Today, the shared audio (preview) feature has been rolled out in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (26220.7051) for Dev and Beta Channels, allowing users to share audio between two Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously. This feature utilizes Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology and is currently available on select Copilot+ PCs, with plans to expand support to more devices in the future. Users can share audio by connecting two compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories to their Windows 11 PC and accessing the “Shared audio (preview)” tile in quick settings. Compatible devices include specific Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models, as well as Samsung Galaxy Book models. Compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories include Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds3, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6, and recent hearing aids from ReSound and Beltone. To use the feature, users must enroll in the Windows Insider Dev or Beta Channels and ensure their OS and drivers are updated. Feedback from users is encouraged to improve the experience.
Rufus continues to function effectively for Windows 11 installations despite concerns regarding the latest 25H2 update. A bug caused an "Assertion failed!" error when creating installation media, but a recent patch has resolved this issue. Users can bypass Windows 11's minimum requirements by selecting the "first bypass on the WUE dialog." The latest Rufus version 4.11 introduces a new option to use "Windows CA 2023" signed bootloaders, addressing the revocation of older Secure Boot certificates. However, users need a "compatible target PC" to avoid security violations, which can prevent installation if firmware updates are not applied. For a fresh installation, users should obtain the latest Windows 11 image directly from Microsoft.
HeyTap, the company behind the OHealth and HeyMelody applications, announced that US account services will cease on September 28. However, OnePlus stated that all US user accounts and community content will transition to a new, US-hosted platform starting September 26. Users will retain their health data and device settings during this migration, and the core functionalities of the applications will remain intact. OnePlus customer support confirmed that the discontinuation of HeyTap’s US services will not affect the performance of OnePlus applications.
Users and developers managing Android devices must navigate the balance between battery life and app functionality. Android's aggressive power-saving features can mute notifications or suspend background processes, leading to a state known as “sleeping.” To maintain app functionality, users can exempt specific applications from battery optimization through the Settings app under “Battery” or “Apps & notifications.” This feature, introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows apps to operate seamlessly in the background. For example, disabling sleep mode for essential apps like WhatsApp can prevent missed notifications.
Samsung's Adaptive Battery is particularly aggressive, often pushing unused apps into a “deep sleep” state after a few days, which can disrupt vital functions. Users may need to manually exempt applications in Samsung’s “Device care” settings. Other manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi impose similar restrictions, while Google’s stock Android offers more straightforward adjustments. Developers can incorporate foreground services or request permissions like “android.permission.WAKE_LOCK” to keep apps awake, balancing user privacy and battery health.
Android’s Doze mode activates during inactivity and organizes background tasks into maintenance windows, but apps can request exemptions. Monitoring battery usage statistics can help identify problematic apps. In enterprise environments, tools like Ivanti’s mobile device management can automate these settings. Combining exemptions with notification settings ensures that apps remain active, although blanket exemptions may lead to faster battery depletion. The dynamic between operating system efficiency and app demands continues to evolve, particularly with Android 14’s enhanced foreground service requirements.
Microsoft's "Full screen experience" mode for handheld gaming PCs is not officially available but can be accessed through a Preview version of Windows and a third-party tool called ViVeTool. Users must become a Windows Insider and update to version 25H2 to enable the feature. Asus showcased this mode at Gamescom, indicating it will be available with the ROG Xbox Ally launch on October 16, with other devices expected to follow. For Lenovo Legion Go S users, installing Windows 11 25H2 via USB and using ViVeTool is necessary to activate the feature. Initial impressions of the mode are positive, but issues with unresponsive controls and switching between modes were encountered on the Legion Go S.
Firmware is a critical component of a computer's defense architecture and can be targeted by cyberattacks, such as those exploiting vulnerabilities like ThunderSpy through Thunderbolt ports. To protect against firmware security threats, the following measures are recommended:
1. Regularly update firmware and software from official channels to address security vulnerabilities.
2. Enable Secure Boot to ensure the PC only boots using trusted firmware.
3. Limit physical access to devices to prevent unauthorized firmware attacks.
4. Utilize antivirus software to detect malware in firmware updates before installation.
Home Wi-Fi networks connect various devices and are essential for online activities, but they can be vulnerable due to weak security settings and outdated equipment. Hackers often target residential networks, which typically have weaker defenses than corporate systems. Compromised networks can lead to the interception of sensitive information. To enhance Wi-Fi security, it is important to use a modern router with strong encryption (WPA3 or WPA2), regularly update firmware, change default login passwords, and create a strong Wi-Fi password of at least 12 to 16 characters. Monitoring connected devices and disabling Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) can help prevent unauthorized access. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect online privacy, while antivirus software can safeguard connected devices from malware. Taking these steps can significantly improve home Wi-Fi security.
Recent updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10 have caused significant stability issues linked to a bug in the Microsoft Defender update, making some solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard drives (HDDs) unreadable. The issue was first reported by a user on Twitter and affects drives that contain the Windows operating system, leading to potential system failures. The problem is particularly prevalent in the latest 24H2 versions of Windows 11 and several updates for Windows 10. It appears to be associated with certain drives using a specific NAND controller from Phison. The bug is triggered during heavy write sessions to NVMe SSDs and HDDs, especially when writing or backing up data exceeding 50 gigabytes. The range of affected drive models is unclear, and users are uncertain about potential solutions, including firmware updates.
In July 2025, Microsoft released non-security updates for Windows 10 (KB5062649) and Windows 11 (KB5062663 for versions 22H2 and 23H2; KB5062660 for version 24H2), introducing AI functionalities, improvements in Settings, and a redesigned BSOD. Companies like Brave and AdGuard are blocking Windows Recall due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is developing a tool for transitioning from older to newer computers and published a guide for Windows 10's end of support on October 14, 2025. The Windows Insider Program released Build 27909, focusing on minor fixes, and introduced an audio-sharing feature. Microsoft disclosed a security breach in SharePoint affecting the US nuclear weapons department and provided fixes. The Surface Laptop 7 was launched with Intel's Core Ultra 200 Series processors and optional 5G connectivity. The Files app received a preview update with a new Omnibar. Meta is transitioning WhatsApp on Windows to a progressive web app, and Firefox released version 141.0 with AI-powered tab groups. Microsoft is testing a cross-device play history feature for Xbox and reversed its decision on Xbox game pricing. EA announced a new Battlefield installment, and Nvidia added new titles to GeForce NOW. Various discounts and a free game, Legion TD 2, were featured in the Weekend PC Game Deals.
