Google Archives

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Google Earth Pro is headed for the graveyard, and fans aren’t happy about it

Google Earth Pro will no longer be available as a desktop application starting June 25, 2027, as Google encourages users to transition to web and mobile versions. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the web version's limitations compared to the desktop app, particularly regarding data display and vertex restrictions. The desktop app will continue to function for existing users post-deadline, but no updates will be provided. Windows users will retain access, while Mac users may encounter issues due to the discontinuation of support for Rosetta-emulated applications in macOS 28, affecting those with M-series chips.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

‘Video Remix’ in Google Photos reimagines reality into your ideal scenario

Google Photos has introduced a new feature called "Video Remix," which allows users to enhance their videos by adjusting lighting, applying different themes, and exploring various styles. This feature builds on the Remix option that was first introduced in 2025 for transforming photos. The rollout of Video Remix was announced on July 8 and utilizes Google's Gemini Omni model to facilitate user editing prompts. It also includes quick sharing functionality for spontaneous creativity. Previously, the Remix feature was limited to images, enabling users to transform photos into themed scenes. Additionally, the feature has been integrated into Google TV, allowing users to create dynamic slideshows from their stored photos.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Wear OS 7: New features, eligible smartwatches, and everything you need to know

Wear OS 7 has been rolled out for smartwatches currently operating on Wear OS 6, with future models like the Galaxy Watch 9 expected to come with this update pre-installed. Current devices eligible for the upgrade include the Galaxy Watch 8 series and the OnePlus Watch 3 (release date pending). Key features of Wear OS 7 include Live Updates for real-time notifications, Remote Media Routing and Per-App Auto Launch for media apps, and Android XR Control for managing Android XR devices. The update introduces a new Neural Expressive design language, Gemini Intelligence for task automation, and a Personal Intelligence feature for personalized suggestions based on app data. Customization is enhanced with Widgets replacing traditional tiles, allowing users to create dynamic dashboards. Updates to the Google Contacts app include an improved search interface and an Emergency Sharing feature for location sharing during emergencies. The Wear Workout Tracker standardizes fitness tracking across devices, and battery life improvements promise up to a 10% increase in longevity. Samsung's One UI Watch is evolving with the upcoming One UI 9 Watch, which is expected to feature a refreshed interface and new customizations. Firmware for One UI 9 Watch has been detected on Galaxy Watch 8 models, indicating an imminent release, with the Galaxy Watch 9 series anticipated to launch in July alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Google Play Store will look a little different the next time you open it

Google is rolling out a redesigned user interface for its Play Store, specifically for the Games and Apps sections. The update features a new aesthetic with pill-shaped containers for navigation tabs and a streamlined layout. The "For you" tab has been removed and integrated as the default landing page for both sections. Users will now navigate to dedicated pages for "Top charts" or "Categories," requiring a return to the home screen via an arrow in the top left corner. The presentation of Google Play Points has changed, now appearing without a blue container, and users have noted a new design for notification badges.

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Arrest and extradition of Scattered Spider hacker shines light on how Windows telemetry GDIDs can identify and track users — Microsoft device identifier is just one digital fingerprint in a software world rife with them

Peter Stokes, a 19-year-old from Estonia, was arrested and extradited to the United States on charges related to digital crimes, with the FBI using telemetry logs from Microsoft Windows to trace his online activities. These logs included his Global Device Identifier (GDID) and records of websites he visited. Stokes likely had his telemetry settings configured to Optional/Full, which allowed the transmission of URL data. The FBI connected Stokes to his ngrok account and linked his travel records to a New York IP address and a rental at the Empire Hotel, aided by photos he shared. Google and Apple assisted in the investigation by tracing Stokes' phishing phone number back to the same IP address used for his ngrok account. Stokes attempted to obscure his digital footprint using a VPN and other services, but modern digital identification methods made it difficult to remain anonymous.

BetaBeacon

July 8, 2026

‘DAVE THE DIVER’ iOS & Android Pre-registrations Live

Pre-registrations for the mobile port of 'DAVE THE DIVER' are now live on iOS and Android. The game is a casual, single-player adventure RPG that combines deep-sea exploration and fishing during the day with sushi restaurant management at night.

BetaBeacon

July 8, 2026

Best Android Casinos and Apps for Players in The U.S.

FanDuel Android Casino App has a rating of 4.6/5 and is recommended as the top-rated Android casino app. It is available in MI, NJ, PA, WV, and CT and offers a bonus of deposit , get 500 bonus spins & casino bonus.

BetaBeacon

July 8, 2026

Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse coming to Android

Pocketpair Publishing and Frontside 180 Studio are releasing an Android version of the 2D roguelike action game Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse. The game was initially launched for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam on March 5, 2026.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

LineageOS announces browser flashing, Android 17 plans, and new supported devices

LineageOS has released its "Summertime updates," introducing a new browser-based flashing tool for installing LineageOS directly from web browsers, supporting Fastboot, ADB, and Samsung’s Odin protocol. The Updater app has been redesigned with a Material 3 aesthetic and now displays the Android Security Bulletin (ASB) level for each update. The update process has been optimized to stream A/B OTA packages by default. LineageOS has adapted to Google’s Android 16 security patching model, focusing on quarterly releases while continuing to test and integrate monthly security patches. Development on LineageOS 24 has begun following the release of Android 17. The default Gallery app has been enhanced with features like Motion Photos and improved video playback, while other applications such as Seedvault, Etar Calendar, and the Twelve music player have also been updated. The update expands LineageOS support to new devices from Samsung, Motorola, Sony, and Xiaomi, with a full compatibility list available in the official announcement.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Discord Banned 8,000 Users for Posting Chessboards and Minecraft Screenshots

In May 2026, Discord's content moderation system mistakenly banned over 8,200 users due to a hash-matching system that identified harmless grid patterns as harmful content. This incident was worsened by two bugs: one that bypassed the intended upload-pause for human review and another that prevented the lifting of bans even after staff cleared the accounts. The images that triggered these bans included chessboard screenshots, Minecraft inventory grids, game texture patterns, Google Drive and spreadsheet tables, and standard UI grid layouts. Following the incident, all affected accounts were reinstated, and the problematic hash was neutralized. The situation occurred alongside Discord's efforts for age verification, which faced scrutiny due to a breach exposing ID documents of approximately 70,000 users.