platform features

BetaBeacon
March 17, 2026
- Major publishers are interested in a new market for games - Google settlement helps on Android, but there is still friction with iOS - Epic is rolling out a social framework to connect PC, Android, and iOS store apps - Epic plans to deliver social and cross-platform features like text chat, player profiles, and private messaging - Voice chat will be added in June
AppWizard
March 17, 2026
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.
BetaBeacon
February 18, 2026
- Google is rolling out an update for Quick Share on Pixel 9, but not all users will immediately see it. - Users may need to manually install the Quick Share extension from settings. - Quick Share on Pixel can transfer files and media from iPhones using AirDrop. - Google has not specified which non-Pixel devices will support the new Quick Share. - The EU's Digital Markets Act is pushing for broader file-sharing interoperability among major tech companies.
Tech Optimizer
February 12, 2026
Constructive has launched a Postgres platform focused on security, implementing Row-Level Security (RLS) policies at table creation to prevent vulnerabilities from application-side configurations. The platform targets back-end development teams, particularly those using AI-assisted tools, and aims to enforce permissions and maintain data integrity directly at the database level. Constructive's open-source developer tools have surpassed 100 million downloads, including SQL parsers and migration systems. The platform allows teams to select access models and generates tables with embedded access rules, reducing the need for manual RLS configurations. It features a migration strategy ensuring reproducible security guarantees and validates RLS within CI/CD pipelines through automated checks. The serverless execution layer supports functions in multiple languages while adhering to the same permission model. Constructive's parsing technology is used in various Postgres-related platforms, and the company has filed provisional patents for its security compiler that transforms schemas into secure configurations. Constructive reports its tools are operational across over 10 million databases and is currently in a commercial private beta for enterprise teams.
AppWizard
February 11, 2026
9to5Toys provides the latest deals and insights on technology and lifestyle products. It offers a comprehensive homepage with news and trends, and users can follow 9to5Toys on social media for real-time updates. The platform features curated selections of Apple deals, a daily podcast discussing technology and lifestyle, and a YouTube channel for video content on deals and product reviews.
AppWizard
January 21, 2026
Guy Ulmer leads platform partnerships at Plarium, part of the Modern Times Group, which develops and publishes games like Raid: Shadow Legends and Stormfall: Saga of Survival. The gaming industry is experiencing a shift in discoverability, with nearly one-third of developers identifying it as their primary challenge by 2026. Players increasingly discover new titles through platforms like YouTube (64%), TikTok (38%), and Instagram (36%), surpassing traditional storefront promotions. Developers must engage players through social media and creator ecosystems rather than relying solely on major storefront placements. Storefront interactions require strategic optimization, as platforms like Google Play and Apple are expected to prioritize games that align with new features. Developers must treat every game as a service, engaging in continuous updates and sales events. Successful developers will design games with marketing in mind, utilizing strategies like incentivized referrals, stream integration, and generative AI for content creation. The focus has shifted from maximizing visibility at launch to ongoing optimization throughout a game's lifecycle, making discoverability a fundamental design principle.
AppWizard
November 17, 2025
9to5Toys is a source for the latest deals and insights in technology and lifestyle products. It provides news, updates, in-depth reviews, and comparisons to help readers make informed purchasing decisions. Users can follow 9to5Toys on social media for real-time updates and discussions. The platform offers a curated selection of Apple deals and features a daily podcast discussing tech news. Additionally, there is a YouTube channel with video reviews and tutorials.
AppWizard
October 23, 2025
Deutsche Grammophon has expanded its streaming service, STAGE+, to Android users, coinciding with World Opera Day on October 25. Subscribers can enjoy free streaming events, including performances such as Pretty Yende and Nadine Sierra in Concert from the Philharmonie de Paris, Donizetti’s “L’elisir d’amore” from the Royal Opera House, and Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro” from the Wiener Staatsoper. STAGE+ has partnered with the Metropolitan Opera to offer four operas by March 2026, including Verdi’s “La traviata” and Massenet’s “Cinderella.” The platform features over 50 livestreams annually and more than 1500 video-on-demand offerings, along with over 7000 audio albums. The STAGE+ app is available on Android Mobile, Google Play, and Samsung Galaxy Stores.
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