gaming mode Archives

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Android 17 review: Bubbling with excitement

Recent updates in Android, particularly with Android 17, focus on refining existing functionalities rather than introducing numerous new features. Key highlights include: - Revamped multitasking capabilities with expanded chat bubbles, allowing interaction with multiple apps simultaneously. - A bubble bar for foldable devices that displays all active floating windows for easy access, though launching apps as bubbles from the recents menu is not supported. - Tailored updates for foldable devices, including a dedicated gaming mode and native controller remapping for customization. - New customization options, such as hiding app labels on home screens and per-app adjustments for the dark theme. - Enhanced background blur effects and the ability to disable them through accessibility settings. - Security updates including Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock enabled by default, and a new Contact Picker feature for sharing specific contacts. - Improved parental controls allowing for daily limits, downtime schedules, and individual app restrictions. - A consistent user experience across devices, with applications adapting to different screen sizes and the introduction of features like Continue On for cross-device continuity. - Anticipated future enhancements related to Gemini Intelligence.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2026

Android 17 brings a literal game changer to foldable phones – there’s just one major concern

Google is introducing a Foldable Gaming Mode in the upcoming Android 17 update. This feature allows users to use the lower half of a foldable phone's screen as a touch controller, providing a unique gaming experience similar to a clamshell handheld device.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Android 17 launched for Pixel smartphones: Key features and what is new in Google’s latest software

Google has rolled out Android 17, with Pixel smartphones being the first to receive the update, while other eligible devices will gain access throughout 2026. The update emphasizes productivity, entertainment, and enhanced security. Key features include: - A revamped “Bubbles” feature for multitasking, allowing apps to be transformed into floating windows. - A dedicated “bubble bar” for larger devices to switch between apps easily. - An upgraded screen recording functionality with a “Screen Reactions” feature that captures video from the front-facing camera. - A “foldable gaming mode” optimizing performance for foldable phones, featuring a 50/50 split view for games and a dynamic gamepad. - Native controller remapping for external controllers and improved system memory cleanup to reduce frame drops during gaming. - A new “Mark as lost” feature in Find Hub for locking missing phones with biometric authentication. - Targeted privacy options for temporary app access to location and contacts. - Enhanced security features including limited PIN guesses and upgraded Live Threat Detection. - A built-in home screen setting to hide app names, dedicated volume controls for virtual assistants, expanded dark theme customization, and extended Parental Controls. - Strict app memory limits to enhance speed and battery life.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Google officially launches Android 17

Google has rolled out Android 17 for Pixel phones, with plans for broader availability on other Android devices. Key features include Bubbles for multitasking, Screen Reactions for recording tutorials, and a Foldable Gaming Mode. Security enhancements include improved location-sharing, Live Threat Detection, and parental controls. The June Pixel Drop introduces AI-driven features like Gemini Omni for video editing and Lyria 3 for music generation. Minor upgrades include speech-to-voice translation and the "Take a Message" feature for voicemail transcriptions. Wear OS 7 enhances smartwatches with live updates, device control, and emergency sharing capabilities.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

New SteamOS update finally fixes one of the Steam Deck’s most irritating bugs

Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.5 Beta, which includes bug fixes and enhancements for the Steam Deck and other devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Key improvements include a fix for audio issues on the Steam Deck OLED, enhancements to video memory management for discrete GPUs, and a resolution for a bug in Desktop Mode. The update also includes stability and security updates, a fix for the Asus ROG Ally's control behavior after suspend, and improvements from the previous 3.8.4 Beta, such as solutions for WiFi performance issues and trackpad sensitivity adjustments. Users can join the beta by navigating to Settings > System > System Update Channel.

Winsage

May 12, 2026

Windows 11’s May Update Is Actually Good This Time – Here’s What’s Coming on Tuesday

Microsoft's Windows 11 May update is scheduled for release on May 12, 2026, featuring several enhancements. Key highlights include the introduction of Xbox Mode, which provides a console-like gaming experience on PCs, and a rethinking of AI integration, with changes to the Copilot features in various tools. The update also fixes the white flash issue in File Explorer, improves loading speeds, and allows users to maintain view preferences in Downloads and Documents folders. Additional updates include the renaming and relocation of Drop Tray, FAT32 formatting support for drives up to 2 TB, expanded haptic feedback features, and stricter controls on batch file execution for enhanced security. Users can access the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Windows Update Preview: Haptic Feedback and Xbox Gaming Mode

Microsoft has released preview updates for Windows that include haptic feedback and an improved Xbox mode. The haptic feedback feature provides tactile responses during actions like aligning objects in PowerPoint and resizing windows, supported by select devices such as the Surface Slim Pen 2 and Logitech's MX Master 4 after a firmware update. The improved Xbox mode offers a full-screen interface for gaming, accessible via the Windows+F11 shortcut. File Explorer now supports additional formats and remembers view and sort preferences for Downloads and Documents folders. Monitoring capabilities for AI agents have been enhanced, and Windows 11 allows the removal of pre-installed Microsoft Store apps through policies. The updates also introduce a new policy preventing the acceptance of drivers with cross-signed root certificates and enhance security measures for batch files. The updated Windows 11 versions will display build numbers 26200.8328 and 26100.8328.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083631 update released with 34 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5083631 optional cumulative update for Windows 11, featuring 34 enhancements aimed at improving user experience and system performance. Key features include a new Xbox mode for immersive gaming, improved performance for startup applications, enhanced security for batch files and CMD scripts, haptic feedback on supported devices, improvements to Secure Boot, and updates to Kerberos authentication. The update also addresses issues with Windows Security event logging, eliminates a white flash in dark mode, and increases the reliability of explorer.exe processes. Users can install the update via Windows Settings under Windows Update. After installation, Windows 11 devices will be updated to builds 26100.8328 and 26200.8328. Additionally, updated Secure Boot certificates are being rolled out, and some Windows Server 2025 devices may require a BitLocker recovery key after the update.