Category: Software

  • New WhatsApp Beta Unveils Major Interface Redesign and Status Feature

    New WhatsApp Beta Unveils Major Interface Redesign and Status Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. WhatsApp may soon display status updates directly in the “Chats” section instead of just the “Updates” tab.
    2. In the beta version 2.26.6.9, users can see recently updated contacts at the top of the “Chats” tab, making it look like they have new messages.
    3. A swipeable status bar is available while scrolling through chats, but updates from muted contacts are not shown.
    4. Critics express concerns that this change could make WhatsApp feel less organized, resembling social media platforms.
    5. The new feature may align with Meta’s monetization plans, as the status section is seen as a potential area for advertisements.

    As per WABetaInfo’s report on February 14, 2026, WhatsApp might be changing how status updates are displayed. Instead of being confined to the “Updates” tab, these updates could soon be visible right in the “Chats” section. Right now, when a user has a new status, they see a green ring around the contact’s profile picture. To check out the update, they can either tap the profile picture or go to the “Updates” tab, which gathers all recent updates in one convenient spot.

    New Features in Beta

    In the current WhatsApp beta version 2.26.6.9, contacts who have recently updated their status show up at the top of the “Chats” tab, making it appear as though they’ve sent a new message. Their profile images are still highlighted. While scrolling through chats, users can see a swipeable status bar. However, it’s important to note that status updates from muted contacts are not displayed here. This feature has only been observed in the Android beta version and has yet to be verified for iOS.

    Concerns About User Experience

    Some critics are cautioning that this new approach could make WhatsApp feel less organized and push it closer to a social media style. There are also theories suggesting that the more noticeable placement of status updates might align with Meta’s larger monetization plans. The status section is viewed as a potential area for advertisements, while the usual banner ads within the chat interface have not been allowed so far. Since this feature is still in testing, it’s uncertain whether it will be available in this format in the final version. An official launch has not been announced yet.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Windows 11 KB5077181 Update: Boot Loops, DHCP Errors, Sign-In Issues

    Windows 11 KB5077181 Update: Boot Loops, DHCP Errors, Sign-In Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday update on February 10, 2026, introduced Windows 11 KB5077181, updating 24H2 to Build 26100.7840 and 25H2 to Build 26200.7840, with no known issues reported by Microsoft.

    2. Despite Microsoft’s claims, users report problems such as a restart loop during installation and sign-in, with devices restarting over 15 times before users can log in.

    3. Some users experience sign-in failures related to the System Event Notification Service, encountering an error message without a clear explanation from Microsoft.

    4. Networking issues have surfaced post-update, including Wi-Fi connections failing with DHCP errors, leading to a “Connected but no internet” status, and some users unable to install the update due to specific error codes.

    5. The update coincides with Microsoft’s Secure Boot transition, which includes warnings about expiring certificates and potential compatibility issues with certain applications due to changes in Windows components.

    Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday update on February 10, 2026, introduces Windows 11 KB5077181, elevating 24H2 to Build 26100.7840 and 25H2 to Build 26200.7840. According to Microsoft’s official KB page, the company claims it is not aware of any issues with this release.

    Concerns with the Update

    However, numerous reports indicate that KB5077181 may cause problems in real-world use, often trading one issue for another. This is particularly concerning since Microsoft asserts that this February update is intended to fully fix the previous UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME boot failure bug, which was linked to failed updates in December 2025, with effects becoming apparent after the January 13, 2026 update or later.

    Restart Loop and Sign-In Issues

    A major complaint involves a restart loop that occurs during the later stages of installation or around the sign-in process. Third-party sources note that systems might enter “endless” restart cycles after applying KB5077181. Reports on Microsoft’s Q&A forum mention devices restarting more than 15 times before users are able to log in.

    For those who do reach the login screen, some users encounter a System Event Notification Service (SENS) error during sign-in which reads: “The System Event Notification Service service failed the sign-in. The specified procedure could not be found.” Currently, there is no clear public explanation from Microsoft, so it’s better to describe it as a post-update sign-in failure related to that specific service error, rather than a clear “DLL mismatch” issue.

    Networking Problems and Update Errors

    Other discussions highlight networking issues following the update. One report from Microsoft’s Q&A indicates that Wi-Fi connections fail with a DHCP error right after the KB5077181 restart, leading to a “Connected but no internet” status, which only resolves after uninstalling the update (until Windows Update reissues it).

    Some users are unable to receive the update at all, with error codes like 0x800f0983 and 0x800f0991 being reported. PCWorld specifically mentions these codes in their overview of the repercussions from KB5077181.

