approval Archives

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

3 Budget Android Phones That Work Without A Google Account

Google is working on a new Android Developer Verification system to enable users to sideload third-party app stores like F-Droid and Aurora. Budget-friendly Android phones that operate without a Google account include the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G, Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026), and Samsung Galaxy A17 5G, all priced under 0. The TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G, launched in 2025 for 0, features 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, and a 5,010 mAh battery. It offers one major Android OS upgrade and two years of security patches. The Motorola Moto G Play 5G (2026) was initially priced at 0 in November 2025 but has increased to 0. It includes 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and a 5,200 mAh battery, with two years of major Android OS upgrades and three years of security patches. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G debuted in January 2026 at 0, featuring an Exynos 1330 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a 5,000 mAh battery, with six major Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches. All devices allow users to avoid Google account sign-in and related background processes for improved performance.

BetaBeacon

October 10, 2026

A classic Zelda-style adventure can be tried for free on smartphones – Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King released on Android and iOS

FDG Entertainment has released the mobile version of the adventure game Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King, developed by Castle Pixel.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

“Really not bad at all” — Surface Laptop Ultra prices have landed, and the Windows community has something to say

Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Ultra on October 7, with shipping starting on October 16 and preorders available at a starting price of ,599. It is the most affordable high-performance laptop featuring the RTX Spark technology, with many expecting a higher starting price of ,999. The device offers two configurations: one with an 18-core CPU and 5120-core GPU, and a higher-end model with a 20-core CPU and 6144-core GPU, with a price difference of approximately ,100 between them. The Surface Laptop Ultra includes a breakaway USB-C port that detaches if tripped over, which has received positive feedback, although some critics view it as a late adaptation of existing technology.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Amazon’s Alexa Tablets bring full Android and Google Play from $229.99

Amazon has introduced a new series of Alexa Tablets, marking a shift from its Fire tablets to devices that operate on Android and provide access to the Google Play Store. Three models were announced, priced between 9.99 and 9.99, set to launch on October 14 in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and on October 19 in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The flagship model, the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, starts at 9.99 and features 8GB of memory, 128GB of storage, and a 12-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. A premium version with a Nanomatte anti-glare screen is also available. The lineup includes the Alexa Tablet 11 starting at 9.99 and the Alexa Tablet 8 priced at 9.99. Each tablet features Alexa+ with On-Screen Intelligence and a dedicated reading mode for the Kindle app. Amazon will discontinue Fire tablet production but will support existing devices for four years after the last shipment. The pricing of the new tablets is not affected by a recent memory chip shortage.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Two New PC Games Now Available for Free for Some GOG Users

GOG is offering two free games: Conarium and WarBreeds, but players must have a GOG account and an Amazon Prime account to access them. Conarium, a 2017 Lovecraftian horror game, has a Metacritic score of 71 and a Steam approval rating of 76%. WarBreeds, a 1998 strategy game, has a GameRankings score of 62% and an 84% approval rating on Steam after its 2023 re-release. The free downloads will be available through Prime Gaming, but the specific launch time and duration for the offers are not disclosed.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

