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Meta lets ordinary Android apps on Quest open extra windows without becoming VR apps
AppWizard
October 22, 2026

Meta lets ordinary Android apps on Quest open extra windows without becoming VR apps

Meta has introduced a VR Layout SDK for Quest users, allowing Android applications to open additional windows alongside their main interface without requiring a transition to the Spatial SDK. The VR Layout SDK is compatible with apps developed using Jetpack Compose or React Native, but does not support the creation of 3D objects or alterations to the user's environment. Meta advises developers to use a primary window and no more than two significant spatial windows, with a solid background and consistent size. Additionally, Meta has released a VR UI Set SDK for Jetpack Compose, providing design tools that ensure usability. Users can interact with apps using gaze and pinch controls, and gaze data is not shared with applications. The specific apps utilizing these features have not yet been announced.
Run a Virus Scan on Windows 11: 12 Steps, 45 Min [2026]
Tech Optimizer
October 22, 2026

Run a Virus Scan on Windows 11: 12 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which many users overlook. Manual virus scans are important due to evolving cyber threats, and a tutorial exists for conducting a full scan in 12 steps, taking about 45 minutes for setup. Users should confirm that Microsoft Defender is active and can automate scans with a script. Fake antivirus alerts can appear as browser notifications, and users should not follow their instructions. If a fake alert occurs, users should close it and run a quick scan through Windows Security. Common pitfalls in virus scanning include running multiple antivirus programs, scanning with outdated definitions, and initiating scans from pop-ups. Advanced security strategies include using Windows Sandbox and monitoring startup items. Regular scans are recommended, with a quick scan weekly and a full scan monthly. Microsoft Defender may be sufficient for many users, but additional protection may be necessary if other tools frequently identify missed threats. In case of a confirmed infection, users should disconnect from the network, change passwords, and report the incident.
Windows 11’s famous Windows key may get a new job, but Microsoft can’t ignore your “muscle memory”
Winsage
October 22, 2026

Windows 11’s famous Windows key may get a new job, but Microsoft can’t ignore your “muscle memory”

Pressing the Windows key typically opens the Start menu, but Microsoft is considering expanding its functionality as part of a new Search experience. The upcoming Windows Search UI will operate independently from the Start menu, which will still trigger the old Search. This new interface allows users to eliminate Bing results and introduces a feature called "Actions" for quick adjustments to settings. Microsoft plans to eventually unify the two search experiences, but the distinct design of the new Search may require adjustments to the Start menu. Currently, Microsoft has not confirmed if pressing the Windows key will redirect users to Search instead of the Start menu. There is potential for the Windows key to evolve to include more Actions, such as sending emails directly. Observations indicate that the legacy Search UI still appears when using the Start menu, but this is expected to change next year. Windows Search has faced challenges, including sluggish performance, prioritization of Bing results over local outcomes, and issues with typo detection. In March 2026, Microsoft committed to enhancing Windows Search, including testing a toggle to disable Bing and Store results. The new Search will allow users to interact with Windows Settings through commands and may include the ability to send emails directly from Windows Search.
Hide.me VPN update adds redesigned dashboard and SmartGuard to Android TV
AppWizard
October 22, 2026

Hide.me VPN update adds redesigned dashboard and SmartGuard to Android TV

The latest update from Hide.me VPN features a redesigned dashboard for its Android mobile application and Android TV app, improving user navigation and access to connection settings and server selections. The update simplifies VPN connection management, particularly for smartphone and tablet users, and addresses navigation challenges for Android TV users. It includes server speed indicators for better performance comparison before connecting. Additionally, SmartGuard has been introduced to the Android TV app, providing security by blocking ads, preventing tracking, and restricting access to harmful websites. The update also enhances the WireGuard protocol for improved connection reliability. Existing users can download the update via the Google Play Store, while new users can access the application there as well. Hide.me offers a free VPN option for users to evaluate the service before committing to a paid subscription.
Windows 11 cuts back some AI features — but that's overshadowed by a Microsoft exec admitting the design team is using... AI
Winsage
October 22, 2026

Windows 11 cuts back some AI features — but that’s overshadowed by a Microsoft exec admitting the design team is using… AI

Microsoft is streamlining some Copilot features in Windows 11 by removing certain options from the right-click context menu. Users can still access Copilot features through the 'Ask Copilot' icon. Diego Baca, Microsoft's Vice President of Design for Windows, mentioned that AI has accelerated the design team's workflow, allowing designers to contribute to code fixes, which has received mixed reactions online. Critics have expressed skepticism about Microsoft's coding practices and raised concerns about software reliability, linking these issues to the introduction of AI. The dissatisfaction appears to stem from ongoing problems with Windows 11's bug testing and update reliability rather than the use of AI itself.
Android Prototype Recommends Eyeglasses by Detected Face Type
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Android Prototype Recommends Eyeglasses by Detected Face Type

A mobile research prototype has been developed that integrates image processing, deep learning, and internet-connected hardware to provide personalized eyeglass style recommendations based on facial type. The system operates through an Android application that captures or selects a user’s photograph, enhances it, and sends it to a connected device for analysis using deep-learning algorithms. The analysis determines the user's face type and generates a list of suitable eyeglass styles. The process involves four key components: image acquisition, image enhancement, remote analysis, and recommendation presentation. The smartphone acts as the user interface while computational tasks are handled by the connected device. The study does not provide quantifiable results on the accuracy of face classification or the quality of recommendations, nor does it specify details about the neural network architecture, training datasets, or criteria for facial categories. There is also no information on the dataset's size or composition, methods for determining face types, or evidence of improvements in appearance or fit.
Android 17 beta tackles a security loophole thieves could exploit
AppWizard
October 21, 2026

Android 17 beta tackles a security loophole thieves could exploit

Google has released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2, which includes a security enhancement for Pixel devices that requires PIN or fingerprint authentication to modify Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Data on a locked phone. Non-security tiles like Flashlight and Battery Saver remain accessible without authentication. The beta version also fixes issues such as random reboots, system crashes, Bluetooth pairing failures, and excessive idle battery drain. Users can activate the new connectivity restriction feature in Settings under Security & privacy or Display & touch.
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