ergonomics Archives

BetaBeacon

January 6, 2026

How To Play PC Games On Your Android Device In 2026

Playing PC games on an Android device using GameHub and GameNative is legal and does not involve questionable workarounds. Game emulation for older systems and retro consoles is different and may have legality issues. GameHub and GameNative are recommended methods for playing games on Android, with GameHub being the best all-rounder. Tweaking settings may be necessary for optimal performance. Android handhelds have advantages over x86 gaming handhelds but may not be a proper replacement yet. The future for PC gaming on Android looks promising as more development is being done in this area.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

Google Revamps Gemini AI Android App with Dynamic Floating Input Bar

Google is refining the user experience of its Gemini app on Android devices by transitioning from a static prompt bar to a fluid, floating pill-shaped design. This update is currently available in beta versions and aims to address user feedback regarding visual clutter. The new design condenses input options into a sleek bar that expands when the keyboard is activated, hiding some tools behind a ‘+’ menu to streamline interactions. The redesign reflects Google’s commitment to making AI interactions more intuitive and aligns with broader trends in minimalism among AI interfaces. Additionally, the update could influence third-party integrations and may be part of a strategy to fully replace Google Assistant with Gemini by 2026. User reactions to the redesign are mixed, with some expressing excitement over the modern look while others are concerned about hidden features complicating usability.

AppWizard

December 12, 2025

Free Android App Brings Back Reading One Sentence at a Time

The Seriatim Reader app presents text one line at a time, catering to users' fragmented attention spans by mimicking social media feeds. Approximately 25% of American adults reported not reading a single book in the past year, while users spend over five hours daily on devices, primarily consuming short-form videos. The app is compatible with EPUB, PDF, and TXT formats, allowing users to tap through sentences and customize their reading experience with various themes and adjustable text spacing. It provides access to public-domain books and open research materials, minimizing distractions and enhancing reading engagement. The design reduces cognitive load and promotes a frictionless reading experience. Seriatim Reader serves as a gateway for those seeking narrative satisfaction without overwhelming distractions, allowing users to gradually increase their reading focus.

BetaBeacon

November 28, 2025

I keep coming back to this controller from Razer, and it’s nearly 50% off for Black Friday

The Razer Kishi Ultra is a comfortable controller designed for phones and tablets, with extra features like Sensa HD Haptics and Chroma RGB. It works well with larger devices like foldable phones and small tablets, making it a versatile option for gaming.

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

Android 17 May Bring Forced Controller Support for Every Game

Google is preparing a quality-of-life update for Android 17 that will introduce native, system-level support for managing game controllers. This update will include a new Controller Remapping permission restricted to system-signed apps, a central hub for controllers in the Settings app, and a virtual gamepad that can map on-screen touch controls to physical controller inputs. This update aims to provide stable, low-latency, and predictable behavior across all games and devices, making mobile gaming more enjoyable for users.

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

Google is preparing big Android 17 gaming upgrades for fans of real controllers

Android treats USB or Bluetooth gaming controllers as input devices, translating button presses into key codes and axis values for in-game actions. Android relies on predefined configuration files for popular controllers, but many niche peripherals are also compatible. Android does not support button remapping out of the box, but evidence suggests that a future version of Android, possibly Android 17, will bring native controller remapping. This feature will be restricted to apps signed with the platform key. Additionally, a new game controller menu within the Settings app and a virtual gamepad feature have been discovered, which could allow for button remapping and mapping on-screen touch controls to physical controller inputs.

BetaBeacon

October 31, 2025

Retroid just announced the Pocket 6, but the community wanted something different, and that’s exactly what it got

Retroid has announced the Pocket G2 and the Pocket 6. The Pocket G2 is already available for purchase and on sale for the next two weeks. Retroid reversed course on the design of the Pocket 6 due to community feedback.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

Microsoft Quest Mixed Reality Link Finally Goes Public

Microsoft and Meta have launched the Mixed Reality Link for Windows 11 and Meta Quest headsets, making it accessible to all users and enhancing workspace flexibility and cross-platform integration. The mixed reality market is projected to reach billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 34.26%. Users need a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S headset and Windows 11 22H2 or newer to utilize the integration, which simplifies setup with a QR code and allows for easy reconnection. Users can create up to three virtual monitors, improving remote work experiences and reducing hardware costs for enterprises. The Quest 3 offers better resolution than the Quest 3S, and the passthrough capability allows users to stay aware of their surroundings while working. Current challenges include issues with Teams calls and the need for wired input devices, with plans for wireless support in future updates. The Mixed Reality Link is free to use, facilitating pilot programs for enterprises. Microsoft's strategy includes partnerships beyond Meta, aiming to provide a platform-agnostic productivity solution. The collaboration is expected to lead to built-in features on Windows and Quest devices, enhancing mixed reality capabilities and democratizing access as 5G networks develop.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

AppContext To Keep Apps Alive In Android

Google is set to enhance tablet multitasking in the upcoming Android Q release by introducing a new gesture that allows users to create a compact floating "bubble" window for any app. This feature will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to the screen's bottom corners, facilitating a more seamless app-switching experience. The floating windows will allow various applications, such as browsers and note-taking tools, to float above the main workspace, enabling users to engage with multiple applications simultaneously, particularly on larger devices. This enhancement aims to improve the user experience on Android tablets and foldable devices by providing a more intuitive multitasking environment. The feature will utilize the Bubbles API and is expected to be rolled out for user testing as part of Google's quarterly platform release schedule.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

Xbox fully surrenders the console wars: ‘Halo is on PlayStation going forward,’ a fact that just doesn’t seem real

Xbox president Sarah Bond described the era of platform-exclusive games as "antiquated," indicating a change in Microsoft's gaming strategy. The PS5 logo was featured in the trailer for Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of a title that defined the Xbox brand. Master Chief, originally a symbol of Xbox, is now recognized as a character on multiple platforms, marking a departure from his legacy as a platform mascot. Master Chief's journey began over two decades ago with Bungie and later Microsoft, and he became synonymous with the Xbox brand. His identity is shifting from being a mascot to simply being recognized as "the guy from Halo." The character's transition may diminish his significance but could also allow Halo to reach new audiences. Halo's impact on gaming includes setting standards for multiplayer experiences and introducing innovative features in its sequels.