home entertainment Archives

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

You Can Use Your Old Android Phone As A Universal Remote – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android phone can enhance home entertainment by connecting it to a smart TV through various methods. Both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi network to use mobile apps like Roku or Amazon's Fire TV remote app. If no official app is available, generic options like Universal TV Remote can be found on Google Play, although they may include ads. Bluetooth connectivity is also an option, exemplified by the Bluetooth Remote app. If Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not feasible, an infrared (IR) blaster can be purchased to turn the smartphone into a universal remote without needing an internet connection. IR blasters connect via the USB-C port and communicate with the TV's built-in components. Various IR blasters are available, including standard models and more advanced versions that support voice commands. Most Wi-Fi and Bluetooth apps are free, while IR blasters are affordable and widely available.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2026

Pokémon Champions Available Now on iOS and Android Devices

The Pokémon Company International has released Pokémon Champions for mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Players can participate in a special in-game campaign featuring Raichu until September 2, 2026, to receive Raichu and Mega Stones. The game is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all players, with free downloads and cross-play compatibility.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Balatro, Samorost 3, CHUCHEL, Botanicula, more

A new lineup of game and app deals for Android includes Balatro, Samurai of Hyuga 5, Samorost 3, CHUCHEL, Botanicula, and Dawncaster: Deckbuilding RPG. Significant discounts on tech products include the Galaxy Fold 7 with a discount of up to , Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 with a discount, and LG's 77-inch B5 OLED TV now priced 0 off with a 0 Best Buy gift card.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Five new Steam games you probably missed (March 30, 2026)

Steam releases approximately a dozen new games daily. "The Wide Open Sky is Running out of Catfish" is set to release on March 28, developed by Zipit! Games. It is a first-person horror game set in '90s Vietnam, focusing on a protagonist dealing with delusions and despair while solving puzzles and evading threats. "Chained Wheels" will also release on March 28, developed by Karga Games. It features cooperative gameplay where two players are chained together, navigating trucks through obstacle courses. "Dungeon Bodega Simulator" is scheduled for release on March 24, developed by Alien Fruit. Players take on the role of Elm Myrkwater, transforming a dungeon into a potion shop, with a narrative-focused gameplay experience lasting around four hours and an infinite mode. "DVD Survivors" is set to release on March 26, developed by Signal Spike Games. It is inspired by the DVD player screensaver from the '90s and offers a gameplay experience reminiscent of Vampire Survivors.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Instagram Reels just landed on Google TV, for better or worse

Instagram has launched a dedicated app for Google TV, allowing users to view Reels and photos on their living room screens. The app organizes Reels into themed channels and enables interactions like liking, commenting, and sharing directly from the TV. Currently, the app is available only to users in the U.S. and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, supporting up to five accounts on a single device. Users can also create a dedicated account for TV viewing. The app was initially tested on Fire TV devices before its expansion to Google TV, as announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

The UK box office had its best year since COVID in 2025

The U.K. box office generated £1.07 billion in 2025, marking its most successful year since the COVID-19 pandemic, though still 21 percent below pre-COVID levels. The top ten films of the year were all sequels, remakes, or adaptations, with "A Minecraft Movie" leading at £56.8 million. Other top films included "Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy" (£46.3 million), "Wicked: For Good" (£45.8 million), "Lilo & Stitch" (£37.3 million), and "Jurassic World Rebirth" (£36.1 million). Notably, no superhero films made the top half of the chart for the first time since 2020. Gen Z audiences showed a 25 percent increase in cinema attendance in 2025.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

SteamOS is so close to greatness — but can Valve finally crack anti‑cheat and remove the biggest barrier holding PC gamers back?

SteamOS is a Linux-based operating system developed by Valve, designed for the Steam Deck and other compatible devices, offering features like cloud saves and cross-device connectivity. However, it faces challenges with compatibility for games that use kernel-level anti-cheat systems and require Trusted Platform Module 2.0 support. Notably, games like Rust and Apex Legends have dropped support for SteamOS and Linux due to concerns over cheating and low user bases. Valve is working on anti-cheat solutions for SteamOS, but the lack of support from developers remains a significant barrier. Valve's hardware roadmap includes the Steam Machine and Steam Deck, but the Steam Machine will not receive financial subsidies like the Steam Deck. The success of SteamOS may depend on its ability to attract a substantial user base and persuade developers to collaborate on integrating anti-cheat systems.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Down in Bermuda, Ramen Sensei, Legends of Heropolis, more

Price reductions on Google Play include popular games like Down in Bermuda, The Ramen Sensei, Legends of Heropolis DX, and LIMBO. An official Prime Day discount is available on the Haze color Google TV Streamer 4K. The Logitech MX Master 4 is now at its first promotional price, and the Motorola Razr Ultra flip phone is being offered at its lowest price ever.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Warner’s ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Remains Atop Weekly U.K. Home Entertainment Sales Chart Through July 23

The Minecraft Movie is set to bring the block-building universe of the game to the big screen, focusing on authenticity and an engaging storyline that reflects the game's creativity. The film will feature a diverse cast of characters and intertwine themes of adventure, friendship, and survival. A talented cast and crew, including a director known for family-friendly films and writers who are avid gamers, are involved in the project. The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, who are actively discussing potential plotlines and character arcs. The production team is engaging with the community for feedback as the release date approaches. The film represents a significant advancement in video game adaptations, showcasing the storytelling potential within interactive worlds.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Gleam of Fire, Afterplace, Star Survivor, more

There are Android game and app deals available, with less than 48 hours remaining for pre-order offers on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is currently discounted, and ASUS has introduced the 2025 Vivobook 14 Flip 2-in-1 OLED touchscreen Copilot+ PC. OnePlus has released the OnePlus 13 and 13R models, and Amazon's Fire TV Stick streaming devices are also discounted. Various Android applications are available to enhance user experience.