    Secure Boot Transition and Compatibility Alerts

    KB5077181 is also arriving amidst Microsoft’s larger Secure Boot transition. The company has cautioned that Secure Boot certificates from 2011 will start expiring in June 2026, and they are updating devices to 2023 certificates to prevent a compromised Secure Boot state.

    In a separate note, Wibu-Systems (CodeMeter) has issued a product alert indicating that KB5074105 and KB5077181 alter Windows components in ways that could render an AxProtector function-call obfuscation mechanism incompatible under specific protection setups, potentially leading to some protected applications failing to start or operate correctly.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • China Breaks Space-Ground Transmission Record at 120 Gbps

    China Breaks Space-Ground Transmission Record at 120 Gbps

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) achieved a satellite-to-ground laser communication speed of 120 Gbps, a significant milestone in data transmission from space.
    2. This accomplishment follows earlier successes of 10 Gbps in 2023 and 60 Gbps in 2025.
    3. The experiment used a self-designed laser ground station on the Pamir Plateau, communicating with the AIRSAT-02 satellite.
    4. The increase in transmission speed was achieved by reconfiguring software in orbit, without physical changes to the satellite.
    5. The new system demonstrates high stability and efficiency, compared to previous lower-speed standards.

    The Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has successfully carried out an operational application experiment that has surpassed the 100-gigabit-per-second (Gbps) mark for satellite-to-ground laser communication. They achieved a maximum transmission speed of 120 Gbps, marking a major advancement in the ability to transmit data quickly from space.

    Previous Achievements

    This success follows a series of rapid technological advancements by the AIR team, which previously achieved transmission speeds of 10 Gbps in 2023 and 60 Gbps in 2025. The latest experiment employed a self-designed laser ground station with a 500-millimeter aperture located on the Pamir Plateau in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. It communicated directly with the AIRSAT-02 satellite.

    Innovative Engineering

    The engineering team accomplished this milestone without making any physical changes to the AIRSAT-02 satellite. They effectively increased the transmission capacity from 60 Gbps to 120 Gbps solely by reconfiguring the software in orbit, thereby fully tapping into the capabilities of the current laser communication system.

    Stability and Efficiency

    Test data confirms the new system’s stability and efficiency. Li Yalin, a senior engineer at AIR and the technical lead for the project, pointed out the remarkable challenges involved in this progress. He likened the previous 10 Gbps standard to a basic single-lane bridge, while he described the 120 Gbps achievement as a sophisticated multi-lane highway that necessitates both quick construction and efficient parallel traffic management.

    Tags: , ,
  • Xiaomi Pauses HyperOS Rollout for Holiday Operations Shutdown

    Xiaomi Pauses HyperOS Rollout for Holiday Operations Shutdown

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi is close to finishing the HyperOS 3 rollout, with 95% of devices updated.
    2. The company will slow down operations for the Chinese Lunar New Year from February 17 to March 03, 2026.
    3. 20 new devices from the Redmi and Xiaomi lines have recently received the stable HyperOS 3 update.
    4. Xiaomi aims to complete the rollout of updates for all planned global devices by March 2026.
    5. New features for the Xiaomi 17 Pro phones, including a countdown and air gestures for Lunar New Year, are part of the latest HyperOS update.

    Xiaomi is nearing the completion of its HyperOS 3 rollout. As reported by XiaomiTime in early February 2026, 95% of the devices scheduled for the update have already received it. However, it appears that not all of the remaining devices will get the update before March 2026.

    Upcoming Holiday Break

    According to XiaomiTime, the company is preparing for a lengthy holiday period due to the Chinese Lunar New Year. The celebrations for this event will take place from February 17 to March 03, 2026. As a result, the company has reportedly began to slow down operations and will not release any significant HyperOS updates until after the holiday season.

    Recent Updates and Features

    Recently, 20 new devices from both the Redmi and Xiaomi lines have received the stable HyperOS 3 update. Despite this temporary pause, the company may still be on track to complete the rollout in time. The brand had previously assured that all planned global devices would be updated by March 2026.

    Even though there is a break in the update rollout, Xiaomi still has plenty of time to finish updating the remaining devices that qualify. In other news, to honor the Chinese Lunar New Year, Xiaomi has introduced new features for the Xiaomi 17 Pro phones (12/256GB Pro currently priced at $830.06 on TradingShenzhen). These features include a countdown for the New Year and air gestures that trigger firework animations. They are included in the HyperOS 3.0.44.0.WPCNXM update.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • OnePlus February 2026 OxygenOS Update: AI Eraser & Video Tools

    OnePlus February 2026 OxygenOS Update: AI Eraser & Video Tools

    Key Takeaways

    1. February 2026 System Update: OnePlus has rolled out a new system update (version B40P02) for a wide range of devices, expected to be fully available by March 5.

