pixels Archives

AppWizard

March 17, 2026

Android 16 brings desktop windowing to Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has announced that connected display support for Android has reached general availability with the release of Android 16 QPR3. This feature allows compatible Android phones and foldable devices to initiate a new desktop session on an external display while maintaining the phone's independent state. Supported devices include the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series, as well as various Samsung devices like the Galaxy S26, Fold7, Flip7, and Tab S11. The collaboration between Google and Samsung has been crucial in developing this feature. The Android 16 QPR3 release has refined windowing behaviors, taskbar interactions, and input compatibility for mouse and keyboard usage. It introduced two new width window size classes: Large (1200dp to 1600dp) and Extra-large (1600dp and above) to assist developers in creating adaptive layouts. Navigation 3 has also been released, providing a system for managing UI flow based on Scenes. Design principles for desktop contexts have been updated, emphasizing the importance of multitasking, efficient use of screen space, and accommodating various input types. The Android Design Gallery has been launched to showcase design examples across different categories and input types. The announcement has implications for mobile advertising and app measurement, as the distinction between mobile and desktop ad inventory becomes more complex. Developers are advised to ensure their apps can adapt to changes in display configurations to maintain ad performance and measurement accuracy. Key dates include the announcement of connected display general availability on March 3, 2026, and the launch of the Android Design Gallery on March 16, 2026.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Google’s Android boss talks Android 17, sideloading drama, and why he hates phone cases

MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona is a significant event for the tech industry, where companies unveil new hardware and showcase emerging ideas. At MWC 2026, Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, discussed the evolution of Android, particularly focusing on Android 17, which aims to transition from an operating system to an intelligent system. This version will integrate AI capabilities through Gemini, allowing for more intuitive task management. Android 17 will introduce early agentic capabilities, initially available in a beta feature for select devices, enabling users to automate multi-step tasks. Samat confirmed that Google has no plans to remove sideloading, despite concerns about app security. Upcoming changes to sideloading will focus on verifying app identities to protect users from malicious apps while still allowing power users to install unverified software. He emphasized the importance of balancing openness and safety in the Android platform. Samat expressed excitement about current Android phones, highlighting trends in foldable devices and praising models from brands like Motorola and Nothing for their appeal to younger consumers. He mentioned using a Galaxy Z Fold 7 for work and a Pixel 10 Pro for personal use, noting the beauty of the devices and his preference not to use cases.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Girls, you need to play Minecraft

The article describes the author's personal journey and experiences with Minecraft, highlighting their long-standing passion for the game since starting with "Minecraft: Lite" on an iPad. The author recalls their early adventures, including using the username Animallover314 and watching Minecraft YouTubers. They express a preference for the Java version of Minecraft due to its creative freedom and the joy of building intricate structures. The author mentions their boyfriend's different play style, which focuses on achieving in-game milestones. Recently, they deleted TikTok to reduce screen time and have turned to Minecraft as a healthier and more productive outlet. The author appreciates Minecraft for its reliability and engaging escape from daily life.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Snapshot 11

The shipping room is preparing for the 26.1 snapshot, which includes various refinements, technical adjustments, and bug fixes. Players may face an issue where minimizing the game in Fullscreen mode prevents it from being maximized again. Changes include aligned textures for adult and baby Rabbits, new sound variants for Pigs, head rotation for Baby Goats, and updated textures for Baby Hoglins and baby Pandas. The Master Librarian no longer offers Name Tags but now provides Red and Yellow Candles for three Emeralds each, while the Wandering Trader offers Name Tags for one Emerald. The trumpet note block sound assets have been updated, and the Data Pack version is now 100, with a Resource Pack version of 83. New features include a new block state provider and adjustments to block states for Banners and Signs. A new tag, #preventsnearbyleaf_decay, has been added, and various special model types have been introduced for items like Bells and Books. Block state rendering has been adjusted for consistency, and several bugs have been fixed, including issues with Endermen, dragon eggs, and various textures. Snapshots are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, with instructions for installation and backup provided.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Pirates VR: Jolly Roger Graphics Comparison – PC VR vs Quest

