Google has expanded its Android Auto offerings with the beta version 17.0, followed by the stable version released in late June and early July. Updates have included versions 17.2 and 17.6, with version 17.7 being the latest stable version as of late September 2026. A beta version 17.8 is anticipated. Users can sideload the app for early access, though it carries risks. Android Auto 17 introduced features like Gemini AI integration, a new widgets system, a refreshed Material 3 interface, and Immersive Navigation, which provides a 3D view of surroundings. It also supports 60 FPS FHD video playback for select vehicles and can switch video playback to audio-only mode when the vehicle is in motion.
Microsoft introduced a new theme for its New Outlook that resembles Outlook Classic, responding to user preferences for a familiar interface. In August 2026, an optional setting was rolled out for New Outlook on Windows 11 and Windows 10, allowing users to enable a “classic Outlook style” through Settings > General > Appearance. This feature alters the interface to echo Outlook Classic while functioning as a web app. Key redesigns include a dark background title bar, updated navigation bar, and a new Calendar view. The mail folder list has been made more compact, and the ribbon has been updated with familiar design elements. Despite these changes, users still express a desire for a native Outlook app, as the current version operates as a resource-intensive Edge instance.
Google is experimenting with a new biometric verification feature for password autofill in Chrome on Android devices, which may require users to authenticate their identity through fingerprint scans, facial recognition, or other methods before accessing saved passwords. This initiative aims to enhance security by preventing unauthorized access to stored passwords, even if a device is unlocked. The feature has resurfaced in the latest Chrome Canary build after a previous attempt was shelved over a year ago. Users will need to authenticate themselves before Chrome releases a saved credential, similar to existing biometric methods for password autofill on Apple devices. The feature is currently in the experimental phase with no official release timeline announced.
Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1, with a stable release expected in March 2027. The beta includes a new Notes Quick Settings Tile for the Pixel 11 series, while the previous Notes lockscreen shortcut and homescreen widget remain exclusive to Pixel 11 devices. Changes to the status bar include a bolder VPN icon and enlarged Bluetooth and Airplane Mode icons. The Gemini Intelligence boot animation is now available on the Pixel 10 series. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues such as audio output device switching, app crashes, excessive spacing in application icons, NFC service crashes, device freezes with fingerprint unlock, and Wi-Fi connectivity problems.
Amazon's early fall Prime Day deals coincide with discounted offers on popular apps and games in the Google Play Store, including ISLANDERS: Mobile, Cell Clone Wars: Pro, Minabo: A Walk Through Life, Unreal Life, Planescape: Torment: Enhanced, Kero Blaster, and Newtro Boxing. Additionally, the Airfly Drive wireless Android Auto adapter from Twelve South is available, and the 45mm Pixel Watch 5 is discounted by 8.
An enthusiast known as SupraGSX has introduced an unofficial graphics driver, Forceware 382.69, which supports NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series graphics cards on the 32-bit Windows XP operating system. This driver was created by reverse porting code from the official NVIDIA 368.81 package and enhanced with artificial intelligence tools. It is available on GitHub and allows for hardware acceleration, recognition of Pascal GPUs, and supports DisplayPort HBR3 and HDMI 2.0 standards. The driver is compatible with desktop models from GeForce GTX 1050 to GTX 1080 Ti and TITAN X, but does not support the GeForce GT 1030 or mobile graphics accelerators due to technical limitations. This development is significant as NVIDIA has not released official drivers for Pascal architecture on Windows XP, which previously only supported the Maxwell-based GeForce 900 series.
Microsoft will host a Windows and Surface event on October 7, 2026, which will be live-streamed on YouTube. The event is expected to feature the Surface Laptop Ultra and NVIDIA RTX Spark, with possible appearances of the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box. Key figures such as CEO Satya Nadella, Surface Chief Pavan Davuluri, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang will attend. There is anticipation for future updates or changes to Windows 11 and hardware offerings. Recent polling shows strong interest in the Surface Laptop Ultra among readers from Windows Central.
Phone upgrades often lead to replacing devices every couple of years, but old phones still hold value. Users typically choose to deal with their old phones in the following ways: 26% sell or trade it in, 26% hand it down to family or friends, 42% turn it into a dedicated gadget, and 5% let it sit in a drawer.
Old phones can be kept as second devices for personal and work separation, used as an Android Auto display, or serve as a backup phone for emergencies. They can also be repurposed into gadgets like dash cams, security cameras, music players, e-readers, universal remotes, or PC companions. Additionally, they can replace webcams, act as second screens, or provide portable storage.
If repurposing isn’t appealing, selling the phone is a practical option, with a strong market for used phones on platforms like SellCell, Swappa, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Trading it in may yield better benefits, especially with retailer promotions, and donating it to charity is another option.
Samsung will close the Sound app on March 31, 2027, and is encouraging users to transition to SmartThings, where the app's functionalities will be integrated. This follows the closure of several other apps in 2026, including Messages, Quick Measure, and AR Doodle. Samsung aims to streamline its offerings and enhance user experience through this consolidation.
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