retail Archives

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Google’s Rival App Store Installation Process Faces Court Order

Google has started allowing rival Android app stores to be distributed through its Play Store due to court-ordered compliance measures. Epic Games has criticized the complicated installation process for these competing marketplaces, which includes multiple steps and warnings that could deter users. Judge Donato identified these extra steps as unnecessary "anticompetitive friction" and ordered Google to simplify the installation process within a week. Additionally, Epic Games raised concerns about search results in Google Play, where searches for app stores predominantly show physical retail locations instead of third-party app stores. Judge Donato deemed this unacceptable and instructed Google to address the search result issues. Google is also preparing to launch a new sideloading process starting September 30, 2026, which will involve a mandatory 24-hour waiting period.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2026

KONKR Pocket Advance Review: A Superb $89 Starter Android Handheld

- KONKR Pocket Advance specifications include a 3.5" LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T CPU, 3GB or 4GB RAM, 32GB or 64GB storage, 4,000mAh battery, active cooling fan, Android 12, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, microSD card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual speakers, rotor vibration motor, gyroscope, and available in navy, coral, and grey colors. - The device is designed to resemble the original GAME BOY Advance with modern enhancements while maintaining a nostalgic design. - The display is a 3.5" LCD with a resolution of 960 x 640 and an aspect ratio of 3:2, suitable for upscaling GBA games by 4x. - The device has a textured matte feel, no metal or glass, and features soft, quiet buttons with a premium feel. - The Pocket Advance has a large Micro SD card slot, two speaker grills, USB-C charging port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and volume wheel. - The device runs on Android, offers good emulation performance for consoles like PlayStation 1, GAME BOY Advance, SEGA Game Gear, and SEGA Mega Drive. - Battery life ranges from 4 to 10 hours, with an average of around 6 hours. - The KONKR Pocket Advance is compared to the RG34XX and Pocket Air Mini, offering a competitive price, good build quality, and performance for retro emulation.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows License Price Hike: Microsoft Raises OEM Fees

Microsoft will increase licensing fees for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by an average of 7% to 10% starting in July 2026. This increase will particularly affect larger manufacturers with significant volume orders and is expected to lead to a price hike of approximately 3% to 5% for pre-built systems. The licensing fee structure varies based on hardware tiering, volume discounts, and pre-installed software agreements. Individual builders purchasing standalone retail licenses for Windows 11 will not see any price changes. Consumers buying new laptops or pre-built desktops may notice subtle price adjustments as manufacturers adjust to the increased costs.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

The Pixel Tag takes Google’s Find Hub network to the next level

Google has introduced the Pixel Tag, its first in-house Bluetooth tracker, during the Made by Google event alongside the Pixel 11 series. The device has an oval design, weighs 11.8 grams, and is available in a color called "Fog." It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Pixel Tag utilizes a crowdsourced location system leveraging over 1 billion Android devices, and features Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology for precise tracking up to 50 meters. Users can attach it to items like keys or wallets and locate them via the Find Hub app. A unique feature is a built-in button that allows users to ring their phone. The dimensions are 28 x 46.1 x 5.4 mm, powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery with a lifespan of over a year. The retail price is set for each or a bundle of four, with availability starting on November 11. It is compatible with other Google devices like the Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds.

BetaBeacon

August 12, 2026

This leaked Zelda Switch 2 could be Nintendo’s next collector hit

- Leaked images suggest that a Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 console and a standalone Switch 2 Pro Controller are in the works to celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary. - The console features a dark aesthetic with gold and green accents, a gold Triforce dock, and black-and-teal Joy-Con controllers. - The Pro Controller mirrors the console's color scheme with gold triggers, shoulder buttons, and a central Triforce crest. - The release date for the hardware has not been confirmed by Nintendo.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

5 years later, Windows 10 refuses to die, and Microsoft just can’t push holdouts to Windows 11

Windows 11 was released in 2021, but Windows 10 remains a significant presence, with approximately 17% market share among enterprise PCs as of 2026. Lansweeper reports that Windows 10 has lost users, dropping from nearly 50% in early 2025 to around 40% by October 2025, and settling at 16.9% a year later. Key sectors using Windows 10 include healthcare (23%), consumer retail (22.7%), small and medium businesses (21.4%), manufacturing (18%), and enterprises (16.6%). Windows 10 has 1,903 active CVEs compared to 652 on Windows 11, indicating a 2.9 times higher vulnerability. About 14% of Windows 10 users receive Extended Security Updates, leaving 2% on unsupported versions. HP reports that 30% of its installed base still uses Windows 10, reflecting a core group resistant to upgrading. Microsoft states that Windows is active on 1.6 billion PCs globally, with a noted 7% decrease in Windows OEM revenue attributed to lower PC demand and the end-of-support effects for Windows 10.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Company of Heroes Definitive Edition is a serious upgrade on an RTS classic

Company of Heroes is releasing a Definitive Edition to celebrate its 20th anniversary, featuring a polished experience optimized for modern systems on a 64-bit platform. The game includes visual upgrades such as improved lighting, textures, and draw distance. The opening mission showcases enhanced visibility of the battlefield, with clearly defined distant towns and detailed soldier uniforms. The Definitive Edition introduces modern gameplay elements, including a new AI difficulty level and a redesigned user interface inspired by Company of Heroes 3. The game is scheduled for release in September and will retail around , offering a 30% discount for existing owners of the original game and its expansions.

BetaBeacon

August 6, 2026

Mangmi Air Y Makes Android Retro Gaming Cheaper

Mangmi announced the release of the Air Y series, with pre-orders starting at .99. The base model comes with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, while the Pro model has a Snapdragon 865 processor. The 4.2-inch 4:3 screen is designed for retro gaming. Buyers should consider the specs and performance before making a purchase.

BetaBeacon

August 6, 2026

These Game Boy-like Android handhelds are coming soon at a fantastic price

MANGMI is launching the Air Y series of vertical Android handhelds next week. The standard model has an early bird price of .99 and a recommended price of .99, while the Air Y Pro has a promotional starting price of 5.99 and a recommended price of 9.99.

BetaBeacon

August 6, 2026

This Game Boy Advance clone is a cheap Android handheld from AYANEO

The AYANEO KONKR Pocket Advance is a handheld game console that resembles the Nintendo Game Boy Advance but with modern features. It has a 3.5 inch display, MediaTek Helio G90T processor, and runs on an Android-based operating system. The device is available for pre-order with different configurations and prices, with limited production runs expected. The KONKR Pocket Advance features a unique design ideal for classic GBA titles, along with additional buttons for enhanced gameplay. It also includes various modern features such as a 4,000 mAh battery, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C port, microSD card reader, and gyroscope. The device aims to provide a blend of nostalgia and modern functionality for gamers looking for a portable gaming experience.