The latest planning applications in Trafford from last week

Trafford Council has received the following planning applications: - Land Off Bold Street, Old Trafford: Application for approval of details reserved by conditions of planning permission 114786/FUL/24, including landscape maintenance, remediation strategy, and sustainable drainage scheme. Ref. No: 120058/CND/26. - 170 Lostock Road, Davyhulme, Manchester M41 0TB: Certificate of proposed lawful development requested for the formation of a rear dormer. Ref. No: 120063/CPL/26. - 39 Green Walk, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 6JN: Application for the demolition of an existing garage and erection of a single-storey front extension, two-storey side extension, and part single/part two-storey rear extension. Ref. No: 120043/HHA/26. - Bridge Works, 2 Bridgewater Embankment, Altrincham WA14 4RL: Non-material amendment proposed to planning permission 111563/FUL/23 to vary wording of condition 4 and extend timescale to within 31 months. Ref. No: 120049/NMA/26. - White House, Booth Road, Altrincham WA14 4AU: Application for the demolition of an existing detached garage and construction of a single-storey rear and side extension with first-floor access, basement car parking with external car lift, and landscaping. Ref. No: 120044/HHA/26. - T G I Fridays, Cross Street, Sale M33 7JR: Application for approval of details reserved by condition 5 (landscaping) of planning permission 118058/FUL/25. Ref. No: 120053/CND/26. - 22 Oulton Avenue, Sale M33 2WA: Application for the erection of a single-storey rear and side extension, along with a new front porch. Ref. No: 120046/HHA/26. - 1 Bow Green Road, Bowdon, Altrincham WA14 3LZ: Proposal for the erection of a two-storey front extension and part single-storey/part two-storey side and rear extensions, with external alterations. Ref. No: 120036/HHA/26. - 54 New Street, Altrincham WA14 2QP: Application to demolish a conservatory and erect a rear extension with external alterations including replacement windows and a rooflight. Ref. No: 120038/HHA/26. - 1 Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1BY: Non-material amendment proposed to planning permission 114818/FUL/24 to amend wording of conditions 3 and 4 and change the phasing plan. Ref. No: 120041/NMA/26.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Sanctioned Russian firm identifies multiple security vulnerabilities in Android and Apple devices

Russian cybersecurity firm Positive Technologies has identified 11 security vulnerabilities affecting Android and Apple devices, with nine related to Apple and two to Android, classified as high severity. The Android vulnerabilities include one that allows attackers to exploit an NFC tag to execute an app without owner approval and another that lets installed apps modify network settings without additional permissions. Google has addressed these issues in its September 2026 security patches. For Apple, vulnerabilities include a macOS flaw that allows malicious apps to gain the highest system privileges and another that exposes sensitive information. Apple has released patches for these vulnerabilities, but specific OS versions affected have not been disclosed. Users are advised to ensure their devices have the latest security updates to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

TNS Expands Android Terminal Platform with Bring Your Own App

Transaction Network Services (TNS) has launched a capability called Bring Your Own App (BYOA) for operators in the payment industry, allowing them to create and deploy customer-facing applications on TNS's Android-based unattended payment terminals. BYOA simplifies payment processing, compliance, and certification by managing card capture, PIN collection, encryption, EMV processing, and payment certification. Each operator's application must be approved and signed by TNS before execution on the terminal. This model enables operators to focus on enhancing customer experiences without the usual security and compliance burdens. BYOA is available across TNS's Android-based unattended payment terminal platform, including retail and fuel payment terminals.

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

F-Droid 2.0 Released After 10 years With Major Redesign to Transform Open-Source Android App Discovery

F-Droid has released version 2.0 of its official Android app, marking the most substantial update in a decade after over a year of development and 14 test builds. The app has been reconstructed using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, aligning it with Android’s Material Design principles and improving maintenance and feature expansion. Navigation is simplified into three sections: Discover, Search, and My Apps. The Discover section showcases new apps, updates, and popular downloads, while categories have been refined for easier access to specific software types. The search functionality has been enhanced to allow users to filter by application names, descriptions, categories, and languages. F-Droid 2.0 now automatically checks for and installs updates, with manual controls still available. Recent changes in the Android platform enable smoother installation experiences for alternative app stores. Privacy features have been updated, but the F-Droid Privileged Extension is not supported in this version, and the app-wiping capability has not returned.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

#1 Best-Selling Steam Game Just Achieved Something No PC Game Has Since Palworld

The top-selling title on Steam from September 8 to September 22, 2026, is War Dogs, which has achieved significant sales and a peak of over 428,000 concurrent players. It ranks as the 36th biggest title on Steam and has received a "Very Positive" rating based on an 82% approval rating from nearly 52,000 user reviews. War Dogs is an online tactical first-person shooter featuring three teams in strategic combat, emphasizing collaboration and requiring players to invest time to master its mechanics. The game is currently in early access and is priced at .99, with expectations for a higher retail price upon final release.