switching Archives

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Google Gemini Brings Personal Intelligence to Android Auto for Smarter, More Personalized Driving

Google has introduced the Personal Intelligence feature integrated into Gemini for Android Auto, enhancing the driving experience by allowing drivers to access information, navigate, and manage tasks without using their phones. The rollout began on October 19, with further support for vehicles with Google built-in expected in the coming months. Gemini can connect to various Google services, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Maps, to provide tailored responses based on individual schedules and preferences. It can retrieve personal information, synthesize details from multiple sources, and offer intuitive navigation and recommendations. Users can manage their privacy settings and choose to disable the feature if desired.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel rolling out with 21 fixes

The Android 17 QPR3 preview is set to launch in March 2027, with Beta 2 now available for Google Pixel devices. This update resolves various issues, including: - Intermittent device crashes and reboots during normal usage. - Persistent text in the Internet Quick Settings tile when mobile data is active without Wi-Fi. - Media output dialog failing to recognize the monochrome system theme with external audio devices. - Misalignment of pin icons next to pinned apps in the share sheet. - Unexpected API lint and source compatibility check errors from internal PublishedApi declarations. - Unexpected device shutdowns during WhatsApp video calls. - Overlapping lock screen notifications with UI elements causing stuttering animations. - Cellular data, MMS, and hotspot services failing on Dish Network. - Screen recording freezing after screen rotation. - Abnormally small rendering of system UI, fonts, and apps regardless of display size settings. - Display turning black and unresponsive after ending a phone call. - Terminal app failing to launch the Linux development environment virtual machine post-installation. - Wi-Fi Aware errors when establishing data paths after network request release. - Paired watches ringing after an incoming call is answered. - Airbnb app failing to connect when sending messages. - Misalignment of Bluetooth subtitle in Quick Settings. - Unexpected closure of the app drawer when switching keyboard languages. - Bluetooth pairing failures due to connection timeouts. - VoLTE, VoNR, and Wi-Fi calling unavailable on the IT&E network. - High idle battery drain from motion sensors remaining active post Face Unlock or camera use. - Wi-Fi Calling unavailable on the OXIO network. Users can report issues via the Android Beta Feedback app or the Android Beta community on Reddit. System images for Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 are available for various Pixel devices, and interested users can join the Android Beta Program for an on-device OTA experience.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

How to optimize your Windows PC for excellent performance

Personal computers have improved in speed and performance due to advancements in hardware and software, but performance can still vary based on configurations and usage. The latest version of Windows may experience occasional lags even with high-end hardware. To optimize Windows PCs, users should ensure they have the latest updates installed, as these enhance performance and security. Regularly updating drivers and applications is also important. Freeing up disk space is crucial for optimal performance, as a cluttered hard drive can slow down the system. Users should monitor their disk space and delete unnecessary files. Malware can hinder performance, so running antivirus scans is essential if issues arise. Adjusting power settings to "Best Performance" can improve speed, particularly when the device is plugged in. Pausing OneDrive syncing can alleviate resource consumption during uploads. Upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly enhance performance, as SSDs offer faster boot times and application loading. Increasing RAM capacity allows for better handling of simultaneous processes. Disabling unnecessary startup programs can free up system resources, and adjusting Windows appearance settings can conserve RAM. Uninstalling unused applications can also improve performance. For gamers, enabling Game Mode prioritizes system resources for gaming. Regularly restarting the PC helps maintain optimal performance by closing background processes and refreshing memory.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and added automatic ransomware backup to its Ultimate plan. The NOD32 engine was updated 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 options due to discrepancies between current product names and older installations. A comprehensive 13-step guide has been developed to facilitate the transition to new antivirus software, addressing potential risks such as performance issues from running multiple engines, improper uninstallation, and loss of license keys. In 2026, ESET introduced features like a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus includes real-time anti-ransomware protection and machine-learning threat detection. Security.org's 2025 report indicated that 84% of users made no changes to their antivirus software over the past year, with many only reconsidering when faced with price increases or product discontinuations. The choice between paid and free antivirus solutions is significant, with 54% of third-party users paying for their software. ESET's Ultimate tier is the only one that includes ransomware backup features. Before switching antivirus products, users should ensure they are running compatible operating systems, have administrator access, document current and new antivirus version numbers, and have a stable internet connection. A PowerShell command can check the current antivirus status. Steps for migration include auditing current antivirus features, choosing a suitable replacement, exporting license keys, and using official removal tools to uninstall the old software. After installation, users should verify real-time protection is active and rebuild exclusions and scan schedules. Common pitfalls during migration include failing to uninstall the old antivirus completely, forgetting to disable tamper protection, and losing exclusion lists. For mobile devices, permissions from the old antivirus must be cleared to avoid conflicts. Advanced users managing multiple devices may benefit from staggering migrations and checking for known vulnerabilities in the antivirus products. A PowerShell script can be created to log the antivirus state before and after migration.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

I needed to see the new Windows 11 Photos app in action to fathom how fast it is — it’s like switching from dial-up to broadband

Microsoft's Photos app is undergoing a significant transformation, introducing a revamped Gallery, Editor, and Viewer. The new Editor is built using WinUI 3, enhancing usability and performance. It features advanced editing capabilities, including Relight, which allows users to add up to three light sources to photos. The app now supports editing and saving HEIC and WebP image formats and preserves the color and contrast of HDR photos during editing.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Android Auto ‘Work Account’ support would allow for easy switching in work vehicles

An unreleased version of Android Auto has revealed potential support for Work Accounts, which would allow users to connect their work vehicles without personal application clutter. The latest build, version 18.0.664204, includes a Quick Settings tile option for Work Accounts, indicating a forthcoming integration. When activated, this feature would display a briefcase icon over the app drawer to signify accessible work app versions. Although the test version is not fully operational, it suggests that Google may be preparing to roll out this feature for users who rely on Android Auto for work-related tasks. The timeline for the official rollout remains uncertain.