Pirates VR has been released on standalone VR platforms a year after its initial PC VR launch. The game has received significant updates since its original review in 2025, including improvements to combat mechanics, motion controls for swimming, and enhanced enemy AI. Players can now toggle dialogue from a parrot companion, and new narrative elements have been added. The Quest version uses optimization techniques like Application Spacewarp and fixed foveated rendering, which affect performance and visual quality. The introductory scene showcases advancements in graphics, with dynamic lighting and improved environmental details. While some graphical quality has been reduced, the overall experience remains immersive, with better water rendering compared to other Quest titles. The game is priced at .99 on Steam and PlayStation VR2, and .99 on Meta Quest 3/3S.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Five new Steam games you probably missed (February 16, 2026)

Steam releases around a dozen new games daily, making it challenging for players to find hidden gems. A curated selection of engaging PC games includes: - Polyarmory: Release Date: February 13, Developer: Cybernetic Walrus. A free dating simulation featuring conspiracy theorist themes and stylized firearms. - The Prisoning: Fletcher's Quest: Release Date: February 11, Developer: Elden Pixels. A short Metroidvania game with randomly generated maps, set in the mind of a game developer experiencing burnout. - BrebeMan: Release Date: February 13, Developers: MetaFormingPro. A rhythm-action game where players control a superhero DJ, combining rail shooter mechanics with rhythmic gameplay. - Shadows of the Afterland: Release Date: February 10, Developer: Aruma Studios. A point-and-click adventure set in 1960s Madrid, involving a mysterious death and a mix of puzzles and humor.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Minecraft unveils yet more adorable baby mobs and a new item that’ll keep them smol forever

Mojang is introducing baby mobs in Minecraft that have unique visual identities and sounds, rather than just being smaller versions of adults. New models for baby pigs and baby turtles have been showcased, with baby turtles being described as "one of the smallest baby mobs." Enhancements are also coming for baby dolphins, squids, glow squids, and axolotls. A new craftable item, the golden dandelion, allows players to keep baby mobs small indefinitely by combining one regular dandelion with eight gold ingots. Currently, these new mobs and the golden dandelion are available for testing in Minecraft Java snapshots and Minecraft Bedrock previews. The full update's release date is not yet announced, but more content, including potential new baby mobs like foxes, armadillos, and polar bears, is anticipated.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

I played dozens of retro games this year, and these are the ones I still whole-heartedly recommend going into 2026

The concept of "old" in personal computing is fluid, with platforms like Steam and GOG offering a mix of new and classic games. Modern hardware can run both cutting-edge graphics and nostalgic titles. There is a continuous influx of classic games being revived, allowing players to explore a wealth of gaming history. Engaging with classic arcade shmups, such as Taito's, provides an exhilarating experience with accessible yet intricate mechanics. Compilations, like The Ivalice Chronicles, offer a variety of gaming options and feature both original and remastered versions of games, enhancing the gaming experience with new content.

BetaBeacon

December 3, 2025

Google Pixel Phones Just Got a Game‑Changing Android 16 Update

- Google has introduced new screen customizations for Pixel phones in Android 16 QPR2. - Users can now customize app icons with new shape options on the home screen. - Pixel phone users can place widgets on the lock screen by swiping left, with limited options compared to the home screen. - Other lock screen changes include a new low-light mode for the screen saver and fingerprint scanning on the switched-off display. - Users can now disable or reduce blur effects in background elements, adjust HDR intensity, and schedule expanded dark mode. - The update also adds a more flexible split-screen layout, AI-powered notifications, and strengthened parental controls. - Android 16 QPR2 includes the December security patch to fix vulnerabilities and protect against threats.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

Google’s Pixels have users thinking there’s a ghost, as apps begin to struggle

Google Pixel users are experiencing a glitch where closed apps, such as Instagram, unexpectedly reopen when switching to another application. This issue has persisted for six months and affects devices like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Users have noted that it disrupts app-switching, and a suggested workaround is to pause briefly before selecting another app. Additionally, Pixel 10 users have reported significant Wi-Fi connectivity problems following an AirDrop-Quick Share update, with a temporary solution being to uninstall the Quick Share extension or use Bluetooth for file transfers. Furthermore, Pixel 10 users are facing issues with unresponsive or lagging speakerphone functionality in the Phone app, which has been ongoing since May and also affects earlier Pixel 9 models. Google has deemed this speakerphone issue as "won't fix (Infeasible)."