mode 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 just added two more reasons to install PowerToys on your Windows PC

PowerToys has introduced new utilities to enhance user experience, including Mouse Button Lock, which allows users to hold a mouse button temporarily for tasks requiring prolonged pressure, and CursorHide, which hides the mouse pointer after inactivity. The Command Palette now features a quick-access shelf for pinned commands, and users can utilize keyboard shortcuts for easier navigation. ZoomIt has added a Snip with dictation capability, allowing audio descriptions to accompany visual snips. New command-line tools include Advanced Paste, Light Switch, and Peek, among others. The Keyboard Manager has improved with tap-alone remaps and easier editing options. Other updates include enhancements to Color Picker, Text Extractor, FancyZones, Screen Ruler, and more, as well as fixes for memory issues and improved usability across various features.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

Android Auto Gets Gemini Personal Intelligence: Here’s How It Can Help

Google has rolled out Personal Intelligence for Gemini on Android Auto, enhancing the driving experience with personalized AI assistance. This feature integrates with connected Google apps, providing tailored responses while driving. Users must be over 18 and have a personal Google account to access it, which can be set up through the Gemini app or website. The feature can draw information from various Google applications, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Photos, Maps, YouTube, and Search. Once connected, Gemini can provide specific information, such as flight details from Gmail, and remember user preferences for food, appointments, and locations. Personal Intelligence is currently available worldwide, except in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria, with plans for future availability in vehicles with Google built-in technology.

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.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows AI agent security: how isolation works

Microsoft's AI agent security is structured around three execution boundaries: local process isolation, session isolation, and cloud-based Windows 365 for Agents. The introduction of Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) on June 2, 2026, enhances local isolation through two methods: process isolation, which restricts an agent's access to specific files and networks, and session isolation, which separates an agent from the user's interactive environment. The MXC framework includes policies for filesystem access, network traffic, and user-interface controls, with an audit mode that disables sandbox security for analysis purposes. The choice between local isolation and Windows 365 for Agents depends on the agent's execution environment, with local isolation providing limited access and Windows 365 offering a completely separate cloud environment. MXC is in early preview, while Windows 365 for Agents is generally available.

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 21, 2026

Personal Intelligence hits the road: Google brings Gemini’s tailored assistance to Android Auto

Google plans to integrate its Gemini's Personal Intelligence into vehicles equipped with Android Auto, enhancing the driving experience by providing personalized assistance similar to that on Android phones. The feature will allow the AI to connect to Workspace apps, Gmail, Photos, and Search for tailored help, and can resume previous conversations, find restaurants, and provide directions. The rollout of Personal Intelligence for Android Auto will begin in the coming months, allowing users who have set it up on their phones to enjoy the same experience in their vehicles without additional configuration. Users can also set it up through the Gemini settings if they haven't done so already. Since its debut in January, Gemini's Personal Intelligence has been introduced across various platforms, offering intuitive and contextually relevant interactions, such as meal suggestions based on dietary restrictions and assistance with vehicle-related inquiries.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

Gemini can now use your email, calendar and photos while you drive

To enhance the in-car experience, assess and remove unnecessary Google apps linked to the vehicle. Test various queries while parked, including ambiguous names and old calendar items. Verify that disabling Personal Intelligence returns the system to a non-personalized mode. Households should discuss account usage during drives and confidentiality of responses. Employers should note that consumer features may not be available for managed Workspace identities. Vehicle owners should anticipate updates for built-in features as indicated by their manufacturer. The effectiveness of these features relies on accurate data retrieval and intentional permissions.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

An unofficial Android app blacks out your phone screen, but not your Xreal glasses

An unofficial Android application called "Glasses Mode" has been released, allowing users of USB-C display glasses to blank their phone's screen and disable touch input while the glasses continue to display content. The app, which requires Android 14 or newer, was released on October 18 and is currently available for testing on the OPPO Find N6 with Android 16 and ColorOS. It works with any USB-C glasses that mirror a phone's display and employs a technique that attaches a black layer to the phone’s display to keep the mirrored display on the glasses active. Users can activate the mode with a double-tap of the volume buttons, and the app does not require rooting or a PC for installation. The application is not available on the Play Store and must be downloaded as an APK from the project's releases page. Unplugging the glasses automatically disables the mode, and the app is designed to work with devices that may have varying compatibility.