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Android Google Wallet Now Shows Google Store Points Balance
AppWizard
September 28, 2026

Android Google Wallet Now Shows Google Store Points Balance

The Android version of Google Wallet now allows users to check their balance of Google Store Points, expanding its functionality beyond managing Google Play Points. Users can monitor their Google Store Points alongside other rewards, but these points cannot be used for purchases within the app.
Microsoft was better at software in the '90s, and these still-useful Windows utilities prove it
Winsage
September 28, 2026

Microsoft was better at software in the ’90s, and these still-useful Windows utilities prove it

Microsoft PowerToys originated during the development of Windows 95 as small programs created by engineers to test concepts and ease workloads. The first collection of PowerToys included tools like FindX, Send To X, and Tweak UI. System Configuration (MSConfig) helps isolate configuration and startup issues by allowing selective loading of services and startup components, remaining useful despite modern management shifting to Task Manager. Disk Cleanup was launched with Windows 98 to help users reclaim disk space, featuring commands that allow saving cleanup profiles, a functionality that persists in Windows 11. Task Scheduler, introduced in 1995 as System Agent in the Microsoft Plus! pack for Windows 95, automates tasks based on specific triggers. System File Checker (SFC), dating back to Windows 98, scans and repairs protected Windows resources, evolving from a graphical utility to a command-line tool. Device Manager provides an expandable tree of hardware components and reflects advancements in Microsoft's Plug and Play system from Windows 95, continuing to assist users in hardware inspection and troubleshooting. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag) was created for gamers in the late '90s to examine hardware and software configurations related to DirectX and remains available in Windows 11.
An Essential Google Maps Feature Keeps Disappearing For Some Android Auto Users
AppWizard
September 27, 2026

An Essential Google Maps Feature Keeps Disappearing For Some Android Auto Users

Google has introduced a speedometer feature in the Google Maps app on Android Auto, displaying current speed alongside the speed limit. Users have reported issues with the speedometer disappearing from their screens, with some having never accessed it. Other functionalities, such as real-time traffic updates and traffic light information, have also been inconsistently available. Some users have found temporary fixes by opting out of beta programs, using the latest stable versions of the apps, or clearing the cache. Currently, the speedometer is accessible only during active navigation, and Google is working on a feature for an always-on speedometer, but there is no timeline for its full rollout.
After 8 years, Monster Hunter: World gets seamless co-op on PC thanks to a modder
AppWizard
September 27, 2026

After 8 years, Monster Hunter: World gets seamless co-op on PC thanks to a modder

Players of Monster Hunter: World can now experience a new seamless cooperative mode introduced by modder huntardy. This modification allows players to embark on quests, explore expeditions, and engage in story cutscenes together. A demonstration of the mod showcases its functionality, enhancing the monster hunting experience. Users are advised that each game launch with the modification creates a backup of the save file in a specific folder, preserving the last ten saves. The modification is available for free on Nexus Mods, and an in-game panel appears in Steam to guide users through the new features.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
September 27, 2026

F-Droid 2.0 Released After 10 years With Major Redesign to Transform Open-Source Android App Discovery

F-Droid has released version 2.0 of its official Android app, marking the most substantial update in a decade after over a year of development and 14 test builds. The app has been reconstructed using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, aligning it with Android’s Material Design principles and improving maintenance and feature expansion. Navigation is simplified into three sections: Discover, Search, and My Apps. The Discover section showcases new apps, updates, and popular downloads, while categories have been refined for easier access to specific software types. The search functionality has been enhanced to allow users to filter by application names, descriptions, categories, and languages. F-Droid 2.0 now automatically checks for and installs updates, with manual controls still available. Recent changes in the Android platform enable smoother installation experiences for alternative app stores. Privacy features have been updated, but the F-Droid Privileged Extension is not supported in this version, and the app-wiping capability has not returned.
5 of my favorite Android features you won't find on Samsung or Pixel phones
AppWizard
September 27, 2026

5 of my favorite Android features you won’t find on Samsung or Pixel phones

Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra has a maximum charging speed of 60W, while the Pixel 11 Pro family reaches up to 45W. The OnePlus 15 offered 80W charging, and brands like HUAWEI and Xiaomi have devices capable of 120W charging or more. IR blasters are now rare in flagship devices, with the OnePlus 15 being an exception, while Xiaomi's Second Space allows for a separate user profile at the OS level. Motorola's Moto Actions use hardware sensors for gesture-based controls, enabling actions without waking the display. The Nothing Phone's Glyph system features a dot-matrix display for app-specific alerts, contrasting with Google's HiLight LED indicator.
Android Auto 17.8 Now Available for Download for All Users
AppWizard
September 27, 2026

Android Auto 17.8 Now Available for Download for All Users

Google has begun rolling out Android Auto 17.8 for production devices, which will be available gradually through the Google Play Store. Users may receive updates in waves, and some may find their version already current. A stand-alone APK installer is also available for those seeking immediate access. The update introduces a new full-screen GameSnacks experience and restores signal bars for some users. Additionally, Google Maps has added new pop-ups for stop signs and traffic lights to enhance navigation. The full build number for this update is 17.8.6638.
Google researcher explains why Windows NT "puts Linux to shame," and imagines an alternate history where it won
Winsage
September 27, 2026

Google researcher explains why Windows NT “puts Linux to shame,” and imagines an alternate history where it won

Laurie Kirk, a Google researcher and former Microsoft reverse engineer, argues that the Windows NT kernel is superior to Linux in several aspects, particularly in its architecture for managing resources and access permissions. She emphasizes that her critique focuses on the system architecture rather than the user interface of Windows 11. Kirk raises concerns about Linux's suitability for AI agents due to its complex security model, while praising NT's object-based design and security framework. She speculates on an alternate history where Microsoft had created an "Open NT," allowing for customizable components, but acknowledges the challenges of maintaining forks in operating systems. Critics of NT highlight its performance and reliability issues, while Linux's open-source nature has contributed to its dominance in servers and cloud computing. Kirk suggests that future operating systems may need to balance the defined resource types of NT with the flexibility of Linux, especially as AI technology evolves.
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