portable Archives

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

This Android App Boosts Your Phone — And Google Just Made It Official

Google has introduced the Linux Terminal app with the Android 15 update, allowing users to run a Debian virtual machine on their smartphones. This feature utilizes the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to execute complex commands, run scripts, and manage storage, enhancing smartphone functionality. Activation is simple through developer options, making it accessible to all users. The Linux Terminal serves as a valuable tool for professionals and developers, enabling them to work efficiently on the go. Casual users can also benefit by running Linux-based applications directly on their devices. The upcoming Android 16 is expected to further enhance this experience with better support for external displays, positioning Android phones as central components of users' tech ecosystems.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: redesigned Windows 11 Start menu, Xbox handheld is here, and more

Microsoft has released Patch Tuesday updates for June 2025, with Windows 10 receiving KB5060533 and Windows 11 receiving KB5060842 and KB5060999. The Windows Insider Program has unveiled several new builds, including a redesigned Start menu in build 26200.5641 and various enhancements in other builds. Microsoft has introduced Copilot Vision with Highlights for Windows, currently available in the U.S. for two applications. A quirky bug in the latest builds causes Windows 11 to play the Windows Vista startup sound. Microsoft Edge received an update in the Dev Channel, while Firefox rolled out version 139.0.4. Microsoft announced enhancements to Outlook and OneDrive for Mac. New Xbox handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, were unveiled, optimized for gaming. Steam's Next Fest allows free trials of hundreds of games until June 16, 2025, and the Epic Games Store is offering Two Point Hospital for free.

BetaBeacon

June 13, 2025

The Best Mobile Gaming Controllers for iPhone and Android

There are two main types of mobile gaming controllers: grip and standard. Grip controllers are designed to be more portable while providing a familiar gaming experience with physical buttons, joysticks, and triggers. Standard gaming controllers, like those used with Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo consoles, can also be used with mobile devices.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

CHARTS: Dune Awakening takes second place on Steam debut

Dune: Awakening became the second highest-grossing title on Steam after its launch on June 10th, with early access starting on June 5th. Counter-Strike 2 remained the highest-grossing title, while Deltarune entered the rankings at third place after its release on June 4th. The Elden Ring: Nightreign expansion dropped to fourth place, and the Steam Deck fell to fifth due to stock shortages. Stellar Blade, with pre-orders, landed in sixth place but slipped two positions. Lies of P returned to the Top 100 at seventh place after a 50% price reduction for its Overture DLC, which debuted at eighth. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma debuted at ninth place on June 5th, and Dead by Daylight climbed 12 places to complete the Top Ten. The Steam Top Ten for the week ending June 10th is as follows: 1. Counter-Strike 2, Valve 2. Dune: Awakening, Funcom 3. Deltarune, Tobyfox 4. Elden Ring: Nightreign, Bandai Namco 5. Steam Deck, Valve 6. Stellar Blade, Shift Up (P) 7. Lies of P, Neowiz 8. Lies of P: Overture, Neowiz 9. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Marvelous 10. Dead by Daylight, Behaviour

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Yep, PlayStation’s PC Games Will Be Playable on Xbox’s New Handheld System

Microsoft announced the ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld device developed in collaboration with Asus, designed to function as a handheld PC operating on the Windows platform. It allows gamers to access their entire Xbox library, play games natively, utilize cloud gaming services, or engage in remote play. The device is compatible with various PC launchers and storefronts, including Steam and the Epic Games Store, enabling users to play titles beyond the Xbox ecosystem. This includes the opportunity to play Sony's first-party titles, such as Marvel's Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, and Horizon Forbidden West, on the Xbox Ally.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Microsoft enters handheld games PC fray with Asus partnership

Microsoft has partnered with Asus to launch its first portable Xbox consoles, the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, which run on Windows 11. These devices aim to enhance gaming compatibility with various platforms and integrate Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. An optimized version of Windows 11 for gaming has been introduced, and the consoles feature user-friendly elements such as an immersive full-screen experience and an aggregated gaming library. The launch is anticipated towards the end of 2025, though pricing details are not yet available.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft cuts the Windows 11 bloat for Xbox handhelds

Microsoft has streamlined Windows 11 for gaming handhelds, introducing the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X in collaboration with ASUS. This new approach eliminates non-essential components of the operating system to enhance the gaming experience. Key features not loaded during gameplay include the desktop wallpaper, taskbar, and various productivity-related processes. The idle power consumption of these handhelds is about one-third that of a traditional Windows desktop, freeing up around 2 GB of memory for gaming. Users can choose to revert to the full Windows 11 experience if desired.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft Finally Gets Into the Handheld Game With ROG Xbox Ally

Microsoft unveiled its new handheld gaming consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, during the Summer Game Fest on June 8. Both models feature a design resembling a pair of controllers attached to a wide screen and are expected to launch this holiday season. They will operate on Windows 11 and allow for gaming through remote play, cloud gaming, or directly on the device, providing access to a wide range of PC games and popular applications. Initial impressions of the consoles have been positive, with reports highlighting their comfortable design and gameplay experience. Microsoft aims to compete with existing handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, and the Ally will debut with popular titles, including Roblox.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft enters portable gaming with new ROG Xbox Ally devices

Microsoft is launching the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld devices, marking its entry into the handheld gaming market. Developed in collaboration with ASUS, these devices will provide seamless access to Xbox games, content streaming, and cloud gaming. They are designed to offer a versatile and user-friendly experience for mobile gamers.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Full-screen Xbox handheld UI is coming to all Windows PCs “starting next year”

Valve's Steam Deck and SteamOS primarily support Windows games compatible with the Proton compatibility layer and some native Linux titles. Microsoft and Asus have collaborated on the ROG Xbox Ally, which features a new Xbox-branded interface designed to improve compatibility for PC gamers while resembling SteamOS. This interface will debut on the ROG Xbox Ally and is planned for broader release on other handheld devices next year. Microsoft has been developing a handheld-optimized user interface for Windows since at least 2022, identified during an internal hackathon. The proposed "Windows Handheld Mode" includes a tile-based UI similar to the Xbox interface and aims to enhance touch screen usability. The ROG Xbox Ally's full-screen interface replaces the traditional Windows desktop, conserving RAM and optimizing energy consumption compared to standard Windows devices like the regular ROG Ally, which require additional software to function similarly to SteamOS.