devices Archives

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Microsoft issues emergency Windows 11 KB5121767 update to address unexpected shutdowns and overheating on certain Dell PCs

Microsoft has halted the deployment of its latest Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 on select Dell PCs due to incompatibility with Intel's IPF driver, which caused issues such as unexpected shutdowns, overheating, and decreased system performance. Microsoft is working to resolve these complications and has released an emergency out-of-band update, KB5121767, for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 to address the concerns.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Windows 11 bloat proves too much for Microsoft’s new 8GB Surface Laptop

Microsoft introduced the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8, starting at 9, with lower-end specifications including an older Snapdragon chipset and 8GB of RAM. Reviews indicate that while these devices perform adequately for basic tasks, they struggle with more demanding activities, such as video calls on Microsoft Teams, leading to freezing and hanging issues. The device utilized approximately 6.7GB of its available 7.6GB of memory during typical usage, and even a reboot reduced memory consumption to around 4.2GB, which quickly increased with just a few Chrome tabs open. Users have expressed that 8GB of RAM is insufficient for reliable performance, despite Windows 11 having a minimum requirement of 4GB. Historically, Microsoft recommended 16GB of RAM for a seamless experience, but this recommendation has been omitted for the new 8GB devices, which are now described as suitable for everyday use. An additional 8GB is required to access Copilot+ AI features.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

This App Lets You Use Android Auto in Any Car

A Galaxy phone running Android Auto showcases the evolution of mobile technology in vehicles. Android Auto, launched in 2014, has changed over time, transitioning from phone screens and vehicle dashboards to being primarily directed to Android Auto after the introduction of Google Assistant Driving Mode and Gemini. The Headunit Reloaded Emulator app allows users to restore Android Auto functionality on their phones for a fee of .99, enabling projection of the Android Auto interface onto another Android device. The app has mixed reviews regarding performance and compatibility. Users should be cautious when using their phones while driving, as the emulator is intended for use on devices other than the vehicle's built-in unit. To set up the Headunit Reloaded Emulator, users need to download it from the Play Store and grant permissions for Bluetooth and location access. The app offers three modes: Phone Mode, Wi-Fi, and USB. In Phone Mode, users can enable Android Auto on their phone's screen, which can be optimized by rotating the device to landscape orientation. Users can navigate the interface and adjust settings related to pixel density, screen margins, key press configurations, and audio routing. To connect to another device, install the Headunit Reloaded Emulator on that device, which will act as the head unit. Users can connect their primary phone via USB or Wi-Fi. The USB method requires a cable and selecting the appropriate connection mode on both devices. The Wi-Fi method involves ensuring both devices are on the same network and using the Wi-Fi Launcher app on the primary phone to establish a connection.

BetaBeacon

July 20, 2026

Echo Generation Midnight Edition on Android! Galaxy S23 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2)

Google has introduced a passive sign-in feature for YouTube, allowing users to stay logged in across devices without actively entering their credentials.

BetaBeacon

July 20, 2026

The Rise of the Golden Idol Re-released on Android and iOS After Removal from Netflix Games

The Rise of the Golden Idol, a sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol, has been re-released as a standalone game on mobile devices by publisher Playstack. The game, set in the 1970s, involves investigating mysterious cases and is available for purchase on iOS and Android for 329 rubles. Players who previously owned the game through Netflix will need to repurchase it and save transfers are not guaranteed.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Reader poll says 1 thing matters most in free apps — and it’s not open source

A recent poll among users of free Android applications revealed their preferences regarding app features. The absence of advertisements was the top priority for 33.6% of respondents, indicating a strong aversion to intrusive ads. Additionally, 12.4% valued the absence of paywalls, suggesting they prioritize accessibility over ads. Only 5.7% considered the open-source nature of apps significant. Notably, 48.2% of participants believed that all three features—absence of ads, no paywalls, and open-source access—are equally important.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Google Maps is finally getting a speedometer on Android Auto, and it’s about time — my ancient GPS system could do this 20 years ago

Google is rolling out live speedometer support for Google Maps on Android Auto. Some users have already reported seeing the speedometer feature in regions like Canada and India. A Canadian user confirmed its presence while using version 26.29.02.946673643 of the Google Maps beta.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Enable BitLocker on Windows 11: 11 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

A stolen laptop can lead to a significant data breach, particularly when taken from public places. Windows 11 has introduced BitLocker, a full-disk encryption feature that became mandatory for Australian businesses in 2026. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported 766 notifiable data breaches in the latter half of 2024, with unauthorized access to devices being a major cause. Full-disk encryption is crucial for compliance with the Essential Eight framework, which mandates data protection on portable devices. BitLocker ensures that data on an encrypted drive becomes unreadable if the drive is removed and connected to another computer. It aligns with the Essential Eight framework, requiring evidence of encryption rather than just claims of protection. There are three types of encryption on Windows 11: Device Encryption, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and File-Level Encryption. BitLocker is available only on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions. To use BitLocker, certain prerequisites must be met, including having Windows 11 Pro or higher, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled, and local administrator rights. The process to enable BitLocker involves confirming the edition, checking TPM status, enabling BitLocker through Windows Settings or PowerShell, and backing up the recovery key. Organizations can deploy BitLocker fleet-wide using Microsoft Intune, and additional security measures like TPM+PIN can be implemented for pre-boot authentication. Common pitfalls during BitLocker rollout include skipping recovery key backup and assuming that Home edition machines are covered. Troubleshooting common BitLocker issues involves identifying symptoms and applying appropriate fixes. Advanced tips for enhancing security include suspending BitLocker before maintenance and auditing compliance at the fleet level. BitLocker is integral to protecting data on portable devices, and compliance documentation is essential for proving that every device has an active recovery key.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Microsoft rushes out Windows fix for Dell’s hot and bothered PCs

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update, KB5121767, to resolve an incompatibility issue affecting certain Dell models, allowing them to receive the July 2026 Windows security patch. This update targets the Intel Innovation Platform Framework drive, which caused performance, power consumption, and system behavior issues. It is applicable for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. A separate hotpatch, KB5121768, is available for eligible Windows 11 Enterprise devices. Microsoft paused the Patch Tuesday rollout for the affected models to facilitate this update. The incompatibility was linked to the Intel driver and the Windows USB-C Connection Manager interface introduced in a June 23 preview update. Users experienced slowdowns, overheating, and unexpected shutdowns.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Spotted the new Android Developer Verifier app? Read this before you uninstall it

The "Android Developer Verifier" is a system service from Google that verifies whether an app being sideloaded is associated with a verified developer account. This app is part of Google's strategy to implement sideloading restrictions to protect users from social engineering scams. A verified developer account has undergone legal identity and background checks to ensure apps can be traced back to legitimate individuals or businesses. The app is automatically installed on certain devices, such as the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S26 Ultra, through Google System Updates, and users cannot opt out of it. Currently, the app is inactive for most users, with registration requirements beginning in select regions on September 30. Uninstalling the app may not prevent its reinstallation. The updated sideloading process requires users to enable Developer mode, confirm they are not being coerced, restart their device, wait 24 hours, and authenticate before installing an APK. Although this process may seem cumbersome, it aims to disrupt scammers' tactics. Users can still sideload via ADB, which is exempt from the new restrictions. Keeping the Android Developer Verifier on the device is advised until the sideloading restrictions are fully implemented.