companion app Archives

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Sneak peek: Google’s Android XR glasses app shows off AI features, camera, and display options

Google is developing two types of smart glasses: a lightweight, screen-free model in collaboration with fashion brands and a display-equipped version with hardware partners like Samsung and Magic Leap. A companion app for the glasses has been identified, featuring a pairing process and settings for power management and camera functionality. The app includes AI capabilities such as 'Conversation detection' to silence notifications during conversations, and it ensures that all recorded data remains private to the user. Additional features in the app allow for display adjustments and an "audio only mode."

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Google’s Android XR ‘Glasses’ app surfaces with quick look at camera, display settings [Gallery]

Google is developing Android XR glasses, evidenced by a new companion app in Android Canary builds with the package name “com.google.android.glasses.companion.” The app features a basic interface for setting up glasses and exploring purchasing options, although the purchase button is inactive. It includes functionalities for importing photos and videos via a built-in camera, with video capture available at 1080p and an experimental 3K mode. The app has a feature called “Conversation detection” that mutes notifications when the user is speaking, ensuring privacy by processing data on-device. Additional features include display settings like brightness control and an “audio-only” mode. The first Android XR glasses are expected to debut from Samsung in 2026, indicating a reliance on Google’s software for the hardware.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

How to Get Moving Wallpapers on Windows 11: Guide to Animated Desktops

Windows 11 is set to introduce native video wallpaper support in late 2025, currently available in testing builds for Windows Insiders, supporting formats like MP4, MKV, and WebM. Users can access animated wallpapers through third-party applications, with Lively Wallpaper being a recommended free option that supports various formats and features. Wallpaper Engine is a paid alternative known for its extensive library and interactive wallpapers. VLC Media Player can also set videos as wallpapers, but it has limitations such as requiring constant operation and higher resource usage. Animated wallpapers generally consume more battery and system resources, but modern applications include features to mitigate these impacts. Users are advised to download wallpapers from trusted sources to ensure safety.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

Android 16 made me fall back in love with split-screen and app pairs

Google introduced a feature called app pairs with Android 15, allowing users to save two apps as a single icon for simultaneous launching in split-screen mode. Initially available only on tablets, it expanded to devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and other smartphones. Early users found the multi-window mode cumbersome due to limited display space. Android 16 improved this with a 90:10 split-screen mode, prioritizing one app while minimizing the other, enhancing multitasking on smaller displays. The ability to save app pairs streamlines launching two apps side-by-side. Users have found productivity benefits by pairing apps like Spotify with fitness trackers or productivity tools like Slack and Asana.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Google Launches First-party ‘PC Connect’ Virtual Desktop App for PC Productivity & Gaming on Android XR

Google has launched a beta version of PC Connect, a virtual desktop application for Android XR users that allows streaming content from Windows PCs. The app is optimized for low latency and high frame rates, enabling responsive gameplay and crossover input control between the headset and traditional keyboard and mouse setups. A notable feature is the Gemini assistant, which recognizes streamed applications, and the auto-stereo feature that converts flat content into stereoscopic 3D in real-time. PC Connect is free, unlike its competitor Virtual Desktop, but currently does not support streaming PC VR content. There are questions about whether it uses a direct Wi-Fi link or requires an intermediary network for connectivity. At launch, there is no support for Mac users, but future updates may include it.

Winsage

December 9, 2025

Windows gets its own screen-powered “ring light” via a new app — and it already does more than Apple’s native version

Camo Streamlight is an application that enhances camera image quality by illuminating the screen, similar to macOS's "Edge Light" feature. It is free and includes a companion app, Camo Studio, which offers filters, adjustments, and auto-framing options for video calls on Windows. The app allows users to customize the illuminated area, brightness, and hue. Testing showed that Camo Streamlight effectively brightened images in dim environments and improved detail in well-lit settings, with performance varying based on display specifications, particularly benefiting users with larger HDR screens.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Poke Genie -Remote Raid IV PvP For Android

Poke Genie has a rating of 4.7 stars and over 10 million downloads. It offers features such as an IV Checker, Remote Raid Coordinator, PvP IV Calculator, Name Generator, Battle Simulator, Moveset Ranking, Pokedex, Type Effectiveness Tool, Scan Organizer, and Power Up/Purification Simulator. The app does not require logins and operates using screenshots and screen recordings, complying with Niantic’s terms of service. It is a fan-made third-party app popular among Pokémon Go players.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

12 apps I urge non-techies to install on their Android phones

The preinstalled Android apps on smartphones may not meet the needs of all users, especially those who are less tech-savvy. Alternative apps can enhance the smartphone experience. TeamViewer allows remote troubleshooting by connecting to others' devices for assistance. Vivaldi offers a customizable browsing experience with ad-blocking and privacy features, while Microsoft Edge is a good option for Windows users. Google Wallet simplifies mobile payments and serves as a digital wallet for various cards. Nobook is a lightweight alternative to the Facebook app, providing faster load times and a streamlined experience. Bitwarden is a password manager that securely stores passwords with one master password, promoting the use of complex passwords. Google Authenticator provides multi-factor authentication by storing 2FA codes securely. Localsend facilitates large file transfers over Wi-Fi networks. Google Photos offers 15GB of free storage for image backup, and Google Gallery helps manage images easily. Tubular provides an ad-free YouTube experience, while Files by Google simplifies file management with categorization and a secure Safe Folder. Gboard enhances typing efficiency with features like autocomplete and swipe typing.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Top 8 Android Apps For October 2025: AI, Automation & Life Hacks

Co-Reply offers AI-powered reply suggestions for messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Instagram, processing data locally without cloud uploads. Panda uses on-device AI for app navigation via voice commands, with a daily limit of 15 tasks in its free version and unlimited tasks in the Pro version. Taii provides real-time writing assistance across various platforms, including grammar corrections and tone adjustments. TMPAD is a performance controller that optimizes frame rates and resolution for apps on older devices. Audio Output Switcher allows users to easily switch sound output options without navigating through menus. Network Switch enables one-tap switching between 4G and 5G to save battery life. Hackne compares Uber and Lyft fares side-by-side without requiring registration or data collection. Nora consolidates feeds from multiple social media platforms into a single app. Pixel Play enhances offline music playback, and Virtual Shuffle improves Spotify's randomization algorithm. Many of these apps require initial setup and permission grants but cater to privacy-conscious users and provide practical solutions.

AppWizard

September 24, 2025

The Pixel Watch app just got a makeover you might actually notice

Google has updated the Pixel Watch companion app to version 4.1, introducing a new icon that features a realistic watch design in shades of blue and purple. The app now includes a story-style carousel at the top of the main screen to highlight key features such as Fitbit, Personal Safety, Gemini, and Wallet. The menus have been refined with rounded containers for clearer separation, and the Tiles screen reflects a cohesive visual experience similar to the Pixel Watch 4 and the redesigned Fitbit app. The update enhances the user experience with brighter colors and playful fonts on the Pixel Watch 4’s display. Version 4.1 is currently rolling out on the Play Store.