging platforms on Android devices, addressing the need for users to view conversations directly within the app. A unified messaging API simplifies the integration process for developers, as each messaging channel has distinct authentication methods and message formats. The Android application should only communicate with a backend that interacts with the messaging API for security, event handling, and policy enforcement. Users can link their accounts through a hosted authentication link, reducing coding efforts. The unified API supports various platforms, including WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Telegram, Instagram, Gmail, and Outlook. When a message arrives, the messaging API triggers a webhook, and the relay service verifies the request, stores the message, identifies users, and sends push notifications via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM). To ensure functionality in offline scenarios, the app should render conversation lists from local storage and manage outgoing messages with a WorkManager. Attachments should be handled efficiently by listing them as metadata and downloading them on demand, while uploads should involve client-side compression and resumable requests. By following this approach, developers maintain a single conversation model and sync engine, abstracting complexities associated with multiple messaging providers.

BetaBeacon

October 12, 2026

DroidDeck Runs Steam Games on Android Phones Without a PC

DroidDeck differs from Steam Link, GameNative, and Winlator by running games on the phone itself, using FEX to translate x86 PC code for ARM-based Snapdragon chips. DroidDeck also supports GOG, Epic Games, and Amazon Games, installs a Linux desktop mode, Linux apps, emulators, Decky plugins, and LSFG frame generation. DroidDeck is compatible with phones with Adreno 730 or newer GPUs, excluding most Google and Samsung models. To set up DroidDeck, download the APK, install the Linux runtime, adjust developer options, and sign in to Steam.