companion app Archives

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

Google just announced Wear OS 6.1, and it adds a time zone feature I’ve wanted for years

Google has introduced Wear OS 6.1, which includes location-based time zone detection, allowing smartwatches to update time settings automatically based on the user's location without needing a paired smartphone. The update is based on Android 16 QPR2 and does not feature major visual changes. Additional features include a "Kids graduation" option for children's accounts and improved re-authentication processes. Wear OS 6.1 has not yet been rolled out but is expected to debut on the Pixel Watch 4 and later on older Pixel Watch models and Samsung's Galaxy Watch lineup.

BetaBeacon

February 10, 2026

This controller completely changed how I view mobile gaming, and now it’s a ridiculous 40% OFF for President’s Day

The Razer Kishi Ultra Android gaming controller is currently on sale for 40% off during Amazon's President's Day sale.

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.