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AppWizard
October 5, 2026

Google says some Android apps need developer tuning on Intel Googlebooks

Google announced that certain complex Android applications and games require developer adjustments to work optimally on the Intel versions of its newly launched Googlebook laptops, which debuted in the UK, Ireland, France, and Germany. Three out of five models are equipped with Intel processors that use a translation layer for Android, while Dell and HP models utilize Arm chips for native Android operation. Google stated that only a small subset of apps need tuning, but did not specify which ones or the nature of the issues. The Googlebook laptops start at £999 and include models from Acer, ASUS, Lenovo (Intel-powered) and Dell, HP (Arm-based). The integration of Android apps is a key feature of the Googlebook, which runs Android natively, unlike Chromebooks. Google is working with developers, Intel, and Qualcomm to improve compatibility, but has not released a list of affected apps. The launch coincides with the winding down of ChromeOS, which will continue until 2034.
OM SDK sandbox cuts Android ad session start to 11 ms, IAB Tech Lab says
AppWizard
October 5, 2026

OM SDK sandbox cuts Android ad session start to 11 ms, IAB Tech Lab says

IAB Tech Lab has released version 1.6.10 of its Open Measurement SDK for Android, introducing the ability for verification scripts for native ads to run within Android's Jetpack JavaScriptEngine instead of the traditional WebView. This update, effective from October 1, 2026, allows for a significant reduction in verification check initiation time, with the sandbox environment taking approximately 11 milliseconds compared to 268 milliseconds in the WebView. Applications that do not implement this new feature will continue to function as before, and HTML-based ads are not included in this update. The JavaScriptEngine library allows JavaScript evaluation without a WebView, reducing resource consumption and enabling compatibility with background services. The adoption process for this feature involves updating to OM SDK Android 1.6.10 or later, integrating the androidx.javascriptengine dependency, and maintaining the sandbox throughout the app's lifecycle.
HP’s Googlebook 14 Looks Like an Android User’s Dream, But Check the Price
AppWizard
October 2, 2026

HP’s Googlebook 14 Looks Like an Android User’s Dream, But Check the Price

HP has introduced the Googlebook 14, a premium laptop designed to integrate seamlessly with Android phones, featuring phone-file access, app streaming, and a 2.8K OLED touchscreen powered by Snapdragon X Elite hardware. The laptop starts at ,199.99, with Google listing it at ,299 for a configuration with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It supports Android 17 or newer phones, allowing users to access phone files and applications directly from the laptop. The Googlebook 14 has a slim profile, vapor-chamber cooling, a 5MP infrared camera, and supports up to two UHD external displays. Battery life is claimed to be up to 19 hours, but testing methods vary. The laptop includes AI features like Magic Pointer and Rambler, but some features are limited by region and age. Eligible buyers receive 12 months of Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage, available in select countries.
This might be the most affordable Game Boy-style handheld running Android
BetaBeacon
September 29, 2026

This might be the most affordable Game Boy-style handheld running Android

AYANEO has launched the KONKR Pocket BLOCK handheld, featuring a Game Boy-style design and modest specifications. The device is priced at for the 2GB/32GB model and 9 for the 3GB/64GB variant, with promotional prices of and 9, respectively. The handheld is designed for emulation of retro games and includes a 3.33-inch 4:3 LCD screen, MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, 3,500mAh battery, Android 12, Bluetooth 5, microSD card slot, and Wi-Fi 5. It will start shipping at the end of October in Atoms White, Cube Purple, and Original Grey color options.
Windows 11 26H2 releases any day now, and here's who gets it and when
Winsage
September 28, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 releases any day now, and here’s who gets it and when

Windows 11 26H2 is expected to begin public rollout around the week of September 28 or early October. Microsoft has released evaluation ISOs for enterprise users to assess compatibility before broader deployment. The release of these ISOs indicates that the public rollout is imminent. Windows 11 26H2 is built on the same platform as versions 24H2 and 25H2, which allows for a smoother upgrade experience. Support for Windows 11 25H2 ends on October 12, 2027, and for 24H2 even sooner, prompting the introduction of 26H2 to provide users with a new support window. Windows 11 26H2 will be available as an optional feature update and will take about five minutes to install for users with up-to-date systems running 24H2 or 25H2. Eligibility for the update includes any PC currently running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. The rollout is expected to occur on a Tuesday, with potential dates of September 29 or October 6. Not all eligible PCs will receive the update simultaneously, and users can manually check for updates or download ISOs as needed.
Copilot+ PCs are fading away just as Microsoft doubles down on Copilot
Winsage
September 27, 2026

Copilot+ PCs are fading away just as Microsoft doubles down on Copilot

Microsoft has unveiled two new Surface PCs, the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch, which will not carry the Copilot+ branding. The redesigned Surface Mouse is set to launch later this month with a soft-touch finish and improved haptics. The decision to not label the new Surface devices as Copilot+ PCs reflects a shift in Microsoft's AI PC development strategy, influenced by feedback from manufacturers. Microsoft’s branding strategy has faced scrutiny due to the extensive use of the Copilot name across various products, leading to confusion among users. However, Microsoft clarified that the discontinuation of Copilot+ PCs does not indicate the end of the Copilot platform, which is set to evolve with significant enhancements.
Google researcher explains why Windows NT "puts Linux to shame," and imagines an alternate history where it won
Winsage
September 27, 2026

Google researcher explains why Windows NT “puts Linux to shame,” and imagines an alternate history where it won

Laurie Kirk, a Google researcher and former Microsoft reverse engineer, argues that the Windows NT kernel is superior to Linux in several aspects, particularly in its architecture for managing resources and access permissions. She emphasizes that her critique focuses on the system architecture rather than the user interface of Windows 11. Kirk raises concerns about Linux's suitability for AI agents due to its complex security model, while praising NT's object-based design and security framework. She speculates on an alternate history where Microsoft had created an "Open NT," allowing for customizable components, but acknowledges the challenges of maintaining forks in operating systems. Critics of NT highlight its performance and reliability issues, while Linux's open-source nature has contributed to its dominance in servers and cloud computing. Kirk suggests that future operating systems may need to balance the defined resource types of NT with the flexibility of Linux, especially as AI technology evolves.
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