stability Archives

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Android 17 Beta 4 arrives with post-quantum cryptography and new memory limits

On April 16, Google released Android 17 Beta 4, concluding its beta phase and focusing on app compatibility and platform stability. Developers must finalize updates for Android 17 to avoid delays when the stable version is released. Key behavioral changes for apps targeting Android 17 include: - Large-screen resizability restrictions, preventing apps from opting out of maintaining orientation, resizability, and aspect ratio constraints. - Expanded restrictions on dynamic code loading, requiring native files loaded via System.load() to be read-only. - Certificate Transparency is enabled by default. - Local network access is restricted by default, with a new ACCESSLOCALNETWORK permission for persistent access. - Stricter rules on background audio interactions, including playback and volume change APIs. Android 17 introduces per-app memory limits based on device RAM to target memory leaks and anomalies, with minimal impact expected on app sessions. Developers can check for memory limit impacts via ApplicationExitInfo and utilize profiling tools in Android Studio Panda. An on-device anomaly detection service monitors resource-intensive behaviors and provides profiling artifacts. Additionally, the Android Keystore now supports ML-DSA for quantum-safe signatures, allowing developers to generate keys and create signatures within secure hardware.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Microsoft plans major Start menu upgrades for Windows 11 with better customization and performance: Users will soon be able to resize it and toggle off entire areas of Start

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 Start menu to provide users with greater control over its appearance and functionality through the forthcoming WinUI 3 Start menu. The redesigned Start menu will retain a familiar look while introducing advanced customization features, allowing users to toggle sections on or off and choose between small or large layouts. These updates are part of a broader initiative, codenamed Windows K2, aimed at improving the Windows ecosystem by focusing on user experience and stability.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Android 17 hits a major milestone as Google releases its last ‘scheduled’ beta

Google has released Android 17 beta 4, the final beta version before the anticipated mid-2026 launch. This update, with build number CP21.260330.008, is available for Pixel devices from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 and focuses on stability rather than new features. A key addition is 'App memory limits' to manage RAM usage and improve performance, particularly for foldable phones and tablets. Developers are required to optimize apps for Android 17, ensuring compatibility with new features. The beta update is rolling out via the Android Beta Program, with stable Android 17 expected later this year. Users can sideload the update or manually flash the factory image if they haven't received it.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

This week’s Epic Games freebie comes from the Blasphemous team, and it’s an underrated strategy gem

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a game known for its chilling narrative and insanity mechanic. The Epic Games Store has introduced a new title called The Stone of Madness, developed by The Game Kitchen, set in an 18th-century Spanish monastery. Players control five distinct prisoners trying to escape while managing stealth and sanity. The game features real-time tactical gameplay, requiring players to navigate two escape plans with continuous time flow. Each character has unique skills, and maintaining sanity is crucial to avoid traumatic outbursts. The Stone of Madness is currently available for free on the Epic Games Store until April 23 at 8 am PST / 11 am EST / 4 pm BST / 5 pm CEST.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

I freed up over 1GB on my Galaxy S26 by deleting these 7 useless apps

Samsung's Galaxy S26 series features One UI 8.5, praised for customization and stability but criticized for pre-installed bloatware. Key apps include: - Samsung Shop: Uninstalling frees up 154MB. - Samsung TV Plus: Uninstalling frees up 67MB. - Global Goals: Uninstalling frees up 121MB. - Samsung Kids: Uninstalling frees up 35MB. - M365 Copilot: Uninstalling frees up 334MB. - OneDrive: Uninstalling frees up 169MB. - LinkedIn: Uninstalling frees up 159MB. Removing these seven apps can reclaim over 1GB of storage, and most are not essential for device functionality.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

This free app can get your Android phone to run PC games better than ever

Winlator v11.0 is a free Windows-on-Android emulator that allows Android devices to run Windows PC games locally without cloud streaming or subscription fees. The update features significant enhancements in GPU performance, particularly for Adreno 8-series GPUs, improving graphics and reducing crashes for demanding titles on devices with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite. It introduces an experimental OpenGL wrapper called Gladio to extend compatibility to MediaTek and Exynos chips with Mali GPUs. The update also includes Wine 10.10 and Box64 v0.4.0, which enhance the operation of Windows software on mobile processors, promising faster load times and improved stability for 64-bit applications. Initial user feedback indicates remarkable performance improvements over previous versions and other emulators.

BetaBeacon

April 15, 2026

This powerful PC game emulator for Android just got a big update

Winlator v11.0 update enhances Windows-on-Android emulation experience with improved hardware and software compatibility. The update includes Mesa Turnip drivers v26.1.0 for better Vulkan performance on Adreno 8-series GPUs, an experimental OpenGL wrapper called Gladio for MediaTek and Exynos chips, Wine 10.10 and Box64 v0.4.0 for improved stability, a new HUD mode for performance monitoring, Light/Dark theme engine, and enhanced input controls. The update is available for download on GitHub, aiming to make Windows-on-Android emulation more accessible and enjoyable for users.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Microsoft’s April Windows update fixes 165 flaws, one exploited zero-day

Microsoft has released its April 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, addressing a total of 165 vulnerabilities, including one zero-day exploit that has been actively targeted by malicious actors. The update aims to enhance security and improve overall system performance. Users are encouraged to promptly install the updates to mitigate risks associated with these vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Co-op pirate survival game Windrose: should you grab it in early access?

Windrose is a co-op pirate survival game that combines base-building, ship-to-ship combat, and open-world exploration. Players begin the game shipwrecked on a desolate island after an encounter with Blackbeard, where they gather resources, craft a base, repair their ship, and rescue their crew. Key features include: - Hunger and thirst mechanics, where food buffs attributes but does not cause death from starvation. - Weather effects present, but no negative impacts observed. - Health is managed through a single meter, with potions and bandages for healing. - Only online co-op is available; no PvP. - PvE interactions with animals, zombies, and enemy pirates. - Crafting system that pulls from nearby storage chests. - Base-building similar to Palworld's system. - Custom settings for health and damage adjustments. - Limited farming options currently available. - No NPC companions, but players can hire NPCs to assist at crafting stations. - Death results in dropping raw resources but retaining crafted items. - Crew members sing sea shanties during voyages. - Shared progress allows joining friends' games. Fishing is not yet implemented, but planned for future updates. The ship-to-ship combat is engaging, while melee combat can feel repetitive. Windrose is expected to remain in early access for one to three years, with about half of the planned content currently available. The game is priced reasonably, with a 10% discount at launch, but players should anticipate a wait for additional content. Performance is generally stable, though there are occasional slowdowns.

Tech Optimizer

April 14, 2026

Norton (durch Symantec Übernahme teilweise verknüpft, aber Marke liegt bei Gen Digital. Broadcom i

Norton, owned by Gen Digital, provides antivirus software, VPN services, and identity theft monitoring to protect users from cyber threats such as malware and phishing attacks. The company emphasizes subscription-based revenue through Norton 360, which bundles various security features, ensuring predictable cash flow. Norton competes with other antivirus brands like McAfee and Bitdefender, maintaining a strong market share in North America due to its established brand trust. The demand for cybersecurity tools is driven by rising cyber threats, including ransomware attacks and increased remote work, which necessitate robust online protection. Gen Digital is investing in AI-driven threat detection and expanding its offerings to address evolving security needs. However, Norton faces challenges from free alternatives, potential privacy concerns, and macroeconomic pressures that could affect consumer spending on security products.