emulators Archives

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2025

My search for a great Android emulator for my new Mac took me down a rabbit hole

The fact described in the text is that Mumuplayer is the first Android emulator for Macs fully optimized for M1-based computers, offering customization options and a smooth experience for basic Android games, but with limitations for more demanding games and apps.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Threat Actors Blend Click Fraud Apps and Malware to Steal Android Credentials

Security researchers at Trustwave SpiderLabs have identified a complex cluster of Android malware that combines click fraud, credential theft, and brand impersonation. This malware exploits the Android Package Kit (APK) file format to distribute malicious applications, often through phishing messages or deceptive websites. Users are tricked into installing these APKs, which are disguised as reputable brands or promotional apps. Once installed, the malware takes advantage of Android's permission model to access sensitive resources, primarily for click fraud and traffic redirection to generate illicit revenue. Some variants engage in data collection and credential harvesting, employing advanced evasion tactics to avoid detection, such as using counterfeit Chrome applications and overlay screens. A notable variant includes a spoofed Facebook app that mimics the official interface and connects to a remote command-and-control server for instructions. The malware uses encryption and encoding to secure data exchanges and employs open-source tools to bypass Android's signature verification. Evidence suggests that the operators may be Chinese-speaking, as indicated by the use of Simplified Chinese in the code and the promotion of related APK campaigns on Chinese-speaking underground forums.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

15 incredible DOS classics you can play in your browser

Between the late '80s and early '90s, DOS became the foundation of PC gaming, fostering innovation with advancements in 2.5D and 3D environments, first-person shooters, city-building simulations, and point-and-click adventures. DOS games are lightweight, allowing them to run on modern devices easily. Dangerous Dave (1988) is a nostalgic platformer that remains enjoyable today. Sid Meier's Civilization (1991) is considered one of the greatest DOS games, allowing players to build empires through various strategies. Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty (1992) is credited with shaping the real-time strategy genre, introducing base-building and resource management. Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons (1990) set the standard for PC platformers with its vibrant gameplay. Carmageddon (1997) is an iconic car combat game known for its humor and chaos. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992) is a hallmark of the point-and-click genre with engaging puzzles. The Oregon Trail (1990) started as an educational tool and became a classic game blending survival strategy with humor. Command and Conquer (1995) revolutionized the RTS genre with engaging gameplay. X-COM: UFO Defense (1994) is known for its strategic gameplay where every decision matters. Wolfenstein 3D (1992) is a pioneer of the FPS genre, influencing many subsequent titles.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

The best emulation frontend just added native Android game and app support

ES-DE Frontend has released version 3.3.0, which includes native support for Android games and applications, simplifying the process of adding Android titles to the emulator's menu. The update adds support for new emulators, including the Sega Model 3 arcade platform, and replaces the MAME4droid 2024 emulator with MAME4droid Current. It also introduces support for four new languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and Portuguese (Portugal), increasing the total number of supported languages to over 20. The Android version is available for a one-time fee on Patreon, while the desktop version remains free.

BetaBeacon

July 10, 2025

The Game Boy of my dreams is finally back in stock for good

The ModRetro Chromatic is the ultimate Game Boy, with an enhanced but authentic screen and exquisite build quality. It only plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, replicating the original hardware closely. It has a backlit LCD panel, premium build quality, and a battery indicator. The device has been restocked with new colorways and accessories. The price has been adjusted, making it a pricey option for diehard Game Boy fans. It is considered the ultimate way to play Game Boy cartridges for dedicated collectors.

BetaBeacon

July 10, 2025

The Best Roguelike Games: the best roguelites, deckbuilders, RPGs, auto-shooters, and more

- Rogue is a genre-defining RPG that introduced gameplay mechanics enjoyed in modern games. It has been released on different platforms over the years, including a recent remaster on PC and a retail version on Nintendo Switch. - Caves of Qud is a modern interpretation of the original ASCII style of roguelike games, offering a game world full of intrigue and adventure. It recently came out of Early Access after more than a decade of development, with character creation tools allowing for experimentation. - Dwarf Fortress, developed over more than 20 years, has a detailed tile-set and rich world simulation that has influenced other games. It offers both a sandbox fantasy simulator and an Adventure Mode for RPG fans. - Path of Achra is a stripped-down roguelike game set in a dark fantasy version of ancient Earth, where players face fearsome challenges while staying ahead of rising flood waters. Character creation allows for extensive build options and upgrades throughout the game.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

How to Run Android Apps on Linux with Waydroid

Waydroid is a container-based architecture that allows users to run Android applications on a Linux desktop with near-native performance. It boots a complete Android system directly on the Linux machine using Linux containers (LXC), optimizing resource usage and enhancing application performance. Waydroid is compatible with various Linux distributions and CPU architectures, utilizing Android’s Mesa technology for improved graphics performance. To install Waydroid, users must ensure their system is running a Wayland session and is up to date. The installation involves adding the official Waydroid repository and executing installation commands specific to the Linux distribution being used. After installation, users can launch Waydroid and set it up by downloading an Android image, choosing between a Vanilla image or a GAPPS image for Google Play Services access. To register the device for Google Play Store access, users need to retrieve their Android ID using a command in the Waydroid shell and complete the registration process on the Google Uncertified Device Registration page. Once registered, users can install and manage Android apps directly from the Google Play Store or manually using APK files.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

I can’t escape Microsoft because I’m hooked on these 5 apps

The author expresses frustration with Windows 11, citing its clunky interface and issues with updates, yet continues to use it daily due to its compatibility and driver support. They also rely on Microsoft 365 products, including Outlook, OneDrive, Phone Link, and Excel, for various tasks. Outlook is preferred for managing correspondence, OneDrive allows access to PC folders from a phone, Phone Link facilitates easy communication between devices, and Excel is favored for its extensive functionality in spreadsheets. Despite considering alternatives, the author remains committed to these Microsoft applications due to their integral role in their workflow.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Jamming Windows 95 onto a PS2, goes about as well as you might expect, but the Sisyphean struggle is still compelling viewing

A hardware modder has transformed a PlayStation 2 into a functioning PC by installing the Windows 95 operating system. This project, showcased by the YouTube channel MetraByte, reflects a trend in the tech community of repurposing older hardware for new applications. The endeavor contrasts with the typical use of emulators to run classic games on modern PCs, instead aiming to revitalize an aging console as a basic computing device.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Mario Kart 64 Has Been Unofficially Ported To PC With Ultrawide Support

Nintendo remains focused on its consoles, while the fan community has ported Mario Kart 64 to PC under the name SpaghettiKart. The Harbour Masters development team reverse-engineered the original game's code, enhancing it with modern graphics options like ultrawide screen support, 4K resolution, and higher frame rates. SpaghettiKart also allows players to create custom race courses and increase CPU difficulty. Harbour Masters has previously developed PC ports for Star Fox 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, using "clean codes" that do not include original Nintendo 64 code. Players need legally sourced ROMs to use these ports. Earlier this year, the community ported Minecraft to Super Mario 64, compatible with PC emulators and original Nintendo 64 consoles. The latest official Mario Kart entry, Mario Kart World, launched for the Nintendo Switch 2.