Android phones Archives

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

The biggest flaw with the Galaxy Watch 9 has nothing to do with the watch itself

Purchasing a Samsung Galaxy Watch does not grant access to all its features unless paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, despite owning a new Android device. The Samsung Health Monitor app, which includes critical health monitoring features like blood pressure, ECG, irregular heart rhythm, and sleep apnea monitoring, is only officially supported on Samsung smartphones. This app has been available since 2020 and is essential for detecting significant health indicators. Samsung's limitation on the app appears to be financially motivated, as it encourages users to buy Samsung smartphones. Other manufacturers do not impose similar restrictions, allowing their devices' full health features to work across different smartphone brands. Samsung could integrate Health Monitor features into the main Samsung Health app or make it available on the Play Store to increase accessibility, but it has not done so. Users of non-Samsung Android phones are unable to access these health features, which are critical for many individuals.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

My parents’ Android phones were ruined by invasive ads. Here’s how I fixed them for good

Mobile advertising on Android devices has seen a rise in deceptive pop-ups that mimic legitimate notifications or system updates, leaving many users, particularly less tech-savvy individuals, vulnerable. A personal experience highlighted this issue when a family member fell for a misleading PDF ad, leading to the installation of multiple fraudulent applications. Recently, similar deceptive ads were encountered on YouTube, raising concerns about the safety of family members who rely on their devices for important tasks. Discussions on platforms like Reddit have pointed out the prevalence of misleading ads on family-friendly platforms. The author expressed a desire to block all ads if companies cannot ensure their safety. To address the issue, the author sought an ad-blocking solution that allows for remote management and network-wide filtering, ultimately choosing NextDNS. This content filtering solution offers a free account with sufficient monthly DNS queries and supports individual profiles for tailored settings. The setup process for NextDNS involves creating profiles for each family member, allowing for distinct settings and blocklists, and configuring devices with the provided DNS-over-TLS endpoint details. While NextDNS is effective, it does not eliminate all ads, particularly those from platforms like YouTube, indicating that additional measures may be necessary for comprehensive security. Regularly reviewing app permissions and uninstalling unnecessary applications are also recommended for enhancing security.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Quick ways to clear cache and fix software conflicts on Android phones

Modern Android smartphones can experience sluggish behavior over time due to the accumulation of temporary data files or conflicts between applications. To enhance performance without a factory reset, users can follow these six methods: 1. Clear individual app cache by navigating to settings, selecting the app, and choosing the clear cache option. 2. Wipe browser cache and saved cookies by accessing browser settings, going to the privacy menu, and selecting the clear browsing data option. 3. Use built-in device care and optimization tools found under "device care" or "storage optimization" in settings to remove unnecessary files and cache. 4. Boot into safe mode to identify problematic third-party apps by pressing and holding the power button and selecting the safe mode prompt. 5. Reset app preferences to fix permission bugs by navigating to the main Apps menu, tapping the menu icon, and selecting the reset app preferences option. 6. Keep the system and apps fully updated by checking for system updates in settings and ensuring all installed apps are up to date in the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Google ends Play Services Support, likely to stop these Android phones from downloading apps & games

Google Play Services operates in the background on Android devices, facilitating essential functions such as account management, push notifications, location tracking, maps functionality, security verification, and data syncing. It simplifies signing into Google accounts, provides timely updates, enhances navigation, supports Google Maps, safeguards user data, and ensures consistent data across applications.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Android Auto is finally getting the Google Maps feature drivers have wanted

Google Maps is introducing a live speedometer feature to Android Auto, which has been a long-awaited addition for users. This feature is currently available to a limited number of beta users on version 26.29.02.946673643. The speedometer will be displayed next to the speed limit indicator and will change color if the driver exceeds the posted limit. The rollout is server-side, meaning updating the app does not guarantee access to the feature. Google advises that the speedometer should be used as a reference tool rather than a replacement for the vehicle's built-in speedometer.

BetaBeacon

July 20, 2026

Revealed: Here’s what powers these intriguing Game Boy-style handhelds

MANGMI's Air Y series Android handhelds will be powered by the Snapdragon 662 chipset for the Air Y model and the Snapdragon 865 processor for the Air Y Pro model.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Signal Is Testing The Ability To Add An Android Phone Or Tablet As A Secondary Device

Signal's latest beta version allows users to link an Android phone or tablet to an existing account as a secondary device, enabling synchronized chat history across multiple devices without needing a separate number. Users can link devices by downloading the Signal app, initiating the welcome process, and scanning a QR code displayed on the new device with their primary device. Additionally, Signal has introduced a split-screen interface for tablets, featuring a chat list and an active conversation panel optimized for landscape mode, with customization options available.

BetaBeacon

July 15, 2026

After Google Vs Epic Games, Xbox Finally Gets Its Shot On Android

Google's grip over the Play Store was ruled as an illegal monopoly, leading to the opening up of Android to approved third-party app stores. This change allows developers to use their own payment systems and skip Google's cut in many cases, making it easier for other app stores to compete. This is significant news for Xbox, as it now has the opportunity to launch its own mobile game store on Android, which has been a goal for the company for years. The loosening of rules on Android provides Xbox with a chance to bring its mobile store to life and potentially increase revenue by selling games directly, running promotions, and offering better prices without Google taking a cut. The history of Xbox's fight against Google and Apple in the mobile app store market is also highlighted, with Xbox having faced obstacles in launching its mobile store features on Android in the past. With the recent changes, Xbox now has fewer roadblocks in its way and a real opportunity to establish a mobile storefront on Android.

BetaBeacon

July 15, 2026

One of Android’s best PC game emulators just got a feature modders will love

A new GameNative update, version 1.1.1, has added Nexus Mods support, allowing users to mod their PC games and play them on their Android phones. The update also includes support for multiple controllers, hot-swap support, improved visibility in the controller layout editing screen, GOG-powered recommendations, support for Steam collections, and more.

BetaBeacon

July 11, 2026

Roblox: How to Download for Free on PC, Consoles, Android, and iOS

Roblox can be downloaded for free on computers, Xbox consoles, Android phones, and iOS phones.