Android phones Archives

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

This Android App Boosts Your Phone — And Google Just Made It Official

Google has introduced the Linux Terminal app with the Android 15 update, allowing users to run a Debian virtual machine on their smartphones. This feature utilizes the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to execute complex commands, run scripts, and manage storage, enhancing smartphone functionality. Activation is simple through developer options, making it accessible to all users. The Linux Terminal serves as a valuable tool for professionals and developers, enabling them to work efficiently on the go. Casual users can also benefit by running Linux-based applications directly on their devices. The upcoming Android 16 is expected to further enhance this experience with better support for external displays, positioning Android phones as central components of users' tech ecosystems.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Google might give At a Glance a Gemini makeover with extra smarts

Google is planning to develop its own version of Samsung’s Now Bar to enhance the At a Glance experience on Pixel devices. The upcoming Pixel 10 may feature a significant upgrade, potentially rebranded as Gemini Space, which could include live sports scores and financial market summaries on the lock screen. Initial hints of this feature were found in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, with a system configuration file labeled "Ambient Data" discovered in the firmware for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro. References to an "Ambience Hub" have also been found, suggesting a new way to present information on the lock screen. The Android System Intelligence app, which supports the At a Glance widget, has revealed mentions of Gemini Space and features like finance recaps and sports updates. These upgrades are expected to be incorporated into the Pixel Launcher’s At a Glance widget, although they remain speculative.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

This Android 16 feature turns your phone into a desktop

Google has introduced a feature that allows compatible Android phones and foldables to transform into desktop-like environments when connected to an external display via DisplayPort. This feature initiates a "desktop session," enabling users to interact with their phone and the external screen independently, with applications adjusting their layouts for optimal use on larger screens. This development aims to enhance the versatility of Android devices, particularly for professionals and multitaskers.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Six new Android features just dropped, and you can try them out today

Android 16 introduces several new features, including enhancements to RCS group chats, a redesigned Google Photos editor, and improved functionality in the Google Home app. RCS group chat updates allow users to customize group chats with unique icons and names, check RCS status of friends, and mute notifications for specific groups. The Google Photos app features a new image editor with AI-driven suggestions, a Reimagine feature for creative expression, and an Auto frame function for better image cropping. The Google Home app now includes device-specific shortcuts for easier management of smart devices and an upgraded Safety Check feature for scheduling check-ins. WearOS smartwatches can now tap city transit cards even when the Google Wallet app is closed, provided the feature is activated.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Don’t have any AI apps? These are the 5 you need to install right now

AI is increasingly integrated into daily life, with many people preferring chatbot interactions over traditional Google searches due to the nuanced responses provided by AI. ChatGPT from OpenAI has evolved significantly, with a recent Android app update that includes image generation and an interactive audio mode, making interactions feel more conversational. Gemini from Google processes information across various Google applications, offering users control over memory retention from previous interactions, although it may have privacy concerns. Claude from Anthropic has introduced the Claude 4 models in its mobile app, enhancing its coding capabilities and including voice features for all users. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI, offers free access and low-cost options, excelling in web search and deep reasoning, with an open-source version available for private use. PocketPal is a downloadable Android app that operates independently of the cloud, allowing users to access open-source AI models, with smaller models like Qwen3 designed for older devices. The landscape of smartphone AI chatbots is evolving, with major Android manufacturers investing in enhancing device capabilities.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

You can now use Adobe’s Photoshop app on Android phones

The latest version of the Photoshop app features new tools powered by Firefly's generative AI technology, including Generative Fill and Generative Expand, which allow users to manipulate images easily. Users can stretch images, reconstruct missing parts, and eliminate unwanted elements. Advanced tools like Object Select, Clone Stamp, Content-Aware Fill, and the Remove Tool require a premium subscription priced at .99 per month or 9.88 annually.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Google says Instagram fixed a battery drain issue on Android

Instagram has released an update (version 382.0.0.49.84) to address battery drain issues affecting users of Pixel phones. This problem was reported after a Pixel software update earlier in the month and has impacted various Pixel models from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 9. Users can access the update through the Google Play Store, and those who do not see the update may already have the latest version installed.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Google’s most important new app may finally be getting tablet friendly (APK teardown)

Google is working on a redesigned user interface for its AI tool, Gemini, to better accommodate larger displays on tablets and foldable devices. An APK teardown suggests the new layout will include a collapsible side menu, accessible via a hamburger button, allowing users to navigate past queries without sacrificing screen space. This initiative aims to enhance user experience as foldable Android phones become more popular. The timeline for a public release of these enhancements is currently uncertain.

BetaBeacon

May 24, 2025

No English release? These fan-translated games are worth emulating

- Fans have been clamoring for an English version of Mother 3 since its release in 2006 - Enthusiasts translated the game into English and released a patch in 2008 - Game Boy Advance emulation is easy on Android phones and TV boxes - Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden was fan-translated for the PS1 - Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere had a different version in Japan with more content - Policenauts, directed by Hideo Kojima, was fan-translated years after its release - Tear Ring Saga, a spiritual successor to Fire Emblem, received an English translation patch in 2016 - King's Field, Monster Hunter, Namco x Capcom, and Marvelous are other Japan-only games that received fan translations.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

I got an early look at Wear OS 6 on the Pixel Watch 3 at Google I/O

Wear OS 6 was announced at I/O 2025, featuring a Pixel Watch 3 with a new Material 3 Expressive design and revamped Tiles. The update includes a 10% battery boost and improved performance over Wear OS 5, despite a more complex user interface. The redesigned Tiles are more dynamic, maintaining visual consistency with a 3-slot layout. Developers can customize the main content slot for various functions. Wear OS 6 introduces dynamic theming that integrates colors from watch faces, although some limitations exist with older faces. The Pixel Watch 3 is described as more engaging and dynamic compared to its predecessor, with further optimizations for apps and watch face stores pending.