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AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Amazon’s new Alexa Tablets drop Fire OS for Android with full Google Play Store access, starting at $229.99 for the Alexa Tablet 8.

Amazon has started shipping its new Alexa Tablets in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, with deliveries beginning on October 19. The tablets were initially launched on October 8 and reached customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico by October 14. They run on Android and provide access to the Google Play Store. The pricing for the tablets is as follows: - Alexa Tablet 8: .99 (4GB RAM, 64GB storage) - Alexa Tablet 11: 9.99 (8GB RAM, 64GB storage) - Alexa Tablet 12 Pro: 9.99 (8GB RAM, 128GB storage) - Nanomatte 12 Pro: 9.99 (anti-glare screen) The Pro Keyboard is available for .99, and the Pro Pen for .99, specifically for the 12 Pro model. The new tablets do not carry the Fire branding, marking a shift from Amazon’s previous Fire tablets, which used Fire OS and the Amazon Appstore. Amazon plans to phase out the Fire brand, as stated by Panos Panay. Each model includes Alexa+ for voice commands and supports various applications from the Play Store, including YouTube, Netflix, Gmail, and Google Docs. The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro has a 12-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Alexa Tablet 11 has an 11-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, and the Alexa Tablet 8 has an 8.7-inch display weighing 329g. All models are powered by MediaTek chips. Amazon has also introduced Amazon Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes, bundled with a protective case and a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+. Existing Fire tablet owners will continue to have access to their devices and content, with Amazon providing at least four years of support after the last sale of Fire tablets. The new tablets can be purchased from Amazon.com and retail partners like Best Buy and Target.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Android Auto Might Soon Let You Use Apps From Your Work Profile

Google is enhancing its in-car software, Android Auto, to support professional applications, allowing users to receive notifications from their work profiles while driving. Recent code findings indicate that work profiles will soon be operable on car dashboards, enabling drivers to view calendar meetings and listen to messages from supervisors through their vehicle's audio system. This update will allow users to access business applications directly from their main console, improving productivity during commutes. An official release date for this feature has not yet been announced.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

Android Auto can be used outside of your car: Here’s how

A spare tablet, a USB cable, and a small investment can turn a workspace or kitchen counter into a hub for Android Auto, allowing users to repurpose older devices. To set up Android Auto without a car, you need an Android phone running Android 11 or newer, a spare Android tablet or phone, and a data-capable USB cable. A receiver app, such as Open Headunit or Headunit Reloaded, must be installed on the secondary device. The setup involves connecting the tablet to the phone via USB, selecting Android Auto in the phone's USB options, and following prompts to grant permissions. Android Auto is designed for driving, simplifying interactions with larger controls and allowing voice commands for messages. It can manage smart home devices through Google Home but may not always function reliably. A spare tablet can be positioned conveniently for essential tasks, but trade-offs include limited app availability and the need for the primary phone to remain connected.

Winsage

October 17, 2026

“C’mon, man”: Former Windows boss calls Windows 11’s taskbar unusable, as Windows 11 26H2 fails to bring back Windows 10-like features

Mikhail Parakhin, the former head of Windows and Bing at Microsoft, criticized the Windows 11 taskbar as "unusable," particularly after the 26H2 update, which did not restore the ability to auto-hide the taskbar when positioned at the top or sides. He expressed disappointment over the lack of features he advocated for, such as a movable taskbar with auto-hide functionality, which he believes is optimal for productivity. The September 2026 Patch Tuesday update allowed users to move and resize the taskbar, but auto-hide is still not available for non-bottom placements. Users must navigate through Windows Settings to adjust the taskbar, unlike the drag-and-drop feature in Windows 10. Additionally, the right-click menu in Windows 11 is limited compared to Windows 10, lacking options to lock or unlock the taskbar. Parakhin, now the CTO at Shopify, continues to use Windows for work and has noted that users may have to wait months for Windows 11 to fully integrate functionalities from Windows 10.

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Networking problems after the October 2026 Windows update? NTLM might be to blame

The Windows security update scheduled for October 2026 will block requests using the outdated NTLMv1 security protocol. The BlockNtlmSSO registry value governs this change; if unset, Windows will default to Enforce mode, blocking NTLMv1-derived credentials. Administrators can temporarily set this value to 0 to allow NTLMv1, but Microsoft warns this reduces security. The deprecation of NTLM was first announced in 2024, with audit logs for NTLMv1 usage introduced in August 2025. NTLM was first introduced in 1993, and while it has been removed from Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025, traces remain in certain configurations. Credential Guard must be enabled, and the BlockNtlmSSO value must not be set to Audit mode for NTLMv1-derived credentials to be allowed. Microsoft aims to eliminate NTLM entirely, and the upcoming update signals the need for organizations to accelerate their transition away from NTLMv1.

