mobile technology Archives

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

This Android app can make your virtual life a little bit easier, if you have patience

Android Central's Editor's Desk discusses the integration of virtual reality (VR) with everyday devices, highlighting advancements in VR headsets like the Quest 3, which features color passthrough. This allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while using VR. However, accessing smartphone notifications can be challenging in VR. To address this, Meta launched the Smart Connect app for the Quest 3, enabling users to stream and control their Motorola smartphones directly from the headset. Setting up Smart Connect involves downloading the app and syncing devices via a QR code. The app allows for app streaming, creating a phone-like interface in VR, and supports multiple apps. It also includes a desktop mode for a computer-like experience. However, users may face issues with app scaling, keyboard functionality, and navigation due to small interface elements. Overall, Smart Connect aims to enhance connectivity between smartphones and VR technology.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

One UI 8 could bring call captions feature to Samsung phone app

Samsung has released One UI 8 Beta 2 for the Galaxy S25 series, which includes bug fixes and feature refinements. A new feature called Call Captions, part of the One UI 8 ZYF5 build, is designed to convert spoken words into text in real time, aiding users with hearing impairments. This feature allows users to read transcribed text during calls and is particularly useful in noisy environments. Screenshots of the feature have been shared, although it is still in early development and may not be fully stable.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

First Samsung and Xiaomi, now OnePlus apps get Gemini support

OnePlus has announced the integration of Gemini, a feature that enhances interaction with Google and select OnePlus applications, specifically for the upcoming OnePlus 13 series. Gemini will support various OnePlus apps, including Notes and Clock, allowing users to perform tasks like summarizing YouTube recipes into notes or setting alarms based on calendar events. The feature will debut through a software update for the OnePlus 13s, but it is unclear if older models will receive this functionality. This move aligns OnePlus with other Android manufacturers, such as Samsung and Xiaomi, who are also integrating Gemini to improve their app ecosystems.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Earn to Die, Aeon’s End, LEGO Bricktales, more

On Tuesday, Google Play offered a variety of deals on Android games and applications. Notable promotions included Nothing’s Ear (a) wireless earbuds at a 50% discount, a price reduction on Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL Case, and Samsung's 2025 3D and OLED Odyssey gaming monitors at their first-ever discounted price. The unlocked Galaxy S25 is now more accessible, and the Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Cam is highlighted for home security. Popular app titles featured include "Earn to Die," "Aeon’s End," "LEGO Bricktales," and "The Last Game."

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Microsoft to Make Windows Agentic for New Web Experience

Microsoft is transforming Windows into an agentic AI platform, a significant evolution in its operating system history. At the Microsoft Build 2025 event, CEO Satya Nadella discussed the need to update legacy internet systems for the rise of AI agents, likening this phase of generative AI to past technological revolutions. Microsoft is developing an ‘agentic web’ to allow intelligent agents to interact with data and users. To support this, the Model Context Protocol (MCP), developed by Anthropic, will be embedded in Windows, enabling AI agents like GitHub Copilot to perform tasks beyond code generation, such as installing software and modifying system settings with user consent. Microsoft introduced Foundry Local, a tool that allows AI features to run offline on PCs, enhancing response times and privacy. The company also launched Copilot Tuning, enabling enterprises to customize AI agents using their own data and workflows. Additionally, Microsoft announced NLWeb, an open standard to convert any website into an agentic platform, facilitating AI agents' understanding and interaction with web content. Microsoft is collaborating with companies like Tripadvisor to implement NLWeb for autonomous travel arrangements.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Android 16’s desktop mode was right in front of me the whole time

Samsung's DeX feature allows users to transform their smartphones into a desktop experience by connecting to an external display. Since its introduction with the Galaxy S8, DeX has evolved, and Google is collaborating with Samsung to enhance it for Android 16's Native desktop mode. This mode aims to improve Android's desktop functionalities, which have previously been limited. Samsung's recent "New DeX" mode, introduced with One UI 6.0 and Android 14, allows for resizable app windows, but Google may choose to adopt a design inspired by the classic DeX experience instead. The future of desktop mode in Android remains uncertain, particularly regarding external display options.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Android 16’s UI redesign reportedly shows its face in massive leak

A recent leak reveals potential redesign features for Android 16, including a blurred and transparent notification panel, a revamped lock screen with a new font and repositioned date/temperature, and geometric app icon options in the Pixel Launcher. The volume sliders will change from a pill shape to a rectangular design, and there will be updates to the Settings menu with colored icons and a new horizontal battery icon format. Android 16 is expected to debut in Q2 2025, with more details likely to be revealed at Google's I/O 2025 event. The Android 16 Beta 4 update has reached "Platform Stability," indicating that final adjustments are being made before the official rollout.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

A pair of Armored Core games are being freed from their 2000s Japanese mobile phone prison with an upcoming PC port

Armored Core, a series from FromSoftware, has gained popularity since its debut on the PlayStation 1. PC players recently accessed the franchise with Armored Core 6, and two more titles are on the way, though they will not have English language options. Developer G-Mode is set to release Armored Core Mobile Mission and its sequel, Mobile Mission 2, on Steam, with the first installment launching on April 30th. The original Mobile Mission offers a top-down shooter experience with mech customization, while the sequel aims for a more immersive gameplay experience. G-Mode is also porting Shin Megami Tensei titles, Tokyo Requiem and 20XX, to modern platforms, although release dates for these are not confirmed.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

TOS 6 in public preview for ARM shows we’re going to see many more NAS

Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Schedule your YouTube downloads: A simple guide for Android users

Download manager apps for Android allow users to schedule and queue multiple video downloads, helping them manage data usage effectively. These apps automate the downloading process, enabling users to download videos during off-peak hours or when connected to Wi-Fi, which conserves mobile data and minimizes interruptions.