headlines Archives

BetaBeacon

October 13, 2026

Android could let game controllers double as a mouse

- Android users may soon have the option to use a connected game controller to move a mouse-style cursor around their phone or tablet. - The feature is currently in development and has not been officially released. - The potential feature aims to provide a more seamless experience for users by allowing free mouse-style movement with a cursor that extends beyond current gamepad controls. - The feature is focused on interface control and does not impact gaming performance, latency, or additional services. - The reported feature could streamline navigation within the interface for UAE players who use Android devices for mobile or cloud gaming. - The feature does not guarantee controller support for games that do not already offer it.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Google redesigns the search bar in its Android app

Google has updated the search bar on the home screen of its Android app in version 17.65.17, introducing a new "plus" button for easier access to file uploads and AI tools. The redesigned search bar is slimmer with a white background, a border, and a shadow effect. The plus icon on the left allows users to attach images or files, create visuals with Nano Banana, or switch models in AI Mode, while the microphone and Google Lens icons remain on the right. The two shortcut buttons beneath the search bar now have text labels: "Create" for Nano Banana and "Talk" for Search Live, improving usability. The update is being rolled out broadly, but no specific timeline has been provided for when users in the UAE will receive it. Users need to update the app to version 17.65.17 to access the new search bar, and the plus button does not add new features but provides quicker access to existing ones.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Tomlin’s Minecraft city breaks the internet

A division of NBCUniversal has launched offerings focused on entertainment for adult audiences, emphasizing enjoyment without any gambling involvement. The platform promotes responsible engagement and encourages mindfulness in entertainment consumption. A support line for gambling-related issues is available at 1-800-GAMBLER. This division is committed to delivering high-quality content and experiences, prioritizing creativity and enjoyment.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Android Auto 17.7 Is Here: Here’s What the Update Really Brings

Google has released an update to Android Auto, version 17.7, which refines the autoplay feature, allowing users to disable it entirely and preventing rarely used apps from launching automatically. Media controls are now accessible directly from the dashboard for browser streams and YouTube background audio. The waveform media player, introduced in version 16.0, has received enhancements for better navigation and album cover adaptability. Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, continues to have issues with incomplete responses despite recognizing commands. Upcoming features include 3D navigation, a weather widget, and video streaming capabilities, expected by the end of the year. The update also includes a new green app icon, with many changes being server-side updates.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

‘Samsung Sound’ is no more: app prepares for shutdown and future integration

Samsung will close the Sound app on March 31, 2027, and is encouraging users to transition to SmartThings, where the app's functionalities will be integrated. This follows the closure of several other apps in 2026, including Messages, Quick Measure, and AR Doodle. Samsung aims to streamline its offerings and enhance user experience through this consolidation.

Tech Optimizer

October 2, 2026

AhnLab V3 Scores Perfect 18 in Global Antivirus Test

AhnLab’s V3 security software achieved a perfect score of 18 points in AV-TEST’s evaluation for antivirus software targeting the Windows operating system, conducted for July-August 2026. The evaluated products were V3 Endpoint Security and V3 Internet Security. AV-TEST assesses security products based on protection, performance, and usability, with each category scoring up to 6 points. AhnLab has participated in AV-TEST’s evaluations since 2013 and competes with major security companies like Microsoft, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender.

Tech Optimizer

October 1, 2026

AhnLab V3 earns perfect score in AV-TEST evaluation

AhnLab’s V3 antivirus software received a perfect score in the latest evaluation by AV-TEST, making it the only South Korean product to achieve this in the assessment conducted in July and August 2026. Both V3 Endpoint Security and V3 Internet Security scored the maximum of 18 points, earning the title of “Top Products” from AV-TEST. AhnLab has participated in AV-TEST’s evaluations since 2013, competing against major global cybersecurity firms.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Pearl Abyss announced on the 28th that its open world action adventure game Crimson Desert Enhanced ..

Pearl Abyss announced that its game, Crimson Desert Enhanced, has been nominated for PC Game of the Year and Best Soundtrack at the Golden Joystick Awards 2026, taking place in London on November 11. Voting is open until October 23. The game is a significant update to the original Red Desert, enhancing its narrative and broadening language support. It ranks second in cumulative sales of U.S. video games for 2026 and first in Steam sales among new intellectual properties. The first downloadable content for Red Desert Enhanced is set to release on October 16, with pre-orders already available.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Samsung is shutting down a couple of apps; vows to return new and improved

Samsung is phasing out its Quick Measure and AR Doodle applications, with a shutdown date set for December 31, 2026. After this date, Quick Measure will not be available for new downloads or updates, although existing users can still use it, albeit with potential feature limitations. The AR Doodle app will also cease operations on the same date. Samsung previously discontinued its Messages app in July, replacing it with Google Messages. Notifications about the app closures were highlighted by social media user Tarun Vats. Samsung has indicated a commitment to enhancing user experience and may reintroduce these applications with improved services in the future. Quick Measure was designed to monitor heart rates without navigating the full Samsung Health app and was first introduced in 2021. The future of these applications remains uncertain, with potential for reinvention or integration into existing platforms.

Winsage

September 7, 2026

Excel keeps people on Windows, and a Linux distro creator wants Microsoft to end that

Omarchy is a Linux distribution created by David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH), designed for developers and creators, based on Arch Linux. DHH has challenged Microsoft to develop native Office applications for Linux, highlighting that while Microsoft 365's web version is available, Linux users only access about 90% of the functionality compared to Windows users. Microsoft’s revenue from Windows has decreased by 7% year-over-year, while Microsoft 365 Commercial cloud revenue has grown by 14%, and Azure by 43%. Windows now accounts for only 5% of Microsoft's total revenue, indicating a shift towards cloud services. Microsoft has launched Edge for Linux and supports tools like VS Code and PowerShell on the platform. The web version of Office lacks features found in the desktop version, affecting usability for professionals. Despite Linux's growing interest, particularly through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), it may not be enough to prompt Microsoft to prioritize a native Office port. DHH's Omarchy aims to create a user-friendly Linux experience rather than convert Windows users.