Play Store Archives

BetaBeacon

September 24, 2026

Bring your Android game to the car screen today

- Implementing car support for your game involves configuring your app manifest and ensuring it respects the vehicle parked state. - To distribute your app in the games category, mark it as a game by adding the android:appCategory="game" attribute. - Cars have a parked state where certain apps, like games, are not allowed to run while the vehicle is in motion to avoid driver distraction. - Declare game controller support by including the android.hardware.gamepad feature in your manifest. - Make your game fully adaptive to different screen sizes and aspect ratios for a great user experience on car displays. - Test your game against car app quality guidelines before publishing it for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS form factors.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Google’s classic ‘Text’ app is now an Android app for Googlebook on the Play Store

Chrome Unboxed offers a membership called Chrome Unboxed Plus, providing an ad-free experience and access to a private Discord community. Google has introduced a new "Text" editor app for Googlebook OS, available on the Google Play Store, which features broad syntax highlighting, a multi-file tabbed interface, large-screen desktop navigation, and standard code tools. This app is designed to be a lightweight, distraction-free text editor optimized for various screen sizes, including foldable and smartphone formats, and may eventually be extended to the broader Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

WhatsApp Plus lets you customise emoji reactions on Android

WhatsApp is rolling out customizable emoji reactions for Plus subscribers on Android devices, allowing users to replace any or all of the six standard emoji reactions with their chosen emojis. This feature is part of the WhatsApp beta 2.26.38.4 update and can be accessed through the Settings menu or directly from chat. While all users can see the Default Reactions tab, only Plus subscribers can utilize the customization feature. Currently, it is available to a select group of beta testers, with no timeline for broader availability.

BetaBeacon

September 23, 2026

What is an Android handheld gaming device and what is it for? Feat. AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT

The AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT is a handheld gaming device powered by the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset. It can run games from the Google Play Store well and can also emulate older console games. The device has an 8,400mAh battery and charges in around 105 minutes. It is priced at around RM2.3k and is considered a niche product with solid build quality and versatility.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Google Keep redesigns its Note collection widget on Android

Google Keep for Android has redesigned its "Note collection" widget, replacing the traditional Material You sidebar with a circular floating action button that opens a pop-up menu for note creation. This change requires an additional tap to select the note type but aligns with the design of the "Quick capture" widget. The new layout maximizes widget space, allowing for an edge-to-edge presentation of notes and reducing empty space. This update is part of version 5.26.365.x, currently being rolled out via the Play Store. The redesign aims to standardize the note creation process across widgets and improve the overall user experience.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Google Play Store looks like it’s working on a special home for your vibe-coded apps

Google is developing AI Studio, which allows users to create applications using vibe coding, making app development more accessible to novice developers. The company is integrating this with its Gemini platform to simplify the coding process for Android users. A new section in the Play Store, tentatively called “Your creations,” is being explored for AI Studio creations, likely located within the “Manage apps & device” screen. Currently, publishing apps from AI Studio requires formal registration and testing. The “Your creations” interface may provide a way to manage personal projects while balancing ease of sideloading. Although there are hints of a connection between AI Studio and the Play Store, details about registration and testing processes remain unclear. The language suggests that applications could be shared with a broader audience, differing from traditional publication methods. An APK teardown indicates potential future features, but not all may be released publicly.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

We got Googlebook’s text editor app to run on Android, and it looks great

Googlebooks have officially started pre-orders ahead of their launch on October 4. The new laptop range includes a feature called Continue On, which facilitates seamless transitions between a Googlebook and a smartphone. An early preview of the Text app, a dedicated text editor available on the Google Play Store, shows it supports various programming languages and offers syntax highlighting. The app adapts well to different screen sizes, features a tab-based layout for managing multiple projects, and includes conventional tools like find and replace. While other text editor options will be available, the native Text app is specifically designed for Googlebooks. There are currently no plans to extend this app to other Android devices.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Googlebook pre-orders begin: prices, Android sync, and more is here

Google has started pre-orders for its new Googlebooks as of September 21, with a market release scheduled for October 4. The devices, produced by brands like ASUS, Dell, and HP, start at 9 and feature touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and premium materials. They are powered by Qualcomm and Intel processors, with battery life up to 14 hours. Key features include a Snapdragon X Elite chip with a 12-core CPU, seamless integration with Android phones, and access to major applications. Each purchase includes a year of GeForce NOW. The Googlebook also incorporates AI features like Gemini, which assists users through various functions. Pre-orders are available at Best Buy, the Google Store, and other retailers.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

What Google’s new Android laptops can do with your Galaxy phone

Google has launched preorders for Googlebooks, a new category of laptops that combine Android's mobile capabilities with ChromeOS features. Initial offerings come from manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, while Samsung is not included in this launch. Googlebooks are designed to integrate with Android phones, allowing users to transfer information during setup. Key features include Continue On, which lets users pick up tasks started on their phones, and Cast My Apps, enabling control of phone applications on the laptop. Quick Access allows users to open files from their phones without transferring them first, and notifications can be managed on the Googlebook. Users need to have One UI 9 (Android 17) or newer to utilize these features. Samsung is reportedly developing its own Android-based Galaxy Book laptops that may incorporate similar functionalities.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

RatHat is a new Android malware that records your screen touches to steal passwords

Cybersecurity researchers at Zimperium have identified a new strain of malware called RatHat, targeting Android devices and linked to threat actors from China. RatHat uses generative AI to maintain persistence and control over infected devices. The malware is typically spread through social engineering, tricking users into downloading counterfeit applications that appear legitimate. Once installed, RatHat requests accessibility permissions, activates Wireless Debugging, and can capture text messages, create overlays, and steal passwords and multi-factor authentication codes. Its AI capabilities allow it to navigate the device interface in real-time, making detection by security software more difficult. To protect against RatHat, users should avoid downloading apps from untrustworthy sources, and removal requires a factory reset of the device.