    2. Photos App Enhancements: The Photos app features improved gesture animations, optimized thumbnail loading, and a powerful video editor with new capabilities like cutting, splitting, and adding music.

    3. AI Tools Upgrades: AI Eraser and Remove reflections functions have been improved for cleaner results, while new features in the Collage tool and filters enhance photo management.

    4. Expanded AI Writer Features: The AI Writer now supports creating various types of content, including compositions and video scripts, on devices running OxygenOS 16.

    5. Private Safe Improvements: The Private Safe feature has been accelerated, allowing users to edit media directly without removal on devices with OxygenOS 14 and newer.

    New month means a new update for OxygenOS. After finishing the last set of eligible devices on OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16, OnePlus has rolled out a new system update for many of its smartphones. This update brings a lot of improvements to the Photos app, introduces new video editing tools, and enhances the features of AI Writer and AI Eraser.

    Update Details

    The February 2026 system update, labelled version B40P02 (BRB1EX01 for phones and BRB3EX01 for tablets), is already being distributed to OnePlus devices and should be fully available to all users by around March 5. This update is reaching a large selection of devices, including the newest OnePlus 15 series (currently $899 on Amazon), OnePlus 13 and 13R, OnePlus 12 series, OnePlus 11, and the entire Nord lineup, extending even to the Nord CE 2 and Nord CE 5G from 2021, along with OnePlus tablets and several older models that are running OxygenOS 13 and 14.

    Photos App Improvements

    The Photos app is getting the most significant updates. The gesture animations for swiping through images are now more fluid, and thumbnail loading has been optimized on devices with OxygenOS 16 for quicker access. The built-in video editor has become much more powerful, now allowing features like cutting, splitting, multi-clip stitching, adding music, text overlays, adjusting speed, and cropping. This effectively transforms the gallery app into a lightweight video editing tool.

    Enhancements in AI Tools

    AI-driven features have also seen big upgrades. For instance, AI Eraser now delivers cleaner results with less visible remnants in the areas that have been removed, while the Remove reflections function does a better job managing glare in photos of documents and portraits with glasses. There’s a new “Popout” option in the Collage tool that allows subjects to extend outside the frame for a more layered look. Additional filters for Motion Photos, screenshots, and edited media will help in organizing larger libraries, and Auto Straighten can now swiftly fix tilted buildings and portraits.

    On devices running OxygenOS 16, the AI Writer’s “Write anything” mode has been expanded to include compositions, proposals, job descriptions, and even video scripts. The Private Safe feature has also been sped up, now enabling users to edit media directly without needing to remove it first.

    Features Overview

    – OxygenOS 16

    – Photos:

    – AI Writer (Available only on OxygenOS 16 and select models):

    – Private Safe (Available only on OxygenOS 14 and newer):

    – System Updates

    Keep an eye on the OnePlus Community for more updates and information!

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Amazfit App Update Adds Features for More Smartwatch Users

    Amazfit App Update Adds Features for More Smartwatch Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zepp app version 10.0 is now available for Android users, previously exclusive to iOS.
    2. A new Badges section has been added, featuring awards for Personal Bests, Achievements, Challenges, and Masteries.
    3. The Badges feature is compatible with all Amazfit smartwatches, including the Balance 2.
    4. Enhancements to the Activities section aim to improve daily activity monitoring.
    5. The BioCharge algorithm has been improved, and the Device Page has been updated.

    Zepp app version 10.0 has been released for Amazfit smartwatch owners who use Android devices. This update, which became available in January 2026, was previously exclusive to iOS users at the Apple App Store.

    New Features for Android Users

    Now, Android users can download Zepp version 10.0 from the Google Play Store. One of the key new features in this version is the introduction of a Badges section, which is located in its own tab. This tab can be found in the app’s footer, positioned between ‘Workout’ and ‘Aura’. In the Badges section, users can explore a variety of exercise-related awards, organized into four different categories: Personal Bests, Achievements, Challenges, and Masteries. The Badges feature should work for Android users with all Amazfit smartwatches, including the Balance 2, which is currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon.

