Android Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Google improves camera playback in Home app, but some are still frustrated

Google has released an update to its Google Home app, version 3.33, which improves the experience of scrolling through video history on Nest cameras for Android devices, enhancing framerate and loading times. The update, dated May 28, introduces a general release of a limited-access member tier for sharing smart home setups while maintaining control over visibility and management. It also includes several bug fixes for stability, addressing crashes in areas like the Automations tab, Wi-Fi and Climate categories, and notification permissions, as well as issues with inviting household members and accessing service settings. User feedback has been mixed, with some expressing satisfaction and others noting ongoing performance issues.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2025

Nintendo is banning Switch 2 users for piracy, even if they’re just backing up their games

Nintendo is cracking down on piracy on its Switch 2 consoles by issuing bans to users who use MIG flash carts to load games.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2025

Download these now free retro mobile games before Sega removes them

Sega has discontinued support for nine retro games on iOS and Android, making them free to download and play with in-app purchases removed. The games include classics like Crazy Taxi, Streets of Rage, Super Monkey Ball, and Sonic the Hedgehog.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Android Automotive now lets apps show your food order status and more on your car’s home screen

Google is introducing a new feature called AppCard to its Android Automotive OS, which allows applications to display essential data and functionalities directly on the home screen. The design of these AppCards will be determined by car manufacturers, ensuring a consistent user interface across vehicles. AppCards can include images, text, tappable buttons, and progress bars, although space limitations may restrict the amount of information displayed. This feature may not be exclusive to Android 16 and could function independently of primary operating system updates. AppCards aim to optimize applications for automotive environments, encouraging developers to refine their apps for vehicle use.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2025

These retro SEGA games are now free on Android until they disappear forever

SEGA is ending support for its remaining catalog of mobile ports, including classic Sonic, Crazy Taxi, and Shining Force games. These games have been made free for download on Android and iOS, and players can still play them offline if they have already downloaded them.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Android 16 glitch is making some Pixel phones a pain to navigate

Android 16 is causing significant issues for Pixel users, particularly with navigation gestures and buttons freezing, lagging, or becoming unresponsive. Pixel 8 Pro owners report delays of up to 30 seconds when swiping or navigating back, while Pixel 9 Pro XL users face similar problems with the swipe-up gesture. Complaints have surged on forums, especially Reddit, where users describe their navigation actions failing altogether. The issues affect models from Pixel 6 to the 9 series. Artem Russakovskii from Android Police shared a screen recording highlighting the severity of the bug. Google has not addressed the problems, and users are advised to use the bug report tool to voice their concerns in hopes of a patch being released.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Motorola confirms which phones will get updated to Android 16

Motorola has announced that several smartphone models will receive the update to Android 16, including the entire Motorola Razr 2025 series and various older and midrange models. The eligible devices include: - Motorola Razr Plus 2024 - Motorola Razr 2025 - Motorola Razr Plus 2025 - Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 - Moto G Power 2025 - Moto G 2025 - Motorola G Stylus 2025 - Moto G56 - Moto G86 - Moto G86 Power - Moto G85 - Moto G75 - Moto G55 - Motorola Edge 2025 - Motorola Edge 60 Pro - Motorola Edge 60 - Motorola Edge 60 Fusion - Motorola Edge 60 Stylus - Motorola Edge 50 Ultra - Motorola Edge 50 Pro - Motorola Edge 50 Neo - Motorola Edge 50 Fusion - Motorola Edge 50 - Motorola Edge 40 Pro - ThinkPhone 25 by Motorola The stable release of Android 16 is currently available on Google Pixel devices, with other manufacturers, including Motorola, expected to follow in the coming months. Motorola's support pages indicate which devices will receive the update, but the exact timeline for the rollout remains uncertain.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: DREDGE, Inked, Rogue Hearts, and more

This afternoon, discounted games and applications are available for Android users on the Google Play Store. There are notable deals on PC notebooks, including the first discount on Microsoft's 2025 touchscreen Snapdragon Surface Laptop with 16GB of RAM, and the ASUS OLED Vivobook S 15. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a significant price reduction, and there is an early discount on the 43mm OnePlus Watch 3. Several Android app and game deals are still active, providing value for digital purchases. The game DREDGE allows players to sell their catch, complete quests, and explore a remote archipelago called 'The Marrows,' featuring over 125 deep-sea creatures and unique island regions.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Google Play Store’s new swipe gesture is here to save you from accidental buys

Google has introduced a "Slide to buy" feature in the Play Store version 46.5.19-31, replacing the previous one-tap purchase method. This new feature requires users to engage with a pill-shaped button that involves a drag motion, complete with animated arrows and bounce effects to confirm purchases. It is designed to reduce accidental purchases and is available across all categories, including apps, books, movies, and Google TV. Users must now swipe sideways to confirm their intent before proceeding to password or fingerprint verification. This update aims to enhance the user experience by making the purchasing process more intentional and less stressful.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Gemini app switches to always available nav drawer on Android

Google is enhancing its Gemini app on Android by introducing a navigation drawer, similar to its web version. This update includes a hamburger button that reveals the drawer, featuring a "New chat" button, two recent Gems, and a link to "Explore Gems." The "Recent" history list now supports infinite scrolling, and pinned conversations are prioritized at the top. The navigation drawer can be accessed while viewing conversations or browsing other pages, sliding the main screen to the right. On Android tablets, the drawer opens automatically but can be hidden for a fullscreen experience. This feature is part of Google app version 16.23, currently in beta, and users may need to force stop the app to access the new features.