Android devices Archives

BetaBeacon

October 22, 2026

One of the Best GTA-Style Open-World Games Is Heading to iOS and Android Soon with DLC Included and It Will Only Cost $20 USD

Saints Row: The Third, a popular GTA clone, is coming to iOS and Android on October 29, 2026. The mobile port includes the base game with 47 story missions and all original DLC packages. It offers 30+ weapons, vehicle customization, and a full campaign co-op mode for two players. The game is optimized for touchscreen but also compatible with controllers, keyboards, and mice. It will run on Apple devices with iOS 18 or later and Android devices with version 13 or newer.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Google Quietly Linked Your Phone Number Across Your Accounts, but You Can Stop It

Google is automatically linking the phone numbers of Android users to all Google accounts they are logged into without prior consent. Users have begun receiving confirmation emails indicating their phone number has been verified. This feature is opt-out by default, meaning Google adds users' phone numbers to all accounts signed in on the device. Users can disable this automatic verification in the Settings app under Privacy & Security. However, this does not unlink phone numbers from accounts that have already been associated. To manage linked numbers, users can visit their Google Account Personal Info page. Additionally, users should review their Security & sign-in settings, as removing a phone number from the Phone page does not eliminate it from all account services.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Gemini just got more useful in Android Auto now that flight delays and appointment addresses are a voice command away

Google is enhancing its AI assistant, Gemini, within Android Auto by introducing a feature called Personal Intelligence, which allows Gemini to use information from Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Photos, YouTube, and Search for personalized assistance while driving. Users can interact with Gemini using natural voice prompts for tasks like finding flights or navigating to appointments. To use Personal Intelligence, users must grant permission for Gemini to access their information across Google applications. Users have reported issues with Gemini's integration with Android Auto, including lengthy responses and inconsistent command recognition. Google is also planning a significant redesign of Android Auto, expected to roll out in the fall.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Can’t miss alerts: Android Auto might support ‘Work Accounts’ for busy drivers

Google is developing a "Work Account" feature for Android Auto, which will allow users to separate personal and professional apps and notifications while driving. This feature will include a toggle in the Quick Settings. Additionally, a recent update has improved the Play Store interface and enhanced YouTube playback to switch to audio-only mode when the vehicle is in motion. Some users, particularly with foldable devices like the Motorola Razr, have reported issues with notification alerts not coming through unless the device is opened. Motorola and Google are addressing these concerns and providing assistance to affected users.

BetaBeacon

October 19, 2026

Cult Vacui Takes Its Dark Scottish Horror Story to iOS and Android Devices

Cult Vacui is a new horror game available on iOS and Android that takes place on a remote Scottish island in the late 19th century. Players must race against time to stop a sinister cult from performing a final act, with multiple endings based on player decisions. The game features challenging puzzles, eerie atmosphere, and hand-drawn pixel art.

BetaBeacon

October 18, 2026

AYN Thor Setup Guide: 13 Steps, 90 Minutes [2026]

- AYN's Thor is a clamshell Android handheld with two AMOLED panels: a 6-inch top display and a 3.92-inch touchscreen on the bottom. - It comes in four configurations: Lite, Base, Pro, and Max, with varying specs including RAM, storage, and GPU. - Setup of the AYN Thor takes longer than expected as it does not come with bundled games, preinstalled emulators, or a third-party launcher. - The setup process includes steps such as unboxing and inspecting the model, charging fully before the first boot, updating firmware, configuring the dual-screen display, setting up the microSD card, installing RetroArch, Winlator, and Moonlight, mapping controls, calibrating sticks, setting up cloud and PC game streaming, optimizing battery and thermal behavior, organizing storage, launchers, and backups, and running a final full-system pass.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Google is linking your phone number to accounts you wanted to keep separate

Google has started automatically linking phone numbers to all Google accounts signed in on Android devices, including primary, secondary work, and alternate profiles. Users have reported receiving verification emails indicating their phone numbers have been verified without consent. This feature aims to improve services like account recovery and RCS messaging but raises privacy concerns, particularly regarding the separation of personal and professional accounts. Users can disable the automatic verification feature in their settings, but some have noted that it may revert to default without warning. Disabling the feature does not remove existing links; users must manually delete their phone numbers from accounts they wish to disassociate. Google has not clarified whether it will change this policy or the reasoning behind it.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

What’s actually eating all the storage space on your Android Phone?

Running low on storage space on Android devices is common due to apps, images, videos, and downloads. To free up space, users can uninstall unused apps via Settings > Device Care > Storage > Apps, or archive them to keep settings intact. Android's auto-archive feature can free up nearly 60% of an app's storage when space is low. Deleting unwanted images and videos can also help, with options to back up media using Google Photos, which offers 15GB of free cloud storage. For larger collections, a Google One subscription provides additional storage. Users can free up space in Google Photos by deleting backed-up items and enabling Smart Storage. Additionally, exploring sections for Duplicate files and Large files in Settings can reveal items for deletion. Clearing cached data from streaming and social media apps and regularly emptying the trash can further save storage space.

BetaBeacon

October 16, 2026

DroidDeck Setup: Play Steam Games on Android [2026]

DroidDeck is a project that allows users to run a real Steam client on their Android device, enabling them to access and play their existing Steam library without the need for a strong, low-latency network connection or a gaming PC. The latest version, 0.4.0, includes multi-storefront logins, four-controller local co-op support, and a KDE Plasma-style desktop interface. Users need to ensure their device meets specific hardware requirements, including having an Adreno GPU, sufficient RAM, and free storage space.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

6 wild ways to make Android widgets more useful

The Popup Widget allows users to access any widget at any time and summon two widgets simultaneously with a single tap. Edge Gestures provide quick access to favorite widgets with a swipe. Material Capsule features on-demand camera cutout widgets for dynamic customization. The volume key can trigger the appearance of a widget. Overlays offer a floating icon for ongoing access to essential tools. Smart Launcher introduces stacked widgets for efficient organization and space-saving design, with an easy setup interface for customization.