Morphe has released its v1.32.0 patch bundle, which includes interface enhancements and bug fixes. Key features include a settings toggle to revert to the previous video action bar layout, restoring the dislike counter on YouTube (as estimates), and the option to hide the “Connect” button. Users can filter comments using a keyword-based comment blocker and open videos in fullscreen mode. The update also enhances the top toolbar with options to hide the Cast and live Chat buttons. Compatibility updates include experimental support for Reddit (version 2026.25.0), YouTube Music (version 9.24.51), and YouTube (version 21.25.523). Bug fixes address issues with link redirects, app crashes in tablet mode, player popup panels, and playback issues in YouTube Music. The update is available through the Morphe Manager application.
Google has released the stable version of Android 17 for all supported Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Key features include:
- App Bubbles for multitasking, allowing users to launch apps in floating windows.
- Enhanced Picture-in-Picture mode for full interactivity in desktop environments.
- Encouragement for developers to optimize apps for various screen orientations and sizes.
- Implementation of app memory limits to improve performance and battery life.
- A 50:50 split-screen mode for gaming on foldable phones and native controller remapping.
- The Continue On feature for seamless task transitions between devices.
- Improved privacy features, including temporary access to location data and a Mark As Lost feature.
- Support for Eclipsa Video HDR format and enhanced audio quality through the Extended HE-AAC encoder.
- Introduction of the RAW14 image format for better camera capabilities.
- Enhanced support for Bluetooth Low Energy Audio, particularly for hearing aids.
Samsung has released an update to the PENUP drawing app, now at version 3.9.22.23, which includes the following new features:
- 53 new downloadable brushes.
- Dual Brush Feature for combining two brush strokes.
- Individual Brush Settings with organized access and preview options.
- Export and Import Draft Options using the “.penup” extension for sharing incomplete drawings.
- Auto Select Mode for the Lasso selection tool.
- Automatic UI Rotation into landscape mode.
- File Syncing across devices using a Samsung account.
The update is available to all Galaxy device owners using the PENUP app, regardless of One UI version, and can be accessed through the Galaxy Store.
The Division Resurgence is a mobile-exclusive third-person shooter developed by Ubisoft, currently without an official PC client. Players can use three Android emulators—BlueStacks, MuMu Player, and LDPlayer—to play the game on larger monitors. Each emulator has distinct advantages: MuMu Player is recommended for PS controller users due to accurate button prompts, while LDPlayer is noted for better performance.
For BlueStacks, players should download the Pie 64-bit version, adjust performance settings to maximize CPU and RAM, set graphics to Vulkan, and ensure the most recent phone profile is selected. For MuMu Player, users should set graphics to Vulkan, optimize performance settings, and select the ROG Phone 9 profile for better visuals. LDPlayer requires users to set CPU to 6 cores and RAM to at least 6 GB, with a resolution of 1280 × 720 and High FPS Mode enabled.
In-game graphics settings for optimal performance include Very High graphics, High resolution, and a standard framerate capped at 30 FPS. The game supports both mouse and keyboard and gamepad controls, with options for customizing key bindings. Common issues include game freezes, crashes, low FPS, and incorrect controller prompts, with suggested fixes provided. Division Resurgence is free-to-play, and while not officially available on PC, it can be played through emulators without additional costs.
A bug in the Facebook Android app has caused users to experience visual and readability issues, where posts display partial text against vibrant backgrounds, and tapping "See more" results in the text disappearing. This issue began in early March following a recent app update. A workaround involves rotating the device to landscape mode after tapping on a post, which temporarily restores the text visibility. The problem is confined to the Android app, with desktop and browser versions unaffected. Standard troubleshooting methods have not consistently resolved the issue, and Meta has not officially acknowledged it or provided a timeline for a fix. Users are advised to avoid using colored backgrounds in their posts until the issue is resolved.
Android 17 Beta 1 has launched for Pixel phones, introducing significant changes in app orientation and resizability restrictions. It eliminates the option for developers to opt-out of these restrictions on larger screens (width greater than 600 dp), disregarding five specific attributes and APIs for applications on large screens or games. This aims to improve user experience on Android tablets, foldable phones, and Chromebooks, addressing issues with apps that lock into a single orientation. Developers must adapt their applications to comply with the new standards set by SDK 37, ensuring compatibility with the phase-out of certain manifest attributes and runtime APIs from Android 16. Users will retain control over their app experience through aspect ratio settings. The upcoming Aluminum OS will require Android applications to operate seamlessly in landscape mode, indicating a push for a more unified Android experience.
The 8BitDo FlipPad is a portrait-mode controller for your phone that plugs into the USB-C port on the bottom of the device and covers the bottom half of the phone screen.
Google is testing a significant update for its Phone app on Android devices, which includes a new "Controls" toggle in Display settings to maintain portrait mode during calls. This feature addresses user complaints about the app's inconsistent adherence to auto-rotation preferences. The beta also introduces an option to mark calls as "urgent" and refreshes the user interface by removing the Favorites tab and consolidating frequently contacted individuals into a horizontal row in the "Recents" section. Additionally, the dedicated "Frequents" list has been removed, encouraging users to actively favorite their most-called contacts. Another feature, "Expressive Calling," allows users to select a "call reason" when dialing, enhancing communication awareness.
Microsoft has released an update for Phone Link, version 1.25112.33.0, which introduces an expanded view option for streaming Android apps on Windows 11. This feature allows users to stretch Android applications beyond the phone-sized window, improving usability on larger monitors. The expanded view includes a small icon next to the window controls that enables users to widen the app. While some apps like VLC and Amazon adapt well to this feature, others like Uber remain limited in functionality. The expanded view does not improve font resolution, which may result in blurry text, and the window cannot be maximized, defaulting to snap to the left edge. Additionally, Microsoft is implementing other upgrades for Windows 11, including streamlined app updates, new privacy safeguards, and a new Themes section for personalization.
