program Archives

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Google rounds the week out with Android 17 QPR 3 Beta 1

Google has released the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel testers, supporting devices from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 11 series. Most devices receive build DP11.260918.006, while the Pixel 11 family uses DP11.260918.005. The update focuses on bug fixes, including issues with audio output device switching, crashes when starting foreground services, excessive spacing in app icons, failures in displaying app previews, NFC service crashes, device freezes with fingerprint unlock, crashes in Face Unlock settings, MediaPlayer crashes, application freezes, camera feed rotation issues, UI glitches, unexpected dots on the Mobile Data icon, front camera malfunctions, crashes in calling apps, eSIM profile issues, excessive battery drain with Flip to Shh, crashes in the Settings app, audio playback interruptions on Bluetooth devices, loss of cellular service, and Wi-Fi connectivity failures. Users can register for the beta through Google’s Android Beta for Pixel program but should back up data. They can unenroll to revert to a stable version. Preliminary findings suggest new features, including gamepad control of the cursor and potential phone unlock integration.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Google already rolling out Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel

Google has released the Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, following the QPR2 release, with a stable version expected in March 2027. The beta includes several enhancements and fixes, such as: - Functional audio output device switching during playback from apps without active media controls. - Stabilized foreground service initiation from Quick Settings tiles. - Adjusted application icons in the app menu to reduce excessive spacing. - Reliable app previews in the recent apps screen. - Improved NFC service stability. - Optimized fingerprint sensor unlocking to prevent device freezes. - Refined Face Unlock settings to avoid crashes. - Enhanced MediaPlayer functionality for non-ASCII audio attribute tags. - Improved application launch stability to reduce ANR errors. - Correct functioning of video calling apps without camera feed rotation in desktop mode. - Streamlined user interface navigation back to the home screen. - Corrected Mobile Data icon anomalies in Quick Settings. - Screen recording now supports front camera functionality. - Stabilized calling apps to prevent crashes after device reboot. - Addressed eSIM profile activation issues. - Minimized battery drain during idle with Flip to Shh enabled. - Stabilized access to battery settings in the Settings app. - Improved audio playback consistency on LHDC v5 Bluetooth devices. - Mitigated cellular service disruptions due to modem reporting issues. - Enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity for automatic reconnections during background wakes. The Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 system images are available for various Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 8 models. Users can report issues through the Android Beta Feedback app and join the Android Beta Program for OTA updates. Opting out of the Beta program after installation will result in a data wipe, while opting out before installation will not.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Android Auto’s signal bars are finally returning to dashboards

Earlier this year, Android Auto users experienced the disappearance of cellular signal bars, which caused frustration among drivers. Google is currently rolling out a fix for this issue, with some users reporting the return of signal bars after updating to Android Auto v17.8, initially available as a beta release. Mishaal Rahman confirmed that the company is aware of the problem and is working on a solution. The rollout of the fix is gradual, so it may take time for all users to receive the update. Joining the Android Auto beta program may allow users to resolve the issue sooner.

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.

Winsage

October 2, 2026

I turned Windows 11’s useless Copilot key into a screenshot button, here’s how

Microsoft has shifted its approach regarding the Copilot key on laptops, moving away from a mandatory integration strategy. Users have reported that the key is often underutilized, with some finding it inconveniently placed. Microsoft has responded to feedback by allowing users to customize the Copilot key's functionality through Windows 11 settings. Users can assign various functions to the key, such as launching applications or acting as a shortcut for system functions. Additionally, Microsoft PowerToys can be used for more advanced customization, enabling users to remap the key for tasks like taking screenshots, managing clipboard history, or enhancing gaming experiences. Future updates may include a "Do nothing" option for the key.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

Google Play Fest is coming to shower app lovers with sweepstakes and big discounts

