feature

Winsage
September 18, 2026
The Fast Startup feature in Windows, enabled by default, allows the kernel session to remain hibernated during shutdown, which results in quicker boot times by restoring a saved state. In contrast, selecting Restart clears the kernel session entirely, performing a complete boot of Windows. The process of shutting down with Fast Startup involves closing applications, logging off, keeping the kernel loaded in memory, saving the kernel and drivers to hiberfil.sys, and powering off, while Restart closes applications, logs off, ends the kernel session, and reboots immediately without saving a kernel snapshot. Fast Startup can lead to persistent issues from previous sessions, making Restart a better option for troubleshooting. To perform a full shutdown bypassing Fast Startup, users can execute the command "shutdown /s /t 0." Microsoft advises against permanently disabling Fast Startup, as it enhances shutdown-to-boot transitions.
AppWizard
September 18, 2026
Cybersecurity experts have identified a new Android malware named RatHat, believed to be operated by Chinese threat actors. RatHat is distributed primarily through smishing and malvertising campaigns, leading users to deceptive download portals. It employs an automated multi-stage infection process and exploits Accessibility features along with a local ADB self-pairing mechanism to escape the Android application sandbox. The malware uses various anti-analysis techniques, including container tampering, manifest bombs, DEX bytecode poisoning, and dual string-encryption. RatHat's architecture consists of a malicious Android application, a Go agent, and an FRP reverse-proxy client, which together enable it to gain critical system permissions and perform various malicious activities such as credential capturing, screen recording, and SMS interception. Even if uninstalled, the malware retains shell access to the device, allowing attackers to reinstall it. RatHat can serialize the device's Accessibility tree to XML and communicate with a Generative AI assistant for tasks like screen coordinate determination and text extraction. The Go Agent, masquerading as a native library, exploits shell access to execute commands and establish a persistent connection to a command-and-control server via the FRP client. The C2 server can issue extensive commands to collect sensitive information, including SMS messages, credentials, files, and keystrokes, and RatHat also features a hardware-level keylogger.
AppWizard
September 18, 2026
Google Design has introduced Noto 3D, expanding its use beyond Pixel devices. Each character in Noto 3D was hand-drawn and sculpted to maintain the essence of emojis while incorporating dimensionality. The design emphasizes "emotional clarity," focusing on preserving the "vibe" of each symbol through a blend of 3D elements and illustrative techniques. Research indicated that intricate details could hinder emotional processing, leading to a design choice of minimal facial geometry and limiting each emoji to three essential details for effective identity conveyance. The team also found that complete silhouettes enhance empathy in animal representations, prompting a shift from floating heads to full animal forms. Noto 3D is being rolled out across various Google applications, Android devices, and select partners, including Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, vivo, iQOO, HONOR, TECNO, Infinix, itel, and Motorola.
AppWizard
September 18, 2026
Gemini has launched on Android Auto, but user feedback has been largely negative. Google is working on improvements, including a new destination card in Google Maps that will utilize Gemini's AI to provide information about destinations, such as reviews, essential details, practical tips, and visuals. The user interface is still being optimized, and there is no guarantee that the feature will be finalized for public release. Users have reported issues with Gemini, including problems with making calls and sending texts, distractions from excessive chatter, and app crashes. The latest updates were noted in Android Auto version 17.8, which is still in development.
BetaBeacon
September 18, 2026
- LDPlayer is a general-purpose performance emulator - MEmu is a multi-instance workhorse for players juggling several accounts - GameLoop is Tencent's first-party tool built almost exclusively around its own mobile titles - LDPlayer, MEmu, and GameLoop are all designed around mobile gaming rather than general Android app testing - LDPlayer is actively patching graphics driver bugs, MEmu is quietly polishing quality-of-life features, and GameLoop's update cadence has slowed - GameLoop is specifically tuned for Tencent-published titles like PUBG Mobile - LDPlayer runs two branches, with LDPlayer 14 being the most actively patched version - MEmu's defining feature is multi-instance management for running multiple Android sessions - MEmu's release cadence has been steady in 2026, with the latest build adding a toggle to disable Android system sounds
AppWizard
September 18, 2026
Google has released version 2.0 of Android Bench, which focuses on managing complex development tasks rather than minor adjustments. The new version evaluates tasks that may take engineers days or weeks to complete, such as adding features and building applications. A continuous scoring method has replaced the previous pass or fail system, assessing completion rates based on functionality, visual fidelity, and adherence to instructions. Various AI models have been tested, with GPT-6 Astra achieving a 28% pass rate, significantly lower than the previous scores around 90%. No model has achieved a 100% pass rate in porting cross-platform applications, with the best reaching 80%. AI performs better in writing new code than in refactoring existing code, facing challenges with architectural complexity and runtime validation. Android Bench utilized agents from model providers for evaluations and plans to incorporate various model combinations in future updates.
AppWizard
September 18, 2026
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 was released on September 15, 2026, with a public rollout for Pixel devices starting the next day. This beta version enhances the Proactive Assistance feature on Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 devices, allowing users more control over personalized suggestions and addressing various bugs. It is a development build for supported Pixel devices and Android Emulator images, with identified builds CP41.260828.004.A8 and CP41.260828.005.A6, and a security patch level dated August 5, 2026. The update package size for the Pixel 10 Pro XL is approximately 667 MB. The notable change in Beta 5 is the introduction of two Proactive Assistance entries in the Settings menu, allowing users to manage proactive suggestions more effectively. The updated settings page includes a "Use app content for suggestions" option, enabling users to control which applications can share screen content and notifications. Google's release notes list several fixes, including issues with Bluetooth device icons, unexpected reboots, missing volume controls, search-field highlight rendering, unlocking Private Space, HDR behavior, Google Wallet touchscreen unresponsiveness, camera crashes, and distorted Bluetooth call audio. The stable release of Android 17 QPR2 is expected in December 2026, and users are advised that Beta 5 is a developmental tool that may contain errors. Additionally, new restrictions on programmatic USSD requests for call forwarding have been introduced to reduce potential fraud.
AppWizard
September 17, 2026
Players achieved 123 million kills and 61 million revives during the inaugural weekend of Wardogs, resulting in a resurrection rate of nearly 50%. Medics can be incentivized with bribes of up to for a revive. Wardogs does not provide respawn beacons; players can only rejoin the game by using a team's sole APC with a cooldown or walking 3km back from headquarters. This setup encourages players to wait for revives rather than giving up. The game promotes cooperation and teamwork, particularly within the medic role.
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