home Archives

BetaBeacon

October 16, 2026

DroidDeck Setup: Play Steam Games on Android [2026]

DroidDeck is a project that allows users to run a real Steam client on their Android device, enabling them to access and play their existing Steam library without the need for a strong, low-latency network connection or a gaming PC. The latest version, 0.4.0, includes multi-storefront logins, four-controller local co-op support, and a KDE Plasma-style desktop interface. Users need to ensure their device meets specific hardware requirements, including having an Adreno GPU, sufficient RAM, and free storage space.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 review-in-progress: A campaign you shouldn’t skip

The author attended a three-day review event in Los Angeles for Modern Warfare 4, spending nearly 24 hours on the campaign, multiplayer, and DMZ modes. They have been engaged with Call of Duty for over two decades, initially drawn in by the campaigns. The campaign of Modern Warfare 4 features relatable characters, primarily a group of young South Korean marines during a North Korean invasion, and aims to recapture the essence of earlier installments. Key missions include "Mayhem," "Losing Ground," and "Stranded," the latter showcasing a sandbox level with non-linear objectives. Concerns about integrating Warzone mechanics into single-player gameplay were alleviated by the assurance that the map was designed specifically for the campaign. The narrative includes Captain Price but feels disjointed, with his character fading from the story. Overall, Modern Warfare 4 is noted for its robust campaign, extravagant set pieces, and solid gunplay, marking a return to form for the series.

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Windows 11 could kill Control Panel faster, as Microsoft quietly tests Settings in the Microsoft Store

Microsoft is testing an application called "Project Odeon," which resembles the Windows 11 Settings interface and is categorized under Productivity in the Microsoft Store. The app is currently in a Preview version, identified as Microsoft.ProjectOdeon, version 1.0.9.0, and requires Windows 11 build 26100 or later with Developer Mode enabled for installation. Odeon does not replace the existing Settings app, allowing both to coexist, and it can identify system information similar to the built-in Settings app, although there are discrepancies in reported data. Some pages in Odeon appear unfinished, and it features a hidden preview mode with a dummy account for testing purposes. The architecture of Odeon suggests it may not fully replace the Settings app but could function as a modular Store app with helper executables for system-level changes. Microsoft is exploring the possibility of delivering updates to the Settings app through the Store, potentially phasing out the traditional Control Panel. There is currently no public release planned for Project Odeon.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon’s premium tablet gets almost everything right

The Alexa Tablet features a home screen with shortcuts to Amazon services and a folder for essential Google applications. It is a fully functional Android tablet that allows downloads from the Play Store. The user interface includes widgets for recently accessed content and the Alexa+ app, and users can interact with Alexa via voice commands. The tablet has a vibrant display suitable for streaming and Dolby Atmos-supported speakers. Performance remains positive with additional apps, though some lack optimization for larger screens. Popular apps like Adobe's Lightroom and Google's suite are optimized for tablet use. The tablet supports multitasking with split view mode and runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Battery life is claimed to be up to 16 hours, but initial testing shows around eight hours for mixed usage.

Tech Optimizer

October 16, 2026

New Botnet Puts Home PCs at Risk: AV-Comparatives Publishes Malware Protection Test

AV-Comparatives evaluated 20 consumer security products against 10,000 malware samples, focusing on the x47.c botnet, which emerged in October 2026 and is marketed by WraithTools. This botnet can steal sensitive information and turn infected devices into proxies for cybercriminals. Research indicates it can extract passwords, cookies, and data from AI service accounts. The U.S. Department of Justice noted the risk to freelancers and small businesses from such threats. In its September 2026 Malware Protection Test, AV-Comparatives found that 15 out of 20 products reached the highest protection tier, with six receiving the ADVANCED+ award: Bitdefender, ESET, G DATA, Kaspersky, Total Defense, and VIPRE. The testing revealed a reliance on cloud-based detection, emphasizing the need for consistent internet connectivity for optimal protection.

Tech Optimizer

October 16, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and updated its NOD32 engine to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus solutions due to discrepancies between their current software and available offerings, with 84 percent of users making no changes in the previous year. Financial factors influence decisions, with 54 percent of third-party antivirus users opting for paid versions. ESET's new features include a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. The comparison of antivirus options highlights that the best choice depends on individual needs, with ESET's Ultimate tier offering ransomware backup. A comprehensive 13-step process is outlined for safely transitioning between antivirus solutions, emphasizing the importance of proper uninstallation and installation procedures to avoid conflicts and maintain protection.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Google’s $5 AI plan is getting a major downgrade starting November 13

Starting November 13, 2026, Google AI Plus subscribers will no longer have access to Gemini Pro models within the Gemini app and AI Mode in Google Search on the monthly plan. Users will still have access to Flash models but must upgrade to the Google AI Pro subscription to use the Pro models, which will result in a fourfold increase in monthly costs. The current Google AI Plus plan will no longer include Pro features, which are essential for complex tasks. The Google AI Pro subscription offers additional perks, including YouTube Premium Lite and expanded cloud storage options.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Microsoft: Windows Server 2022 reached end of mainstream support

Windows Server 2022 has transitioned from mainstream support to extended support, which will last until October 2031. Mainstream support will end on October 13, 2026, with the last security update released in that month. Extended support will continue to provide essential security updates at no additional cost until October 14, 2031. Hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 will be available until October 2027 for Datacenter: Azure Edition. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025, which will have mainstream support until November 2029 and extended support until November 14, 2034. Windows Server 2025 is set for general availability by November 2024. A free 180-day trial of Windows Server 2025 is available. Additionally, devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will no longer receive updates, and users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 26H2 to maintain security. Microsoft warns users of unsupported Windows versions to upgrade to avoid losing access to critical security updates after next year's Windows Update certificate rotation.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Windows update patches a whopping 1,400 security bugs – including 2 zero days

Microsoft released the October Windows update, addressing over 1,400 vulnerabilities, including 80 critical vulnerabilities and two zero-day exploits. This update is the final supported update for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions and the first for Windows 11 26H2. Notable enhancements include improvements to File Explorer and refined Bluetooth connectivity. One zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2026-96951, has been exploited in the wild, allowing remote attackers to bypass security protections. The second zero-day, CVE-2026-108398, could enable attackers to circumvent security measures in Microsoft’s .NET Framework. Windows 11 users can install the update via Settings and Windows Update, while Windows 10 users can follow a similar process. Each annual version, such as 24H2, will lose support after 24 months, necessitating an upgrade to Windows 11, version 26H2, for continued security updates. The update also introduces a feature to remap the Copilot key for enhanced user flexibility.

Winsage

October 14, 2026

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reached end of support

Devices operating on the Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions have reached their end of support as of October 13, 2026, meaning they will no longer receive monthly security updates or non-security preview updates. In contrast, the Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions will continue to receive mainstream support until October 12, 2027. Microsoft encourages users to transition to Windows 11 26H2, which will be supported until October 2029. The rollout of Windows 11 26H2 is phased and will expand over the next few months. Additionally, systems running Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions will cease to receive security updates in 30 days after the end of support for Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro editions in November 2025. Windows Server 2022 has also reached the end of its mainstream support but will remain under extended support until October 2031. Users are advised to upgrade unsupported versions of Windows to continue receiving security updates.