Google Play will host Play Fest from October 13 to October 19, featuring discounts on apps, games, books, devices, and select digital gift cards. Play Points members can enter the Play Fest Sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes starting October 13. The event will include Play Fest leagues in games like Angry Birds 2, 8 Ball Pool, and Free Fire, allowing participants to compete for prizes. Certain promotions on digital gift cards will be limited in supply. Google will increase the rate of Play Points accumulation, with daily purchase boosts and a 15x multiplier for book purchases from October 16 to October 18. Play Pass members will receive double points and 6x boosts starting October 8.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Windows 10 Users Face a $30 Choice as Microsoft Quietly Extends Security Support to 2027

Microsoft has extended the support cutoff for Windows 10 from October 13, 2026, to October 12, 2027, due to a one-year extension of the consumer security program. Devices enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will continue to receive updates automatically. Unenrolled devices can still enroll until October 12, 2027, to receive critical updates released since their support ended on October 14, 2025. Users in the European Economic Area can access ESU at no extra cost but must maintain a Microsoft account to avoid losing access to updates after 60 days. To qualify for ESU, devices must run Windows 10 version 22H2 in supported editions, have the latest updates, and meet specific criteria. Microsoft 365 Apps and OneDrive on Windows 10 will receive updates beyond ESU, but the operating system itself remains unprotected without ESU. As of August 2026, 25.15 percent of Windows desktops in Germany were still using Windows 10. Users can check their ESU status under Settings, Update & Security, Windows Update.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Windows XP had a hidden database of broken apps, and Microsoft used it to trick them into working

Windows XP, released in 2001, was designed with a hidden compatibility database to support legacy software. This database, located in the C:WINDOWSAppPatch folder, contained approximately 200 compatibility fixes at launch and utilized a sophisticated matching system based on file size, checksum, version, and date. Windows XP could modify its behavior for specific applications through the use of shims, which acted as intermediaries to adjust application calls to the Windows API. Notable shims included Win98VersionLie, which faked the Windows version for compatibility, and EmulateHeap, which replicated the Windows 95 memory management style. Microsoft recognized that blocking applications relying on undocumented features could hinder user upgrades, as many organizations depended on legacy software. The compatibility fixes were managed through DLLs in the AppPatch folder, allowing the core operating system files to remain unchanged. Microsoft continued to enhance XP's compatibility with updates even years after its release.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

Google’s new Android sideloading rules are live — and here are all the ways to already bypass them

Google has implemented new developer verification rules for Android sideloading, affecting users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Apps from unverified developers are automatically blocked on certified Android devices with Google Play Services. This change is part of a global rollout expected in 2027. Users can still install apps from recognized app stores like Google Play Store, HONOR App Market, and others, but third-party developers not registered with Google’s Android Developer Verification Program face restrictions. To circumvent these restrictions, users can: 1. Rely on established app stores. 2. Use Google’s Advanced Flow, which involves enabling Developer Options, confirming choices, and waiting a mandatory 24-hour period before installation. 3. Utilize ADB for installation without waiting periods. 4. Use Shizuku for on-device wireless debugging. 5. Root their devices to bypass restrictions entirely. Apps installed before the new rules will remain functional but cannot be updated without following the new procedures. Developer Options do not need to remain enabled after completing the Advanced Flow. If the process is not completed after the waiting period, users must restart it. Uninstalling the Android Developer Verifier app while using Shizuku may not affect the waiting period. Users in regions not yet impacted by these changes do not need to take immediate action.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Google Play Cuts Game Fee to 15%, Day-One Rule [2026]

Starting September 30, 2026, Google will implement changes to the Android game distribution economics through the Google Play Games Level Up program, reducing the commission on game revenue exceeding million annually from 20% to 15%. Developers must launch their games on Android simultaneously with other platforms to qualify for this discount; otherwise, they will be ineligible for six months. The new fee structure includes a baseline rate cut to 10% on the first million and 20% on earnings above that, while the Level Up program allows qualifying titles to pay 15% on revenue beyond the first million. The rollout of the Level Up program will begin in Australia, the European Economic Area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States on September 30, 2026, followed by South Korea on December 31, 2026, and the rest of the world on September 30, 2027. If a game launches on a non-Android platform first, it will face a six-month waiting period before qualifying for Level Up pricing. Existing games launched before September 30, 2026, are exempt from this penalty.