Enthusiasts ported the iOS exclusive game Cult of the Lamb to Android, using the original version as a base. The port works well on various smartphones, with stable 60 FPS reported even on older devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.
DroidDeck is a project that allows users to run a real Steam client on their Android device, enabling them to access and play their existing Steam library without the need for a strong, low-latency network connection or a gaming PC. The latest version, 0.4.0, includes multi-storefront logins, four-controller local co-op support, and a KDE Plasma-style desktop interface. Users need to ensure their device meets specific hardware requirements, including having an Adreno GPU, sufficient RAM, and free storage space.
AV-Comparatives evaluated 20 consumer security products against 10,000 malware samples, focusing on the x47.c botnet, which emerged in October 2026 and is marketed by WraithTools. This botnet can steal sensitive information and turn infected devices into proxies for cybercriminals. Research indicates it can extract passwords, cookies, and data from AI service accounts. The U.S. Department of Justice noted the risk to freelancers and small businesses from such threats. In its September 2026 Malware Protection Test, AV-Comparatives found that 15 out of 20 products reached the highest protection tier, with six receiving the ADVANCED+ award: Bitdefender, ESET, G DATA, Kaspersky, Total Defense, and VIPRE. The testing revealed a reliance on cloud-based detection, emphasizing the need for consistent internet connectivity for optimal protection.
ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and updated its NOD32 engine to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus solutions due to discrepancies between their current software and available offerings, with 84 percent of users making no changes in the previous year. Financial factors influence decisions, with 54 percent of third-party antivirus users opting for paid versions. ESET's new features include a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. The comparison of antivirus options highlights that the best choice depends on individual needs, with ESET's Ultimate tier offering ransomware backup. A comprehensive 13-step process is outlined for safely transitioning between antivirus solutions, emphasizing the importance of proper uninstallation and installation procedures to avoid conflicts and maintain protection.
Google has introduced new features to enhance user security on its Android platform during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, focusing on combating messaging and phone scams. The key feature is an enhanced protection mode for the Google Messages app, which includes Scam Detection using Private AI Compute to analyze message context and identify scammer intent through cloud-based Gemini models. This mode complements existing on-device detection and aims to uncover sophisticated scams while ensuring user data remains encrypted and secure.
Additionally, link protections have been upgraded with real-time web signals to assess unfamiliar links' trustworthiness, available on select devices such as Pixel 10+, Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8. Redesigned warnings will provide clearer context before users tap links from unknown numbers, previously limited to select countries or devices with Android Advanced Protection.
Google is also expanding its on-device Scam Detection to more brands beyond Pixel, including HONOR, Infinix, iQOO, itel, JOVI, Motorola, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, TECNO, vivo, and Xiaomi. For phone scams, automatic screen-share privacy will conceal sensitive information in native apps and extend to Chrome and WebView on devices running Android 15 and above. Google plans to block apps from enabling call forwarding in the background to prevent one-time passcode theft, with this feature rolling out in early December on Pixel and select other devices. Android will also proactively warn users if a scammer attempts to trick them into entering an MMI forwarding code.
Taps, swipes, and endless scrolling characterize the smartphone experience, often overwhelming users with notifications and personal data exposure. Innovative Android utilities are available to help users organize their digital environment and enhance privacy.
1. DBMB (Unknown Call Silencer): Silences unknown calls while keeping them logged. Operates offline for enhanced privacy and allows exceptions for trusted contacts in the Pro version.
2. Cork (Website/App Organizer): Creates a personalized, tile-based dashboard for frequently visited sites and essential applications. Users can customize tiles and pin them to the home screen for easy access.
3. Hidebox (Privacy Vault): Provides an encrypted vault for sensitive files, secured by PIN, fingerprint, or face-unlock. Features include a disguised app icon, a decoy vault, intruder selfies, and encrypted Google Drive backups.
4. Infinite Walls (Wallpaper App): Offers a vast catalog of curated 4K artwork and AI-generated wallpapers. Users can explore various categories and automate wallpaper changes with Pro features.
5. Floatkit (Floating Sidebar): Provides a floating sidebar for quick access to essential tools without leaving the current app. Includes features like global search, quick notes, and controls for volume and brightness.
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.
Developer Pugstorm is offering a free play weekend for its open-world survival game, Core Keeper, on Steam. The game, launched two years ago, allows solo or cooperative play with up to seven friends and features survival tasks like resource harvesting, crafting, and base building. Players can explore diverse biomes, level up skills, and engage in life simulation activities while combating legendary titans. The free play weekend ends at 6 PM BST on October 12, and players' progress will be saved if they decide to purchase the game afterward. Core Keeper is currently available at a 40% discount, priced at £9.59/$.99, down from £15.99/$.99, until October 22. The game has a 'Very Positive' review score of 94% on Steam.
Microsoft has launched a significant enhancement to its Windows App, now allowing general availability for remote PC connections on Windows. Users can access both physical and virtual Windows PCs, integrating resources from Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box into a single interface. The Windows App replaces the previous Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store and the standalone Remote Desktop client, while the traditional Remote Desktop Connection tool (mstsc.exe) remains supported. Users can connect to remote PCs by entering the computer's name or IP address, with options for display preferences and local resource redirection. All redirections are turned off by default for security, and connections can be saved and pinned to a Favorites list. Marvin Quinzon, Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, highlighted the importance of this update for users and organizations needing flexibility in cloud and traditional remote access scenarios.
MapQuest has launched a beta version for Android Auto, aiming to compete with Google Maps and Apple Maps. The company has retained the historical name of Lake Ontario, leading to a significant increase in app usage, with over 1.5 million downloads and activity rising to 50 times its usual rate. Users can install MapQuest by downloading it from Google Play, joining the beta program, and connecting their smartphone to their vehicle. Initial feedback indicates some inconsistencies, such as app crashes and delayed responses, but the app offers features like turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, route optimization, and voice search capability.