home Archives

BetaBeacon

October 22, 2026

Free Cloud Gaming on iPhone and Android: 13 Steps

- Free cloud gaming on a phone in 2026 is offered by three separate companies: NVIDIA's GeForce NOW, Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon's Luna. - NVIDIA's GeForce NOW streams PC games you already own, Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming offers free-to-play titles without a Game Pass subscription, and Amazon's Luna provides access to a library of games for Amazon Prime members. - Apple's App Store rules do not allow cloud-gaming apps, so GeForce NOW on iPhone runs through a browser-based web app while it is available as an installable app on Android. - Users need accounts for each service they want to use, as well as accounts for Steam and/or Epic Games Store if they want to stream games they already own. - Browser choice is important for cloud gaming, with Safari being the only realistic option for GeForce NOW on iPhone and Chrome being the safest default for Android. - It is recommended to turn off battery-saver or data-saver modes on the chosen browser before a session to avoid performance issues. - Each service offers a free tier with different features, and it is important to compare them side by side to understand what each one provides.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Microsoft says October updates didn’t actually fix VPN issues

Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing connection issues with its Always On VPN feature, which were initially reported as resolved in the October 2026 cumulative updates for Windows 11. However, these issues persist, particularly affecting users with automatic protocol selection using IKEv2 and SSTP. A service alert revealed that the bug was mistakenly marked as resolved and has since been changed to "Mitigated." Microsoft is working on a proper fix and has provided a temporary workaround for affected users by advising IT administrators to select a single tunneling protocol instead of automatic protocol selection. The September cumulative updates have also caused various other problems for users, prompting Microsoft to release emergency out-of-band updates to address critical issues.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

People Are Vibe Coding the Ads Out of Their Smart TVs: Here’s How

A developer enhanced the user experience on his parents' Xiaomi TV by disabling 25 pre-installed packages, creating a home screen similar to that of an Apple TV. This effort is part of his open-source project, cleanyourtv, which is compatible with 107 TV models across 37 brands. The tools used allow users to deactivate apps without permanently deleting them, enabling easy restoration. The project has gained popularity, with thousands of users applying similar techniques, improving their TVs' performance and functionality. Users have reported freeing up memory and customizing their devices creatively, while concerns about privacy and data collection from smart TVs continue to be raised. The cleanyourtv repository is expanding with community contributions, reflecting a shift towards user control in smart technology.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows 11 Auto-Recovery: Cloud Repair Off by Default on Corporate Devices, Forcing IT Departments to Weigh the Pros and Cons

Microsoft's Quick Machine Recovery feature, integrated into Windows 11, is disabled by default for enterprise-managed devices due to a significant incident in July 2024 when a faulty security update caused many devices to be unable to boot. The feature identifies devices that fail to boot multiple times and connects to Windows Update via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to search for fixes. It is available in Windows 11 version 24H2 (build 26100.4700) and later, with default settings varying based on device management status: disabled for Enterprise/Education editions and domain-joined Pro editions, and enabled for Home and unmanaged Pro editions. Administrators can configure options such as enabling/disabling cloud repair, automatic repair, and setting remediation check frequencies. A test mode is available for devices in the Windows Insider Program. Additionally, starting October 13, 2026, Microsoft will implement restrictions on external storage devices formatted with ReFS, which will be audited by default, with enforcement beginning in January 2027. Users will need to transition data from ReFS to supported formats by this date. A registry and Group Policy setting named "RefsRemovableDeviceMountPolicy" will allow customization of this restriction.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

How to Change Windows 11 Clock Font, Size, and Color

Windows 11 does not provide built-in options to customize the taskbar clock's font, size, or color. To achieve this, users need a third-party tool called Windhawk along with its Taskbar Clock Customization mod. Testing on Windows 11 Pro version 25H2 confirmed that the mod allows changes to the clock's font family, size, weight, and color. The mod requires Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 (version 22H2 or newer) and must be installed from windhawk.net. Users need internet access for the initial mod load, as Windhawk downloads necessary debug symbols. Windhawk is open-source, and while generally safe, code injection may trigger antivirus alerts. Users can revert to the default clock by disabling or removing the mod through Windhawk.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Gemini just got more useful in Android Auto now that flight delays and appointment addresses are a voice command away

Google is enhancing its AI assistant, Gemini, within Android Auto by introducing a feature called Personal Intelligence, which allows Gemini to use information from Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Photos, YouTube, and Search for personalized assistance while driving. Users can interact with Gemini using natural voice prompts for tasks like finding flights or navigating to appointments. To use Personal Intelligence, users must grant permission for Gemini to access their information across Google applications. Users have reported issues with Gemini's integration with Android Auto, including lengthy responses and inconsistent command recognition. Google is also planning a significant redesign of Android Auto, expected to roll out in the fall.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 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 added automatic ransomware backup to its Ultimate plan. The NOD32 engine was updated 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 options due to discrepancies between current product names and older installations. A comprehensive 13-step guide has been developed to facilitate the transition to new antivirus software, addressing potential risks such as performance issues from running multiple engines, improper uninstallation, and loss of license keys. In 2026, ESET introduced features like a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus includes real-time anti-ransomware protection and machine-learning threat detection. Security.org's 2025 report indicated that 84% of users made no changes to their antivirus software over the past year, with many only reconsidering when faced with price increases or product discontinuations. The choice between paid and free antivirus solutions is significant, with 54% of third-party users paying for their software. ESET's Ultimate tier is the only one that includes ransomware backup features. Before switching antivirus products, users should ensure they are running compatible operating systems, have administrator access, document current and new antivirus version numbers, and have a stable internet connection. A PowerShell command can check the current antivirus status. Steps for migration include auditing current antivirus features, choosing a suitable replacement, exporting license keys, and using official removal tools to uninstall the old software. After installation, users should verify real-time protection is active and rebuild exclusions and scan schedules. Common pitfalls during migration include failing to uninstall the old antivirus completely, forgetting to disable tamper protection, and losing exclusion lists. For mobile devices, permissions from the old antivirus must be cleared to avoid conflicts. Advanced users managing multiple devices may benefit from staggering migrations and checking for known vulnerabilities in the antivirus products. A PowerShell script can be created to log the antivirus state before and after migration.

BetaBeacon

October 20, 2026

Hoshikage is a one-fingered sword-battling action game that lets you feel like an anime heroine

- Hoshikage is a newly released sword battler game that allows players to feel like a wuxia, anime-style hero. - The game can be played using only a single finger to parry and deflect enemy attacks in specific sequences. - The game features a minimalist aesthetic and offers two separate modes: story and endless. - The game's 'one finger' gameplay reminds the player of older mobile games and hopes for its success to inspire more games like it.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Troll Parkour, Good Snowman, Harvest Moon, more

Today's Google Play app and game deals include titles such as Troll Parkour, A Good Snowman, Dream Breach Survivor, and several Harvest Moon entries: Skytree Village, Home Sweet Home, and The Lost Valley. Discounts on devices include up to 0 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and over 0 off the Galaxy Tab S12 with eligible trades, along with a complimentary Amazon credit.

BetaBeacon

October 19, 2026

Cult Vacui Takes Its Dark Scottish Horror Story to iOS and Android Devices

Cult Vacui is a new horror game available on iOS and Android that takes place on a remote Scottish island in the late 19th century. Players must race against time to stop a sinister cult from performing a final act, with multiple endings based on player decisions. The game features challenging puzzles, eerie atmosphere, and hand-drawn pixel art.