Cell Archives

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

Google extends free Pixel 9 Satellite SOS for one more year

Google has extended free access to its Satellite SOS feature for Pixel 9 owners for an additional year, following the conclusion of the initial two-year complimentary period. Satellite SOS, launched in 2024, allows users to contact emergency services and share their location without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The feature is available on compatible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but not on the Pixel 9a. The service's availability depends on the user's geographical location. Google has not yet announced any potential subscription pricing or whether the service will transition to a paid model after the extension period.

BetaBeacon

October 18, 2026

AYN Thor Setup Guide: 13 Steps, 90 Minutes [2026]

- AYN's Thor is a clamshell Android handheld with two AMOLED panels: a 6-inch top display and a 3.92-inch touchscreen on the bottom. - It comes in four configurations: Lite, Base, Pro, and Max, with varying specs including RAM, storage, and GPU. - Setup of the AYN Thor takes longer than expected as it does not come with bundled games, preinstalled emulators, or a third-party launcher. - The setup process includes steps such as unboxing and inspecting the model, charging fully before the first boot, updating firmware, configuring the dual-screen display, setting up the microSD card, installing RetroArch, Winlator, and Moonlight, mapping controls, calibrating sticks, setting up cloud and PC game streaming, optimizing battery and thermal behavior, organizing storage, launchers, and backups, and running a final full-system pass.

BetaBeacon

October 5, 2026

ARC X1 Android Handheld: $308, OwlOS Fuses 3 Modes [2026]

The ARC X1 is a handheld gaming device priced at approximately , significantly lower than other PC-gaming handhelds. It features a 7-inch, 120Hz display, dedicated gaming controls, active cooling, and a 9,300mAh replaceable battery. The device runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 Gaming Platform and operates on OwlOS, a custom operating system built on the Android Open Source Project. The ARC X1 aims to provide a unified gaming experience by combining native Android games, cloud gaming services, and emulation in one launcher. The device's pricing strategy challenges the market created by Valve's Steam Deck, offering a cheaper alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: ISLANDERS, Newtro Boxing, Planescape, more

Amazon's early fall Prime Day deals coincide with discounted offers on popular apps and games in the Google Play Store, including ISLANDERS: Mobile, Cell Clone Wars: Pro, Minabo: A Walk Through Life, Unreal Life, Planescape: Torment: Enhanced, Kero Blaster, and Newtro Boxing. Additionally, the Airfly Drive wireless Android Auto adapter from Twelve South is available, and the 45mm Pixel Watch 5 is discounted by 8.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

Huion Note E Notebook / Android Tablet Review – Affordable e-paper-like tablet – Mighty Gadget Blog Technology News and Reviews

The iFLYTEK AINOTE Air 2 and AINote 2 are e-ink tablets with AI capabilities for voice transcription, excelling in note-taking and audio transcription but suffering from a sluggish user interface. The TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER features a matte NXTPAPER display for comfortable reading and writing but does not match the feel of e-ink, priced at £479. The Huion Note E is a budget-friendly Android tablet at £299, designed for productivity with a matte display and PenTech 3.0 EMR pen technology. It has an 8.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, and offers approximately 6.5 hours of battery life. The tablet includes a handwriting recognition feature but lacks integrated voice transcription. It is designed to resemble a hardback book, with a PU leather folio case and a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. The display has a brightness of 300 nits and a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and while it supports a Reading Mode for a greyscale experience, it does not fully replicate an e-ink reading experience. The device has no expandable storage and limited USB 2.0 speeds for file transfers.

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

AnyPS5 Reaches PS5 Game Menu on PC, No Emulator [2026]

A developer named boykopovar has created an open-source tool called AnyPS5 on GitHub, which aims to convert PlayStation 5 games to run natively on Windows and Linux systems. AnyPS5 can load a PS5 game's logo and reach its main menu on PC hardware but crashes before the menu becomes interactive. The tool uses a method called relinking, which reformats PS5 executables into native Windows or Linux files and provides replacement libraries to mimic PS5 system libraries. There is currently no public build available, and the developer has stated that a public release will only occur after a successful game launch. Sony has not made any public statements or taken legal action regarding AnyPS5. The project operates under the GPL-2.0 license, but the legal implications of using it with actual PS5 games remain unclear. Historical trends suggest that console emulation projects typically take years to mature, but AnyPS5's shared architecture with PCs may offer a potential shortcut.

AppWizard

September 14, 2026

Android Auto Can Still Be Useful Without Cell Service

Android Auto can function without a mobile data connection, allowing access to features like maps and podcasts in areas with limited or no cell service. Users can download offline maps through the Google Maps app by selecting Offline maps and choosing the desired area. Alternatives like Organic Maps provide offline navigation, while apps such as iHeartRadio, Musicolet, Spotify, and YouTube Music allow for downloading content for offline use. With proper planning and the right tools, Android Auto remains effective even in remote locations.

BetaBeacon

September 6, 2026

Motorola is back in the Wear OS game with the Moto Watch Ultra

Motorola has launched the Moto Watch Ultra at IFA 2026, featuring a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 SoC, a 1.5-inch pOLED display with 2,700 nits peak brightness, up to two days of battery life, Wear OS 6, and LTE eSIM support.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

3 Apps You Can Sideload On Android Auto

Transforming an old tablet into an Android Auto head unit involves activating developer mode and enabling "Unknown Sources" to sideload applications. Alternatively, third-party tools like Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) can be used to integrate unofficial apps. Sideloading carries risks, as these apps are not officially vetted and may malfunction after system updates. CarStream is a sideloaded app that allows users to access YouTube on their car display without rooting their phone, making it useful during parked moments. Fermata Auto is an open-source media player that plays local media files from a phone or hard drive, ideal for offline use. Screen2Auto mirrors a phone's display onto the car screen, allowing access to any app, but should be used with caution while driving.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

August is the calm before the storm for this year’s new game releases

August 2026 is a calm month for PC gaming, with several notable releases and updates. The full release of Fields of Mistria 1.0 is scheduled for August 5. Other new titles include ReStory: Chill Electronics Repair and Sovereign Tower on August 6, and Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, which also releases on August 6. The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection 2 and Star Wars Zero Company are set to launch on August 27. Key gaming events include Quakecon's 30th anniversary starting on August 6 and Gamescom beginning on August 26. The month features themed Steam sales, including Cyberpunk Fest from August 3-10, Pins and Pegs Fest from August 17-20, and PvE Survival Crafting Fest from August 31 to September 7. Updates and DLCs include the Man of Honor DLC for Mafia: The Old Country on August 14, Hell Rising DLC for Nioh 3 on August 19, and the Cost of Hope DLC for Stalker 2 on August 20. The Tarnished Pack for Elden Ring will be available on August 28.