user profiles Archives

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Android Automotive will let you PIN-lock apps to keep them private from passengers

Google is introducing a native App Lock feature for its Android Automotive operating system, allowing users to secure specific applications with a unique PIN, separate from the primary profile lock. This feature, called sensitive app protection, addresses privacy concerns in shared vehicle environments by enabling users to lock third-party apps like Chrome or WhatsApp. The App Lock feature will be accessible under Settings > Privacy and requires users to create a 4-to-16-digit PIN. If forgotten, the PIN can be reset by signing into the associated Google Account, potentially requiring the deletion of locked apps or their data. Essential system tools will remain accessible, and the feature's implementation will depend on individual automakers. Google is also developing a similar App Lock for Android phones, set to be released as a public API in the upcoming Android 17 update.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Android Automotive Adds PIN Lock for Apps

Google is enhancing its Android Automotive platform with a feature called Sensitive App Protection, which allows drivers to secure individual applications with a PIN lock. This feature ensures that sensitive information remains confidential in shared vehicle environments by enabling drivers to restrict access to specific apps while allowing passengers to manage entertainment options. Users can set a unique 4- to 16-digit code for app locks, and recovery is possible via a linked Google Account, although it may involve deleting the locked apps or their data. Most apps from the Play Store can be locked, except for certain system apps like Assistant, Maps, and Settings, which remain accessible. The feature is being rolled out as an unbundled system app, meaning automakers must choose to integrate it, and it will be available through over-the-air updates for vehicles equipped with Google services from various manufacturers. Automakers are expected to restrict PIN entry while the vehicle is in motion for safety reasons.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Pixel Users Will Get Native App Lock With Android 17

Google is developing a system-level App Lock feature for Android 17, allowing Pixel users to secure individual applications with biometrics or a PIN. Recent Android Canary builds reveal a new API for integrating this feature into the default home screen launcher. This built-in App Lock aims to enhance user privacy by providing a straightforward way to protect sensitive apps without relying on third-party solutions. The implementation will allow users to long-press an app icon to lock it, with authentication options through Android’s BiometricPrompt. The feature is currently in early stages, with flags governing it still disabled. Android 17 is expected to be the earliest release for this feature. Unlike Android's Private Space, which isolates apps in a separate profile, the App Lock will allow easier access to frequently used applications. A system-level App Lock would offer stronger protection than third-party app lockers and align Pixel devices with OEM skins that already provide similar functionalities. Key questions remain regarding notification management and enterprise scenarios as the feature approaches release.

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Tested: Why Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) rejects Microsoft account logins

Some users are experiencing issues with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) rejecting Microsoft Account (MSA) credentials, displaying an error message about invalid credentials. This problem can arise from various technical factors, including: - Credential validation failures due to issues with Microsoft server interactions. - Problems with secure channel negotiation during the authentication process. - Time synchronization or DNS resolution issues affecting credential verification. - Misconfigured credential policies that block MSA logins over RDP. - Network-Level Authentication requirements that may hinder access if the MSA does not meet security standards like two-factor authentication. - Account restrictions or conditional access policies that impose specific compliance requirements. - Corruption of the user profile associated with the MSA. - Software conflicts or updates, particularly with recent Cumulative Updates or third-party security tools. To address MSA authentication failures, creating a local administrator account on the target machine can serve as a workaround for RDP access. Some users have noted that while most PCs function well with an MSA, certain systems require a local account for successful connections, particularly on Windows versions 24H2 and 25H2 within Insider Preview builds.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

Accelerating our Android apps with Baseline Profiles

Meta has integrated Android’s Baseline Profiles into its applications, resulting in performance enhancements of up to 40% across critical metrics. The Baseline Profiles, created from user data, allow developers to optimize app performance by controlling which classes and methods are included for install-time optimizations. Meta has established a robust infrastructure for profile-guided compiler and runtime optimizations, focusing on improving cold start performance and user interactions. The implementation of Baseline Profiles has led to significant improvements in app startup times, scrolling performance, and navigation latency.

AppWizard

September 23, 2025

Google’s app that lets you play Android games on PC just hit a huge milestone

Google Play Games on PC transitioned from beta to general availability on September 23, 2023, after being in beta since January 2022. The platform is now accessible in 130 countries and offers over 200,000 titles, including popular games like Subnautica and Enter the Gungeon. All Android games available in the Play Store can now be played on PC, expanding the selection for users. Enhancements include a streamlined method for tracking gaming statistics and achievements, as well as new Gen AI avatars for user profiles.

BetaBeacon

September 2, 2025

Google Play Games is about to show people what you play

Google is rolling out a new update for its Play Games service on Android devices, showcasing game progress, stats, and achievements to other players to enhance the social gaming experience.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Gemini app’s ‘personal context’ uses your old chats for future, personalized answers

Google has updated its Gemini app to include a "personal context" feature that enhances user interaction by utilizing insights from past conversations to tailor responses. Users can enable or disable this feature for a personalized experience. Additionally, Google has introduced Temporary Chats and revised Gemini Apps Activity settings to improve user privacy. The app can remember details about users, such as preferences and dietary restrictions, streamlining future interactions. This update builds on the previous "Saved Info" feature, allowing Gemini to autonomously retain key user profile aspects. In July, Google also launched "Gemini Drops," expanding the AI model's reach to WearOS devices.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Windows 10’s forced updates: A history of disastrous consequences

The transition to Windows 10 marked the end of Windows 7 and was initially celebrated by Microsoft, but users soon faced numerous problems due to mandatory updates. Issues included boot loops, the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and data loss, leading Microsoft to delay a major feature upgrade by over six months. In August 2015, a major update caused widespread reboot loops due to corrupted user profiles, requiring complex fixes. The October 2018 update infamously deleted user files and introduced various bugs, taking nearly six months for Microsoft to resolve. In March 2020, another update caused boot hangs and BSODs, prompting many users to uninstall it. In May 2023, a security update bricked PCs and caused connectivity issues. The October 2020 updates led to installation errors, system slowdowns, and compatibility problems. In October 2021, Windows 10 users were encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, facing hardware compatibility issues. The forced updates have resulted in significant user dissatisfaction, though the option to pause updates has provided some relief.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Microsoft begins testing sharing your desktop with Copilot on Windows 11 — allows AI to view and chat about what’s on your screen

Microsoft is testing a new feature for Copilot on Windows 11 that allows users to share their entire desktop with the AI assistant, enhancing interaction by enabling Copilot to observe multiple applications simultaneously. This feature builds on the earlier capability of sharing individual applications and aims to provide insights, guidance, and support for various tasks. Copilot can highlight areas of the screen needing attention and offer step-by-step assistance, although it cannot manipulate the desktop directly. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced Copilot Memory for personalized user profiles and teased a customizable persona feature. The desktop sharing capability is currently being tested across all Windows 11 Insider Preview channels and is limited to users in the United States.