Mouse Archives

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Windows 11’s easiest account bypass gets the Microsoft boot

Microsoft has closed a loophole in the setup process for consumer versions of Windows 11 that allowed users to bypass the requirement for a Microsoft account. Previously, users could click on the "Learn More" option during setup to enter a name and password without needing an account. This workaround has been confirmed as removed by Windows enthusiast Bob Pony. Attempts to replicate this method on genuine Intel hardware have shown it is no longer functional. Users must now navigate a more complex array of workarounds to set up Windows 11 without an account. Microsoft mandates account creation during the initial setup for both Windows 11 Home and Pro editions intended for personal use.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Swap your Windows 10 PC for a refurbished Lenovo mini PC for $329.99 during Deal Days

The refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Gen 2 mini PC is available for .99, reduced from its original price of .99. It comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, features an AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE processor with six cores, 16GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradeable to 32GB), and a 256GB NVMe SSD. The compact unit measures 7.2 by 7.1 by 1.4 inches and weighs 2.9 pounds. It supports up to three monitors via HDMI and DisplayPort, includes USB-C and USB 3.2 ports, gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2. A wired keyboard and mouse are included, along with a third-party 90-day parts-and-labor warranty. No coupon is needed for this offer.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Asus Googlebook 14 Review: For Android, By Android

Googlebook 14 features Googlebook OS, which is based on Android and incorporates elements from ChromeOS, offering a familiar user experience for Android users. The interface resembles that of Android devices, with home screens, quick settings, and app access similar to smartphones. Integration with Android phones allows users to access apps, notifications, and files directly from the laptop. The "Continue On" feature enables users to pin phone apps to the Googlebook taskbar for easy transitions between devices. However, Googlebook OS lacks support for traditional desktop software, limiting the functionality of Android apps available through Google Play. Google is addressing compatibility issues by labeling apps for desktop use in the Play Store. New features like Magic Pointer, Proactive Suggestions, and Rambler are introduced, but the OS still requires significant improvements in app compatibility and desktop interface optimization. Google has faced challenges in developer support for optimizing applications for Googlebook OS.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Walmart is selling a Android tablet for only $90

The Zonko Android 16 Tablet is currently available at Walmart for under 0 during a limited-time Flash deal, including an accessory bundle. It features a 10-inch display with a resolution of 1280×800 HD, dual speakers, and a dual-camera setup with an 8MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera. The tablet runs on the Android 16 operating system, has 12GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, expandable up to 512GB. It is equipped with a 6000mAh battery that lasts between 32 to 48 hours, and offers dual-band 2.4G/5G WiFi. The purchase includes a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, screen protector, protective case, and charger. The device supports Google Mobile Services and comes with parental controls. However, it has received only a few reviews and does not support downloading Apple apps, except for Apple TV or Apple Music.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

A week with Googlebooks: four notes from our testing so far

Google has launched five new Googlebook laptops featuring the Googlebook OS, which has received mixed reviews. While the hardware is praised, the software is criticized for being problematic and not a significant upgrade from ChromeOS. Users report issues such as the inability to run Chrome with separate Google accounts, clunky Android apps, and awkward command requirements for messaging apps. The app ecosystem is struggling, with many applications failing to adapt to the Googlebook's interface, resulting in a frustrating user experience. Linux applications face integration challenges, complicating multitasking. Despite some successful features like file transfer and notification responses between Googlebook and Android devices, users experience frequent connectivity issues and sluggish performance.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

Someone squeezed Windows 95 onto an ESP32-P4, and so can you

A developer has successfully run Windows 95 on an ESP32-P4 board using the tiny386 emulator. The project, initiated by GitHub user winitboonkliang, allows Windows 95 to boot from a microSD card onto the ESP32-P4's 1280×800 MIPI-DSI display, with USB keyboard and mouse support. The implementation utilizes a port of tiny386, an x86 PC emulator. This project is not intended for everyday use but serves as a study project to explore the limits of running legacy software on compact hardware. A detailed guide is available on GitHub, outlining compatibility issues and limitations.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Googlebook First Impressions: Android Integration

Early evaluations of Googlebook's Android integration indicated a mixed user experience, particularly in connecting phone applications, notifications, and files to a laptop. The setup involved pairing Android phones via QR code and signing into Google accounts, with features like app casting and task transfer functioning effectively for some applications. However, issues arose with app compatibility, as not all applications transferred smoothly, and desktop controls did not always align with expected behaviors. The Glowbar on the laptop lid indicated battery levels and interacted with the device's functions. Chrome allowed multiple Google accounts but did not keep separate browsing histories or settings. The first models of Googlebook were available for purchase in the U.S. starting October 4, 2026.

BetaBeacon

October 8, 2026

Prime Day Android app deals and freebies: Ash of Gods, Foretales, Dungreed, ScourgeBringer, more

Google Play is offering deals on various apps and games, including Ash of Gods: Redemption, Backflip Madness, Backflip Madness 2, Dungreed, Foretales, Mini Restaurant Premium, Merge City Premium, Merge Cafe Premium, Neo Monsters, ScourgeBringer, Stickman Master Premium, Vera Outline White Icon Pack, Camo Dark Icon Pack, [Premium] Alvastia Chronicles, [Premium] Knights of Grayfang, [Premium] RPG Alphadia III, [Premium] RPG Ghost Sync, [Premium] RPG Infinite Links, The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D, 112 Operator, and Minabo: A walk through life.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Googlebooks have a Linux app problem that even budget Chromebooks solved years ago

Googlebooks have limitations in supporting Linux applications compared to Chromebooks. Users must use Android's Terminal app to install Linux apps, lacking a graphical user interface, which complicates the process. Google has stated that GUI Linux applications are not a priority for the initial release. Early users have reported performance issues with Linux applications, such as GIMP losing mouse input, likely due to compatibility issues with the Intel x86-64 CPU architecture. Additionally, some Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are not fully supported on Googlebook OS, possibly due to conflicts with Android applications.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Googlebook apps come with five different Play Store labels

Google Play has introduced a new labeling system for Android apps on Googlebooks, featuring five distinct labels to indicate app suitability for desktop use: 1. Made for desktop: Apps designed specifically for desktop environments with optimized controls and layouts. 2. Optimized for desktop: Apps adapted for a better experience on laptops, though not originally built as desktop software. 3. Compatible with desktop: Apps that can function with standard mouse and keyboard controls but are not fully redesigned for desktop use. 4. Better on the website: Apps that provide a superior experience through a web browser rather than the app. 5. Built for mobile: Apps primarily designed for mobile devices, which may not offer an optimized experience on desktop. These labels aim to help users make informed choices about app installations based on their compatibility with larger screens.