Android phones Archives

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Android will finally show you which app is draining your battery

Google has introduced a new system-level metric called “excessive partial wake locks” to identify apps that prevent Android phones from entering sleep mode, which leads to unnecessary battery drain. This metric, co-developed with Samsung, will be integrated into Android's core vitals metrics to help measure app performance and efficiency. Starting March 1, 2026, apps that keep devices awake for more than two hours unnecessarily will face penalties, including reduced visibility in Play Store recommendations and potential user warnings. This initiative aims to improve transparency for users and encourage developers to optimize their apps.

BetaBeacon

December 4, 2025

Emulating PC games on Android is easier than ever, and you can thank Valve

Valve is contributing to Windows emulation on Android by sponsoring the development of key emulation tools such as the Pex emulator and the Proton compatibility layer. These tools allow Windows games designed for traditional x86 PC hardware to run on Arm architecture, enabling PC emulation on devices like Android phones and tablets.

BetaBeacon

December 3, 2025

Red Dead Redemption now on mobile phones: How to play on Android, iPhone and iPad

Rockstar Games has brought Red Dead Redemption to mobile phones, including the Undead Nightmare expansion. The game is available for purchase on Android and iOS for .99, but Netflix subscribers can download and play it for free. The game features touch-based controls and menus tailored for smaller screens. The storyline follows John Marston as he tries to secure the release of his family by tracking down members of his former gang. The game was first launched in 2010 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and has since been released on various platforms. The mobile system requirements for Android and iOS devices are specified. This release is part of Rockstar's efforts to offer a full console-scale experience on portable devices.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Google removes apps that slow down Android phones – check yours now

A significant adware campaign named "GhostAd" has been identified, affecting Android devices globally. This adware operates through benign-looking utility and emoji-editing applications, which drain battery life and disrupt phone functionality without compromising personal data. At least 15 compromised applications were used in the campaign, some of which were available on Google’s Play Store, with one app reaching the second position in the "Top Free Tools" category. Users have reported issues such as incessant pop-up ads and sluggish device performance. Google has removed the compromised applications from the Play Store, but users must manually uninstall them to restore their device's performance. The incident highlights the misuse of legitimate software development kits (SDKs) and the need for users to review application ratings and developer reputations.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

Five Android apps to challenge Google Fit

Google Fit is a foundational tool for Android users, but many are looking for more comprehensive fitness insights and community engagement. Alternative applications provide enhanced features and deeper analytics tailored to various training styles. Strava is a social platform for endurance athletes with over 100 million users, offering features like segment leaderboards and route planning, making it ideal for GPS-centric sports. Samsung Health integrates sleep coaching, stress metrics, and body composition estimates, providing a holistic dashboard for daily monitoring, especially effective with Galaxy devices. MyFitnessPal focuses on nutrition and weight goals, featuring a database of over 14 million foods for easy meal logging and customizable macro goals. Hevy is designed for strength training, offering a streamlined logging system for workouts and progress tracking, with a lightweight social component. AllTrails caters to hikers and trail runners, providing access to over 400,000 curated routes and safety features, including offline maps and GPS tracking. Users can choose an app based on their primary fitness goals, with options for GPS and community engagement, overall wellness, nutrition tracking, strength training, or outdoor adventures, all benefiting from data interoperability through Health Connect by Android.

BetaBeacon

November 19, 2025

Will OnePlus Gaming Technology Change Android Games?

OnePlus is focusing on creating lag-free, uninterrupted gaming experiences with their Gaming Technology initiative. They are developing hardware and software solutions to optimize the user's gaming experience, including the OP Gaming Core chip and the Tri-Chip system. These technologies aim to improve performance, touch response, and frame rates for mobile gamers. The upcoming OnePlus 15 is expected to feature these advancements, setting a new industry benchmark for fast and smooth gaming experiences.

BetaBeacon

November 18, 2025

Android 17 Might Turn Your Phone Into A True Gaming Beast

Google is working on a dedicated settings section for connected gaming accessories like gamepads in the Android 17 update. Users may be able to program or remap buttons on their controllers, and there could be support for an on-screen gamepad for large-screen Android devices. The update may also bring wider compatibility with external controllers, lower latency connections, and performance boosts in graphics APIs like Vulkan.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Best Android browser app is about to get even better

The Samsung Internet Browser app can be installed from the Play Store and the Galaxy Store. An upcoming update with One UI 8.5 is expected to coincide with the Galaxy S26 series launch. The update will feature a new icon, a revamped welcome screen, and a floating address bar that disappears while scrolling. Users will be able to block fixed-position pop-ups, and the tab management layout will resemble the Gallery app's grid view. A compact floating bar will allow customization of button arrangements. Users will also be able to "like" videos directly from the browser, and the browser will check for APK availability in the Galaxy Store during downloads. Additionally, a pop-up will offer the option to close all open tabs when closing the browser, with the ability to disable this feature for future sessions.

BetaBeacon

November 12, 2025

Steam’s new VR headset, Steam Frame, will support Android games

Valve has unveiled the Steam Frame wireless VR headset that supports Android games, aiming to provide a seamless gaming experience for players. The headset will use the same Android APKs that developers use for Meta Quest, allowing for a wide range of gaming options. Valve is launching a developer kit program to assist developers in bringing their Android games to Steam Frame.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Android phones to warn users about apps draining battery from March 2026

Google will implement a new system on 1 March 2026 to help Android users identify apps that drain battery life. Developers will be required to label apps that consume high amounts of power due to background activity. Apps categorized as heavy battery consumers will be removed from Play Store recommendations. Certain apps, such as those for audio playback or ride-hailing, may be exempt from these restrictions. Google will set metrics to define acceptable background activity levels and limit how often apps can use "wake locks." Developers exceeding this limit will be notified and may face reduced visibility or removal from the Play Store.