BetaBeacon

October 18, 2026

AYN Thor Setup Guide: 13 Steps, 90 Minutes [2026]

- AYN's Thor is a clamshell Android handheld with two AMOLED panels: a 6-inch top display and a 3.92-inch touchscreen on the bottom. - It comes in four configurations: Lite, Base, Pro, and Max, with varying specs including RAM, storage, and GPU. - Setup of the AYN Thor takes longer than expected as it does not come with bundled games, preinstalled emulators, or a third-party launcher. - The setup process includes steps such as unboxing and inspecting the model, charging fully before the first boot, updating firmware, configuring the dual-screen display, setting up the microSD card, installing RetroArch, Winlator, and Moonlight, mapping controls, calibrating sticks, setting up cloud and PC game streaming, optimizing battery and thermal behavior, organizing storage, launchers, and backups, and running a final full-system pass.

Winsage

October 18, 2026

Microsoft is actively rebuilding Windows 11 Search. What does it mean? Our deep‑dive answers every major question.

Microsoft is transforming the Windows Search feature in Windows 11 to improve speed, accuracy, and utility. The new experience will allow users to perform tasks directly from the Taskbar and will include file previews, enriched web results, and integration with Copilot. A preview is available through the Windows Insider Program, with more features expected later this year and deeper integration with the Start menu planned by 2027. The introduction of WinUI 3 will enhance performance and search accuracy. Users can perform actions like switching to Dark mode, enabling Bluetooth, adjusting volume levels, and arranging windows directly from the Search box. Future updates will include inline file previews and richer web results, with AI-generated responses for certain queries through Copilot integration. The new Windows Search experience is accessible to Insiders running specific builds and can be enabled manually if not visible after installing the latest preview build. It does not require a Copilot+ PC or an NPU, as it uses a small machine-learning model that operates locally. Currently, it cannot perform actions on connected phones, but a feature for sending text messages is in development. The redesigned interface will be smaller and include inline previews and richer file details, along with comprehensive web results. Filters will be introduced to refine search results by category. The rollout for Insiders began on October 7, 2026, with plans for richer search results and Copilot integration later this year, and the new Search experience is expected to be incorporated into the Start menu by 2027. A general availability date for all Windows 11 users has not been announced.

Winsage

October 18, 2026

His scanner wouldn’t work on Linux — so he let Claude study the Windows driver

Christian Schaller, an engineering director at Red Hat, faced challenges digitizing family negatives with a Plustek OpticFilm 8200i scanner due to Linux driver incompatibility. After pausing the project, he successfully scanned using a new strategy and launched an open-source initiative called hw-harness to help developers tackle hardware lacking Linux support. Schaller reverse-engineered the scanner driver by analyzing USB traffic and comparing it with data from a Windows environment. His driver outperformed the upstream version in speed and included features like infrared dust removal and various scanning capabilities. He also developed an application named Negative Vibes for image processing. Additionally, Schaller improved the camera on his Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon by addressing issues in the Linux kernel and libcamera, resulting in significant enhancements in image brightness and color accuracy. His hw-harness project is available on GitHub, providing tools for driver development and analysis.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

BlueStacks vs LDPlayer vs GameLoop: Android Emulator 2026

In October 2026, the leading Android emulators for PC gaming are BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and GameLoop, known for their active updates and tailored gaming experiences. LDPlayer 14 is the only emulator operating on Android 14, while BlueStacks 5.22 supports Android 9 and offers an optional Android 13 beta. GameLoop has not updated its Android base in over a year but remains relevant due to its connection with Tencent. The latest confirmed builds as of mid-October 2026 are: - BlueStacks: 5.22 (released on Oct 13, 2026) - LDPlayer: 14 (released in Sept 2026) - GameLoop: Last verifiable release on Oct 24, 2025 Frame-rate ceilings for each emulator are: - BlueStacks: Up to 240 FPS - LDPlayer: Up to 240 FPS - GameLoop: 120 to 144 FPS BlueStacks is noted for its broad game support and extensive feature set, while LDPlayer offers significant performance improvements with its modern Android base. GameLoop is optimized for specific titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile but has raised concerns about its long-term viability due to a lack of updates. All emulators are free to download and ad-supported, with MEmu being the only one with a clearly defined premium subscription model. Most require CPU-level virtualization for optimal performance. Different emulators cater to various player profiles, such as competitive players, high-refresh-rate enthusiasts, and multi-account managers.