process 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

Microsoft Warns About Windows Update Certificate Expiration

Microsoft has reminded IT administrators about the expiration of certificates that enable trusted connections between Windows devices and Windows Update servers, set to expire in May and June of 2027. Devices without replacement certificates by these deadlines may lose access to Windows Update services. Most supported Windows devices will receive new certificates automatically through security updates, but older or infrequently updated systems may require manual intervention. Organizations that do not update their devices risk losing access to critical updates, particularly unsupported Windows versions that will not receive necessary certificate updates. IT teams should audit device inventories and ensure compliance with updates, as systems on supported versions will obtain replacement certificates seamlessly. Upgrading unsupported systems is essential, and organizations are encouraged to conduct audits and expedite upgrade projects to avoid losing access to Windows Update.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

5 Android Apps to Declutter & Secure Your Phone

DBMB is an app that silences unknown calls while keeping a log of all calls, operating offline without relying on online databases. Cork organizes links and apps into visual boards, allowing users to create personalized dashboards for easy access. Hidebox provides an encrypted vault for sensitive files, secured by PIN or biometric access, with features like a disguised app icon and intruder selfies. Infinite Walls offers curated 4K artwork and AI-generated wallpapers for phone backgrounds, with options for automated changes. Floatkit provides a floating sidebar for quick access to essential tools and functions without leaving the current app, facilitating seamless multitasking.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Adding WhatsApp, LinkedIn and Email Chats to an Android App Without Rebuilding Each One

Field sales applications, recruitment tools, and property management systems can integrate with messaging platforms on Android devices, addressing the need for users to view conversations directly within the app. A unified messaging API simplifies the integration process for developers, as each messaging channel has distinct authentication methods and message formats. The Android application should only communicate with a backend that interacts with the messaging API for security, event handling, and policy enforcement. Users can link their accounts through a hosted authentication link, reducing coding efforts. The unified API supports various platforms, including WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Telegram, Instagram, Gmail, and Outlook. When a message arrives, the messaging API triggers a webhook, and the relay service verifies the request, stores the message, identifies users, and sends push notifications via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM). To ensure functionality in offline scenarios, the app should render conversation lists from local storage and manage outgoing messages with a WorkManager. Attachments should be handled efficiently by listing them as metadata and downloading them on demand, while uploads should involve client-side compression and resumable requests. By following this approach, developers maintain a single conversation model and sync engine, abstracting complexities associated with multiple messaging providers.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Samsung phones finally support Googlebook cross-device features

Google is enhancing Googlebook for Samsung Galaxy users by introducing Better Together support for devices running One UI 9.0 based on Android 17. This update enables features such as Continue On, Cast My Apps, Quick Access, and Notification Sync. A recent update to Google Play services addresses a pairing bug that left the QR code visible after a successful connection. Galaxy owners must have the appropriate software versions, with Google Play services updated to version 26.37 or newer and Cross-device services at version 1.0.1346 or newer. Both devices need to be linked to the same Google account, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. Google recommends using a private home network for optimal pairing performance. Initial user feedback indicates positive results, with some Galaxy S26 Ultra owners successfully casting apps.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

OpenAI’s own advice during its October 9 Android outage: use ChatGPT on the web

On the evening of October 9, users attempting to access ChatGPT on Android devices encountered the message "This content is unavailable in this version of the app" due to an issue from OpenAI. The problem began at 21:00:39Z and lasted for three hours and 26 minutes, concluding at 00:26:44Z on October 10. OpenAI advised users to switch to the web version while they worked on a fix for older app versions. A second major incident occurred 48 minutes later, locking workspace administrators out of plugin settings from 21:48:34Z to 23:26:59Z on October 9, totaling one hour and 38 minutes. Both incidents overlapped entirely, with the Android issue persisting for an additional hour after the admin issue was resolved. As of 21:42 UTC on October 10, a third minor incident regarding "Delayed Costs data in the Compliance API" remained unresolved, having started at 17:23:18Z on October 9. OpenAI reported that some customers might experience incomplete Costs data while the backlog was addressed, with the catch-up process expected to continue through October 11. ChatGPT usage and API Platform requests were unaffected, and the overall status was designated as "Partial System Degradation." Additionally, a more significant outage occurred on September 29, lasting five hours and 22 minutes and affecting 30 components, which was more extensive than the incidents on October 9. Neither of the major incidents on October 9 impacted the API.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Star Wars Galactic Racer’s devs tested its roguelite progression system by turning it into a board game

Kieran Crimmins, the creative director at Fuse Games, emphasized the importance of tactile experience in game design, leading to the creation of a board game prototype for Star Wars Galactic Racer to explore gameplay mechanics. Matt Webster, the CEO of Fuse Games, noted that while modern engines are capable, traditional prototyping can be faster for capturing ideas. The board game prototype focused on simulating the progression system, where players earn rewards based on race performance, enhancing vehicle stats and acquiring parts. This system draws inspiration from roguelite games, providing continuity and growth in gameplay. Crimmins highlighted the efficiency of board game prototyping for rapid validation of emotional responses, allowing for quick adjustments using simple materials. The approach reflects a trend in game development towards flexibility and creativity in early design stages.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Steam Week in Review: The curious case of Wonder Boy in Monster Land’s dubious PC debut

Wonder Boy in Monster Land, originally released in Japanese arcades in 1987 and later on the Sega Master System, has been listed on Steam by Retro Maniac, a developer with a limited portfolio. The title is misspelled as "Wonderboy," raising concerns about the legitimacy of the release. The ownership of the Wonder Boy franchise is split between LAT Corp, which holds the intellectual property rights, and Sega, which retains the trademark. This dual ownership complicates any re-release under the Wonder Boy name, as seen with previous titles that successfully navigated licensing agreements. The original arcade version was released as Adventure Island in the U.S., leading to confusion about the game's lineage. Concerns about the Retro Maniac port were raised by the Wonder Boy Universe fan account and composer Shinichi Sakamoto, who noted it is not available in Japan and may be unauthorized. The port appears to be a ROM running within the MAME arcade emulator. The listing is reportedly facing a DMCA takedown process initiated by Sega or LAT Corp.

Tech Optimizer

October 11, 2026

dbForge 2026.2 Adds a PostgreSQL Debugger, Visual Object Editors and Broader Context for dbForge AI Assistant

Devart has released dbForge 2026.2, a unified database management ecosystem for PostgreSQL developers, featuring an embedded PostgreSQL Debugger that allows for efficient error tracking in server-side code. The Debugger enables breakpoints, step-through code execution, and real-time monitoring of variables and query results. Visual editors for PostgreSQL event triggers, functions, and procedures have been introduced, allowing for easier management without manual SQL writing. The dbForge AI Assistant now offers expanded context awareness, enabling users to attach various documents and select from multiple AI models for generating relevant SQL code. A free Express edition of the AI Assistant is available, with limited features compared to paid plans. Additionally, new SQL refactoring commands and schema comparison improvements have been implemented, along with updates for compatibility with MySQL 26.7 and MariaDB 13.x.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Android’s New Sideloading Rules Add a 24-Hour Wait

As of September 30, Google has introduced a 24-hour waiting period for Android users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand before they can install applications from unregistered developers. This initiative aims to enhance security against potential scams. Users can still access apps from recognized stores, including Google Play and various manufacturer-specific app markets. The rollout is currently limited to the specified countries and has not been implemented globally. The new verification process may affect users who prefer alternative app stores and those who do not use a Google account.