news Archives

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Despite its history of taking action against GTA mods, a Rockstar-approved GTA 5 modding tool is on the way to “assist the modding community” in the wake of the recent PC upgrade

Rockstar Games has aligned the PC version of GTA 5 with current-generation consoles and announced that the Cfx.re modding team will release an official asset conversion tool for modders. This tool will help adapt assets from FiveM and GTA 5 Legacy to the new game version, as custom assets will not be natively compatible. The conversion tool will ensure compatibility for specific file types, including .ydd, .ydr, .yft, and .ytd files. This announcement marks a significant shift in Rockstar's approach to modding, moving towards support rather than restriction. Additionally, Rockstar is pursuing legal action against a website selling hacked GTA Online accounts.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

This move will add millions of Android games to PC

All Android games can now be played on PC without developers needing to opt in, making millions of games available with a mouse and keyboard. Google has introduced a badge system to indicate how optimized a game is for PC. The platform is set to exit beta later this year, potentially becoming a major competitor in the gaming market.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Genshin Impact on Android finally adds controller support — 4 years after iOS

Android phones will soon support Bluetooth controllers for Genshin Impact after the release of Version 5.5 later this month. The supported models include PS5's DualSense Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, but controllers requiring a USB-C connection may not be officially supported.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Google levels up Android graphics with Vulkan API in time for GDC 2025

Diablo Immortal is running on Vulkan, which helps optimize graphics for a smooth and engaging experience for players.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

‘Minecraft’ Movie Tracking $60M+ Opening – But No One’s Buying Tickets?

Warner Bros. Pictures is set to release A Minecraft Movie on April 4, 2025, with international screenings starting on April 2, 2025. The film has a budget of 0 million before marketing and early tracking suggests it could open with million or more, although initial ticket sales are lagging. The trailer has received 1.8 million dislikes on YouTube, indicating negative feedback, particularly regarding casting choices like Jack Black as Steve and Jason Momoa as a new character, Garrett. The film follows four misfits who are transported into the Minecraft Overworld and must learn to survive while teaming up with Steve. The current unaided awareness for the film is 13, lower than The Super Mario Bros Movie at 20.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Google Play Games on PC is adding a handy sidebar with access to quick controls and more

Google Play Games on PC now offers custom controls and a new game sidebar feature, allowing players to remap controls, set custom press points, and make quick adjustments during gameplay. Additionally, multi-account and multi-instancing support will be introduced this month, allowing players to use multiple accounts simultaneously in the same game on PC.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google is turning its Play Games app for PC into a Steam competitor

Google announced that its Play Games app for PC will now support native PC games, expanding its platform to include these titles alongside Android games. This development was revealed at the 2025 Game Developers Conference, where Google stated its commitment to connecting mobile game developers with a larger PC player base. The program will open to all native PC games within the year, and Google plans to provide developers with tools to simplify in-app purchases, enhance security, and offer an earnback of up to 15%.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google is preparing a big redesign of Android’s Settings app, and we have a first look

The Android Settings app is set for a significant redesign aimed at simplifying navigation. Key features of the new design include: - Updated Material Design 3 elements with new switches featuring an X or checkmark icon. - Each setting item will be displayed within its own distinct card for better organization. - Small arrow icons will indicate when a setting has additional subpages. - Headers will be placed at the top of most pages to allow users to view more items at a glance. The new design has been seen in Android 16 Beta 3 but is unlikely to be included in the stable release of Android 16; it may appear in future quarterly updates or in Android 17. The redesign aims to enhance user experience by addressing navigation challenges.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google Play Games on PC is opening the floodgates of app support

Google Play Games on PC will expand to make all Android titles accessible by default as it nears the end of its beta phase. Previously, the selection was limited, but now all games in the Play Store can be played on PCs, although developers can opt out to keep their games mobile-exclusive. A badge system will be introduced to indicate compatibility and performance: "optimized" for the best experience, "playable" for minimum standards with potential control remapping, and "untested" for variable experiences. This aims to enhance transparency and guide users in their gaming choices.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

I tried Android Auto’s latest global radio streaming app, but it’s not quite ready for drive time

Non Stop Radio is an app that launched in November 2024, providing access to international radio stations, including those from the US. It features a straightforward interface on Android and Android Auto, with two main screens for current stations and favorited stations. Users can manage favorite stations easily and explore content by genre or country, although sorting can be inconsistent. The app has a colorful interface but suffers from navigation challenges, a lack of a master search function, and UI issues like light gray text on a white background. Some stations may not work, which can be disappointing for users. Non Stop Radio is ad-free and is actively being developed, with plans for future updates to improve functionality and add more stations.