screen buttons Archives

BetaBeacon

January 7, 2026

8BitDo FlipPad controller for enjoying portrait games on Android and iOS

8BitDo has introduced the FlipPad, a portrait mode clip-on controller for mobile gamers who prefer minimal accessories. The controller has 12 face buttons and a D-Pad, making it suitable for portrait games that do not require shoulder trigger buttons. It is designed to overlay over on-screen keyboards for ergonomic comfort and is compatible with third-party applications and emulators. The controller plugs directly into smartphones via USB-C and does not have Bluetooth connectivity.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Google Revamps Gemini AI App with Dynamic Floating Bar on Android

Google is updating its Gemini app for Android to reduce visual clutter and enhance user engagement. An APK teardown indicates a redesign of the app’s input box from a static sheet to a dynamic, floating pill-shaped bar in version 16.51.52 beta. This floating bar expands when users start typing, improving one-handed operation on larger devices. The update also introduces a ‘Tools’ menu that consolidates options like image upload and voice input, streamlining workflows for power users. Additionally, hints of ‘Gemini Labs’ suggest an experimental section for users to test upcoming features. The redesign aims to make AI interactions feel more natural and accessible while addressing user feedback about previous designs. Mixed reactions to Gemini's automotive rollout indicate some praise for hands-free capabilities, though interface glitches remain a concern. User privacy is emphasized, with guides available for opting out of tracking. Feedback from beta testers suggests improved multitasking capabilities. The redesign aligns with Google’s broader AI strategy, emphasizing intuitive updates and competitive pressures in the AI market. Developers have noted similarities to past Google designs, and the potential rollout timeline is speculative, with expectations for a gesture-based interaction model. Overall, these changes position Gemini as a leading AI assistant, focusing on a decluttered interface and user-centric design.

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.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

How to take a screenshot in Windows 11

To take a screenshot on a Windows PC, users can utilize several methods: 1. Snipping Tool: Activate by pressing Windows logo key + Shift + S. It offers options for full-screen, window, rectangular, or free-form snipping. Users can also delay the screenshot by 3, 5, or 10 seconds. 2. Windows + PrtScn: Pressing these buttons simultaneously captures the entire screen and saves the image to the Pictures folder in the Screenshots directory. 3. Alt + PrtScn: This combination captures only the active window and saves the image to the clipboard for pasting into applications. 4. Game Bar: Gamers can press Windows logo key + G to access the Game Bar for taking screenshots or recording gameplay. To stop recording, select Stop recording, and for full-screen games, use Windows logo key + Alt + G for quick recording control.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

This emulator lets you run PC games on your Android phone — and it works

Brunodev85’s open-source toolkit, Winlator, allows users to play Windows games on Android smartphones by using a compatibility layer called Wine, which translates Windows system calls for Android. It incorporates Box86 and Box64 to convert x86 instructions to ARM commands and uses DXVK and D9VK for graphical acceleration. Winlator supports classic titles like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Mass Effect 2, Gothic, and Fallout 3, running smoothly on mid-range devices. The toolkit features customizable on-screen buttons for touch controls and enables offline gaming without the need for a constant internet connection or subscription fees. Users must sideload the APK and install necessary components, but the setup offers substantial rewards for those willing to tinker.

BetaBeacon

June 23, 2025

How to Run PlayStation 3 Games on Android With aPS3e

aPS3e is an open-source PS3 emulator for Android based on RPCS3. It requires a powerful device for smooth performance and does not support all PS3 games. It supports decrypted PKG and ISO files for games. Controls can be configured using touch controls or a controller. Performance settings can be adjusted to improve gameplay. Custom drivers can be installed for a performance boost.

BetaBeacon

May 14, 2025

Android Auto tests a smarter way to display games on your screen (APK teardown)

Android Auto is changing how games are displayed. Games no longer take up the whole screen when opened. Users no longer have to swipe down to see the back and exit buttons.