disable Archives

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

This App Wants to Make Your Android Handhelds Last Even Longer

Battery life is a significant concern for Android handheld device users, prompting some to use custom firmware while others prefer stock Android. Strategies to extend battery life exist but vary in effectiveness and effort required. SleepManager is an application designed to optimize battery usage during inactivity by automatically disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, activating Battery Saver, managing specific applications, scheduling syncs, and preventing clamshell devices from waking inadvertently. It is accessible without rooting or complex commands, allowing users to download and configure it easily. The developer noted that SleepManager was created using AI-assisted development, which has sparked discussions about AI's role in app creation.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

DroidDeck Brings SteamOS to Android in an App

Valve's SteamOS is now accessible on Android handhelds through an app called DroidDeck, which allows users to engage with games in a familiar interface. The installation process involves disabling the “Child-process limit” in Developer Options and using Wireless ADB Debugging if necessary. Users can then access the Steam section of the app to download essential components like the FEX and Proton drivers. DroidDeck also features a “Desktop” tab for a Linux desktop environment and enables the installation of emulators within the SteamOS. The app is currently available for download on GitHub, and developers are actively working on enhancements and bug fixes.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

WhatsApp Spotted Testing New Contacts Tab on Android

WhatsApp is testing a dedicated Contacts tab in its Android application, currently available in the beta version. This tab is integrated into the navigation bar and allows users direct access to their contact list, featuring a green dot indicator for online users. The new section includes birthday reminders with notifications and emojis, a search bar for locating contacts by name, phone number, or username, and sorting options for organizing the contact list by activity or alphabetically. Users who have disabled their "last seen/online" status will not appear as active.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

Android YouTube App Testing Automatic Shorts Playback on Startup

Google is experimenting with the Android version of its YouTube app by introducing an autoplay feature for "YouTube Shorts," which begins playing automatically upon launching the app. This behavior has been observed on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, where the autoplay persists even after the app is force-stopped. There is currently no setting available to disable this feature, leading to user frustration. Not all Android users are experiencing this issue, as it has not been universally confirmed across all devices.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

WhatsApp is creating a new Contacts tab in its app

WhatsApp is rolling out a dedicated Contacts tab in its Android app, currently in beta testing. The tab features a streamlined view of contacts, indicating online status with a green dot. It includes birthday reminders with notifications, an option to invite new users, a search bar for locating contacts, and sorting options by online activity or alphabetically. Contacts who have disabled their last seen status will not appear as online.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

Copilot Gets Control of Windows and Your Files as Microsoft’s Recall Bill Comes Due

Microsoft is requesting Windows users to grant its Copilot feature access to their files and activities, following a previous retraction of a similar AI integration due to scrutiny. Copilot can analyze content on the device with user consent, performing tasks like organizing files and troubleshooting, using both local AI models and cloud processing. Microsoft has implemented safeguards, but its security team has raised concerns about potential risks associated with powerful features. The opt-in nature of Copilot places accountability on Microsoft, as users must actively grant access. Hybrid features are set to roll out in the coming months, with taskbar search actions already reaching Windows Insiders. Over 40 percent of new business laptops are being designed as Copilot+ PCs, with the Surface Laptop Ultra scheduled for release on October 16.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

Copilot Gets Control of Windows and Your Files as Microsoft’s Recall Bill Comes Due

Microsoft is inviting Windows users to grant its Copilot feature access to their files and activities, with user consent. The new iteration of Copilot can understand content on the device, perform tasks like organizing files, troubleshooting, and writing code, with some tasks processed in the cloud. Activation is opt-in, folder access is limited, and Copilot operates under separate accounts from users. Microsoft has implemented safeguards, including Microsoft Execution Containers to define agent access. However, internal warnings from Microsoft's security team highlight potential risks associated with agents capable of modifying environments. Features for enhancing auditability of agent activities are under development. Microsoft previously faced criticism for its Recall feature, which raised security concerns. The opt-in design places accountability on Microsoft, as users must grant access. The hybrid features require a Copilot+ PC and are set to roll out in the coming months, with taskbar search actions already reaching Windows Insiders. Over 40 percent of newly manufactured business laptops are Copilot+ PCs, with the Surface Laptop Ultra launching on October 16.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Android Auto rolling out fix that stops auto-playing music when you start your car

Google is addressing an issue with Android Auto that causes music to play automatically upon vehicle startup, even when the autoplay feature is disabled. This glitch has been frustrating users, prompting Google to implement a fix that eliminates unsolicited play commands during startup. Key improvements include ensuring that applications not recently used are not selected for autoplay, offering a one-tap opt-out for manual playback, and preventing unsolicited play commands when autoplay is off. A fix is currently being rolled out, although Google has not specified which update will resolve the issue.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

India Orders Apple to Pull Jack Dorsey’s Offline Messaging App Bitchat

Apple has removed the decentralized messaging application Bitchat, developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, from its App Store in India following a directive from the Indian federal government under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, citing national security. The notice from Apple's App Review team, shared by Dorsey on October 3, 2026, did not specify the illegal content. The app remains available in other regions, but users in India will lose access to TestFlight testing and public beta links. This action follows a previous request made on July 23, 2026, by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre to GitHub to disable access to three Bitchat repositories, invoking Section 79(3)(b) and Rule 3(1)(d). The Internet Freedom Foundation has contested the July order, claiming authorities bypassed established blocking frameworks. Bitchat, introduced as open-source software in July 2025, allows local Bluetooth mesh communication and internet messaging without relying on a central server, raising concerns for law enforcement. The timing of the restrictions coincided with youth-led protests in India, which led to a significant increase in Bitchat downloads, accounting for about 85% of the app's global downloads during a protest period from July 17-23. Despite the removal, existing installations can still communicate locally without needing app store access. Previously, in May 2023, India invoked Section 69A against other messaging applications, and China also mandated Bitchat's removal in April 2026 for similar reasons. Digital rights advocates argue the government's justification for the ban is concerning as it sets a precedent for restricting software based on technical capabilities.

Winsage

October 6, 2026

How to supercharge your Windows 11 PC with this built-in automation tool

Windows 11 includes a Task Scheduler that automates repetitive tasks to enhance productivity. To set up a task, users should open Task Scheduler, select "Create Task," and fill in details under General, Triggers, Actions, Conditions, and Settings. It's important for laptop users to avoid scheduling tasks that run every five minutes to maintain low-power idle states. The "Run with highest privileges" option should be used cautiously for security reasons. Three recommended automations include: 1. Using WinGet to keep software updated with the command winget upgrade --all --silent --accept-package-agreements --accept-source-agreements --disable-interactivity, scheduled weekly. 2. Disabling unnecessary startup applications and launching them with a delayed logon trigger to reduce startup clutter. 3. Automating tasks with PowerShell for file transfers or system maintenance, ensuring they run during idle times or when connected to AC power. Windows also performs some maintenance tasks automatically, such as deleting temporary files and optimizing drives.