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AppWizard
September 22, 2026
Googlebooks have officially started pre-orders ahead of their launch on October 4. The new laptop range includes a feature called Continue On, which facilitates seamless transitions between a Googlebook and a smartphone. An early preview of the Text app, a dedicated text editor available on the Google Play Store, shows it supports various programming languages and offers syntax highlighting. The app adapts well to different screen sizes, features a tab-based layout for managing multiple projects, and includes conventional tools like find and replace. While other text editor options will be available, the native Text app is specifically designed for Googlebooks. There are currently no plans to extend this app to other Android devices.
BetaBeacon
September 22, 2026
Valve has open-sourced Lepton, a project designed to enable Android games to run on Linux through Steam, specifically for the upcoming Steam Frame hardware. Lepton runs Android games inside containers, with each application having its own container. It can utilize components from the host OS, supports integration with development and debugging tools, and incorporates patches from various projects. Lepton is not a desktop Android solution for Linux users but focuses on running games within Valve's Steam ecosystem. The source code for Lepton is available on Valve's SteamOS GitLab instance.
AppWizard
September 22, 2026
Google Messages is undergoing a user interface transformation that enhances the Search functionality. The Start chat button will move to the bottom center of the screen, while the Gemini button will be relocated to the header, replacing the existing Search icon. The Start chat button will expand when the app is opened and collapse as users scroll, allowing the Search button to expand. The Search experience is also being overhauled, with plans to move the search bar to the bottom and provide larger previews for images, videos, and links in search results. Additionally, there are potential changes for pinned conversations, which may include larger contact icons and message previews. These updates are based on ongoing code developments, and not all features may be released publicly.
AppWizard
September 22, 2026
A new category for games has been introduced on Android Auto and Android Automotive, allowing developers to create games specifically for use while parked. This transition from beta to a full category enables a wider variety of games to be available. Google has implemented safety measures, prohibiting game audio while the vehicle is in motion and notifying users if they attempt to launch a game while driving. Developers are encouraged to support external controllers and save game progress, while also ensuring games are fully adaptive to various infotainment screens. A minimum of Android 15 is required to access these features. The launch of video applications like YouTube is anticipated but remains uncertain, with potential availability pushed to 2027.
Winsage
September 22, 2026
Microsoft is modernizing the user experience in Windows 11 by redesigning all legacy dialog boxes in response to user feedback. March Rogers, Microsoft's design director, is leading this initiative to ensure consistency across the platform. Specific examples of outdated interfaces include the Speech settings dialog and the Windows recovery menu. Microsoft is using two strategies for updates: incremental updates, which introduce a dark theme across system dialogs, and comprehensive redesigns using the WinUI 3 framework. The Run menu has been completely revamped with a dark theme and improved features, while the previous version remains available for user preference. These updates are currently in test builds of Windows 11. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out security patches and an emergency patch for issues from the September update.
AppWizard
September 22, 2026
Google has announced its new operating system, Googlebook OS, previously known as Aluminium OS, alongside the launch of the Googlebook laptop series. Googlebook OS allows Android applications to run natively, enhancing performance compared to ChromeOS. It features "Continue On," which enables task transfer from mobile apps to the laptop, and incorporates AI tools like "Magic Pointer" for assistant access and "Rambler" for improved voice input. Users can also create personalized widgets with the "Create My Widget" option. Googlebook OS is positioned as a distinct product with advanced capabilities, although future commercial device details are not yet available.
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