October 2024 Archives

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

Three phenomenal Triple-A console and PC games you can also play on Android

The reboot of Tomb Raider, originally launched in 2013 for Xbox 360 and PS3, has been adapted for mobile devices by Feral Interactive, featuring touch screen controls and traditional game controller support. The game performs well on moderate devices like the Pixel 10 series, achieving 30 FPS with graphics settings and over 40 FPS in performance mode. While its graphics do not match the latest triple-A titles, it maintains engaging combat mechanics and a compelling narrative. Red Dead Redemption has also been released on Android, requiring a Netflix subscription for access. The game runs smoothly on devices like the Pixel 10 series and recommends a Snapdragon 888 for optimal performance. It offers a rich storytelling experience at a lower cost compared to its Steam price. Subnautica, a survival game released in 2014, allows players to explore an underwater landscape after a crash landing. It performs well on mid-tier devices like the Pixel 10 series, providing around 30 hours of gameplay for the main quests, with additional time for exploration.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Finding new Play Store apps used to be frustrating, but this clever tool changes everything

Navigating the Google Play Store can be frustrating due to its inadequate search functionality and the prevalence of sponsored apps and ads. The App Finder application offers a solution by allowing users to define their own search criteria and providing advanced search capabilities tailored specifically for the Play Store. Users can apply various filters such as app titles, ratings, downloads, and genres to refine their search results significantly. App Finder also helps users find discounted apps and provides access to data by country or worldwide statistics. While the app's interface is functional but not visually appealing, it remains accessible with a free version and offers a paid upgrade for additional features. However, it has not been updated since October 2024, raising concerns about its future viability.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Windows 7 and Vista just made a shocking return in 2026 — but your PC might not survive the comeback

Windows 7 and Vista are set to make a comeback in 2026, with modder Bob Pony creating ready-to-install ISO files for both operating systems. The Windows 7 x86 ISO includes updates until October 2024 and requires a CPU that supports SSE2 instructions. Microsoft has a program called Premium Assurance that provides security updates for legacy systems like Windows Vista for up to six years. However, Microsoft has officially ceased support for both Windows 7 and Vista, raising security concerns for users. Running these operating systems in a virtual machine is suggested as a safer alternative. The renewed interest in older systems is partly due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11, which has faced issues like unbootable PCs and stringent hardware requirements.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Microsoft backs court injunction against Google

Microsoft has filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging a federal court to maintain an injunction against Google, which requires the company to dismantle its alleged monopoly in the Android apps market, particularly regarding payment practices. This injunction stems from Epic Games' lawsuit against Google, initiated in 2020. On January 16, Microsoft submitted its brief ahead of a court hearing where Google and Epic are seeking modifications to a permanent injunction issued in October 2024. The proposed changes could allow Google to impose fees between 9% and 20% on app developers, which Microsoft argues would undermine the original intent of the injunction. A recent settlement between Google and Epic includes a partnership valued at 0 million over six years, but details remain confidential. Judge Donato is reviewing the settlement and has requested briefings from the FTC and appointed an expert witness for evaluation. Epic Games has also announced that its games app is now available on Google Play worldwide.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Amazon is shutting down New World next year

Amazon will cease operations of its multiplayer online game, New World, on January 31, 2027. The game has been removed from all platforms, but current owners can still access it until the shutdown date. Purchases made with in-game currency will not be refunded. Amazon plans to release New World: Aeternum for Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as PlayStation 5, in October 2024.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

This app could bring better AirPods support to all Android phones, but Google needs to fix this bug

An application named LibrePods has been developed to enhance the AirPods experience for Android users, but it requires root access due to a persistent bug in the Android Bluetooth stack that has not been resolved since October 2024. The developer, Kavish Devar, reported the bug to Google on October 6, 2024, identifying specific lines of code causing the issue. The bug has received over 9,100 votes but remains labeled as “assigned” by Google without progress. The last interaction from Google was on May 14, when they requested steps to replicate the bug, which Devar provided. Resolving this bug would eliminate the need for root access and allow other developers to create similar applications. Inquiries have been made to Google regarding the timeline for addressing the bug.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Google reveals best Play Store apps and games of 2025

Google has announced its best apps and games on the Play Store for 2025. The best overall app is Focus Friend by Hank Green, which gamifies productivity with a "Bean Friend" avatar. The best overall game is Pokemon TCG Pocket, launched in October 2024. Other notable winners include Luminar as the best multi-device app and Disney Speedstorm as the best multi-device game. The best apps of 2025 include Edits (Best for Fun), Wiser (Best Everyday Essential), and ABCmouse 2 (Best for Families). The best games of 2025 include Dunk City Dynasty (Best Multiplayer) and Disco Elysium (Best Story). In 2024, Partiful was the best overall app and AFK Journey was the best overall game.

BetaBeacon

November 11, 2025

‘Fortnite’ maker Epic Games, Google say they’re settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store

Epic Games has reached a settlement with Google regarding their legal dispute over the Google Play Store for Android apps. The settlement aims to make Android a more competitive platform by allowing third-party app stores to be distributed through Google's app store. The settlement also includes Google limiting payment processing commissions to between 9% and 20%.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2025

Fortnite maker Epic Games and Google say they’re settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store

Epic Games and Google have settled their long-standing legal dispute regarding the Play Store for Android apps. The settlement agreement, which must be approved by a U.S. District Judge, includes provisions for Google to distribute rival third-party app stores and set limits on payment processing fees.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Epic Games and Google Propose Landmark Global Settlement to Reshape Android App Store

Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement in the Epic v Google case, with Google proposing to make changes to open up the Android market globally and extend the settlement through June 30, 2032. The settlement includes a new fee structure for developers, allowing them to use alternative payment systems and reducing fees for in-app purchases. Additionally, a new program will make it easier for users to install alternative app stores. Both CEOs hailed the settlement as a win for the original vision of Android as an open platform.