    Additional Improvements

    In addition to the new Badges feature, there are enhancements to the Activities section on the homepage, designed to better assist users in monitoring their daily activities. The BioCharge algorithm has reportedly been improved, although further details have not been disclosed, and the Device Page of the app has also been updated. Users can obtain the latest Zepp app version 10.0.7 from the Google Play Store.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Android 17 Beta 1 Release Delayed Indefinitely: What to Know

    Android 17 Beta 1 Release Delayed Indefinitely: What to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google is working on Android 17 beta 1, rumored to feature significant visual improvements.
    2. The beta version’s release date has shifted, leaving users uncertain about when testing will begin.
    3. A message on Reddit indicated the beta was expected soon, but Google has confirmed it will not be released on February 11.
    4. Users expressed skepticism about the launch due to the recent Android 16 QPR3 release and Google’s typical update schedule.
    5. Eligible Pixel device owners need to be patient, as no revised timeline for the Android OS release has been provided.

    Google has been working on Android 17 beta 1, which is rumored to include some significant visual improvements. On February 10, Google announced that the beta version was coming soon, but it seems the timeline has shifted. The exact release date for the operating system has not been provided, leaving users uncertain about when they can start testing it and the reason for the delay.

    Release Timing Updates

    According to a message on the official r/android_beta subreddit, the Android 17 beta 1 was expected to be released soon. Although the post didn’t specify a precise time, many anticipated it would be available around 1 PM EST on February 11. However, it appears that Google has encountered some issues. Android Authority has reported that a representative said the rollout will “actually be coming soon, not today.”

    Skepticism About the Launch

    Even with the original announcement, some users were doubtful about whether Android 17 beta 1 would actually come out today, considering how recent the Android 16 QPR3 release was. One user remarked that Google usually prefers to have a gap of about a week between updates. They suggested that a more realistic release date might be February 18, or possibly even February 23, as the company typically favors Mondays or Wednesdays for major updates.

    Those who own eligible Pixel devices will need to exercise a bit more patience for the upcoming Android OS. Since Google hasn’t provided a revised timeline, it’s difficult to determine how long they will have to wait.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • GitLab Urges Update for High-Risk Flaws in Repositories and Services

    GitLab Urges Update for High-Risk Flaws in Repositories and Services

    Key Takeaways

    1. GitLab has released patch updates (versions 18.8.4, 18.7.4, and 18.6.6) for high-severity security issues in its Community Edition (CE) and Enterprise Edition (EE) platforms.
    2. A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-7659) in GitLab’s Web IDE could allow unauthenticated attackers to capture access tokens and access private repositories.
    3. The updates fix multiple denial-of-service vulnerabilities, including CVE-2025-8099 and CVE-2026-0958, which could crash servers and drain system resources.
    4. Additional security fixes address cross-site scripting and injection vulnerabilities, along with medium and lower-severity flaws in Markdown processing and authorization.
    5. Upgrading to the latest version is crucial for security, and administrators should expect some downtime during the patch process, especially for single-node installations.

    GitLab has put out new patch updates that tackle several high-severity security issues affecting its Community Edition (CE) and Enterprise Edition (EE) platforms. The updates are now available as versions 18.8.4, 18.7.4, and 18.6.6. The company is urging all self-managed installations to upgrade without delay. GitLab has already implemented the patched versions, and customers using GitLab Dedicated don’t need to take any steps.

    Critical Vulnerabilities Addressed

    One of the most significant problems fixed is CVE-2025-7659, a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS score of 8.0) related to inadequate validation within GitLab’s Web IDE. GitLab mentions that this flaw could let unauthenticated attackers capture access tokens and potentially access private repositories. The patch also addresses multiple denial-of-service vulnerabilities, such as CVE-2025-8099, which could allow attackers to crash servers through repeated GraphQL queries, and CVE-2026-0958, which could drain system resources by skipping JSON validation middleware.

    Additional Security Fixes

    The update also resolves cross-site scripting and injection vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-14560 and CVE-2026-0595. These issues could enable attackers to inject harmful scripts or alter content under certain scenarios. Moreover, various medium-severity vulnerabilities related to Markdown processing, dashboards, and server-side request forgery (SSRF) have been fixed, along with several lower-severity flaws in authorization and validation.

    GitLab clarifies that the affected versions encompass all builds from various release branches prior to the newly launched patches. The firm points out that details on security vulnerabilities are usually disclosed 30 days after a fix has been issued. The organization stresses that upgrading to the latest supported version is vital for keeping deployments secure.

