compatibility Archives

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Boox Picco is exceptionally tiny for an e-reader, but it parts ways with Android and third-party apps

Boox unveiled the Picco, a compact e-reader measuring just under 4 inches, designed for portability and set to release in November 2026. Unlike other Boox devices, the Picco does not run on Android and focuses on a streamlined design with features like an adjustable front light and custom buttons for navigation. It will primarily support the Boox store and EPUB files, lacking compatibility with third-party applications. A companion app will facilitate file transfers. The device is lightweight and has dimensions similar to a mini field journal, making it suitable for travel. Pricing is expected to be around 0, though final details are not confirmed.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Are Free VPNs for Android Actually Worth Using

A free VPN for Android can improve internet privacy, especially on untrusted networks, but it has limitations, such as not guaranteeing complete anonymity or security. The VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the device and the server, protecting traffic from local monitoring but not ensuring overall security if poorly implemented. Changing your IP address does not guarantee anonymity, as account logins and tracking technologies can still identify users. Free VPNs may be suitable for low-risk tasks, like occasional browsing on public Wi-Fi, but they do not protect against malware or phishing. Providers often rely on alternative revenue sources, such as advertising or data sharing, which necessitates careful examination of their privacy policies. Free VPNs may have limitations like data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server options compared to paid services. Users should evaluate the provider’s background, privacy policy, permissions, and performance before installation. A paid VPN generally offers better reliability, support, and transparency, making it a safer choice for sensitive activities.

BetaBeacon

September 8, 2026

Wave Launcher Drops V1.0: A PS3-Style XMB Frontend for Android Retro Handhelds

Wave Launcher, an Android launcher inspired by the PlayStation-style XrossMediaBar design, has officially reached its V1.0 release. It prioritizes controller-first functionality, offers game management features, robust asset scraping capabilities, multimedia functionality, and extras such as FTP support and Discord Rich Presence integration. It is available for download on its official page and GitHub.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

You Can Now Play Your Physical PS3 Games on PC Straight from the Disc

The RPCS3 emulator has added physical Blu-ray support for PlayStation 3 games, enabling users to play many PS3 titles directly from the disc on their PCs. Players need a compatible Blu-ray disc drive, and the emulator supports over 75% of the PS3 library, including titles like Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time and inFAMOUS 2. This development occurs as Sony plans to phase out physical media by January 2028 and will disable the PS3’s online storefront next summer. The introduction of Blu-ray support by RPCS3 reflects growing frustration among fans regarding access to PS3 games on newer platforms, particularly the PS5, which lacks native support for PS3 titles outside of PS Plus Premium cloud streaming.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

GrapheneOS is building its own RCS support to cut Google Messages out of the picture

GrapheneOS is revamping its Messaging app, introducing RCS support, and implementing a secure paste feature to enhance user experience. The redesigned Messaging app will have a new interface using Android Compose, improving functionality and user satisfaction. RCS will be integrated into the Messaging app to reduce reliance on Google’s ecosystem, starting with recreating RCS functionalities from Google Messages. The secure paste feature will prevent apps from accessing sensitive clipboard data from other applications, ensuring user privacy. This feature will be user-friendly and compatible with apps built using Flutter. Additionally, GrapheneOS plans to replace the outdated AOSP Gallery and other AOSP applications to further improve the user experience and reduce dependence on Google.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

First look: The Play Store could give paid games the overhauled UI they deserve

Google is enhancing the user experience on its Play Store by developing a new user interface (UI) for paid games, differentiating them from free games. The updated UI in version 53.0 includes a prominent banner image for each paid game, along with essential details like reviews, ratings, age ratings, and device compatibility. A new feature called "Ask Play" has been introduced, providing a scrollable strip of contextual question chips for user interaction. The new design has been successfully tested but lacks some information, such as download size and count. The timeline for the public rollout is uncertain, and while the changes are not drastic, they aim to make paid games more appealing. An APK teardown indicates potential future features, but there is no guarantee they will be included in the final release.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

I use Samsung Reminder every day. These are my 10 favorite tips and tricks

Samsung's One UI includes the Samsung Reminder app, which offers various features that enhance productivity. Key functionalities include: - Location-based reminders that notify users upon arrival or departure from specific places, helping with errands like shopping. - Reminder suggestions that allow users to quickly access and modify previously set reminders by typing keywords. - The ability to create customizable checklists for shopping and task management, including recurring lists. - The option to add photos to reminders for additional context, useful for tracking items. - Custom categories for organizing reminders, making them easily accessible. - Customizable alert styles and wallpapers for reminders to enhance personalization. - Widgets that allow users to view and manage reminders directly from the home screen. - Integration with Samsung Calendar for creating and modifying reminders within the calendar interface. - Compatibility with the Gemini app for setting time-based reminders using voice commands. - A feature that allows reminders to persistently alert users until marked as complete, ensuring important tasks are not overlooked.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

September Android Drop: 5 new features coming to all phones and how to activate them

The September Android Drop includes five significant features: Motion Assist, Gemini integrations, and various accessibility improvements. Motion Assist helps reduce motion sickness by overlaying a pattern that aligns visual perception while in motion. Gemini can remember the locations of items without a tracker, linked to the Find Hub, but requires Android 16 or higher. To install the update, users should navigate to Settings > Updates or Google Play > Manage apps and device > Updates. Features can be checked by looking for specific indicators in the settings or apps. If a feature is missing, users should update the relevant app, restart their device, and ensure compatibility with Android 16 for certain features. All Android devices will receive most updates via Google Play, while full functionality for Gemini requires Android 16. Users are advised to keep apps updated and maintain backups.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

Google’s Scam Detection Doesn’t Support Your Android Phone? Try These 5 Apps

Google has introduced AI-powered scam call detection for Pixel phone users, analyzing incoming calls to alert users of potential scams. Not all Android devices support this feature. Various spam call prevention tools are available for Android users, including: - Truecaller: A leading app with a user-generated database for identifying spam calls, offering Caller ID in its free version. It may produce false positives. - Malwarebytes Scam Guard: Analyzes content like messages and links for scams, requiring manual submission for analysis and part of a premium package. - YouMail: Blocks known scam numbers for free, includes Caller ID, and uses AI for text message fraud detection. Some features require a paid plan. - Hiya Spam Blocker: Identifies suspicious calls with Caller ID and allows users to report dubious numbers. Paid plans offer automatic blocking and Call Screener features. - Should I Answer?: A free app that checks unknown numbers against a community-maintained database, providing reputation assessments based on user reviews. The methodology for compiling these apps focused on compatibility with various Android devices and essential features like Caller ID and automatic blocking, while also considering additional functionalities and accessibility.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

I’ve Been Gaming On Linux For Five Years – Is It Ready To Replace Windows?

Steam Deck debuted in early 2022 with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that uses the Wine-based Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games. This development has significantly advanced Linux gaming, with approximately 95% of games functioning well on Linux. Steam's Verified program lists nearly 9,000 Verified games, and around 30,000 playable titles, with only about 1% of popular games failing to run entirely. Anti-cheat systems remain a major limitation, preventing popular titles like "Fortnite" and "League of Legends" from being playable on Linux. Game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW offer alternatives for playing anti-cheat games on Linux. Linux distributions provide better controller support compared to Windows, particularly for handhelds and living room PCs. Accessing non-Steam games can be cumbersome, though tools like Heroic Launcher help. Compatibility issues with proprietary standards, such as HDMI 2.1 support, persist in Linux gaming.