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Google Pixels could get an all-new way to customize lock screens, for better or for worse
AppWizard
October 5, 2026

Google Pixels could get an all-new way to customize lock screens, for better or for worse

A new lock screen customization page has been discovered in the Wallpaper & Style app on Pixel devices, indicating potential enhancements for users. This page includes buttons for adjusting wallpapers, colors, clock display, widgets, and a new category called “media,” which may integrate media playback functionalities. The current customization options allow users to modify the lock screen and home screen aesthetics, including clock styles, shortcuts, and notifications. The rollout of the Android 17 QPR3 beta raises questions about whether this new interface will improve user experience compared to the existing customization menu. Features revealed through APK teardowns are not guaranteed to appear in the final public release.
Nineteen Years Later, The Simpsons Game Finally Runs Natively on PC
AppWizard
October 5, 2026

Nineteen Years Later, The Simpsons Game Finally Runs Natively on PC

A solo developer named YesterMester has revived The Simpsons Game, originally released by Electronic Arts in 2007, by recompiling the Xbox 360 version to run on Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. The latest version, 0.0.6.2, was released on GitHub in early October 2026 and features capabilities such as booting up, playing videos, saving progress, loading levels, and engaging gameplay. The game utilizes static recompilation to convert approximately 82,000 game functions into a standard x86-64 application, allowing for smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second. Players can enhance visuals with features like supersampling and anisotropic filtering, and the game now supports keyboard and mouse controls with customizable settings. Installation requires downloading a launcher, and a NoAVX2 package is available for older processors.
It's easy to forget now, but the first Elder Scrolls game had a rough launch back in the day: 'It was a disaster in a lot of ways and somehow built a billion-dollar franchise'
AppWizard
October 5, 2026

It’s easy to forget now, but the first Elder Scrolls game had a rough launch back in the day: ‘It was a disaster in a lot of ways and somehow built a billion-dollar franchise’

The Elder Scrolls: Arena, released in 1994, received a score of 87 from reviewer Andy Butcher but did not achieve immediate success. Designer Ted Peterson noted that the game faced challenges during its launch, including late shipping leading to canceled orders from game stores. Initially, Arena sold fewer copies than Peterson's previous project, Terminator 2029. However, interest in the game grew over time due to word of mouth. Bethesda's president, Christopher Weaver, acknowledged skepticism about Arena, as the company was primarily known for sports games and faced doubts about breaking into the RPG genre. Bethesda's reputation was complicated by legal disputes with Electronic Arts. Despite these challenges, Arena contributed to transforming Bethesda's image from a sports-focused company to one recognized for RPGs.
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 is crashing some games and apps, promises to fix it in the next update
Winsage
October 4, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 is crashing some games and apps, promises to fix it in the next update

In October 2026, Microsoft is addressing ongoing issues from its September updates for Windows 11, particularly related to audio decoding. Certain applications and games using Windows' built-in AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio decoding may crash when users adjust volume or audio settings. This issue primarily affects older applications and games, while most modern apps are expected to function normally. Microsoft has issued multiple updates, including a mandatory Patch Tuesday update and an emergency patch, but some audio problems remain unresolved. The September updates also introduced a significant increase in security fixes, addressing 974 vulnerabilities compared to 86 in September 2025. Additionally, an emergency update disrupted the functionality of File History, which Microsoft is investigating. An optional update aimed to fix File History but led to new crashes in various applications. Microsoft is currently working on a resolution for the audio-decoding bug without a specified timeline.
The best Android games released this year
BetaBeacon
October 3, 2026

The best Android games released this year

Nintendo released Pictonico!, a game where players can turn their own pictures into mini WarioWare-style games, resulting in chaotic and fun challenges based on the photos.
Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 gives us an early look at next year’s Pixel updates
AppWizard
October 3, 2026

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 gives us an early look at next year’s Pixel updates

Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel devices, including models from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 11 family, with most devices receiving build DP11.260918.006 and Pixel 11 users receiving DP11.260918.005. The QPR updates are quarterly enhancements aimed at refining performance and addressing issues without breaking changes to the API. Google is addressing a range of issues in this beta version, including crashes, fingerprint freezes, eSIM problems, Wi-Fi failures, battery drain, and Bluetooth audio glitches. A stable release is targeted for March 2027. Specific issues being worked on include: - Audio output device switching problems. - Crashes when starting foreground services from Quick Settings. - Excessive spacing in app icons. - App previews failing to display in recent apps. - NFC service crashes. - Device freezes with fingerprint unlocking. - Crashes in Face Unlock settings. - MediaPlayer crashes with non-ASCII audio tags. - Applications freezing and triggering ANR errors. - Camera feed rotation issues in video calling apps. - User interface problems when returning to the home screen. - Unexpected dot on the Mobile Data icon. - Front camera malfunction during screen recording. - Crashes in calling apps after device reboot. - eSIM profile enabling issues. - Excessive battery drain with Flip to Shh enabled. - Crashes in the Settings app when accessing battery settings. - Audio playback interruptions on Bluetooth devices. - Crash loops and loss of cellular service related to SIM slot indices. - Wi-Fi reconnection failures during background wakes. Users can expect a stable release by early next year and are advised to remain on the stable channel until the public QPR2 launch if they prefer not to participate in the beta.
6 Android Auto Features You Should Use On Your Next Road Trip
AppWizard
October 2, 2026

6 Android Auto Features You Should Use On Your Next Road Trip

Android Auto enhances the driving experience with features that prioritize safety and convenience, including a split-screen option for accessing multiple apps simultaneously. Users can customize their Android Auto settings on their mobile devices. Key features include: - Google Maps' offline maps: Users can download offline maps for areas with unreliable cellular service by selecting "Offline maps" in the app and choosing the desired route section. - Multi-stop planning: Google Maps allows users to add up to nine stops along their route by selecting "Edit stops" after entering a destination. - Trip sharing: Users can share their trip progress with contacts through the "Share trip progress" option in Google Maps. - Audio streaming downloads: Users can download content from music and audiobook services for offline access, with specific features varying by service and subscription level. - Customization of Android Auto features: Users can adjust settings for phone accessibility, media autoplay, and app launcher preferences. - Google Gemini integration: Users can enable Google Gemini for voice commands, allowing for navigation, media playback, and interaction without unlocking the phone. Gemini can also provide weather updates and engage in conversations during drives.
Here’s everything new in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 [Gallery]
AppWizard
October 2, 2026

Here’s everything new in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 [Gallery]

Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, with a stable release expected in March 2027. The beta includes a new Notes Quick Settings Tile for the Pixel 11 series, while the previous Notes lockscreen shortcut and homescreen widget remain exclusive to Pixel 11 devices. Changes to the status bar include a bolder VPN icon and enlarged Bluetooth and Airplane Mode icons. The Gemini Intelligence boot animation is now available on the Pixel 10 series. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues such as audio output device switching, app crashes, excessive spacing in application icons, NFC service crashes, device freezes with fingerprint unlock, and Wi-Fi connectivity problems.
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