portrait Archives

BetaBeacon

September 25, 2026

ARMSX3 PS3 emulator can finally run games at playable frame rates with new update

The ARMSX3 PS3 emulator update brings major improvements, including support for PS3 themes as library backgrounds, fixes for issues with several games, support for SIXAXIS motion on motion-enabled controllers, and touch-control features.

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.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft 365 Companion Apps Are Being Retired

Microsoft will retire its Microsoft 365 companion apps for Windows 11, including the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps, by December 16, 2026. These apps were introduced at no additional cost to users with eligible Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses, with the Files and People apps debuting in March 2025 and the Calendar app in May 2025. Microsoft integrated its Copilot feature into these applications last October. Users are advised not to wait until the retirement date, as the apps will become non-functional prior to December 16. Administrators can remove these apps as needed, and Microsoft has provided a template for notifying users. Alternatives for functionality include Outlook, Teams, Windows Search Box, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Office applications.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

Is YouTube ignoring one of its most basic Android bugs?

YouTube users on Android have been experiencing a persistent bug since April that affects the full-screen landscape mode, causing suggested video thumbnails to overlap the bottom of the screen and obscure the progress bar and video timer. This issue makes it impossible for users to scrub through videos. The problem was first reported by a user in April, and complaints have continued to grow. A recent discussion included suggestions from someone claiming to be a Google employee, such as closing the app, ensuring it is updated, switching video orientations, checking if the bug is specific to certain videos, and using the mobile website as an alternative. Users are advised to report the issue through the app's settings. The bug remains unresolved after nearly five months.

BetaBeacon

September 19, 2026

Lumi Master is Available Now on iOS and Android

Lumi Master is a portrait-mode RPG where players catch, collect, and train Lumis in the fantastical realm of Lumia. Lumis are unique creatures that evolve based on how they are raised. Players can freely roam, explore, and capture Lumis using cards, adding them to their team. The game features charming 2D fantasy art and an Auto-play Feature for relaxed gameplay. Players can also interact with other adventurers, trade items, socialize, and team up for ranking battles.

AppWizard

September 14, 2026

How to Convert a Website or AI-Built Web App into a Play Store-Ready Android App in 2026

Native App AI simplifies the process of converting websites or AI-generated web apps into Android applications ready for the Play Store without needing to rebuild from scratch. It allows users to input a website URL, customize the app's features, and generate APK and AAB files for testing and publishing. The platform supports various features such as push notifications, AdMob monetization, deep linking, and custom branding. It also assists in preparing necessary information for Google Play, ensuring compliance with policies and technical requirements. This service is beneficial for SaaS companies, startups, e-commerce ventures, and creators who have existing web products.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Android Auto Will Show Weather Information in a Funny but Unusual Way

Google has introduced an animated raccoon named Jimothy in Android Auto version 17.6 to display weather information. Jimothy will present the current temperature in a playful manner, moving across the screen over the music card in the Coolwalk interface. The character's size has raised concerns about visibility and readability for drivers. Initially, weather information was only available on portrait screens, and Google plans to extend this functionality to landscape displays. Weather updates were previously shown in the status bar, and this new approach is still in the experimental phase.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

I spent time with the August Windows 11 Insider builds, and these 8 changes reveal Microsoft’s next phase for the OS

In early August, there were no new Windows 11 builds released for over 15 days in the Windows Insider Program. On August 17, Microsoft released five new preview builds, introducing several features and enhancements. Key updates include a fully customizable context menu, allowing users to tailor options directly from Settings under Personalization, and improvements to the desktop background experience with higher resolution previews and better slideshow transitions. The Camera Roll backup feature now automatically backs up photos and videos to OneDrive. The Magnifier tool received a visual refresh, and the Windows Recovery Environment was upgraded to reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles automatically. Microsoft also removed the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool and the Drag Tray feature while maintaining access to WMI through PowerShell. File Explorer improvements include a faster launch for the "Home" page and touch scrolling support in the "Recommended" section. Minor visual adjustments were made to the Windows Security app, enhancing its alignment with the Windows 11 design language.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

These Are The Best Android Launchers You Must Try In 2026

Smart Launcher 6 automatically categorizes apps into groups such as games, messaging, and tools, has over 50 million downloads, and offers features like a customizable news reader and font changes. Niagara Launcher features a minimalist design with an alphabetical list of apps optimized for one-handed use, fluid animations, and extensive customization options without ads. Octopi Launcher uses tags for app organization, offers auto-scrolling widget stacks, and allows for tailored layouts for portrait and landscape orientations, with a one-time payment for additional functionalities. Lawnchair replicates the Google Pixel launcher experience, supports Material You theming, is open-source, free of ads, and actively maintained on GitHub. Kvaesitso focuses on search functionality for quick access to apps, contacts, and files, is ad-free, operates independently of Google Play services, and is designed for a streamlined, productivity-focused experience.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, particularly for Chrome Unboxed, which offers a membership for an ad-free experience and exclusive access to a private Discord. The author expresses frustration with the limitations of Android apps on ChromeOS, specifically citing issues with PUBG Mobile's performance on Chromebooks. The introduction of Googlebook, particularly the Lenovo Googlebook ‘Sapphire’ detachable tablet, is highlighted as a potential solution, featuring an architecture built on native Android, which promises improved app compatibility, native input mapping, direct hardware acceleration, and seamless Play Store integration. The author envisions an ideal tablet experience that combines the functionality of a desktop Chrome browser with robust Android applications.