    Impact on Availability

    The patch release also includes database migrations, which might temporarily affect availability. For single-node installations, some downtime is anticipated during the upgrade, while multi-node deployments can finish the update without downtime if they follow the suggested upgrade protocols.

    GitLab typically adheres to a regular patch release timetable twice a month but can issue extra updates when critical vulnerabilities are found. The company recommends that administrators check release notes, test upgrades in staging environments, and apply the latest patches as quickly as possible to minimize potential exploitation risks.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • iOS 26.3 Update: Easier Switch to Android & Third-Party Watches

    iOS 26.3 Update: Easier Switch to Android & Third-Party Watches

    Key Takeaways

    1. iOS 26 is a free update for compatible iPhones, focusing on bug fixes and security improvements.
    2. Users can now transfer various data from iPhones to Android devices, including photos, passwords, texts, and contacts.
    3. The data transfer process utilizes a direct WiFi connection between the iPhone and the Android device.
    4. Third-party earbuds can now automatically pair with iPhones when activated nearby, similar to AirPods Pro.
    5. Notifications can be sent to third-party smartwatches, but these devices will require their own updates to support the feature.

    Apple has rolled out iOS 26, which is a free update available for all compatible iPhones. This version works on the iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 11, and all later models. According to Apple’s official notes, the update mainly includes bug fixes and enhancements for security.

    Hidden Changes in iOS 26.3

    Yet, there are significant updates in iOS 26.3 that Apple hasn’t highlighted. Due to pressure from the EU, it now allows users to transfer a variety of data from an iPhone to an Android device. This transfer can start when setting up the Android smartphone and covers photos, passwords, texts, notes, apps, and saved contacts. Even if you use an eSIM, you can transfer your phone number.

    New Pairing Features

    For this data transfer, Apple employs a direct WiFi connection to the Android phone. Additionally, thanks to the EU’s influence, third-party earbuds can now pair automatically with an iPhone when they are activated nearby, similar to the functionality of AirPods Pro, which are priced at $209 on Amazon.

    Notifications for Smartwatches

    Furthermore, it’s important to mention that notifications can now be sent to third-party smartwatches, like Pebble, allowing them to handle notifications like an Apple Watch. However, smartwatches will need their own updates to take advantage of this feature.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Android 17 Beta Launch Date Revealed: Closer Than Expected

    Android 17 Beta Launch Date Revealed: Closer Than Expected

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google is skipping the developer preview stage and going directly to the beta phase for Android 17.
    2. The Android 17 beta, codenamed “Cinnamon Bun,” is expected to launch around February 18.
    3. Android 17 is built on Android 16 QPR and includes bug fixes and improvements, with potential visual upgrades.
    4. Pixel users in the Android Beta Program will receive the update automatically, while those wanting to stay on the stable version must opt out before the beta launches.
    5. Downgrading from the beta will wipe all user data, and a secure method to exit the beta without data loss will be available only at the end of the beta period.

    Google seems to have made some major changes to how it rolls out updates. For the very first time, they are skipping the developer preview stage and going straight to the beta phase. This was recently confirmed in the official Reddit group r/android_beta, which stated that the Android 17 beta is likely to be launched soon. This change is part of the new canary build model. With this model, developers are working directly on the main branch of development, which helps to cut down on internal testing time and allows beta versions to be released more quickly. Reports indicate that the Android 17 beta could kick off around February 18.

    Details on Android 17

    Android 17, codenamed “Cinnamon Bun,” is built on the solid foundation of Android 16 QPR – Quarterly Platform Release. Up to this point, Google has not shared much information about the specific updates included in this version. Officially, the company is only mentioning “the latest bug fixes and improvements to stability and performance.” Nevertheless, there are rumors that Android 17 might bring some significant visual upgrades. These potential changes could feature more visible blur effects and a clearer distinction between the notification shade and Quick Settings. The overall look may start to resemble designs found in systems like Apple’s iOS or Xiaomi’s HyperOS. However, these updates are causing mixed feelings, especially among long-time Android fans who favor the classic appearance of the platform.

    How to Get the Update

    For anyone with a Pixel device who is signed up for the Android Beta Program, Android 17 Beta 1 will be delivered automatically as an OTA update. Users who want to stay on the stable Android 16 QPR3 version must opt out of the beta program before the beta launches. Once the beta is out, Google will provide a “downgrade OTA,” but it’s advised against installing it as it is said to wipe all user data completely. A secure method to exit the beta program without losing any data will only be available again toward the end of the beta period, which is anticipated to be around June 2026.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,