Android Archives

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

New touch-up tools in Google Photos’ image editor let you make quick, subtle fixes.

Google Photos has introduced a suite of touch-up tools in its image editor to help users enhance their photos while maintaining authenticity. The features include options to heal imperfections, smooth skin texture, brighten under-eye areas, enhance eye color, whiten teeth, define eyebrows, and add color to lips. Users can adjust the intensity of these effects for a personalized look. The rollout of these tools is gradual and currently available for Android devices with a minimum of 4 GB RAM and running Android 9.0 or higher.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

How to easily encrypt files on an Android phone – and the free app I use to do it

File encryption is important for mobile security, allowing users to encrypt files for secure access and sharing. The OpenKeyChain app simplifies this process for Android users by utilizing public key encryption, which involves a private key on the recipient's device and a public key shared for sending encrypted files. To get started, users need an Android device and the OpenKeyChain app. They must create their own key and can import public keys from others. Files can be encrypted for other users or stored securely on the device or Google Drive. Encrypted files have a .gpg extension, and users can disguise them for added security. The decryption process involves selecting the encrypted file within the app.

BetaBeacon

April 20, 2026

Testing PC games using FEX on a high-end Android tablet can yield playable results — but the early tech is still not ready for prime time

FEX or FEX-Emu translates raw x86 instructions into ARM64 instructions, allowing Arm-based chips to run many full-fat games from the Steam Library. However, complex graphical pipelines in modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Clair Obscur can cause issues with rendering geometry correctly due to community-developed graphics drivers like Turnip. Qualcomm's mobile chips were not originally designed to support desktop-level Vulkan instructions, so widespread support for mainstream games may be limited. The FEX project is ongoing, but more maturation of applications and community-made drivers is needed before FEX can be considered a feature in mainstream products.

BetaBeacon

April 20, 2026

Now you can run Steam games in Linux on some handhelds that ship with Android

- Valve has released Proton 11 beta 1, which allows you to run Windows games designed for x86 architecture on devices with Arm processors running Linux. - ROCKNIX, a Linux-based gaming operating system, has added support for Steam on handheld game consoles, allowing you to play PC games on these devices. - Not all PC games will work on these devices, especially those that require NVIDIA RTX graphics or use DirectX 12. - ROCKNIX can be installed on an SD card to use on Android handhelds without overwriting the original operating system, but performance may be better if installed on the internal storage.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Methods Detective, AVARIS3, The Fall 2, more

A selection of Android game and app deals includes Methods: Detective Competition, AVARIS3, Front Armies, Hero of the Kingdom III, Tower Defense Legend 5 Pro, SciFi Survivor Premium, Galaxy Vanguard I, and The Fall 2: Zombie Survival. Samsung Galaxy Tabs are available starting at 0, with Amazon expected to adjust its pricing. Google’s Pixel 45W USB-C Power Charger and the 10 Pro XL are also discounted.

BetaBeacon

April 20, 2026

The Diana Android from Pragmata Will Receive an Unofficial Statue with LED Lighting from 3109 Studio

3109 Studio has announced an unofficial 27-centimeter statue of the android Diana from the game Pragmata. The statue is available for preorder for 203.14 euros and is scheduled for release in the third to fourth quarter of 2026.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Microsoft is finally adding the right kind of AI support to Windows 11

Windows 11 will enhance the Taskbar and Search Box with support for AI agents next month, allowing developers to integrate AI functionalities through new APIs. This feature will not be activated by default, giving users the option to opt out. Microsoft aims to make Windows AI-ready in response to trends where AI tools are more popular on Mac systems, while facing pushback from Windows users regarding AI integration. The company seeks to balance innovation with user concerns and prioritize quality across the platform to regain user trust.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

WhatsApp Is Testing a Paid ‘Plus’ Plan: Android Beta Users Spot New Personalisation Features, Pricing Still in Trial

WhatsApp is piloting a subscription service called WhatsApp Plus for a select group of Android users. The service includes features such as the ability to pin up to 20 chats, exclusive animated sticker packs, 18 new theme colors, custom app icons, unique ringtones, and bulk settings for chat management. The estimated monthly fee for WhatsApp Plus is approximately €2.49, aimed at enhancing user engagement while keeping core messaging features free.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

Amazon chooses nuclear option for Fire TV Sticks – no Android, no sideloading, no installing apps

Amazon will transition all future Fire TV devices to its proprietary Vega OS, which will eliminate the ability to sideload apps on Fire TV Sticks. This change aims to enhance security and reduce illegal streaming but limits user customization. The latest models, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Select and the upcoming Fire TV Stick HD, will feature Vega OS. The cloud-based system allows for seamless access to updated streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, reducing reliance on device processing power and production costs. However, it significantly reduces user autonomy by removing the option to sideload third-party applications.

Tech Optimizer

April 19, 2026

Avast Antivirus: Between Free Tier Strength and Privacy Risks, Things Are Getting Interesting

Avast Antivirus offers free protection against malware, phishing, and unsafe websites, featuring real-time scanning, ransomware protection, and a behavior-based detection system. The free edition includes protective shields for files, emails, and web browsing, while Avast Premium Security provides advanced ransomware defense and a secure browser. Avast One bundles additional features like a VPN and parental controls. Gen Digital acquired Avast in 2022, positioning it as a key part of its consumer cybersecurity strategy, with a freemium model that attracts users and encourages upgrades to premium plans. Avast has a user base of 435 million, with millions transitioning to paid subscriptions annually. The global antivirus market is experiencing double-digit growth, driven by increasing cyber threats. Avast competes with major players like Norton, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky, while facing challenges from free alternatives like Windows Defender. The company previously faced privacy issues related to the sale of anonymized browsing data but has since implemented transparency measures and compliance with EU regulations. Avast is exploring AI-driven detection methods and post-quantum defenses to enhance its offerings.