desktop mode Archives

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

These 3 Android Apps Can Block Ads On Your Phone

Users are increasingly seeking effective solutions to enhance their browsing experience in digital advertising, with some opting for methods beyond traditional ad-blockers, such as configuring a private DNS server to filter ads at the system level. This method can face challenges, including certain applications circumventing settings and networks blocking custom DNS configurations, which may lead to connectivity issues. DNS-based ad-blocking can disrupt app functionality or create voids where ads would typically appear. NextDNS offers customizable blocklists for ad-blocking and functions as a customizable endpoint, requiring users to set it up through Android's native DNS settings. It provides a dashboard with parental controls, tracking protection, and analytics tools, free for up to 300,000 queries per month. AdLock focuses on system-wide ad-blocking across various platforms and requires users to download the APK and subscribe for use on multiple devices, starting at .05 per month. It does not allow ads to be displayed and includes a safety check feature for potential threats. Total AdBlock, developed by Total Security Limited, offers free and premium versions, with the premium version providing full functionality, including ad-blocking on YouTube. It has a high effectiveness score on the AdBlock Tester tool and includes features like content blocking and direct support access. The curated list of ad blockers targets options that do not require root access and are cost-effective, designed to operate at the device level for Android users, as the default Chrome browser does not support extensions. Trustworthiness and reputation were key factors in the selection process, focusing on maintaining a clean browsing experience without invasive tracking mechanisms.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Android’s Linux Terminal now lets you max out performance, but at a cost

Android's built-in Linux Terminal app is set to receive an upgrade with new options for adjusting image quality and performance, particularly beneficial for users in desktop mode. The latest Android 17 QPR1 beta 1 introduces a setting to adjust the Terminal's resolution, offering three choices: Full (prioritizes visual quality), Half (balances performance and visibility), and Quarter (maximizes performance at the cost of visual fidelity). Users can access these options through Settings > Advanced. The update also includes a full-screen button to hide navigation and status bars, and a redesigned toolbar in a pill-shaped floating bar at the bottom of the screen. Additionally, a feature to limit memory usage is being tested for future stable rollout in Android 17.

BetaBeacon

April 10, 2026

The Android Tablet That Runs Steam Games : Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5

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.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

It Is Easier Than Ever To Find All Native PC Ports Of Retro Games, Thanks To N64RecompLauncher

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.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Google rolling out Android 17 Beta 3 for Pixel

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.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

The Simpsons Hit And Run Guide: The Best Way To Play In 2026

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.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

This Smartphone Lets You Use Windows, But Is Far From A New Windows Phone

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.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Android desktop will put Gemini front and center — just as you’d expect

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.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Our first look at Google’s Android desktop makes its Chrome OS replacement feel real

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.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Is Hytale Steam Deck compatible?

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.