remapping Archives

Winsage

February 10, 2026

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user download

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users, particularly on Windows. Notable applications include: 1. LibreOffice: A comprehensive office suite with a customizable interface, supports MS Office formats, and is free to download. 2. Flow Launcher: A file search and application launcher that enhances efficiency, customizable, and free to use. 3. Duplicati: A zero-trust backup solution with encryption and scheduling features, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, free to install on Windows. 5. Franz: Consolidates multiple messaging platforms into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: Allows users to create custom top bars for system information and quick access controls, enhancing the user experience. 7. File Converter: Simplifies file conversion and compression within the Windows file manager, available for free. 8. Bitwarden: A password management tool with a free version and additional paid features for collaboration. 9. AutoHotKey: Automates tasks on Windows through scripting, free to install and use. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI interaction tool that prioritizes privacy, free to use on Windows.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

10 free Windows apps that improved my productivity (and I’d easily pay money for)

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users. Notable applications for Windows include: 1. LibreOffice: A free office suite with tools similar to MS Office, offering a modern or classic interface and local data privacy. 2. Flow Launcher: A rapid file search and app launcher that is customizable and visually appealing, available for free. 3. Duplicati: A backup solution that allows data backup to various destinations, including cloud services, with features like scheduling and remote management, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, installable on Windows at no cost. 5. Franz: An application that consolidates multiple messaging services into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: A customizable top bar for Windows that displays system information and provides quick access to controls, enhancing desktop aesthetics and functionality. 7. File Converter: A tool for converting and compressing files directly from the Windows file manager, free to use. 8. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with essential features, free to use with a premium option for advanced features. 9. AutoHotKey: A tool for automating tasks through scripting, available for free installation. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI solution with a user-friendly interface, free to install and use on Windows.

BetaBeacon

December 11, 2025

A Secret Input Engine Could Change Android Gaming Forever

Google is preparing system-level powers for game controllers in Android, including a deep controller remapping engine and a "virtual gamepad" that converts controller presses into touch actions. The company is also experimenting with controller profiles that can be saved and tied to specific devices. The feature set currently exists only in Android Canary and its future availability is uncertain.

BetaBeacon

December 9, 2025

First look: Android 17 may finally let you remap buttons on your game controller

- Android 17 will introduce a game controller remapping feature - The feature will allow users to customize inputs for buttons and directional sticks on compatible gamepads - The remapping feature will change which key code or axis value is sent to Android games when a button is pressed - Google has time to enhance the feature before the Android 17 update next year

BetaBeacon

November 18, 2025

Android 17 Might Turn Your Phone Into A True Gaming Beast

Google is working on a dedicated settings section for connected gaming accessories like gamepads in the Android 17 update. Users may be able to program or remap buttons on their controllers, and there could be support for an on-screen gamepad for large-screen Android devices. The update may also bring wider compatibility with external controllers, lower latency connections, and performance boosts in graphics APIs like Vulkan.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft Unveils Windows 11 Security, Resilience Features

Microsoft is enhancing the security framework of Windows through the Secure Future Initiative, focusing on trust, privacy, and enterprise controls. Key features include the introduction of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) APIs for quantum-safe encryption, and an upgrade to BitLocker with hardware-accelerated support for improved disk encryption, set to roll out on new Windows 11 devices in Spring 2026. Microsoft is also integrating passkey manager support with Windows Hello, allowing users to choose from various passkey managers. Windows 11 employs App Control for Business to ensure only trusted applications run, while Microsoft Intune’s Managed Installer helps IT teams manage business applications. Additionally, Sysmon functionality will be integrated into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 for better threat detection. Microsoft is implementing Zero Trust DNS for encrypted name resolution and supporting Wi-Fi 7 for Enterprise with WPA3-Enterprise authentication. The Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI) includes stricter driver standards, a shift in antivirus enforcement from kernel to user mode, and new safeguards like driver isolation and DMA remapping to enhance system stability.

BetaBeacon

November 17, 2025

Android 17 update to bring native game controller remapping for mobile gamers

Android is working on a new feature for Android 17 that will allow users to remap controllers at the system level, providing a native controller area in Settings. This feature will also include a "virtual gamepad" that can map physical buttons to touch regions in games that do not have native controller support. This new feature aims to provide consistency for clip-on controllers, Android handhelds, cloud gaming players, Android TV boxes, laptops, and improve accessibility for players who rely on remapping buttons for gameplay.

BetaBeacon

November 17, 2025

Android 17 is getting serious about physical controllers

Android 17 is expected to include gaming-centric upgrades such as native gamepad remapping, deeper support for external controllers, and graphics API improvements. These changes aim to make Android devices more like proper gaming machines with better controller support. The update may lead to more console-style games being brought to Android and higher performance expectations. Android 17 is still in development, and more information will be revealed as Google refines the depth of controller support.

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

Android 17 May Bring Forced Controller Support for Every Game

Google is preparing a quality-of-life update for Android 17 that will introduce native, system-level support for managing game controllers. This update will include a new Controller Remapping permission restricted to system-signed apps, a central hub for controllers in the Settings app, and a virtual gamepad that can map on-screen touch controls to physical controller inputs. This update aims to provide stable, low-latency, and predictable behavior across all games and devices, making mobile gaming more enjoyable for users.

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

Google is preparing big Android 17 gaming upgrades for fans of real controllers

Android treats USB or Bluetooth gaming controllers as input devices, translating button presses into key codes and axis values for in-game actions. Android relies on predefined configuration files for popular controllers, but many niche peripherals are also compatible. Android does not support button remapping out of the box, but evidence suggests that a future version of Android, possibly Android 17, will bring native controller remapping. This feature will be restricted to apps signed with the platform key. Additionally, a new game controller menu within the Settings app and a virtual gamepad feature have been discovered, which could allow for button remapping and mapping on-screen touch controls to physical controller inputs.