The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and offers up to 24GB of RAM, delivering high performance for gaming, multitasking, and streaming.
In recent months, retro game recompilations from the Nintendo 64 have gained attention, particularly due to their decompilation into native PC ports, offering benefits like enhanced frame rates and mod support. The N64RecompLauncher, developed by SirDiabo and available on GitHub, helps users track and download these recompilations. It supports various platforms, including Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Xbox 360 titles. Installation is straightforward, especially for Steam Deck users, but requires legally obtained game copies. While the launcher can be cumbersome in game mode, using touch navigation improves the experience. The tool is seen as an efficient way to manage and stay updated on new releases in retro gaming.
Google has released Android 17 Beta 3, introducing Platform Stability, which finalizes internal and external APIs and app-facing behaviors for developers. Key enhancements include full activation of bubbles for multitasking, a redesigned screen recording toolbar, customizable photo picker grid view, support for 14-bit per pixel RAW images, vendor-defined camera extensions, Bluetooth LE audio hearing aids, reduced wakelocks for idle alarms, a system-provided location button, post-quantum cryptography hybrid signing, widget support on external displays, desktop interactive picture-in-picture, VPN app exclusion settings, and dynamic system font fallback. Feedback can be submitted through the Android Beta Feedback tool, and system images are available for various Pixel devices.
The gaming landscape once featured numerous titles inspired by The Simpsons, but today, there is a noticeable absence of new games. The Simpsons: Hit and Run is considered the best Simpsons game, and while there is no official modern port or remaster, players can revisit it through Donut Team's custom PC launcher, which enhances the original PC port and adds new features. Obtaining a copy of the game for PC can be challenging, with prices for sealed copies on platforms like eBay being high. The launcher supports modern controller use, improved visuals, and bug fixes, and also offers a library of mods that add new content. Donut Team's launcher is compatible with the Steam Deck, allowing players to run the game on the device with some setup. Emulating the game through PCXS2 or Dolphin is another option, although it lacks the enhancements of the updated PC version. Playing the game on original hardware, such as the PS2, is considered less appealing compared to modern platforms.
Microsoft discontinued Windows Phone in 2017, a decision regretted by CEO Satya Nadella. Nex Computer is now taking pre-orders for the NexPhone, which aims to run Android, Linux, and Windows 11. The device features a custom Mobile UI designed for touch interactions, reminiscent of Windows Phone. When connected to an external display, it offers full Windows 11 capabilities but lacks cellular connectivity in Windows mode. The NexPhone is not intended to replace primary smartphones but serves as a secondary option with mid-range performance, powered by Qualcomm's DragonWing QCM6490 chip, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It operates on Windows for Arm, which may present compatibility issues. While in Windows mode, cellular calling and SMS functions are unavailable, requiring users to switch to Android for those features. The device has a rugged design with military-grade build quality, a 120 Hz 6.58-inch display, a 64 MP main camera, and a 5,000 mAh battery, priced at 9.
Google is integrating its Gemini feature into Android to enhance its desktop capabilities. Gemini will be pinned to the top right corner of the upcoming Android desktop interface and can be launched using a keyboard shortcut with the Google key and Space. The latest beta version of the Google app (version 17.5) confirms this setup. Additionally, an animation featuring Gemini appears during the setup phase of PCs running the new Aluminium OS, suggesting a streamlined user experience.
A leaked Chromium bug report has revealed a screen recording of Google's upcoming Aluminium OS desktop platform, which resembles both ChromeOS and Android 16's desktop mode. Key features include a taller status bar displaying the date and time, Android-inspired icons, and redesigned window controls. The start button is centrally located on the bottom bar, and the mouse cursor has a new design. The leak indicates that Aluminium OS is being developed to unify the desktop experience, with expectations for Android-powered PCs to launch later this year and collaborations with brands for Android PCs planned for 2026.
Hytale is not officially compatible with the Steam Deck, but it can still be played on the device using its native Linux installer. Players can install Hytale by switching the Steam Deck to desktop mode, downloading the Linux installer from the Hytale website, and following a series of steps to add the game to their Steam library. Additionally, Hytale can be installed on other gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, Xbox Ally X, or Lenovo Legion Go using its Windows installer.
Google is considering a new initiative called Aluminium, which aims to adapt Android's features for laptops and desktops, focusing on ARM architecture and improving multitasking, keyboard-and-mouse input, and file management. Android has over 3 billion active devices globally, while ChromeOS has a low market share in the PC sector. Android has evolved with updates like Android 12L, enhancing usability on large screens, and real-world implementations like Samsung DeX show its potential as a desktop OS. However, challenges remain regarding app usability on larger displays, and improvements in performance, security, and enterprise readiness are needed. Google plans to develop a refined Desktop Mode, implement UX guidelines, establish a native Linux workspace, enhance file access, integrate audio features, and collaborate with OEMs for compatible hardware.
Valve has announced the Steam Frame, a new VR headset that aims to allow users to play as many VR and non-VR games as possible. The headset runs Steam games from its own onboard storage and uses controllers with a more conventional layout. The Frame's ARM-based Snapdragon chip poses challenges and opportunities for compatibility with Android VR games. Valve is working on platform crossover plans to allow Android VR titles on Steam, using an x86-to-ARM emulator called FEX. The Frame will be able to run PC games as well as Android VR games due to its SteamOS platform. Valve is focusing on providing a seamless gaming experience for customers without them having to worry about technical details. The Frame will also support mixed reality with the right third-party hardware additions.
