functionality Archives

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

What Google’s new Android laptops can do with your Galaxy phone

Google has launched preorders for Googlebooks, a new category of laptops that combine Android's mobile capabilities with ChromeOS features. Initial offerings come from manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, while Samsung is not included in this launch. Googlebooks are designed to integrate with Android phones, allowing users to transfer information during setup. Key features include Continue On, which lets users pick up tasks started on their phones, and Cast My Apps, enabling control of phone applications on the laptop. Quick Access allows users to open files from their phones without transferring them first, and notifications can be managed on the Googlebook. Users need to have One UI 9 (Android 17) or newer to utilize these features. Samsung is reportedly developing its own Android-based Galaxy Book laptops that may incorporate similar functionalities.

Tech Optimizer

September 21, 2026

Fake LastPass Authenticator Installer Abuses Microsoft-Signed Driver to Kill Antivirus and EDR

On September 17, researchers from LastPass and Delphos Labs discovered a counterfeit LastPass Authenticator installer on GitHub that installs a malicious Windows kernel driver designed to disable antivirus and steal passwords. The driver, named Alinubx.sys, was signed through Microsoft's hardware compatibility program and initially scored zero detections on VirusTotal. The fake installer is hosted on a fraudulent GitHub page that mimics a legitimate LastPass product page. When executed, the installer uses DLL side-loading to gain SYSTEM-level access and terminates security processes, allowing it to harvest saved passwords from various browsers and applications. The driver is a renamed variant of a known malicious driver, evading detection due to its new file hash. Delphos reported the driver to Microsoft, but it was not considered a security vulnerability. Users who executed the fake installer should treat their passwords and sensitive data as compromised and change them from a secure device. The malicious server has been linked to impersonation pages for multiple brands, and the loader was likely created using a specific crypter tool.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

Windows 11 will soon reduce glare on your screen without ruining your photos or videos

Windows 11 is set to enhance its accessibility features, particularly with the Magnifier tool, introducing a new contrast theme that reduces glare without altering the colors of photos, videos, and charts. Users can activate this feature via the Magnifier toolbar and customize their preferences in the Accessibility settings. The Cloud rebuild feature will allow users to restore their PC to a clean state with options to sanitize drives during the process. IT administrators can also initiate a Cloud rebuild remotely. Live Captions will receive an update to include a setting that excludes audio from screen readers. Issues with Hyper-V related to sharing host folders with Linux VMs have been resolved. Additionally, a problem with File History backups failing has been fixed. Many of these updates have already been released to Insiders in the Beta Channel, and changes regarding Cloud rebuild are active in the Experimental Channel.

AppWizard

September 21, 2026

Google Unveils Googlebooks: Premium Laptops Built for Android and Gemini Intelligence

Google is launching its new line of premium laptops called Googlebooks in Australia, with pre-orders starting today and devices available from manufacturers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS. The laptops will start at an RRP of ,299 and are set to be available on October 5th. They feature the new Googlebook OS, built on the Android technology stack, and include advanced functionalities powered by Gemini Intelligence. The devices will support over 20,000 games and allow seamless integration with Android phones, enabling users to transfer settings and access apps easily. The Googlebooks will have a premium build quality, powered by Intel and Qualcomm processors, with battery life exceeding 14 hours, and will come standard with 16GB of RAM and SSD storage starting at 256GB. Various models will be offered, including different form factors and specifications. Additionally, users will receive a 12-month subscription to Google AI Pro, which includes cloud storage and access to advanced tools.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

Microsoft: September updates break File History backup feature

Microsoft has issued a caution regarding the File History backup feature in Windows, indicating potential functionality issues on certain systems after installing the September 2026 security updates. Users may experience application crashes related to FileHistory.exe and KERNELBASE.dll, and may be unable to create or update backups. Misleading messages such as “Reconnect your drive” may appear, and the “Last Backup” timestamp may fail to update. Affected Windows versions include Windows 10 21H2 or later, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016/2019, and Windows 11 23H2 and later. Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing issues related to the September 2026 updates and is working on solutions.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

5 Ways To Use Android Auto Without Touching Your Phone

Gemini integration in Android Auto enhances hands-free functionality, allowing drivers to use natural voice commands for navigation, music, and phone features without touching their devices. Users can activate voice commands by saying "Hey Google" or using a dedicated steering wheel button, depending on the vehicle model. Navigation can be managed entirely through voice, enabling users to request routes, add stops, and report issues without screen interaction. Android Auto also supports hands-free control for calls and messages, allowing users to answer and respond without taking their hands off the wheel. Automations can be set up to start Android Auto and media playback automatically when the phone connects to the vehicle, streamlining the driving experience.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

MapQuest Now Works With Android Auto – Here’s How To Use It

MapQuest has retained the name of Lake Ontario, leading to a rise in its popularity and a top position in the App Store charts. The app, launched in 1996, has recently begun supporting Android Auto, allowing users to integrate it into their vehicle's infotainment system. Users can connect their devices via USB or wirelessly, provided their vehicle supports it. Once connected, MapQuest offers turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates. However, its navigation services are currently limited to the United States and Canada, and some users have reported interface bugs. Alternatives to MapQuest on Android Auto include Waze, Sygic, and TomTom Go.

Winsage

September 20, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a new look as Microsoft’s design boss confirms more ancient dialogs are next

Microsoft is modernizing outdated dialogs in Windows 11, including the Voice packages dialog, which currently lacks the rounded corners characteristic of the operating system's design. March Rogers, Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, confirmed that this dialog is scheduled for redesign, along with other legacy interfaces from older Windows versions. Microsoft is using a dual strategy for modernization: some dialogs are receiving dark mode support, while others are being rebuilt using WinUI 3. The File Properties dialog has already been successfully updated with this framework. The new Run dialog, developed with C# and WinUI 3, features dark mode and improved performance, while the legacy version will still be available. Additionally, the AutoPlay feature and Print Management app are also being redesigned in WinUI 3. Outdated interfaces, such as the local-account switching flow and the Windows 8-style input switcher on the login screen, are also set for redesign. Microsoft is updating various pages in the Settings menu, but the Control Panel will remain part of the Windows ecosystem.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

Android Auto 17.8 Now Available for the First Users, You Can Also Install It Right Away

Google has launched the beta program for Android Auto version 17.8, which can be manually installed via an APK installer without joining the beta program. The update focuses on subtle enhancements and is expected to precede a significant overhaul, including new features showcased at the I/O developer conference. Anticipated features include support for widgets that provide essential information without opening separate applications, and the integration of video applications like YouTube, allowing video playback on stationary vehicles. Users will need a Premium subscription for YouTube to access this feature. The stable version of Android Auto 17.8 is expected to be available soon through the Google Play Store, with the complete build identified as Android Auto 17.8.1638 beta.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

Pigs Must Be Flying: Google Brings Back the Signal Bars to Android Auto

Google is rolling out a fix for the cellular signal icon bug on Android Auto, which has been missing but does not affect the app's performance. The fix is currently available to beta users, with the cellular signal icon reappearing after installing the latest beta build. The rollout is phased, and it is unclear who will receive the fix initially. A broader announcement is expected when Android Auto version 17.8 is ready for production devices. Additionally, Google plans to introduce support for widgets and video apps, with YouTube being one of the first apps to offer this functionality. The update to version 17.8 is anticipated to be approved through the Google Play Store by the end of the week.