shutting down Archives

BetaBeacon

October 12, 2026

DroidDeck Runs Steam Games on Android Phones Without a PC

DroidDeck differs from Steam Link, GameNative, and Winlator by running games on the phone itself, using FEX to translate x86 PC code for ARM-based Snapdragon chips. DroidDeck also supports GOG, Epic Games, and Amazon Games, installs a Linux desktop mode, Linux apps, emulators, Decky plugins, and LSFG frame generation. DroidDeck is compatible with phones with Adreno 730 or newer GPUs, excluding most Google and Samsung models. To set up DroidDeck, download the APK, install the Linux runtime, adjust developer options, and sign in to Steam.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Halifax banking app starts shutting down: What you need to do

The Halifax app will begin its phased closure on October 5, 2023, as part of Lloyds Banking Group's decision to retire the Halifax brand, with complete discontinuation by October 31. Customers are encouraged to transition to the Lloyds app for online banking. They will retain their account numbers and sort codes during the transition, ensuring no loss of funds. Notifications about the changes will be communicated via various channels. The Halifax brand has a history dating back to 1853 and will be fully rebranded by 2027, with no job cuts planned as part of this transformation.

BetaBeacon

September 30, 2026

Take-Two Sends Cease-and-Desist to GTA 5 Switch Port Modder, Android Version Canceled

Paralympics Productions, known for creating a GTA 5 port for the Nintendo Switch, is shutting down after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Take-Two Interactive. The project lead, M0jso, has canceled all ongoing projects, including an Android port. The source code will not be released to avoid legal issues. The shutdown coincides with Rockstar's updated mod guidelines, which prohibit modifying games for unofficial platforms. Android users will need to use compatibility tools or streaming services to access GTA 5.

Winsage

September 18, 2026

Microsoft explains why restarting Windows can shut it down more completely than actually shutting it down

The Fast Startup feature in Windows, enabled by default, allows the kernel session to remain hibernated during shutdown, which results in quicker boot times by restoring a saved state. In contrast, selecting Restart clears the kernel session entirely, performing a complete boot of Windows. The process of shutting down with Fast Startup involves closing applications, logging off, keeping the kernel loaded in memory, saving the kernel and drivers to hiberfil.sys, and powering off, while Restart closes applications, logs off, ends the kernel session, and reboots immediately without saving a kernel snapshot. Fast Startup can lead to persistent issues from previous sessions, making Restart a better option for troubleshooting. To perform a full shutdown bypassing Fast Startup, users can execute the command "shutdown /s /t 0." Microsoft advises against permanently disabling Fast Startup, as it enhances shutdown-to-boot transitions.

AppWizard

September 10, 2026

How to Delete Your Digital Footprint From the Internet: A Complete Guide

Android privacy tools allow users to control camera access, microphone use, location permissions, and app activity, but they only protect information managed on the device or connected services. A digital footprint extends beyond the device, with personal information remaining accessible through search results, social media profiles, and data broker listings even after permissions are changed. To manage this footprint, users should identify publicly visible information, review old accounts, and delete unnecessary records. Simply deleting an Android app does not erase the associated account, which may retain personal data. Users should actively close unused online accounts to maintain digital hygiene. Data brokers publish personal information that cannot be removed through Android privacy settings, requiring users to follow an opt-out process to remove their data. While Android privacy settings are important, they do not eliminate external records. Data breaches require vigilance, including changing compromised credentials and monitoring for suspicious activity. Removing the source of information is more effective than just eliminating search results, and legal rights may exist in some regions for personal data removal. Completely erasing a digital footprint is rarely feasible due to public records and the persistence of past posts. The goal should be to minimize irrelevant content while retaining useful accounts. Users should begin by deleting information they control, then address data brokers and public profiles.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Samsung is shutting down a couple of apps; vows to return new and improved

Samsung is phasing out its Quick Measure and AR Doodle applications, with a shutdown date set for December 31, 2026. After this date, Quick Measure will not be available for new downloads or updates, although existing users can still use it, albeit with potential feature limitations. The AR Doodle app will also cease operations on the same date. Samsung previously discontinued its Messages app in July, replacing it with Google Messages. Notifications about the app closures were highlighted by social media user Tarun Vats. Samsung has indicated a commitment to enhancing user experience and may reintroduce these applications with improved services in the future. Quick Measure was designed to monitor heart rates without navigating the full Samsung Health app and was first introduced in 2021. The future of these applications remains uncertain, with potential for reinvention or integration into existing platforms.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Samsung is shutting down two apps it used to brag about

Samsung will discontinue its augmented reality applications, AR Doodle and Quick Measure, on December 31, 2026. After this date, users will no longer be able to download these apps, which are already unsupported on certain devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The applications will not be supported in future versions of Samsung's One UI, starting with the anticipated stable release of One UI 9. Users can still download and use the apps until the end of the year, but their functionality may be limited due to the lack of future support.

Winsage

September 5, 2026

Windows 11 blocked you from shutting down PCs quickly, but now you can skip forced updates

Microsoft has updated the Power menu in Windows 11, separating the Shut down and Restart buttons from the update process. Users can now shut down their PCs without interruptions from pending updates. The update introduces four options: Shut down, Restart, Update and shut down, and Update and restart. This change aims to provide a more user-friendly experience by allowing direct shutdown or restart actions without automatic update installations. Additionally, Microsoft has minimized forced restarts due to updates, requiring users to restart their PCs only once a month, and introduced an option to pause updates for an extended period. The August 27 optional update also improved sleep behavior during updates, ensuring that manually put-to-sleep PCs return to sleep after completing an update.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Enjoy the Windows 10 Update Experience at London’s O2

Windows 10 currently holds approximately 30 percent of the market share, while Windows 11 has captured just under 70 percent. Despite reaching the end of its support lifecycle last year, Windows 10 continues to receive security updates through Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which is available for consumers until 2027 and offers commercial users up to three additional years for a fee.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Windows 11 Will Now Let Android Smartphone Users Shutdown Or Restart Their Systems Remotely Using The Native Phone Link App

Microsoft's Phone Link app for Windows 11 is set to introduce a feature allowing Android users to remotely shut down or restart their Windows 11 machines. Code findings indicate the presence of a "RemoteControlManager" component, along with labels confirming functionalities for initiating a "Restart" or "Shut down" from smartphones. Additional features may include the ability to perform updates remotely. A sleep feature is also in development, but it will prevent users from restarting or shutting down their devices until they unlock their computers. There is currently no official timeline for the rollout of these updates.