party Archives

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

What’s new in Android’s October 2026 Google System Updates

The monthly "Google System Release Notes" provide updates on Google platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and the Play system, benefiting both end users and developers on various devices. The "Google System" includes first-party applications for improved user interaction. Users can access updates through device settings, but feature availability may vary. Key updates include: - Google Play services v26.39 introduces OEM Design Tokens for Android Automotive customization, new developer features for Maps, and bug fixes. - Security updates allow NFC support for Find Hub tag details and a new registration flow for setting up tags. - Wallet updates include support for card art and payment network logos in notifications. - Google Play Store v53.5 adds AI labels for images in India and enables users to track their review influence. - Android System Intelligence B.29 / C.7 includes bug fixes and maintenance changes.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Apple removes offline messaging application Bitchat from India App Store over security concerns

Apple has removed the offline messaging application Bitchat from its India App Store following a directive from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The removal was due to the app's inclusion of content deemed illegal in India, complying with local laws and Apple's app review guidelines. The action was executed under Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which permits the government to block content threatening national security or public order. The TestFlight version of Bitchat is also unavailable for testing in India. Previously, in July, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) had instructed GitHub to remove Bitchat due to concerns it could facilitate communication for anti-national elements and organized crime during government-imposed communication restrictions.

BetaBeacon

October 5, 2026

ARC X1 Android Handheld: $308, OwlOS Fuses 3 Modes [2026]

The ARC X1 is a handheld gaming device priced at approximately , significantly lower than other PC-gaming handhelds. It features a 7-inch, 120Hz display, dedicated gaming controls, active cooling, and a 9,300mAh replaceable battery. The device runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 Gaming Platform and operates on OwlOS, a custom operating system built on the Android Open Source Project. The ARC X1 aims to provide a unified gaming experience by combining native Android games, cloud gaming services, and emulation in one launcher. The device's pricing strategy challenges the market created by Valve's Steam Deck, offering a cheaper alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Google Tightens Android App Installs with New Developer Verification Rules

Google has implemented new developer verification requirements for Android app installations, effective September 30, focusing initially on Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand for certified devices running Android 7 or later. Apps must be linked to verified developers, and users can install apps from these developers without extra steps. However, downloading apps from unverified sources will require a new protocol called the Advanced Flow, which includes enabling settings in Developer options and a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before installation. These measures aim to enhance security against malicious software while still allowing sideloading. Google plans to expand these verification measures globally by 2027, while maintaining an open ecosystem for app distribution.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Registered Players Of Rare Cookie’s Bustle Invited To Secret Party

Cookie’s Bustle, a video game released in 1999, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The game was discontinued in 2001 and has since developed a cult following. Recently, an exclusive gathering for fans was held to commemorate the anniversary, organized by QualityTime Consulting. The event featured live music, exclusive merchandise, and cookies shaped like the character Cookie. The game has faced ownership disputes, particularly with an individual named Brandon White, who attempted to erase its presence online through copyright claims. However, the Video Game History Foundation intervened, successfully combating these claims in March and restoring content related to the game. The future of Cookie’s Bustle remains uncertain, with no announcements regarding remasters or sequels made at the recent event.

BetaBeacon

October 4, 2026

Winlator 11.2 Setup: Run Windows Games on Android [2026]

Winlator is a free, open-source Android application that translates Windows game instructions into ARM instructions on the fly. It uses Wine, Box64, Box86, DXVK, VKD3D, and a graphics translation stack to achieve this. The performance of Winlator depends heavily on the chip doing the translation.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Time Crisis Arcade-Perfect PC Port Is Now Available for Download

An unofficial PC version of the arcade classic Time Crisis has been released as part of the “Namco System 22 games for PC” initiative, which aims to bring several arcade games to the PC platform. The namco22-decompile project currently supports five titles: Time Crisis, Rave Racer, Dirt Dash, Tokyo Wars, and Prop Cycle. These games run more efficiently than traditional emulators and support widescreen formats and resolutions up to 4K. The Time Crisis port features mouse control support and compatibility with light guns. Players need to supply their own ROM files to enjoy the games, as the project does not include in-game assets. Other unofficial PC ports include titles such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Donkey Kong Country games. September 2026 has seen various unofficial PC ports, including Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, GTA: Liberty City Stories, and Super Mario Strikers.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Is Minecraft Dungeons 2 cross platform? Crossplay and multiplayer explained

Minecraft Dungeons II was released on September 29, 2026, and features full cross-platform play across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, allowing up to four players to team up. Players can join sessions through matchmaking or by sharing a party code. To enable cross-platform play, players must sign into their accounts and toggle the setting in the game options. Crossplay allows players on different platforms to join the same session, while cross-progression enables saved character transfers between platforms. Xbox players need an active Game Pass subscription for online multiplayer, PlayStation users require PlayStation Plus, and PC players only need to own the game.

BetaBeacon

October 3, 2026

The best Android games released this year

Nintendo released Pictonico!, a game where players can turn their own pictures into mini WarioWare-style games, resulting in chaotic and fun challenges based on the photos.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

These 9 Thunderbird features made me ditch Gmail for good

The author switched from Gmail to Thunderbird after 15 years, citing frustrations with Gmail's ad inundation and cluttered features. They appreciate Thunderbird's offline email access, extensive customization options, open-source nature, absence of forced AI features, free distribution without targeted ads, cross-platform compatibility, reliable notifications, effective multi-account management, customizable junk filtering, and its focus solely on email functionality. These aspects have led to a more streamlined and efficient email experience compared to Gmail.