Amazon Appstore Archives

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

Amazon is gradually phasing out the Fire Tablet after 15 years: Why the return to Android?

Amazon has announced that it will cease the development of new Fire Tablets and will focus on the Alexa Tablet line, which runs on Android and supports the full Google Play store. The Fire Tablet line, which began with the original Kindle Fire in 2011, will no longer produce new generations, although existing devices will continue to receive security updates. The new Alexa Tablet series includes three models: the Alexa Tablet 8, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, with prices starting at .99. The Alexa Tablets offer access to popular applications and features that cater to reading enthusiasts, as well as integration with Amazon's Alexa AI assistant. Additionally, Amazon is launching the Alexa Kids Tablet, which includes Google Play and parental controls. The transition reflects Amazon's strategy to enhance its tablet offerings and improve the overall user experience.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Amazon announces Alexa Tablets — An all-new line running full Android with the Google Play Store

Amazon has introduced a new lineup of tablets focused on the Alexa Plus experience, including the Alexa Tablet 8, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, which run on Android 16 and provide access to the Google Play Store. The tablets feature: - Alexa Tablet 8: 8-inch display, resolution of 1340 x 800 at 60 Hz, storage options of 64 or 128 GB, powered by an 8-core MediaTek MT8189 CPU with 4 GB or 8 GB RAM. - Alexa Tablet 11: 11-inch display, resolution of 2560 x 1600 at 90 Hz, storage options of 64 or 128 GB, powered by an 8-core MediaTek MT8189 CPU with 8 GB RAM. - Alexa Tablet 12 Pro: 12-inch display, resolution of 2800 x 1840 at 120 Hz, available in glossy or Nanomatte finishes, storage options of 128 or 256 GB, powered by a MediaTek MT8793N CPU with 8 GB or 16 GB RAM. The 8- and 11-inch models support WiFi 6, while the 12-inch Pro model supports WiFi 6E. Pricing starts at .99 for the 8-inch and 11-inch models, and 9.99 for the 12-inch Pro model, with additional costs for ad removal and storage upgrades. Kids’ versions are also available, including a protective case and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+. All tablets will ship on October 14 and be available in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Japan, France, Italy, Spain, and Australia.

BetaBeacon

August 11, 2026

Aptoide Games Joins Google Play: First Rival Android Store in Over Decade

The Play Catalog Access Program was implemented on July 22, 2026, as a result of a court order after Google lost a lawsuit filed by Epic Games for illegally monopolizing Android app distribution and in-app billing. The program allows enrolled stores, such as Aptoide Games, to access Google Play's app catalog and offer users the ability to install apps through Google Play's infrastructure, maintaining security and service fees.

BetaBeacon

August 10, 2026

The first rival Android app store just arrived in the US Play Store

Aptoide, a game store specializing in mobile games, is now available through Google's Play Store in the US.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

You Can Now Use Your Old Tablet As An Android Auto Head Unit – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android tablet can enhance your driving experience by turning it into a DIY Android Auto head unit using the app Headunit Revived. This open-source application acts as an Android Auto receiver, allowing navigation with Google Maps and access to apps like Spotify, Facebook Messenger, and Google Calendar. Headunit Revived is compatible with Android devices updated to at least Android 4.1 and can be downloaded for a fee from the Play Store or for free via an APK from GitHub. It can also be used on older Amazon Fire tablets. To set up Headunit Revived on your tablet, grant necessary permissions, agree to terms, and follow the Quick Setup Wizard to select screen size and orientation. The app will optimize the Android Auto layout based on your tablet's specifications. You can modify settings for UI scaling, dark mode, and screen resolution. To connect your phone to the tablet, you can use a USB cable or a wireless connection. For a wired connection, connect the phone via USB, select the appropriate USB settings, and launch Headunit Revived. For a wireless connection, enable Wi-Fi Direct on both devices, set the connection strategy in the app, and use the Wi-Fi Helper app on your phone to connect. Once connected, Android Auto will load on the tablet, allowing access to navigation and music apps. You can switch between navigation apps and exit Android Auto by unplugging the phone or using the Wireless Helper app. Various mounting options are available for securing the tablet in your vehicle.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Android Apps on Windows 11: Safe Alternatives After WSA

In 2025, Microsoft announced it would discontinue support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), making Android applications non-functional on Windows 11. This decision surprised many users in Indonesia who relied on these applications. HP developed a guide outlining secure alternatives to WSA, which included reputable Android emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and NoxPlayer, as well as native Windows alternatives such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 apps. Users were advised against unverified APK sideloading, unofficial emulators, and modified apps due to security risks. Microsoft’s end of support means no further security updates or bug fixes will be provided, and integration with the Amazon Appstore will cease. Users can continue using WSA apps, but they will be exposed to potential security threats. To migrate data from WSA, users were instructed to inventory apps, research alternatives, and export app data before performing a clean uninstall. Best practices for running Android apps safely on Windows included downloading from official sources and keeping software updated.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

This Android TV app turned my Plex library into personalized live TV channels

QuasiTV is a free app for Android TV and Fire TV Stick that transforms your Plex or Jellyfin library into a live TV experience by generating channels from your collection of TV shows and movies, organized into a 24-hour schedule that refreshes every 15 minutes. Users can create up to ten custom channels in the free version, and the app provides a guide reminiscent of digital cable. To set up QuasiTV, users need an active Plex or Jellyfin server and must download the app from the Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. The app requires connection to the Plex server via a specific URL and code. A Pro tier offers unlimited custom channels, while a Premium tier includes user profiles.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Google Announces Registered App Stores For Android

Google is launching a Registered App Stores program for Android, allowing third-party app stores to officially register if they meet specific quality and safety criteria. This program aims to provide a better installation experience for users and will be rolled out in a major Android release later this year, initially targeting markets outside the US. Registration is optional, and stores can continue using the existing sideloading process. Alongside this, Google is unbundling its fee structure, reducing service fees for developers to between 15% and 20%, with an additional 5% fee for using Google Play billing in certain regions. The rollout of the new billing structure is expected by the end of June in the US, UK, and Europe, with global completion by September 30, 2027. The initiative is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games and reflects ongoing legal pressures for greater competition in app distribution.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Android users put on high alert: Malware hides in TV streaming apps

A new strain of malware called Massiv has been identified by the fraud detection firm ThreatFabric. This malware disguises itself as legitimate IPTV applications to steal financial information and identities. IPTV refers to Internet Protocol Television, often associated with unauthorized content streaming. Many of these malicious apps are not found on reputable platforms, leading users to unofficial sources where malware can be embedded. The malware can monitor screens in real-time and extract data from the phone's Accessibility Service, allowing attackers to interact with devices without users' knowledge. Cybercriminals can then open bank accounts in victims' names, leading to debts with banks the victims have never interacted with. ThreatFabric has noted an increase in fake IPTV applications used for malware delivery, particularly in Portugal, Spain, France, and Turkey. Many of these apps do not provide free content but instead deliver malware. Users are advised to avoid sideloading applications from untrusted sources.

BetaBeacon

February 16, 2026

What Makes Android the Go-To Platform for Indie Game Developers?

Android remains the dominant OS in countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and parts of Africa, providing indie studios with a large audience eager for content and more likely to download experimental games from unknown developers.