Android devices Archives

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Google sparks privacy outrage by quietly linking phone numbers to secondary accounts on Android phones — here’s how to disable it

Google has begun automatically linking phone numbers to all signed-in Google accounts on Android devices, raising privacy concerns for users managing multiple accounts. This feature associates users' phone numbers with secondary accounts without explicit consent, potentially exposing personal information. Users can remove their phone numbers from unwanted accounts through their Google account settings, but some have reported that this change may revert back automatically. The Android community has expressed significant dissatisfaction with this development, with many users voicing their frustrations online. Additionally, users of GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused operating system, have reported similar issues, indicating that Google Play Services may trigger this automatic linking feature even in more secure environments.

BetaBeacon

October 15, 2026

Master Chief Reaches Smartphones – Halo: Combat Evolved Gets Fan Port for Android

Fans of Halo: Combat Evolved have created an unofficial port of the game for Android devices based on the decompilation of the original Xbox version. The port includes the full story campaign and multiplayer support for online or local play with up to four players. Players can use touch controls, gyroscope aiming, and customize on-screen buttons. To run the port, users need their own image of the original Xbox version of the game.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Google’s new Googlebook has clever AI tricks. I’d still pick a Windows laptop

Two new platforms have launched on the PC scene: the Googlebook and the Nvidia RTX Spark platform. The Acer Googlebook 14 was reviewed by Ashley Biancuzzo, while the reviewer is currently focusing on Lenovo’s Googlebook 15, which has a subpar keyboard but features Google’s new Aluminium OS aimed at enhancing the Chromebook experience with AI-powered productivity. To fully utilize the Googlebook, an Android phone running Android 17 is required, although some Samsung phones have been allowed to connect. In contrast, Windows offers Phone Link, which connects an Android phone to a Windows PC and only requires Android 10, allowing for photo transfers, calls, messages, and running Android apps within PC windows. Phone Link is seen as a strong competitor to Googlebook’s offerings, except for app streaming.

BetaBeacon

October 15, 2026

Mobile Dead Space Returns to Android with Improved Textures and 60 FPS Support

GINESTRO has recently released an updated version of the mobile game Dead Space, originally developed by IronMonkey Studios and Visceral Games. The new version includes enhancements such as improved resolution, redesigned interface, smoother gameplay, and support for foldable smartphones.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Google Now Lets You Upload Vibe-Coded Apps to a Private Play Store

Google AI Studio is introducing tools for sharing personal software through a private section of the Play Store called "Your personal library," which does not require a developer account. This feature is currently available to U.S. users over 18 and allows them to upload or download their creations using standard login credentials. Users can initially share their vibe-coded software with a close circle of friends and family for testing purposes. Google plans to roll out this sharing feature in the coming months. Additionally, upgrades to the AI-powered Ask Play feature now allow users to compare applications, and enhancements to the Play Family Link service enable parents to set age ranges for their children's app access.

BetaBeacon

October 15, 2026

Sony never released Bloodborne on PC, but enthusiasts have already ported it to Android

Bloodborne, a cult PS4 exclusive, has been ported to Android smartphones by a developer named ducvd89. The game has been tested on different devices and achieved around 34-35 FPS in Central Yharnam. The developer plans to continue improving the port, which already supports touch controls, gamepads, mods, and frame generation via Lossless Scaling.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google AI Studio Apps Install on Your Own Android Devices

Google announced on October 13, 2026, a new feature allowing users to install AI Studio apps directly onto their Android devices via Google Play without needing a developer account. This feature is available to users aged 18 and older in select markets, including the United States. The apps will be stored in a personal library section of the Play Store, separate from the public catalog, and will not undergo the usual review processes. Users can create apps using a prompt-based system, which generates a Kotlin project that can be tested in a browser-based emulator. These apps are limited to client-side Android apps for phones and tablets, excluding server components and certain features like Firebase and Google Workspace APIs. In the future, users will be able to share their personal apps with a select group of friends and family. For public listings, users must follow the existing professional developer account pathway, which includes reviews and quality standards. The announcement also introduced enhancements to the Play Store, including an AI-powered discovery feature called Ask Play and personalized game recommendations through Game Finder.

BetaBeacon

October 14, 2026

Replaced: Sad Cat Studios’ 2.5D Action Platformer Is Coming to Android Later This Year

Replaced, a popular 2.5D action platformer, is coming to Android devices on December 8, 2026.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google Wallet is getting 4 handy upgrades — including the ability to scan and organize your receipts

The latest update to Google Play Services, version 26.40, introduces several enhancements to Google Wallet, including: - Receipt scanning and storage, allowing users to save and access purchase records. - An in-app message center for centralized notifications and communications related to transactions. - Improved merchant names for better identification of purchase locations. - A refined payment process for a more seamless transaction experience.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Not ready to give up Google Assistant? There’s apparently a way to bring it back

Google transitioned from Assistant to Gemini on September 4, 2026. A method to restore Google Assistant on Android involves uninstalling updates to the Google app and accessing the Google Assistant listing on the Play Store. Users can decline the switch to Gemini when prompted and set Google Assistant as their default assistant. To keep Google Assistant operational, users must disable automatic updates for the Google app. This workaround may not be permanent, as future updates from Google could disable it.