reporting Archives

Winsage

October 6, 2026

Windows 11 update reduces RAM usage

Microsoft's Windows 11 26H2 update has led to a significant decrease in RAM usage, with users reporting reductions of up to 3GB on devices with 16GB of memory. The update includes performance enhancements such as improved RAM management through a feature called Low Latency Profile, which optimizes CPU task completion and allows for smoother operation of applications. Microsoft has not formally acknowledged the RAM reduction linked to this update.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Pixel 11 users are reporting Google Maps freezes and strange visual glitches in Android Auto

Users of Google's Pixel 11 series are experiencing significant issues with Google Maps while using Android Auto, including freezing, flickering, and graphical glitches. Reports describe "pixelated black static" appearing in place of the map, affecting both wired and wireless connections. Attempts to resolve the issue by uninstalling the app or clearing its cache have been ineffective. The root cause is unclear, and it is uncertain if Google is addressing the problem. Some users have found that keeping their device unlocked improves performance, while others report no issues. An earlier update to Google Play Services aimed to fix connection bugs, but feedback on its effectiveness has been mixed.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

The Simpsons Game Unofficial PC Port Released

The unofficial PC version of The Simpsons Game has been released nearly two decades after its original console launch in 2007. It is based on the Xbox 360 version and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. The game has been rebuilt for x86-64 architecture, allowing it to run without CPU emulation, and supports Direct3D 12 and Vulkan. Players can experience fluid gameplay at 60 FPS, with menus and loading screens capped at 30 FPS. The port includes adjustable render scales for improved graphics and supports both controllers and customizable keyboard and mouse controls. The launcher features a new theme, automatic settings saving, and improved user interface. Performance enhancements include a refined timer setting for audio issues, increased frame rates on the Steam Deck, and reduced video memory usage. The game is available for download, but players must provide their own Xbox 360 ISO. Additionally, there is a growing library of unofficial PC ports of console-exclusive games, including titles like Super Mario 64 and Crash Team Racing.

BetaBeacon

October 4, 2026

DroidDeck Brings SteamOS to Android Handhelds

DroidDeck is an open-source project that allows users to run Valve's Steam client in Big Picture mode on Adreno Android devices and play Windows games through Valve's ARM64 Proton.

Winsage

October 3, 2026

Microsoft to roll out age verification system on Windows 11

Microsoft is introducing the Windows Age API to enhance user experience on Windows 11 by verifying age brackets without requiring users to disclose their exact birth dates. The API will categorize users into age ranges: under 10, 10-12, 13-15, 16-17, or 18 and over, and will indicate whether age status is verified or self-reported. Alongside this, Microsoft is launching the Microsoft Age Verification (MAV) system, allowing users to verify their age once through their Microsoft account, reducing the risk of oversharing personal data. This initiative responds to regulatory scrutiny and stricter global child protection laws requiring platforms to verify user ages. In late 2025, a US court approved a settlement between Disney and the FTC over unauthorized data collection from children under 13, highlighting the need for age assurance technology. In February 2026, the FTC issued guidance supporting age verification technology, stating it would not enforce actions against services collecting personal data for age verification if the data is deleted after processing. The Windows Age API is currently available to Windows Insider users, with plans for broader release, while the MAV system has been rolled out in regions like Singapore, Brazil, and Australia.

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 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 2, 2026

The most profitable free-to-play games on consoles and PCs are gradually losing market share, study shows

Newzoo's study on free-to-play games in 2025 reveals that revenue from this segment is shifting, with the top five grossing titles' share of total console revenue decreasing from 79% in 2021 to 72% in 2025, and from 68% to 65% on PC. Players spent approximately 30 billion hours on free-to-play games in the previous year, a decline of 2.9% from 2021. Roblox's playtime has more than doubled to nearly 10 billion hours, increasing its share from 3.3% to 7.9%. While free-to-play playtime on PC has grown, console playtime has declined. The number of gacha games has increased from three in 2021 to 17 in 2025, leading to a 92% rise in playtime on PC. Newzoo's research covers 37 major markets, excluding China and India, focusing on revenue data from the USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.