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Faster protection, fewer interruptions: How Microsoft Edge is rethinking updates

Microsoft Edge is developing a seamless-updates prototype that allows security updates to be applied without interrupting users' work. Currently, the browser has a Restart to update on idle feature that applies updates when devices are not in use. The goal is to eliminate the need for users to click an update button, enabling background updates that do not disrupt ongoing tasks. Microsoft Edge can also issue patches independently of the Chromium release schedule for urgent security needs. Additionally, Security Update Alerts help organizations manage updates by notifying administrators about critical updates and vulnerabilities. These alerts are available for managed Windows devices through the Edge management service without additional licensing.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Googlebook review: Android on a laptop is still Android

Setting up a Googlebook for Android users involves scanning a QR code to transfer accounts, data, and applications, requiring Android 17 for optimal integration. Google’s “Better Together” services allow access to files, synchronization of notifications, and app mirroring from an Android 17 phone. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for connectivity, and users may face limitations such as performance issues, incompatibility with system-level security apps, and the restriction of one app at a time. File access from the phone to the Googlebook is slow and one-way, with the Google Files app on the phone unable to access the Googlebook. The Files app on the Googlebook lacks features like tab support and network share compatibility, making the experience feel limited compared to traditional file management systems.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Game review: Hot Wheels Infinite Rush (PC)

Italian developer Milestone has released Hot Wheels Infinite Rush, which features an open-world environment for players to explore themed islands while racing iconic 1:64 scale diecast models. The game includes various racing dynamics with four vehicle classes—Speeders, Drifters, Versatiles, and Titans—and offers a progression system that unfolds naturally as players explore. On easier settings, the game is more forgiving, while higher difficulty levels provide a challenging experience. The visuals showcase over 150 meticulously detailed vehicles, and there are customization options like a track builder and livery editor, though some features are limited. Local multiplayer does not allow players to roam the islands together.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Expert tips to speed up your Windows PC

A fast PC enhances productivity by allowing users to run complex software and multitask efficiently. The latest version of Windows, Windows 11 2024 Update Version 24H2, was launched in October 2024 and offers improved speed and usability compared to previous versions. To optimize a Windows PC's performance, users can take several steps: - Delete old files to free up space. - Remove unwanted startup programs through the Windows Settings app or Task Manager. - Update drivers via Device Manager to ensure optimal performance. - Pause OneDrive syncing to reduce RAM usage. - Use ReadyBoost with an external USB drive to increase memory storage. - Install antivirus software to detect and eliminate viruses. - Upgrade RAM for better performance under heavy usage. - Change power mode to "Best Performance" in settings. - Adjust Windows appearance by disabling visual effects. - Turn off unwanted notifications to minimize disruptions. - Uninstall unnecessary apps to free up resources. - Enable Game Mode for optimized gaming performance. - Restart the PC regularly to clear RAM and refresh resources. - Restore the PC to a previous setting if performance issues persist.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Hirudo Android malware replaces banking apps to evade security checks

Researchers have identified a new Android malware called Hirudo, which steals bank account credentials by replacing legitimate banking applications with modified versions that disable security checks. Hirudo impersonates at least seven banks in Indonesia and targets financial institutions in China, India, Mexico, Morocco, and Thailand. It is delivered through seemingly legitimate applications related to shopping, adult content, or short drama, which prompt users to grant permissions, including Accessibility services. Once installed, Hirudo uninstalls the genuine banking app, downloads a patched version, and uses Accessibility permissions to complete the installation. The malicious app retains nearly all of the original app's code but integrates a hooking engine based on open-source frameworks YAHFA and Dobby, employing evasion tactics such as substituting signing certificates, concealing Accessibility services, disabling screenshot protection, and altering key-attestation certificates. Despite its advanced capabilities, Hirudo has limitations, including a publicly leaked attestation keybox and compromised certificates flagged by Google. Once operational, it can extract sensitive information, stream the screen, access cameras, and use fake checkout pages to collect payment PINs while misleading victims with fabricated success messages. Hirudo represents an escalation in Android banking malware tactics, focusing on the security mechanisms of banking applications. Researchers recommend that banks enhance security measures and that Android users keep devices updated, avoid unofficial APK files, and conduct regular Play Protect scans.