Galaxy Archives

BetaBeacon

October 21, 2026

Need for Speed Carbon Reaches Android

An unofficial mobile adaptation of Need for Speed Carbon has been released for Android, based on a re-compilation of the Xbox 360 version of the game. The game runs at approximately 60 FPS at 1080p resolution on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with some brief stutters during races that need to be addressed. Touch controls with customizable layouts and support for Bluetooth gamepads are included, along with the ability to adjust resolution and frame rate limits in the settings. Users will need a device running Android 8.0 or newer, a 64-bit processor, and a copy of the European version of Need for Speed Carbon for Xbox 360 to play.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Will Any Android Phone Actually Last 10 Years?

The average American upgrades their smartphone every 32 months, mainly due to declining battery performance and the need for faster processing. Many consumers are adopting a "Buy It For Life" mentality as flagship phone prices rise due to RAM shortages. Smartphone longevity is compromised by hardware and software limitations, with modern devices designed for aesthetics that hinder repairability. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, typically retaining about 80% of their capacity after 800 to 1,000 charge cycles, leading consumers to choose upgrades over battery replacements. Screens, particularly OLED displays, are prone to burn-in and uneven dimming, adding to the costs of repairs. Older devices often have limited RAM and storage, making them inadequate for modern applications. High-end models receive updates for only up to seven years, after which users face security vulnerabilities. Evolving app requirements further challenge older devices, leading to slower performance and potential incompatibility. Consequently, a smartphone lifespan of three to five years is more realistic, making upgrades more practical than extending the life of aging devices.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Samsung’s Android 18-based One UI 10 update sounds like it might be a big deal

Samsung is preparing for the release of One UI 10, which is expected to be based on Android 18. Early leaks suggest that this update may introduce significant enhancements, with rumors indicating "significant changes, unprecedented in nature." The last major update was One UI 7 in 2024, with subsequent updates being relatively modest. Currently, One UI 9, based on Android 17, is being rolled out. The features of One UI 10 remain largely undisclosed, but there is speculation about new graphical capabilities and design aesthetics.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Troll Parkour, Good Snowman, Harvest Moon, more

Today's Google Play app and game deals include titles such as Troll Parkour, A Good Snowman, Dream Breach Survivor, and several Harvest Moon entries: Skytree Village, Home Sweet Home, and The Lost Valley. Discounts on devices include up to 0 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and over 0 off the Galaxy Tab S12 with eligible trades, along with a complimentary Amazon credit.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

Android Auto can be used outside of your car: Here’s how

A spare tablet, a USB cable, and a small investment can turn a workspace or kitchen counter into a hub for Android Auto, allowing users to repurpose older devices. To set up Android Auto without a car, you need an Android phone running Android 11 or newer, a spare Android tablet or phone, and a data-capable USB cable. A receiver app, such as Open Headunit or Headunit Reloaded, must be installed on the secondary device. The setup involves connecting the tablet to the phone via USB, selecting Android Auto in the phone's USB options, and following prompts to grant permissions. Android Auto is designed for driving, simplifying interactions with larger controls and allowing voice commands for messages. It can manage smart home devices through Google Home but may not always function reliably. A spare tablet can be positioned conveniently for essential tasks, but trade-offs include limited app availability and the need for the primary phone to remain connected.

BetaBeacon

October 17, 2026

Cultists broke free – Cult of the Lamb ported to Android

Enthusiasts ported the iOS exclusive game Cult of the Lamb to Android, using the original version as a base. The port works well on various smartphones, with stable 60 FPS reported even on older devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Google Play Store starts selling… Samsung Galaxy phones

Users can access Google’s latest products, including the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, and Fitbit Air, through the Play Store by selecting ‘Shop devices.’ Tech influencer Marques Brownlee reported that Samsung Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26, are now available for purchase on the Play Store, although users in the UK, India, and South Africa have not found Galaxy devices listed. The US and UK official webstores do not currently feature Samsung or other brand mobile devices. This development suggests a strategic partnership between Google and Samsung. The Google Fi app in the US offers access to various smartphones. There is speculation about the potential addition of more Samsung devices, like the Galaxy S27, to the Play Store and whether Google will expand its official web store offerings.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Malware Found Pre-Installed In Thousands Of Budget Android Phones – Here’s What We Know

A report from Bitdefender reveals a malware campaign named "Midnight Mimosa" affecting budget and midrange Android smartphones, particularly those using low-energy MediaTek chipsets. This malware, embedded in devices marketed under various labels like Cubot and Doogee, operates through an application called "System" (package name com.android.system.lite) that displays hidden ads and can allow hackers to control the devices. Thousands of devices have been tracked with this malware, with 13% of affected devices located in Mexico, 8% in the United States, and less than 3% in Canada. The malware's source traces back to Android ODM Shenzhen Zediel. Additionally, Bitdefender identified 13 other ad fraud-related apps signed by the same entity that were previously available on the Google Play Store. Major manufacturers like Google, Motorola, and Samsung have security protocols to protect their firmware, unlike the affected budget brands.

BetaBeacon

October 16, 2026

Legendary Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Reaches Android with 60 FPS

Chinese developers have released an unofficial Android version of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, originally a PC game from 2007. Players are excited to try it out, with some reporting smooth gameplay on high graphics settings on devices like Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy S26. Despite some technical issues like occasional crashes, multiplayer functionality seems to be working.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

Google’s new Googlebook has clever AI tricks. I’d still pick a Windows laptop

Two new platforms have launched on the PC scene: the Googlebook and the Nvidia RTX Spark platform. The Acer Googlebook 14 was reviewed by Ashley Biancuzzo, while the reviewer is currently focusing on Lenovo’s Googlebook 15, which has a subpar keyboard but features Google’s new Aluminium OS aimed at enhancing the Chromebook experience with AI-powered productivity. To fully utilize the Googlebook, an Android phone running Android 17 is required, although some Samsung phones have been allowed to connect. In contrast, Windows offers Phone Link, which connects an Android phone to a Windows PC and only requires Android 10, allowing for photo transfers, calls, messages, and running Android apps within PC windows. Phone Link is seen as a strong competitor to Googlebook’s offerings, except for app streaming.