Google Play store Archives

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

Android Nintendo DS Launcher NitroDeck Is Getting An Update For Dual-Screen Handhelds

Mr. Rubik is known for creating innovative Android launchers that evoke nostalgia, including interfaces reminiscent of vintage gaming consoles. His latest project is an update to NitroDeck, an Android launcher that transforms a smartphone's interface into that of a Nintendo DS, specifically designed for dual-screen devices like the ANBERNIC RG DS. The update, expected within the next week or two, will enhance the user experience by incorporating features such as a DS-style launcher interface, a catalog of installed Android apps, local game library tools, customizable app icons, and controller-friendly navigation. NitroDeck is currently available for free on the Google Play Store, but the upcoming enhancements will require users to wait. This is Mr. Rubik's first launcher specifically tailored for dual screens, and it aims to closely replicate the Nintendo DS user interface.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

ATV Launcher’s latest update brings big home screen upgrades for your Android TV

ATV Launcher has released version 0.1.41 for Android TV, introducing significant updates that enhance aesthetics and functionality. Key features include ten fixed row layouts (Spotlight, Bookends, Centre Stage, Marquee, Hero Trio), the ability to place widgets within app rows (Weather, Digital Clock, System Info, Favorite App, Watch Next, Recommended, and standard Android widgets), and the launch of the "ATV Launcher Digital Clock Widgets" companion app with 15 clock styles. Visual enhancements allow folders to display contents in various preview styles, and the Configure Tile dialog now includes a live preview interface. The Watch Next and Recommended cards feature edge-to-edge artwork and progress bars. A modular status bar lets users toggle and reorder icons, select placements, and switch TV inputs. The update is available on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

F-Droid app store thumbs its nose at Google’s dev crackdown

F-Droid has released version 2.0 of its Android app, marking its most significant upgrade in a decade. The update features a modern interface, improved app discovery, enhanced search functionality, and a streamlined user experience. The app now uses Kotlin and Jetpack Compose for its UI, allowing for quicker future improvements. However, F-Droid faces challenges due to Google's upcoming developer registration requirements set to take effect in August 2025, which could threaten its existence and that of other independent app distribution sources. The new version includes a redesigned Discover screen, automatic app updates, and benefits from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. Despite these enhancements, the F-Droid team is concerned about the potential impact of Google's policies on their platform.

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Bring your Android game to the car screen today

- Implementing car support for your game involves configuring your app manifest and ensuring it respects the vehicle parked state. - To distribute your app in the games category, mark it as a game by adding the android:appCategory="game" attribute. - Cars have a parked state where certain apps, like games, are not allowed to run while the vehicle is in motion to avoid driver distraction. - Declare game controller support by including the android.hardware.gamepad feature in your manifest. - Make your game fully adaptive to different screen sizes and aspect ratios for a great user experience on car displays. - Test your game against car app quality guidelines before publishing it for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS form factors.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Google’s classic ‘Text’ app is now an Android app for Googlebook on the Play Store

Chrome Unboxed offers a membership called Chrome Unboxed Plus, providing an ad-free experience and access to a private Discord community. Google has introduced a new "Text" editor app for Googlebook OS, available on the Google Play Store, which features broad syntax highlighting, a multi-file tabbed interface, large-screen desktop navigation, and standard code tools. This app is designed to be a lightweight, distraction-free text editor optimized for various screen sizes, including foldable and smartphone formats, and may eventually be extended to the broader Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

WhatsApp Plus lets you customise emoji reactions on Android

WhatsApp is rolling out customizable emoji reactions for Plus subscribers on Android devices, allowing users to replace any or all of the six standard emoji reactions with their chosen emojis. This feature is part of the WhatsApp beta 2.26.38.4 update and can be accessed through the Settings menu or directly from chat. While all users can see the Default Reactions tab, only Plus subscribers can utilize the customization feature. Currently, it is available to a select group of beta testers, with no timeline for broader availability.

BetaBeacon

September 23, 2026

What is an Android handheld gaming device and what is it for? Feat. AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT

The AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT is a handheld gaming device powered by the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset. It can run games from the Google Play Store well and can also emulate older console games. The device has an 8,400mAh battery and charges in around 105 minutes. It is priced at around RM2.3k and is considered a niche product with solid build quality and versatility.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Google Play Store looks like it’s working on a special home for your vibe-coded apps

Google is developing AI Studio, which allows users to create applications using vibe coding, making app development more accessible to novice developers. The company is integrating this with its Gemini platform to simplify the coding process for Android users. A new section in the Play Store, tentatively called “Your creations,” is being explored for AI Studio creations, likely located within the “Manage apps & device” screen. Currently, publishing apps from AI Studio requires formal registration and testing. The “Your creations” interface may provide a way to manage personal projects while balancing ease of sideloading. Although there are hints of a connection between AI Studio and the Play Store, details about registration and testing processes remain unclear. The language suggests that applications could be shared with a broader audience, differing from traditional publication methods. An APK teardown indicates potential future features, but not all may be released publicly.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

We got Googlebook’s text editor app to run on Android, and it looks great

Googlebooks have officially started pre-orders ahead of their launch on October 4. The new laptop range includes a feature called Continue On, which facilitates seamless transitions between a Googlebook and a smartphone. An early preview of the Text app, a dedicated text editor available on the Google Play Store, shows it supports various programming languages and offers syntax highlighting. The app adapts well to different screen sizes, features a tab-based layout for managing multiple projects, and includes conventional tools like find and replace. While other text editor options will be available, the native Text app is specifically designed for Googlebooks. There are currently no plans to extend this app to other Android devices.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

RatHat is a new Android malware that records your screen touches to steal passwords

Cybersecurity researchers at Zimperium have identified a new strain of malware called RatHat, targeting Android devices and linked to threat actors from China. RatHat uses generative AI to maintain persistence and control over infected devices. The malware is typically spread through social engineering, tricking users into downloading counterfeit applications that appear legitimate. Once installed, RatHat requests accessibility permissions, activates Wireless Debugging, and can capture text messages, create overlays, and steal passwords and multi-factor authentication codes. Its AI capabilities allow it to navigate the device interface in real-time, making detection by security software more difficult. To protect against RatHat, users should avoid downloading apps from untrustworthy sources, and removal requires a factory reset of the device.