Android Archives

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

First look: Per-app zoom controls on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8, with pre-orders underway. A new feature in One UI 9 stable allows individual zoom controls for apps, enhancing user experience. This capability, initially found in the firmware of the Z Fold 8 Ultra, is now available as a Labs option on the standard Z Fold 8, accessible through Settings -> Advanced features -> Labs. Users can choose from five different zoom levels for each app, although Samsung's own apps are not currently supported. Testing shows varying results in different applications, with Chrome and Google Maps exhibiting different scaling behaviors. There are questions about whether this feature will remain exclusive to the Z Fold 8 and if it will be available across all devices in the Z8 lineup after retail sales begin on August 7.

Tech Optimizer

July 27, 2026

What to look for in antivirus software without the jargon

Shopping for antivirus software can be overwhelming due to technical jargon and extensive feature lists. Key considerations for effective antivirus software include: - Real-time protection: The software should continuously monitor activities and provide automatic protection against threats. - Malware and ransomware blocking: It should defend against various online threats, including malware, spyware, and ransomware. - Firewall protection: A firewall should monitor and block suspicious connections to enhance security. - Performance: The software should operate quietly in the background without interrupting daily tasks. - Frequent updates: Regular updates are essential to combat evolving online threats. - Scam protection: The software should flag suspicious links and messages to prevent cyberattacks before they reach the device. When choosing antivirus software, prioritize these features to ensure effective protection without complicating your life.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Friend of a Slime, Forest Golf Planner, AVARIS3, more

A selection of Android game and app deals includes titles such as Friend of a Slime: Survivors, Dungeons of Dreadrock 2, Forest Golf Planner, AVARIS3, Station Manager, Silver Screen Story, and Tropical Resort Story. There are pre-order discounts on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 devices, with up to 0 in instant trade-in deals and an additional 0 in complimentary credit. The TCL NXTPAPER 14 and NXTPAPER 11 Gen 2 Android tablets start at 9. There are savings of up to 0 on Copilot+ PCs and gaming laptops, and the Galaxy A57 phone is listed at an all-time low of 5 on Amazon.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

Daily Brief ‘Tuning’ could be what Google has planned next for Gemini’s morning digest

A recent leak regarding Google's Gemini Daily Brief indicates the introduction of a "Tuning" feature, allowing users to customize their morning digests by selecting preferred content. This feature is part of a broader effort to enhance user experience and make Gemini a more proactive assistant. The Gemini Spark, introduced at Google's I/O event, integrates with various Google applications like Gmail, Docs, and Slides. The latest app version includes a "Tune your brief" option, enabling users to preview curated content and receive personalized suggestions. Early user feedback has been positive, highlighting improvements over typical AI interactions.

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 27, 2026

The best PS2 emulator on Android just gained LAN play support

ARMSX2 v2.6.5.1, the premier PS2 emulator for Android, has introduced multiplayer functionality through system link gameplay, allowing players to connect multiple consoles on the same internet network or via a mobile hotspot. This version also supports playing system link games over the internet with a VPN. Notable PS2 titles that support this feature include Gran Turismo 4, SOCOM series, Call of Duty 2: Big Red One, Star Wars: Battlefront games, and Tony Hawk titles. Additionally, ARMSX2 v2.6.5.3 includes a backup and restore option, enabling users to create a zip file of their app data, which is useful for fresh installations or custom folder management.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

I couldn’t sign into the PlayStation App on Android, but I found an easy way to get around Sony’s finicky 2FA

Sony has faced criticism for discontinuing physical game discs and issues with the PlayStation app, particularly regarding two-factor authentication (2FA). Many users have reported difficulties logging into their accounts when they do not receive verification text messages. This problem has affected access to PS4s and PS5s. Users can recover their accounts by following these steps: open the PlayStation app, sign in with their email, select "Trouble Signing In?", choose "Recover Your Account", and reset their password. They can then set up a passkey, which disables 2FA, allowing them to log in without needing the verification code. Previously, users could use 2FA on consoles if they did not receive an SMS code, but this option is no longer available, making backup codes essential.

BetaBeacon

July 27, 2026

Roguelike Deckbuilders: Games Like Slay the Spire and Balatro

Deckbuilding is a genre of games that combines card-based gameplay with collecting powerful cards to use in battle against other players. It started in tabletop gaming before moving to video games. Roguelike deckbuilders add procedural generation to keep gameplay fresh and unpredictable. Slay the Spire is a popular example of a tactical deckbuilding game.

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 26, 2026

Your Android’s System Data Now Takes Up Cloud Storage Space – Here’s How To Disable It

Google has introduced granular backup settings for Android users, allowing them to manage data preservation more effectively. Users can disable cloud backups entirely and selectively choose which data sources or applications to back up. To adjust these settings, they can go to Settings > Google (or Google Services) > Other Device Data and toggle off the backup option. When cloud backups are disabled, app settings, call history, SMS messages, and media files will not be saved unless enabled individually. Backed-up data remains on Google's servers until manually deleted. If users exceed their cloud storage limit, they will face restrictions, such as being unable to send or receive emails in Gmail or back up photos to Google Photos. With cloud backups disabled, new devices will not automatically restore data from Google's cloud services. Users can expand their Google account storage by subscribing to Google One, with plans starting at .99 per month for 100GB. An active Google One subscription offers additional perks, including sharing benefits with family and access to enhanced Google Workspace features.