Chrome Archives

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon’s premium tablet gets almost everything right

The Alexa Tablet features a home screen with shortcuts to Amazon services and a folder for essential Google applications. It is a fully functional Android tablet that allows downloads from the Play Store. The user interface includes widgets for recently accessed content and the Alexa+ app, and users can interact with Alexa via voice commands. The tablet has a vibrant display suitable for streaming and Dolby Atmos-supported speakers. Performance remains positive with additional apps, though some lack optimization for larger screens. Popular apps like Adobe's Lightroom and Google's suite are optimized for tablet use. The tablet supports multitasking with split view mode and runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Battery life is claimed to be up to 16 hours, but initial testing shows around eight hours for mixed usage.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

In an effort to look more like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge may get rid of ‘Favorites’ — here’s what you’ll get instead

Microsoft Edge is transitioning from its Favorites bar to a more streamlined collection of bookmarks, as observed in the Canary version of the browser. This change aims to align Edge more closely with Google Chrome, potentially aiding users migrating from Chrome. The integration of this feature into the stable version of Edge is expected soon. Despite this, Edge has a poor reputation, with a market share of only 6.04%, compared to Chrome's 66.36% and Safari's 18.27%. In the mobile sector, Edge has virtually no market presence.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google Messages adding ‘enhanced protection mode’ as Android works to combat phone scam

Google has introduced new features to enhance user security on its Android platform during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, focusing on combating messaging and phone scams. The key feature is an enhanced protection mode for the Google Messages app, which includes Scam Detection using Private AI Compute to analyze message context and identify scammer intent through cloud-based Gemini models. This mode complements existing on-device detection and aims to uncover sophisticated scams while ensuring user data remains encrypted and secure. Additionally, link protections have been upgraded with real-time web signals to assess unfamiliar links' trustworthiness, available on select devices such as Pixel 10+, Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8. Redesigned warnings will provide clearer context before users tap links from unknown numbers, previously limited to select countries or devices with Android Advanced Protection. Google is also expanding its on-device Scam Detection to more brands beyond Pixel, including HONOR, Infinix, iQOO, itel, JOVI, Motorola, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, TECNO, vivo, and Xiaomi. For phone scams, automatic screen-share privacy will conceal sensitive information in native apps and extend to Chrome and WebView on devices running Android 15 and above. Google plans to block apps from enabling call forwarding in the background to prevent one-time passcode theft, with this feature rolling out in early December on Pixel and select other devices. Android will also proactively warn users if a scammer attempts to trick them into entering an MMI forwarding code.

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Firefox Launches in Android Cars as Part of Major Google Play Store Update

Google is updating Android Automotive with a revamped Google Play Store that features new categories, a simplified one-tap download option, and improved browsing capabilities. Unlike Android Auto, Android Automotive operates independently and requires factory installation by car manufacturers. Major applications, including the Firefox browser, are debuting on Android Automotive, alongside an audio-only mode for YouTube, which requires a YouTube Premium subscription. These updates will roll out automatically in the coming weeks, with no user action needed.

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

Google Play now lets you ‘vibe code’ and launch your own personal Android apps

Google is updating the Google Play Store to allow users to create and deploy their own applications using Google AI Studio without needing a developer account. This feature is currently available in the U.S. for users aged 18 and older and ensures that personal applications remain private and separate from the public catalog. The Play Store is also enhancing content discovery with optimizations for larger screens, new features like "Ask Play" for app comparisons, and "Play in Gemini" for recommendations. In gaming, a new Game Finder feature will create personalized profiles for users, while "Sprints" will offer 48-hour challenges. Major games are being introduced with cross-save support between mobile and PC, and a new Family Link feature will help parents manage age-appropriate app experiences. These updates are rolling out now.

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

New Google Play Services Update Brings New Wallet Features, More

A fresh update for Google Play Services and the Google Play Store has been released, featuring several enhancements. Google Play Services v26.40 includes: - Disabling the installation of the Find Hub app and removing Find Hub capabilities on Aluminium devices. - Enhancements to system management services for improved updatability. - Updates aimed at enhancing device connectivity, performance, and overall stability. - A new feature in Google Wallet that allows users to scan and add receipts. - Google Pay on Chrome for Android now allows users to bypass the Payment Request UI when sharing their name, email, and phone number with merchants. - Improvements to merchant names in transaction notifications from Google Wallet. - An in-app message center added to Google Wallet for better communication. Google Play Store v53.6 includes: - Users will receive summarized insights and direct citations from real user reviews via Ask Play. - New tag chips at the top of the Listen cube in Collections for better content discovery. - Introduction of AI Summary in Community Posts for quick updates on trending discussions.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

How to easily sideload Android apps on your new Googlebook

Chrome Unboxed offers support for independent tech journalism and provides an ad-free experience with membership benefits. Android gamers face challenges with popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, which are unavailable for installation on Googlebook via the Play Store. Users can sideload apps on Googlebook OS, built on Android 17, without the limitations of the Play Store. The sideloading process involves downloading an APK from a trusted source, allowing unknown apps in Chrome, and installing the app. Google Play Protect monitors installed applications for malicious activity, but users should still exercise caution when sideloading.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

A week with Googlebooks: four notes from our testing so far

Google has launched five new Googlebook laptops featuring the Googlebook OS, which has received mixed reviews. While the hardware is praised, the software is criticized for being problematic and not a significant upgrade from ChromeOS. Users report issues such as the inability to run Chrome with separate Google accounts, clunky Android apps, and awkward command requirements for messaging apps. The app ecosystem is struggling, with many applications failing to adapt to the Googlebook's interface, resulting in a frustrating user experience. Linux applications face integration challenges, complicating multitasking. Despite some successful features like file transfer and notification responses between Googlebook and Android devices, users experience frequent connectivity issues and sluggish performance.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Googlebook First Impressions: Android Integration

Early evaluations of Googlebook's Android integration indicated a mixed user experience, particularly in connecting phone applications, notifications, and files to a laptop. The setup involved pairing Android phones via QR code and signing into Google accounts, with features like app casting and task transfer functioning effectively for some applications. However, issues arose with app compatibility, as not all applications transferred smoothly, and desktop controls did not always align with expected behaviors. The Glowbar on the laptop lid indicated battery levels and interacted with the device's functions. Chrome allowed multiple Google accounts but did not keep separate browsing histories or settings. The first models of Googlebook were available for purchase in the U.S. starting October 4, 2026.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Will Android apps struggle on Intel Googlebooks? Google and Intel offer different answers

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, with Chrome Unboxed encouraging contributions through its membership program. The text discusses the challenges of running Android applications on Intel versus ARM processors in the context of the new Googlebook OS, which is built on Android 17. Google has warned that Intel-based Googlebooks may face challenges with certain Android apps, particularly those designed for ARM processors, although 96.6% of the top 10,000 Android apps reportedly run well on Intel devices. Intel disputes the need for developer adjustments, promoting its Intel Bridge Technology as a solution for application compatibility and performance. The ongoing public disagreement highlights concerns for potential buyers regarding the performance of Intel-powered Googlebooks, especially for resource-intensive applications.