larger displays Archives

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

CapCut’s new tablet app makes pro‑style video edits free on Android

CapCut has introduced CapCut Pad, a video editing application specifically designed for Android tablets, moving beyond the limitations of a stretched phone app. It offers a desktop-like workflow optimized for larger screens, featuring a redesigned interface that enhances usability for multi-layer edits. Key features include keyframe animation, chroma key, slow-motion effects, video stabilization, and a library of fonts and visual effects, with export capabilities up to 4K at 60fps with HDR. CapCut Pad allows cross-device continuity, enabling users to start projects on one device and continue on another. The app is currently available for free on the Google Play Store without subscription or feature limitations.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

I hated multitasking on my Pixel — until I tried Android 17’s app bubbles

Software experience significantly influences smartphone appeal, with Google's Pixel series noted for its seamless interface. The recent Android 17 introduces features like app memory limits, enhanced controls, and improved location transparency, leading to the installation of its beta version on the Google Pixel 10a. A poll on multitasking preferences revealed that 17% prefer split screen, 57% switch between apps, and 27% barely multitask. The introduction of the bubbles feature in Android 17 enhances multitasking by allowing users to pin up to five apps simultaneously, facilitating quick access and seamless transitions between tasks. The user's setup includes Instagram, WhatsApp, Chrome, Slack, and YouTube Music, promoting a balanced work-life integration. The Pixel 10a is characterized by a flush camera design, good performance and battery life, strong cameras, and a promise of excellent software support. It features the Tensor G4 chip, a vibrant 120Hz display, and is priced at .99, with a commitment to seven years of software updates.

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

Google Pushes Android Apps Into a Bigger ChromeOS Bet

Google is enhancing its Chrome browser by integrating native Android app support to strengthen the Chromebook and laptop ecosystem. This integration is part of a broader strategy to address the lack of software diversity in ChromeOS and is expected to be unveiled during the Android Show on May 12 and the I/O keynote on May 19. The move aims to merge Chrome OS and Android into a unified platform, building on past experiences with Android app integration that showed both potential and challenges. Google plans to ensure that mobile applications adapt seamlessly to larger screens and provide a user experience consistent with traditional laptop software, addressing key functionalities like window management and multitasking.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft brings Refresh & Print back to Windows 11 File Explorer right-click, plus readable file sizes for Details view

Windows 11 is set to reintroduce the ‘Refresh’ button in the context menu, addressing user requests. Currently, File Explorer features two right-click menus: a modern context menu and an optional legacy menu, with the modern version lacking certain features like ‘Refresh’ and ‘Print.’ Improvements are also being made to the Details view in File Explorer, which will soon display file sizes in appropriate units (KB, MB, GB) for better clarity. Additionally, the address bar functionality will be enhanced, allowing users to enter paths with double backslashes or quotation marks. Other updates include accurate display of renamed files, proper closing of the address bar when selecting items from suggestions, and smoother keyboard shortcuts in flyouts. These updates are available in Windows 11 Experimental Build 26300.8376 and will roll out to all users in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

Google Play will finally start spotlighting apps worthy of your big screen

Google Play Store will introduce a new badge system in version 51.2 to highlight apps optimized for larger screens, such as tablets and foldable devices. This update aims to improve user experience by making it easier to find applications that utilize larger displays effectively. The badge will indicate well-suited apps, helping users avoid poorly adapted ones. Additional enhancements include an expanded view of app content ratings, streamlined installation processes, easier access to Collections for tablet users, and the ability to review subscription plans within app ratings and reviews. These features are part of Google's commitment to enhancing big-screen experiences in the Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Android 17 Beta 4 arrives with post-quantum cryptography and new memory limits

On April 16, Google released Android 17 Beta 4, concluding its beta phase and focusing on app compatibility and platform stability. Developers must finalize updates for Android 17 to avoid delays when the stable version is released. Key behavioral changes for apps targeting Android 17 include: - Large-screen resizability restrictions, preventing apps from opting out of maintaining orientation, resizability, and aspect ratio constraints. - Expanded restrictions on dynamic code loading, requiring native files loaded via System.load() to be read-only. - Certificate Transparency is enabled by default. - Local network access is restricted by default, with a new ACCESSLOCALNETWORK permission for persistent access. - Stricter rules on background audio interactions, including playback and volume change APIs. Android 17 introduces per-app memory limits based on device RAM to target memory leaks and anomalies, with minimal impact expected on app sessions. Developers can check for memory limit impacts via ApplicationExitInfo and utilize profiling tools in Android Studio Panda. An on-device anomaly detection service monitors resource-intensive behaviors and provides profiling artifacts. Additionally, the Android Keystore now supports ML-DSA for quantum-safe signatures, allowing developers to generate keys and create signatures within secure hardware.

BetaBeacon

April 10, 2026

The Android Tablet That Runs Steam Games : Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5

The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and offers up to 24GB of RAM, delivering high performance for gaming, multitasking, and streaming.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

This app made me hate today’s giant Android smartphones a little less

Smartphones are becoming larger and more visually appealing, but this trend can hinder one-handed usability. Quick Cursor is an app available on the Google Play Store that introduces a floating cursor to enhance one-handed operation. Users can activate the cursor by swiping inward from the lower half of the screen, allowing for easier interaction with UI elements located higher up. The app overlays a cursor that can be controlled with tap and swipe actions, and it requires access to Android's accessibility service for setup. Quick Cursor operates on a freemium model, offering basic functionality for free, with additional features available through a subscription or one-time purchase. It provides a more fluid experience compared to Android's built-in one-handed mode, making it easier to navigate larger smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

Android 17 Fixes Long-Standing App Orientation Frustrations

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.