Keyboards Archives

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Use This Hack to Get the Pixel’s AI Dictation on Any Android Phone

Google's AI-powered dictation feature, Rambler, refines spoken words into polished text, eliminating filler words and enhancing grammar. Currently, Rambler is exclusive to the Pixel 11 series. Developer Akshay Kadam has created a modified version of Gboard called PixelBoard, which includes Rambler's features and can run alongside the standard Gboard without requiring device rooting. PixelBoard can be installed via three methods: downloading directly from GitHub, sideloading via USB, or patching the stock Gboard APK. Users can enable PixelBoard in their device settings and access Rambler by selecting it from the dictation options.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Googlebook First Impressions: Android Integration

Early evaluations of Googlebook's Android integration indicated a mixed user experience, particularly in connecting phone applications, notifications, and files to a laptop. The setup involved pairing Android phones via QR code and signing into Google accounts, with features like app casting and task transfer functioning effectively for some applications. However, issues arose with app compatibility, as not all applications transferred smoothly, and desktop controls did not always align with expected behaviors. The Glowbar on the laptop lid indicated battery levels and interacted with the device's functions. Chrome allowed multiple Google accounts but did not keep separate browsing histories or settings. The first models of Googlebook were available for purchase in the U.S. starting October 4, 2026.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Googlebook apps come with five different Play Store labels

Google Play has introduced a new labeling system for Android apps on Googlebooks, featuring five distinct labels to indicate app suitability for desktop use: 1. Made for desktop: Apps designed specifically for desktop environments with optimized controls and layouts. 2. Optimized for desktop: Apps adapted for a better experience on laptops, though not originally built as desktop software. 3. Compatible with desktop: Apps that can function with standard mouse and keyboard controls but are not fully redesigned for desktop use. 4. Better on the website: Apps that provide a superior experience through a web browser rather than the app. 5. Built for mobile: Apps primarily designed for mobile devices, which may not offer an optimized experience on desktop. These labels aim to help users make informed choices about app installations based on their compatibility with larger screens.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Googlebooks are here, but Google says some laptops might struggle with app support

Googlebooks powered by Intel processors from Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo may have difficulties running certain apps from the Play Store, while devices with Qualcomm processors from HP and Dell are expected to perform without limitations. Pre-orders for the Googlebook started on September 21, with the official launch on October 4 in the U.S. and October 5 in the U.K. and other regions. Most Android applications are optimized for ARM architecture, which may limit app access for users with Intel-powered Googlebooks. The initial offerings include laptops starting at 9, featuring touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and integration with Android smartphones. The Magic Pointer feature, which integrates AI assistance into the mouse pointer, is also being rolled out in Chrome for Windows and Mac. Googlebooks are available for purchase through the Google Store, Best Buy, and other retailers, with various offers available.

BetaBeacon

October 4, 2026

You Can Now Use Your Android Tablet As A Gaming Handheld – Here’s How

The RedMagic Astra 2 tablet can be turned into a gaming PC by docking it, connecting it to a larger monitor or TV, and using external accessories like keyboards and controllers. It has a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and an internal liquid cooling system that allows for high-quality PC game emulation and native android gaming. External storage is recommended for running high-end AAA games on the tablet.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

The Copilot+ PC brand is dead — here’s how to reclaim and remap the Copilot key

Microsoft has shifted its branding strategy by discontinuing the Copilot+ designation for the newly launched Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch models, despite these models technically qualifying for the label. This change has caused confusion among consumers who purchased Copilot+ PCs to access the latest laptop iterations. Users with the Copilot experience are questioning the functionality of the Copilot key, which may feel redundant. Non-Copilot+ PCs and keyboards still feature a Copilot key, leading to user frustrations regarding branding inconsistencies. To address this, users can cover the Copilot key with stickers, with options available for black or white keyboards being easier to find than for gray or vibrant Type Covers.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Google Rolls Out Googlebook: A New Era for Android Laptops

On September 22, 2026, Google introduced the Googlebook, a laptop built on a shared Android foundation, designed to combine the convenience of mobile devices with the power of traditional laptops. Collaborating with manufacturers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, the Googlebook features high-resolution OLED touchscreens, precise trackpads, dedicated keyboards, and boasts a 14-hour battery life. It operates on either Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 processors or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips, with initial shipping in the U.S. set for October 4, 2026, followed by launches in the UK, France, and Australia on October 5. The Googlebook can run Android applications natively, enhancing multi-tasking capabilities, and developers are encouraged to optimize their apps for the device using Google's Adaptive Development framework. Google plans to provide a decade of software updates for the Googlebook operating system.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Googlebook pre-orders begin: prices, Android sync, and more is here

Google has started pre-orders for its new Googlebooks as of September 21, with a market release scheduled for October 4. The devices, produced by brands like ASUS, Dell, and HP, start at 9 and feature touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and premium materials. They are powered by Qualcomm and Intel processors, with battery life up to 14 hours. Key features include a Snapdragon X Elite chip with a 12-core CPU, seamless integration with Android phones, and access to major applications. Each purchase includes a year of GeForce NOW. The Googlebook also incorporates AI features like Gemini, which assists users through various functions. Pre-orders are available at Best Buy, the Google Store, and other retailers.

AppWizard

September 15, 2026

Every single new feature in Android 17 QPR1 [Video]

Android 17 QPR1 has launched, compatible with devices from Pixel 6 to the latest models. The update includes several user interface changes such as improved lockscreen animation for media controls, access to Pixel Search settings in App list settings for older Pixel models, and a stashed media player in Quick Settings. Usability enhancements feature a predictive back gesture in Quick Settings, a new Keyboard tile for quick switching between keyboards, an option to dismiss the mobile data pop-up, and adjustments to the screen recording menu. Cosmetic changes include a new Quick Settings edit tile icon, a Gemini Intelligence boot logo for newer models, refreshed default app icons, improved animations in Quick Settings, enhanced system blur effects, and a visual update for app notification dots.

Winsage

September 12, 2026

Windows 11’s useless Copilot key finally does something, you can map it to right-click

Recent updates from Microsoft allow users to remap the Copilot key on Windows 11 to either the Right Ctrl key or the Context Menu key. This feature is part of the Release Preview Build 26100.9539 for 24H2 and 26200.9539 for 25H2, rolled out on September 10, 2026. Users can access this remapping option under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard. The Copilot key was introduced in January 2024 but received criticism for being cumbersome. Microsoft acknowledged the challenges posed by the Copilot key, particularly for users relying on the Right Ctrl or Context Menu keys for shortcuts and assistive technologies. If remapped to the Right Ctrl key, certain shortcut combinations may not function as expected. The feature is expected to be fully rolled out on October 12, 2026.