Android smartphones Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

This Android TV launcher fixes everything I dislike about the default one

Android-based televisions, including Google TV models from TCL and Sony, often have a cluttered and slow default launcher filled with ads, recommendations, and bloatware, making navigation cumbersome. The Projectivy launcher offers a minimalistic, customizable, and ad-free alternative that enhances speed and flexibility. It allows users to modify their home screen, including app arrangements, icon sizes, and the visibility of categories. Projectivy supports features like tailored recommendations, remote control via smartphones, and custom app icons, although some features require a premium subscription. Overall, Projectivy provides a significantly faster and cleaner interface compared to the stock launcher.

BetaBeacon

March 22, 2026

Cozy barista simulator Coffee Talk released on iOS and Android

Publisher Chorus Worldwide and studio Toge Productions have released Coffee Talk: Episode 1 for mobile devices, combining visual novel and cafe management elements. Players can shape conversations and influence the story by choosing drinks for customers in an alternate Seattle where humans coexist with fantastical beings. The mobile version includes touch controls and the original PC content, available for free with in-app purchases for the full version. Toge Productions is also preparing to launch Coffee Talk Tokyo on May 21 for various gaming platforms.

Winsage

March 16, 2026

5 Things Linux Can Do That Windows 11 Can’t

Many users are switching from Microsoft's Windows operating system to Linux due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11's rollout and unpopular changes. Over half a million users have made the transition to Linux, which is known for its flexibility and reliability. Linux updates are optional, allowing users to choose when and what to update, with user-friendly options available for both graphical and command line interfaces. Unlike Windows, Linux does not come with bloatware, offering a streamlined experience where users can install only the applications they need. Linux provides extensive customization options, with various distributions available that can mimic the Windows interface or offer unique designs. It is also a robust choice for server management, allowing for continuous operation without frequent reboots and giving users control over update timing. Linux is compatible with a wide range of hardware, from new devices to older machines, and many distributions are designed to be lightweight. Additionally, Linux powers various devices, including the Steam Deck and Android smartphones, demonstrating its adaptability and efficiency in modern computing.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Google Revamps Android App Store Rules, Cuts Fees Amid Global Antitrust Pressure

Alphabet's Google has announced a transformation in app distribution on Android devices, allowing external companies to register and launch their own app stores by paying a one-time fee. This change aims to enhance accessibility for competitors and lower costs for developers. Google will reduce its standard commission for developers from 30% to as low as 15% or 10% in some cases, with implementation expected by June in the US, UK, and EU, and similar changes in Australia, South Korea, and Japan by the end of 2026. Developers using Google’s billing services will incur a flat fee of 5%, while they can also opt for third-party payment processors. Epic Games has expressed approval of these changes, which they believe will help resolve ongoing litigation. Google generated approximately .66 billion in sales from its app marketplace in 2020, and regulatory changes could reduce its gross profit by around billion. The European Commission has accused Google of violating the Digital Markets Act, which could lead to fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. Google has previously faced €9.5 billion in fines for competition law violations. A US jury ruled in 2023 that certain Android policies violated antitrust law, leading to an injunction requiring Google to allow competing app stores access to its app catalog. Despite regulatory pressures, Google stated that the changes to the developer fee structure were voluntary and not mandated by legal rulings.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

High-end Android phones are now powerful enough to emulate the PC version of Cyberpunk 2077 — YouTuber gets 2020’s hottest PC game running at playable frame rates on Red Magic 11 Pro

YouTube's ETA Prime demonstrated that the PC version of Cyberpunk 2077 can run on a smartphone, achieving 30 to 40 FPS through emulation. This was made possible by the Red Magic 11 Pro, a powerful Android smartphone with an internal liquid cooling system and active cooling fan, paired with GameSir's GameHub platform. Valve has supported PC emulation for Android, enhancing GameHub's capabilities with its Proton compatibility layer. As smartphone processors advance, the potential for AAA PC gaming on mobile devices is increasing, with future possibilities of running Cyberpunk 2077 at frame rates near 60 FPS, assuming AI silicon demand does not impede progress.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Google Gemini May Soon Control Apps on Android — Here’s How It Could Change Everything

Google is enhancing Gemini AI on Android to enable it to control apps directly, allowing it to perform tasks within applications rather than just responding to inquiries. This includes capabilities such as opening apps, performing in-app actions, navigating interfaces, and completing tasks using natural language commands. If implemented, this feature could significantly transform the Android user experience by facilitating faster multitasking, reducing screen interaction, and providing smarter automation. Privacy measures will include strict permission-based access and on-device processing for sensitive tasks. The feature may launch in a future Android 16 update or alongside upcoming Pixel feature drops, likely starting with Pixel devices before expanding to other Android smartphones.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Android Auto may finally let you cast media from your phone

Google is developing Google Cast support for Android Auto, as indicated by code strings in version 15.9 that reference Cast integration. This feature will allow audio and video casting from smartphones to cars. Android Auto is also adopting Material 3 Expressive design, with updated media controls in the latest build. While the casting feature is not yet publicly available, it is expected to enhance in-car entertainment experiences. Additionally, Google is testing video support for Android Auto, and the media player in version 15.9 is transitioning to a new design with a refreshed progress bar and button styles, although these features are not enabled by default.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Google is working on bringing Contextual Suggestions to every Android smartphone

Google is set to extend the Magic Cue feature from the Pixel 10 family to all Android smartphones under the name Contextual Suggestions. This feature provides tailored recommendations based on user habits and locations, such as suggesting a specific playlist for workouts or reminding users to cast sports games to their TV. Contextual Suggestions prioritizes user privacy by operating within an encrypted space on the device, ensuring that data used for suggestions remains confidential and is not shared with apps or Google. Users can delete their data at any time, with a default setting that purges it after 60 days. The feature uses AI to analyze stored device activity and location data to generate predictions. Currently, Contextual Suggestions is being rolled out to select users in a beta version of the Google Play Services app, but it is not yet available to all beta participants.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Pixel’s home screen search just got worse for everyday use

Google is replacing the Pixel Launcher's native search with a full-screen Google Search interface powered by the Google app as part of the November 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. The new search UI removes quick access to contacts and device settings, which many users perceive as a downgrade. The change aims to facilitate quicker access to AI Mode and will display more suggested apps at the top of the screen.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

Android 16 QPR3 will tell you if apps use your location

The upcoming Android 16 update will enhance user privacy by introducing a feature that provides transparency regarding location tracking by apps. Currently in beta as part of the Android 16 QPR3, it is expected to roll out early next year. A new blue dot with a map icon will appear next to the battery meter when an app is actively tracking the user's location. Users can tap on the dot in the notifications view to identify which app is monitoring their location and can choose to close the app or adjust location settings. This feature builds on a previous privacy indicator with a green dot for camera or microphone access. Currently, it is exclusive to Pixel devices in beta, with plans to extend it to other Android smartphones in the future.