My Phone Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Timed Silence: An Open Source Android App to Automatically Silence Your Phone

Timed Silence is a Kotlin-based application for Android, created by Felix Nüsse, that manages smartphone volume settings, allowing users to mute, vibrate, or ring with sound. The app requires initial setup permissions and features an intuitive interface with a pause/play button. Users can create custom schedules, including pre-defined ones for "Night" and "Day." The app effectively activates Do Not Disturb (DND) at scheduled times, muting notifications while allowing calls and messages from specified contacts. Additional features include Calendar integration, Keywords for managing volume levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and a Sanity Check for priority contacts. The app is available on F-Droid, with source code and APKs on GitHub.

BetaBeacon

November 2, 2024

This Android feature quietly improved my daily routine

Grayscale makes the phone screen less visually appealing and reduces temptation to scroll endlessly before bed.

AppWizard

October 25, 2024

An app update has broken casting from Spotify to Google Home speakers

Spotify Premium users are experiencing difficulties casting music to Google Home and Google-enabled speakers, primarily due to a recent update of the Google Home app. While the app indicates that Spotify is playing, playback does not progress, resulting in no audio. This issue seems to affect only Premium subscribers, as free account users report normal functionality. Google has acknowledged the problem and is working on a fix through an app update. Users have attempted various troubleshooting measures, including resetting devices and updating apps, but none have been successful.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 Is Here. What You Need to Know about Google’s Latest OS on Your Phone

Google will unveil Android 15 on Tuesday, initially available for supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, with a broader rollout to select devices from manufacturers like Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, and OnePlus in the coming months. Android 15 introduces features such as partial screen recording, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, improved in-app camera controls, low-light enhancements, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. The update focuses on enhancing security, particularly in health and finance sectors, and improves functionality for large-screen devices. Key features include: - Revamped Theft Detection Lock powered by AI. - Enhanced authentication for critical settings like SIM removal and disabling Find My Device. - A Private Space feature to conceal sensitive applications. - Customizable taskbar for foldables and tablets. - Ability to pair apps for multitasking. - Optimized in-app camera controls for low-light conditions. - Satellite connectivity for messaging applications. - Single-tap login using passkeys. Android 15 will first roll out to Pixel devices, with support for additional brands including Samsung, Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Users are advised to back up their devices before installation. To download Android 15, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates on their supported device. If storage space is insufficient, users must free up space or use a computer for the update process.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Android 15 has a cool trick to save my ‘storage full’ 128GB Pixel

Google's Pixel series smartphones, including the latest Pixel 9, have a base storage of 128GB. Android 15 introduces an "app archiving" feature that allows users to temporarily remove apps without losing data, enabling easier management of storage. Users can manually archive apps by tapping and holding the app icon, selecting the info icon, and choosing Archive. Additionally, users can set apps to automatically archive when storage is low by enabling "Manage app if unused." Archived apps can be restored by tapping their icon with a cloud download overlay. For devices not running Android 15, users can still archive apps through the Google Play Store by enabling the automatic archiving feature in settings.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Audile: Open Source Shazam Alternative for Android

Audile is an open-source music recognition app for Android, operating under the GPL-3.0 License and powered by AudD and ACRCloud services. Previously known as MusicRecognizer, it allows users to identify songs and provides links to streaming platforms through the Odesli service. The app includes features such as track information, a library for managing recognized songs, a search function, and customizable preferences. Users can perform a maximum of five music recognition tasks every 24 hours with the AudD API, with a paid option and a 14-day free trial available for more extensive access. Audile can be downloaded from F-Droid or its GitHub releases page, which also contains the source code.

AppWizard

October 7, 2024

Metaphor: ReFantazio feels right at home on Steam Deck

Atlus' Project Re Fantasy, titled Metaphor: ReFantazio, is a fantasy RPG that has garnered attention for its performance on different platforms. The game is currently categorized as "Playable" on Steam Deck, with ongoing patches improving its performance. Initial graphics optimization was lacking, particularly in anti-aliasing, and the recommended settings for optimal performance on Steam Deck include a rendering scale of 100%, normal texture quality, fullscreen mode enabled, ambient occlusion off, and a frame rate limit of 30fps. Certain areas of the game experienced significant performance dips, but recent patches have improved frame rates, especially in the final dungeon. The game operates at a 16:9 aspect ratio, and players can customize button prompts. There were issues with launching the game offline due to DRM protocols. Visually, the game diverges from traditional Atlus aesthetics, resembling Catherine more than Persona, but retains engaging gameplay with dynamic combat and optional dungeons. The absence of anti-aliasing remains a technical concern, and the game is noted for its stylish menus, character designs, and soundtrack.

BetaBeacon

September 6, 2024

Balatro Arrives On Phones And Tablets On September 26

Balatro, a popular poker roguelike game, is set to be released on Android and iOS devices on September 26.

BetaBeacon

September 5, 2024

Wake up and chill with my favorite casual Meta Quest games

The text describes the author's morning routine of playing VR games on his Meta Quest 3 headset. He enjoys playing word games like Wordomi and shape puzzles like Cubism and Puzzling Places. Little Cities is another game he plays, which is a city-building simulator. The author prefers playing seated or at a table in the morning and uses a BoboVR M3 Pro headstrap for comfort.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Android 15 Is Almost Here. What You Need to Know About Google’s Latest OS

Google plans to release Android 15 in the upcoming weeks and has made the source code available through the Android Open Source Project. Android 15 will initially roll out to supported Pixel devices, including Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, followed by select devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, and others. New features in Android 15 include partial screen recording capabilities, satellite connectivity for messaging without cellular service, predictive back gestures, enhanced in-app camera controls, low-light boost for photography, and sensitive notifications for two-factor authentication codes. Users are advised to back up their devices before updating. To download Android 15 on a compatible Pixel device, users should navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System Updates, check for updates, and follow the prompts to download and install. If there is insufficient storage, users will need to free up space or use a computer for installation.