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Google’s going to make it more difficult to sideload apps on Android phone
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

Google’s going to make it more difficult to sideload apps on Android phone

Google is implementing a new "advanced flow" for sideloading apps on Android to enhance security. This change will introduce multiple steps before sideloading can occur, including enabling Developer Mode, confirming the user's intent, and requiring a device restart and re-authentication. A mandatory one-day "security wait" will also be introduced, which can be verified through biometrics or a PIN, allowing users time to reconsider their decision. After this initial wait, sideloading can be enabled indefinitely or temporarily for seven days. Android will continue to warn users about unverified apps, and these changes aim to protect users from scams that pressure them into installing harmful software. Additionally, Google is planning stricter checks for app distribution and launching "limited distribution" accounts for developers.
'A firm announcement is dependent on this final stretch of work': Fans are spinning out over extraction shooter Sand's lack of a specific March release date
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

‘A firm announcement is dependent on this final stretch of work’: Fans are spinning out over extraction shooter Sand’s lack of a specific March release date

Sand: Raiders of Sophie is an upcoming PvPvE extraction shooter set to release in March 2026, according to Steam, though no specific date has been provided. The game's community is expressing concern and uncertainty regarding the release date, prompting community managers to reassure fans that updates will be shared when available. The development team is currently finalizing critical details before making a firm announcement about the release date.
Google adds 24-hour Android sideloading for unverified apps
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Google adds 24-hour Android sideloading for unverified apps

Google is revising its approach to Android sideloading by allowing users to install applications from unverified developers while implementing a new 24-hour process to enhance security. Users must activate developer mode, confirm their decision, restart their devices, and re-authenticate before installation. A one-time 24-hour waiting period is also introduced to prevent scams. This change addresses concerns from developers and advocacy groups about the impact of stringent verification policies on smaller developers. Google is also offering limited-distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps without full verification. The updated process includes additional security measures to disrupt scams, while users are encouraged to use dedicated security solutions for better protection against mobile threats.
Android's new sideloading rules are here, and they come with a 24-hour lock!
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Android’s new sideloading rules are here, and they come with a 24-hour lock!

Google has introduced a new sideloading process for Android that includes a 24-hour waiting period and multiple steps for installing apps from unverified developers. The steps are as follows: 1. Enable Developer Mode. 2. Confirm you’re not being coerced into disabling device protections. 3. Restart your phone. 4. Wait 24 hours. 5. Re-authenticate using biometric authentication or a PIN. 6. Install the app, with a warning about its unverified status. This change aims to enhance user safety and protect less experienced users from scams. The new rules will take effect in August, primarily affecting users who sideload apps from third-party sources, while those using the Play Store will not see changes. Google is also requiring app developers to verify their identities to reduce the risk of malicious applications. Exceptions exist for limited distribution apps that can be shared without full verification.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
March 18, 2026

Crimson Desert is the most hyped game I’ve seen in a minute

Crimson Desert is set to launch this Thursday and is currently ranked #4 on Steam's top wishlists chart. A preview by Harvey has generated significant excitement, making it PC Gamer's most-read article for March. The game features a variety of activities, including cooking, lumber gathering, bounty mechanics, gambling, wrestling minigames, building faction reputations, and fishing. The gaming community is eagerly anticipating a vast, immersive world, especially following delays with Grand Theft Auto 6. A review will be available soon, and potential buyers may consider waiting for patches and sales.
Google's Gemini for Home is finally useful enough to not drive you crazy
AppWizard
March 18, 2026

Google’s Gemini for Home is finally useful enough to not drive you crazy

Google is updating its Gemini-powered home assistant to enhance user experience by providing concise responses and executing common commands up to 40% faster. Users will now receive straightforward confirmations for actions like setting alarms. The assistant can set timers based on real-world events and chain multiple commands while providing updates on timers. Gemini now supports 30 languages, enabling real-time translation for smoother conversations. The Google Home app includes new automation tools for triggering actions based on conditions and creating personalized routines. New AI features like “Help me create” and “Ask Home” simplify automation processes. Google is expanding access to these features to 14 additional countries, including Canada, which now has full support. Some features require a Google Home Premium subscription, and users may experience delays in receiving updates.
Google Activates Desktop Windowing On Android Tablets
AppWizard
March 15, 2026

Google Activates Desktop Windowing On Android Tablets

Google has introduced a desktop windowing mode as the default on tablets running the latest Android builds, starting with the Pixel Tablet. This feature includes freeform windows, a persistent taskbar, and the ability to create and switch between multiple desktops. Users can manipulate apps by floating, resizing, snapping to edges, and minimizing or maximizing them, similar to traditional PC or Mac interfaces. The taskbar displays all running apps across desktops, allowing for quick app switching. Users can snap two apps side by side and resize them simultaneously. Desktop windowing allows for rapid app transitions, enhancing efficiency when managing multiple applications. However, it consumes vertical space on the display, making full-screen and split-screen views more efficient for tasks requiring fewer apps. The feature builds on Android 12L's enhancements for large screens and aims to improve productivity on tablets. Despite its advantages, there are some limitations, such as unclear app movement between desktops and limited keyboard shortcuts. Users can mix modes, using desktops for multi-app workflows while reverting to full-screen or split-screen views when needed. This update signifies a shift in how users interact with tablets, making them more functional for productivity tasks.
Microsoft to eliminate shader wait times in PC games
AppWizard
March 14, 2026

Microsoft to eliminate shader wait times in PC games

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) technology to address lengthy shader compilation times for PC gamers. The ASD technology generates a Pre-compiled Shader Database (PSDB) from a Shader Object State Database (SODB), allowing for faster game startups by eliminating the need for local compilation. Since integrating ASD into its software development kit (SDK), Microsoft has achieved an 85% reduction in launch times for the game Avowed. NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm are also set to support ASD in their hardware. Additionally, Microsoft has updated its API to allow developers to upload pre-compiled shaders through the Xbox Partner Center, starting with the Xbox app on PC.
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