launcher Archives

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

How to use Bluetooth audio sharing on a Google Pixel phone

Android 16 will introduce Auracast, allowing Google Pixel users with compatible devices to connect multiple Bluetooth headphones to a single Pixel phone for audio sharing. This feature can be accessed on Google Pixel 8 series or newer devices, and it relies on Auracast technology. Users can enable audio sharing through Developer Options, which is also available on Android 15 devices. Compatible earbuds or headphones must support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, with examples including Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and 3 Pro. To initiate audio sharing, users must access the Audio sharing page in the Settings app and follow specific steps to create a broadcast. The public debut of this feature is confirmed for Pixel phones with the release of Android 16, but the exact timeline is uncertain.

BetaBeacon

May 19, 2025

Retroid Pocket 5 Gaming Handheld Is Now Available At Amazon

The Retroid Pocket 5 is a powerful Android gaming handheld device with a 5.5-inch 1080p touch screen, two thumbsticks, D-pad, and standard gaming buttons. It is equipped with an Adreno 650 GPU, Snapdragon 865 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage. The device is compatible with high-end native Android games, retro games, and sixth- and seventh-generation console games. It is available on Amazon for with free shipping, but due to high demand, there may be delivery wait times of around two weeks.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Pixelify Your Android Smartphone with This Wallpaper App

Doodle is a Java-based open-source wallpaper application developed by Patrick Zedler, featuring the original Doodle wallpaper collection from the Pixel 4 and unreleased Material You static wallpapers from the Pixel 6. The app allows users to explore wallpapers organized into three categories, select variants, add accent colors, set daily random wallpapers, and toggle night mode. Doodle includes three live wallpapers with interactive features like "Swipe" and "Tilt" effects. Users can customize live wallpaper animations and app color themes through various settings. During testing on a Samsung smartphone with Android 14, some features like the "Swipe" effect and Accent Colors were non-functional due to compatibility issues with the default launcher. The app's live wallpaper occasionally malfunctioned during the lock/unlock process, and transitioning between light and dark modes required relaunching the app. The source code is available on GitHub under GPLv3 licensing, and the app can be downloaded from F-Droid and the Play Store.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

The first ever third-party game to come to Steam probably doesn’t get the respect it deserves—mostly because no one remembers it

Steam's automated monthly top-seller list has highlighted Rag Doll Kung Fu, the first third-party title on the Steam platform, which debuted in 2005. Developed by Mark Healey, the game is available on Steam for one dollar and has a Mostly Positive rating of 73% based on 68 reviews. It remains accessible two decades later, although it is labeled "Unsupported" on Steam Deck. The game launched eight years before the introduction of Steam reviews, which may explain its limited feedback.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Several Ubisoft games can now be purchased in the Xbox PC app, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Watch Dogs 2

Ubisoft has announced that several of its game franchises, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, are now available for purchase on the Xbox PC app. Previously, players could only access Ubisoft games through PC Game Pass without the option to buy them outright. The Xbox Play Anywhere feature does not allow cross-access between the Xbox PC app and Xbox Series X|S console. Players must link their Xbox and Ubisoft accounts to use Ubisoft Connect for these games. The launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows includes a "Stream Your Own Game" feature via Xbox Cloud Gaming for console version purchasers.

BetaBeacon

May 10, 2025

Everything you need to turn your phone into the ultimate gaming handheld

Various phone controllers are available to enhance mobile gaming experiences, such as the GameSir G8 Plus, ASUS ROG Tessen, and Backbone One. Additionally, options like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus Premium, and Amazon Luna allow console and PC gamers to play from anywhere. Emulators like RetroArch can handle games up to PS2, and launchers like ES-DE and Console Launcher can enhance the gaming experience on phones. Ultimately, phones are capable of playing a wide range of games, including emulation, making them versatile gaming devices.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Props for the honesty: Tim Sweeney says the reason ‘people characterize the Epic Games launcher as clunky’ is—wait for it—’because the Epic Games launcher is clunky’

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, described the Epic Games Store launcher as "clunky" and acknowledged that many users find it slow and cumbersome compared to Steam. The Epic launcher received a score of 41% in a recent evaluation, ranking behind competitors like the Microsoft Store and EA, and significantly trailing Steam and GOG Galaxy. Performance issues vary based on a user's proximity to a content delivery network and the size of their game library, with slower internet connections exacerbating loading frustrations. Sweeney believes the Epic launcher should incorporate convenient features from Steam while maintaining its unique advantages. He emphasized the importance of connecting players across platforms and criticized Valve for not allowing cross-platform functionality with Steamworks. Sweeney also addressed negative backlash against developers using Epic Online Services, citing harassment related to crossplay features. Users seeking alternatives to the Epic launcher can consider GOG Galaxy or Heroic, which are noted for better functionality.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

GTA V Enhanced Gets New Update To Fix Graphics Issues

The sixth post-launch update for GTA V Enhanced on PC has been released by Rockstar Games, focusing on improving graphics and addressing player concerns. The update size ranges from 400 to 900 MB, depending on the platform. Patch notes include fixes for Microsoft account communication issues, crash issues, texture problems, ray tracing performance, audio issues, and a progression halt in a Story Mode mission. Despite these updates, some larger issues remain unresolved, such as the lack of text chat functionality. GTA V is now available on Xbox and PC Game Pass, and the FiveM platform has also released an update to support these versions.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Exploring ChromeOS – A New Era In Android App Support

ChromeOS has introduced significant enhancements, particularly in Android app support, improving functionality and integration. The latest updates include upgraded Bluetooth technologies, improved content search capabilities, and the integration of Android 11 changes using virtual machines for better app performance. The initiative "Start building apps for ChromeOS" provides guidance for developers to optimize applications for these devices. Accessibility features like Face Control, Bounce Keys, and Slow Keys have been added to assist users with various needs. Security improvements include theft detection and quick locking, while usability enhancements like Fast Pair simplify device connections. Recent updates also focus on integration and compatibility with existing file systems and support for Android and Linux applications, aiming to create a cohesive ecosystem.

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

The 15 Hottest Android Apps You Need This May 2025

Android maintains its leading position in the mobile operating system market with a diverse ecosystem of applications. A selection of 15 notable Android apps for May 2025 includes: 1. Gesture Control: Edge Seek allows users to create customizable gestures for tasks like volume adjustments and app launches. 2. Device Mirroring: Screen Copy for Android enables users to mirror and control one Android device from another. 3. Customization: Everything Widgets offers over 100 customizable widgets, while Anting Icons provides a unified icon pack. Creative App combines widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs, and Fluffy KWGT features 3D-style widgets. 4. Cross-Device Integration: Sapphira syncs Android with Windows for messaging and file sharing, while Our Quick Share extends functionality for Mac and Linux users. 5. AI Tools: Adma is a free AI image upscaler that enhances image resolution offline. 6. Gaming and Entertainment: Swick is a platform for discovering and playing mini-games. 7. Lightweight Alternatives: Notebook is an ad-free alternative to the Facebook app with a minimalistic design. 8. Rooted Device Tools: Pixel Launcher Enhanced and Android 16 Expressive Theme provide advanced customization for rooted devices. 9. Productivity and Organization: Pixel Shot organizes screenshots, and Digipause tracks time spent on video apps. 10. Utility Tools: Curome combines over 25 features, including a QR code generator and Pomodoro timer. These apps enhance functionality, creativity, and efficiency for Android users.