Reddit Archives

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Gemini for Android Auto is just giving up on answers for some drivers

The introduction of Gemini for Android Auto has faced significant challenges since its launch, with users reporting issues such as commands failing to execute and the system pausing without providing answers. A video shared on Reddit highlighted this behavior, which does not appear to be related to signal strength or question complexity. The problem has been observed across various device brands, including Google’s Pixel, Samsung, and Motorola, with no acknowledgment from Google regarding the complaints.

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.

Winsage

October 2, 2026

How to watch Microsoft’s Windows and Surface event

Microsoft will host a Windows and Surface event on October 7, 2026, which will be live-streamed on YouTube. The event is expected to feature the Surface Laptop Ultra and NVIDIA RTX Spark, with possible appearances of the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box. Key figures such as CEO Satya Nadella, Surface Chief Pavan Davuluri, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang will attend. There is anticipation for future updates or changes to Windows 11 and hardware offerings. Recent polling shows strong interest in the Surface Laptop Ultra among readers from Windows Central.

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.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Microsoft to drop support for Snapdragon 850 powered PCs with the next version of Windows

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2 will be the last version to support devices with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 850 processors. The Snapdragon 850, introduced in 2018, was the first chip specifically designed for Windows. While devices with the Snapdragon 850 can still install the current update, they will not be eligible for the upcoming version 27H2. Windows 11 version 26H2 will receive support for 24 months, after which devices using the Snapdragon 850 will no longer have official support, posing potential security risks.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft Surface lead explains why there are no AMD Surface PCs: “We have to make our choices pretty wisely”

By 2026, Microsoft plans to release a new lineup of Surface PCs featuring processors from Intel, Snapdragon, and NVIDIA, but not AMD. AMD was previously included in the Surface lineup starting with the Surface Laptop 3 in 2019, which offered both Intel and AMD options until the Surface Laptop 5. There are rumors of an AMD-powered Surface device using the Arm-based Sound Wave chip, which was expected to debut this year but has not yet appeared. Microsoft cites a constrained portfolio as the reason for AMD's absence from current Surface PCs.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

The Copilot+ PC brand is dead — here’s how to reclaim and remap the Copilot key

Microsoft has shifted its branding strategy by discontinuing the Copilot+ designation for the newly launched Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch models, despite these models technically qualifying for the label. This change has caused confusion among consumers who purchased Copilot+ PCs to access the latest laptop iterations. Users with the Copilot experience are questioning the functionality of the Copilot key, which may feel redundant. Non-Copilot+ PCs and keyboards still feature a Copilot key, leading to user frustrations regarding branding inconsistencies. To address this, users can cover the Copilot key with stickers, with options available for black or white keyboards being easier to find than for gray or vibrant Type Covers.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 11 version 26H2, calls it a “predictable and low-disruption update” with no compatibility concerns

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 2026 Update, officially known as version 26H2. This update serves to refresh support timelines and introduces enhancements based on previous versions 25H2 and 24H2. While it does not include entirely new features, it improves existing functionalities such as the Start menu and File Explorer. Version 26H2 is categorized as an enablement package update, activating features already present in the operating system from prior updates. The update process is quick, typically requiring just a few minutes for download and installation, minimizing compatibility issues and potential bugs.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1 rolling out, including for Pixel 11

Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1 for the Pixel 11 series, which includes two builds: CP41.260831.011 for the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold, and CP41.260831.007.A3 for other compatible devices. Users of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold may need to re-enroll in Face Unlock. System images for this beta are available for various devices, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Tablet, and the entire Pixel 11 lineup. Users can provide feedback through the Android Beta Feedback app and participate in discussions on the Android Beta community on Reddit.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

This app turns Motorola’s locked-down AI key into a button you’ll actually use

Motorola is enhancing the Android experience with a cleaner software interface and extended support timelines. The dedicated AI key on select Motorola devices has limited functionality, traditionally controlled by Motorola. The MotoKey Plus app allows users to customize the AI key, making it a programmable shortcut button for various actions, including launching the flashlight, taking screenshots, controlling media playback, accessing notifications, and launching apps. Users can adjust the responsiveness of the AI key by changing double-tap timing and hold thresholds. Feedback from early adopters has been positive, though some have faced issues with the mute function. MotoKey Plus is currently available only through sideloading and is not open source, but a Google Play release is planned. The current version on GitHub is 1.1.1, while the Telegram channel has version 1.1.7 with fixes for press-and-hold behavior.