USB Archives

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Android TV Debloat Gets a Free tvOS-Style Makeover vibehack

A developer named Gathin has created tv-vibehack, a free and open-source tool for Android TV users that removes unwanted advertisements and preloaded applications. The tool operates over Wi-Fi and allows users to customize their home screens to resemble an Apple TV interface without rooting or physical connections. It can identify and debloat various TV models, such as Xiaomi, Redmi, TCL, Hisense, Sony, OnePlus, Realme, and Nvidia Shield, but does not support Samsung, LG, or Amazon Fire TV. The process takes about 15 minutes and includes a custom launcher with features like a sleek black background, a dock for favorite apps, and a drifting clock screensaver. Users must enable USB debugging and trust their computer to initiate the debloating process, which is facilitated by a coding assistant. While the tool does not root or permanently delete anything, users are advised to back up data and review documentation carefully, as disabling critical packages may disrupt essential features.

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

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

Android Auto can be used outside of your car: Here’s how

A spare tablet, a USB cable, and a small investment can turn a workspace or kitchen counter into a hub for Android Auto, allowing users to repurpose older devices. To set up Android Auto without a car, you need an Android phone running Android 11 or newer, a spare Android tablet or phone, and a data-capable USB cable. A receiver app, such as Open Headunit or Headunit Reloaded, must be installed on the secondary device. The setup involves connecting the tablet to the phone via USB, selecting Android Auto in the phone's USB options, and following prompts to grant permissions. Android Auto is designed for driving, simplifying interactions with larger controls and allowing voice commands for messages. It can manage smart home devices through Google Home but may not always function reliably. A spare tablet can be positioned conveniently for essential tasks, but trade-offs include limited app availability and the need for the primary phone to remain connected.

BetaBeacon

October 16, 2026

DroidDeck Setup: Play Steam Games on Android [2026]

DroidDeck is a project that allows users to run a real Steam client on their Android device, enabling them to access and play their existing Steam library without the need for a strong, low-latency network connection or a gaming PC. The latest version, 0.4.0, includes multi-storefront logins, four-controller local co-op support, and a KDE Plasma-style desktop interface. Users need to ensure their device meets specific hardware requirements, including having an Adreno GPU, sufficient RAM, and free storage space.

Winsage

October 16, 2026

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra review: RTX Spark in a straight-up beautiful Windows PC

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra features a sleek aluminum chassis available in "nightfall" and platinum colors, weighs 4.4 pounds, and includes a Mini-LED display with a resolution of 3270 x 2180. It is powered by an Nvidia RTX Spark N1X CPU with 20 cores and a GPU with 6,144 CUDA cores, accompanied by 32GB LPDDR5X-9400 memory and a 1TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, has a 1080p Surface Studio camera, and a 92 WHr battery. It measures 12.95 x 9.40 x 0.75 inches and is priced at ,699.99. The device runs Windows 11 Pro and has a battery life of approximately 10 hours and 43 minutes. It can run games like God of War: Ragnarok at 2560 x 1440 with ultra settings, achieving frame rates between 41 and 47 fps, but faces compatibility issues with some titles. The display brightness reaches 944 nits, surpassing competitors.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

InfoLens Reveals Minecraft Lantern Light and Metal Water Bottle

InfoLens has announced preorders for two new Minecraft-inspired products: a Lantern Light and a Metal Water Bottle with Handle. The Lantern Light is priced at 6,996 yen and will launch in late January 2027. It features a square frame, four lighting modes, a two-hour automatic shutoff timer, and is powered by batteries or USB Type-C. It has an IPX4 water-resistance rating and dimensions of approximately 13.7 × 13.7 × 26.2 cm. The Metal Water Bottle is priced at 4,400 yen and is set for release on November 19, 2026. It has a stainless-steel body with Minecraft imagery, a green handle for transport, and dimensions of approximately 7 × 23.5 cm. Users are advised not to use it in dishwashers, dish dryers, or microwaves.

Tech Optimizer

October 16, 2026

New Botnet Puts Home PCs at Risk: AV-Comparatives Publishes Malware Protection Test

AV-Comparatives evaluated 20 consumer security products against 10,000 malware samples, focusing on the x47.c botnet, which emerged in October 2026 and is marketed by WraithTools. This botnet can steal sensitive information and turn infected devices into proxies for cybercriminals. Research indicates it can extract passwords, cookies, and data from AI service accounts. The U.S. Department of Justice noted the risk to freelancers and small businesses from such threats. In its September 2026 Malware Protection Test, AV-Comparatives found that 15 out of 20 products reached the highest protection tier, with six receiving the ADVANCED+ award: Bitdefender, ESET, G DATA, Kaspersky, Total Defense, and VIPRE. The testing revealed a reliance on cloud-based detection, emphasizing the need for consistent internet connectivity for optimal protection.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Ledger Atom: Ledger’s $849 Android Security Device Ships 2027

Ledger has introduced the Ledger Atom, a hardware signer designed to run standard Android applications while ensuring robust security features. It operates on a dual-mode system, using Android Open Source Project software for everyday tasks and Ledger OS on a Common Criteria EAL6+ certified Secure Element for sensitive operations. The device features a secure chip, a dedicated screen, and a Privacy Switch to disable the camera and microphone. It is equipped with a 6.77-inch AMOLED display, a 50 MP rear camera, a 32 MP front camera, and connectivity options including 4G and 5G via eSIM. The Atom is a data-only device that does not support traditional voice calls or SMS. It is priced at 9 for the Founders Edition, with shipping expected in the second quarter of 2027.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Expert tips to speed up your Windows PC

A fast PC enhances productivity by allowing users to run complex software and multitask efficiently. The latest version of Windows, Windows 11 2024 Update Version 24H2, was launched in October 2024 and offers improved speed and usability compared to previous versions. To optimize a Windows PC's performance, users can take several steps: - Delete old files to free up space. - Remove unwanted startup programs through the Windows Settings app or Task Manager. - Update drivers via Device Manager to ensure optimal performance. - Pause OneDrive syncing to reduce RAM usage. - Use ReadyBoost with an external USB drive to increase memory storage. - Install antivirus software to detect and eliminate viruses. - Upgrade RAM for better performance under heavy usage. - Change power mode to "Best Performance" in settings. - Adjust Windows appearance by disabling visual effects. - Turn off unwanted notifications to minimize disruptions. - Uninstall unnecessary apps to free up resources. - Enable Game Mode for optimized gaming performance. - Restart the PC regularly to clear RAM and refresh resources. - Restore the PC to a previous setting if performance issues persist.