models Archives

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Google finally brings some relief to older Chromecast owners

Google has resolved a setup issue affecting older Chromecast devices that arose after an update to the Google Home app, which left many users unable to set up their devices. Users are advised to update their Google Home app to version 4.26 or newer to resolve the issue. Those still experiencing problems after the update should contact Google's support team. Prior to the fix, users had attempted various workarounds, and confusion was exacerbated by updated support documentation suggesting that older devices were no longer supported. The issues were determined to be due to a software glitch rather than a withdrawal of support.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

How to check if Motion Assist has rolled out to your Android 17 phone

Google has introduced a new feature called Motion Assist for devices running on Android 17, which is designed to enhance user experience while in motion. Users can access Motion Assist through the Settings app or by searching for it. The feature includes a preference menu to automatically start when in a moving vehicle and can be activated via a Quick Settings Tile. It offers customization options for color, shape, opacity, and randomization of dynamic shapes that adapt to the device's motion, potentially reducing motion sickness. Motion Assist is currently in early rollout, associated with version 26.33.32 of Google Play services, and is only available on select devices.

BetaBeacon

September 3, 2026

Xiaomi’s Poco has a gaming phone with sub

The Poco F9 Ultra is a phone that stands out by offering a built-in subwoofer, two stereo speakers, and a game audio mode for gamers. It features a 6.9 inch 185Hz AMOLED screen and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The phone also includes three rear cameras, a massive 8050mAh battery, and will be available in Australia in a 512GB model with 16GB RAM for 9.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

RPCS3 emulator devs slam Nvidia DLSS 5 as ‘AI-slop generator’ — says industry pushing ‘more upscalers and frame generation to hallucinate games and hide their lack of optimisation’

Developers at RPCS3 have criticized Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology, calling it an “AI-slop generator.” They noted that some individuals are testing a leaked DLSS 5 DLL on the RPCS3 renderer. The official RPCS3 account stated that they do not support technologies that obscure optimization issues. DLSS 5 is set to officially launch with NBA2K27 and aims to provide advanced neural rendering for improved visual realism. It will feature various AI models and controls for artists, but is resource-intensive and compatible only with RTX 50-series GPUs and GeForce Now. Some modders have managed to use the leaked DLL on older RTX 40-series graphics cards.

BetaBeacon

September 3, 2026

Building Tetris on Android With One Prompt and No Laptop

An AI coding agent called Gotcha can generate games and tools on Android phones by writing real code and running a local server. It can create games like Tetris and a 3D Angry Birds clone with features such as touch controls, score displays, and sound effects. Gotcha can also fix bugs in the game logic based on vague feedback. The autonomy and local capabilities of Gotcha make it a unique tool for developers, allowing for quick iteration and precise bug reporting.

Tech Optimizer

September 2, 2026

Gen Digital stock dips after valuation call amid steady cybersecurity momentum

Gen Digital stock (ISIN US3687361044) traded at 30.02 dollars on September 1, 2026, reflecting a 3.2 percent decline from the previous close. The stock is within a 52-week trading range of 17.78 to 31.29 dollars, currently less than 4 percent below the 52-week high of 31.29 dollars. The intrinsic GF Value for the shares is estimated at 33.22 dollars, indicating the current price is 9.6 percent below this fair value. The stock has increased approximately 69 percent from its 52-week low of 17.78 dollars. Gen Digital introduced the Fearless Planet Index, showing North America with an average digital risk score of 29.6 percent, Europe at 28.5 percent, Asia-Pacific at 27.4 percent, the Middle East and Africa at 25.6 percent, and Latin America at 22.0 percent. The stock is quoted at 30.02 dollars on Nasdaq as of September 1, 2026.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

How to make sure your Android phone is secure

Android devices have various features to enhance security and privacy. A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that nearly 75% of Americans have faced online scams, which have become more sophisticated, including vishing scams using AI-generated deepfakes. Android offers tools to mitigate these risks, such as AI-driven scam detection and theft protection. To safeguard devices, users should keep their software updated by checking Settings > About Phone for the current version and navigating to Settings > System > Software Updates for updates. App updates can be managed through the Google Play Store under Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. Securing Google accounts with two-factor authentication is recommended, which can be set up via the Google Account management page. Automatic backups can be enabled in Settings > Google > Backup. The Find Hub app helps track lost devices and can be configured in Settings > Location and Settings > Security. Android includes scam detection tools that alert users to potential scams in calls and texts, which can be activated in the Phone app settings. Privacy settings can be managed by adjusting app permissions in Settings > Apps and using the Permission manager in Security & Privacy. Users can opt out of data sharing with advertisers by navigating to Settings > Google > Ads. Google Play Protect scans for harmful apps and should remain enabled for safety. Theft protection features, such as Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock, can be activated in Settings > Google > Personal & device safety.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

This feature keeps distracting spam calls away while using Android Auto

Google's Call Screen feature allows users to manage unknown calls by delegating the initial interaction to Call Assist, which identifies the caller and provides context. This feature is now integrated with Android Auto, although the screening process itself remains a function of the phone. Call Screen operates in two modes: manual, where users can choose to screen calls, and automatic, which silently screens certain unknown calls and hangs up on spam. Call Screen works directly on the device without needing Wi-Fi or mobile data, and call audio and transcripts are not stored in the user's Google Account. To set up Call Screen, users must do so through the Phone by Google app. Compatibility with Android Auto and Call Screen varies by phone model and geographical location, with automatic screening primarily available on Pixel phones in the U.S. Manual screening is accessible in several countries, and some selected Android devices may also support it. Not all call screening features are the same across different brands, and practical limitations exist for automatic Call Screen, such as functionality issues when connected via Bluetooth or while roaming.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

The AI memory crunch has reached the apps on your phone

Google will implement new memory usage regulations for Android applications starting in February 2027, due to a global RAM shortage. Apps exceeding the set memory limits may be throttled, terminated, or face reduced visibility on the Play Store. The memory thresholds vary based on device specifications, with specific limits for foreground, background, and bitmap memory usage. Non-compliance will result in penalties affecting app distribution and visibility. The memory crisis is attributed to increased demand from the AI data center industry, leading to rising RAM costs. The new limits will first apply to Pixel devices with Android 17, and other manufacturers are expected to follow. Additionally, by April 2027, all apps on the Play Store must support zero-tap credential restoration for users transitioning to new devices.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

MuMu Player 6.0 vs LDPlayer 14 vs BlueStacks: Android Gap

Three Android emulators have emerged: MuMu Player 6.0, LDPlayer 14, and BlueStacks 5.22. - MuMu Player 6.0, released by NetEase on July 7, 2026, is the only mainstream emulator operating on Android 15. - LDPlayer 14 transitioned from beta to full release on June 25, 2026, utilizing Android 14 after previously using Android 9. - BlueStacks 5.22 operates on the Android 9 Pie framework, which it adopted in 2021. MuMu Player is designed for gacha and open-world mobile games, while LDPlayer focuses on lightweight design and multi-instance capabilities. BlueStacks caters to a broad audience with lower system requirements. MuMu Player 6.0 is free on Windows, while its macOS version requires a subscription after a trial. LDPlayer and BlueStacks use a freemium model with optional paid tiers for ad-free experiences. LDPlayer 14 requires 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, while MuMu Player and BlueStacks support older Windows versions. All three emulators support multi-instance functionality, but LDPlayer has specific RAM recommendations for this feature. As of August 2026, there have been no significant reports of bans associated with any of the emulators.