NewApp Digest
search bot

screen sizes

Bring your Android game to the car screen today
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.
Google Makes Android Auto Games Available to Everyone
BetaBeacon
September 24, 2026

Google Makes Android Auto Games Available to Everyone

Google has officially announced that games for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS are now out of beta and available to all users. The games category on Android Auto features popular titles like Beach Buggy Racing and Angry Birds 2. Gaming on Android Auto is only available when the car is parked to ensure safety. Developers must ensure their games are compatible with various car displays and can add controller support. Devices must be running Android 15 or higher to access the Games category on Android Auto.
Google’s classic ‘Text’ app is now an Android app for Googlebook on the Play Store
AppWizard
September 24, 2026

Google’s classic ‘Text’ app is now an Android app for Googlebook on the Play Store

Chrome Unboxed offers a membership called Chrome Unboxed Plus, providing an ad-free experience and access to a private Discord community. Google has introduced a new "Text" editor app for Googlebook OS, available on the Google Play Store, which features broad syntax highlighting, a multi-file tabbed interface, large-screen desktop navigation, and standard code tools. This app is designed to be a lightweight, distraction-free text editor optimized for various screen sizes, including foldable and smartphone formats, and may eventually be extended to the broader Android ecosystem.
Android Auto Becomes a Gaming Platform
BetaBeacon
September 24, 2026

Android Auto Becomes a Gaming Platform

- Game content only runs while the vehicle is parked for safety reasons - Games run directly through the car's infotainment screen without the need for a smartphone - Developers must adapt their interfaces to accommodate various screen sizes and aspect ratios for automotive displays - Progress saving is mandatory for users to resume the game from where they left off
Google Rolls Out Googlebook: A New Era for Android Laptops
AppWizard
September 23, 2026

Google Rolls Out Googlebook: A New Era for Android Laptops

On September 22, 2026, Google introduced the Googlebook, a laptop built on a shared Android foundation, designed to combine the convenience of mobile devices with the power of traditional laptops. Collaborating with manufacturers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus, the Googlebook features high-resolution OLED touchscreens, precise trackpads, dedicated keyboards, and boasts a 14-hour battery life. It operates on either Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 processors or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips, with initial shipping in the U.S. set for October 4, 2026, followed by launches in the UK, France, and Australia on October 5. The Googlebook can run Android applications natively, enhancing multi-tasking capabilities, and developers are encouraged to optimize their apps for the device using Google's Adaptive Development framework. Google plans to provide a decade of software updates for the Googlebook operating system.
We got Googlebook's text editor app to run on Android, and it looks great
AppWizard
September 22, 2026

We got Googlebook’s text editor app to run on Android, and it looks great

Googlebooks have officially started pre-orders ahead of their launch on October 4. The new laptop range includes a feature called Continue On, which facilitates seamless transitions between a Googlebook and a smartphone. An early preview of the Text app, a dedicated text editor available on the Google Play Store, shows it supports various programming languages and offers syntax highlighting. The app adapts well to different screen sizes, features a tab-based layout for managing multiple projects, and includes conventional tools like find and replace. While other text editor options will be available, the native Text app is specifically designed for Googlebooks. There are currently no plans to extend this app to other Android devices.
Automattic has introduced the Mesh app for Android
AppWizard
August 12, 2026

Automattic has introduced the Mesh app for Android

Automattic has launched the Android version of its app, Mesh, which helps users manage personal and professional contacts with privacy. Mesh allows users to visualize their network, add notes, and set reminders. The Android version utilizes features like split-screen mode, pop-up windows, and supports keyboard shortcuts on foldable devices. It includes in-app search, home screen widgets, and real-time synchronization. Mesh partially integrates with Automattic’s Beeper messenger for streamlined communication. Currently in early access, Nexus AI enhances user experience by enabling intuitive queries about contacts. Mesh prioritizes user privacy and operates on a subscription model, offering a free version with a limit of 1,000 contacts and paid tiers for unlimited contacts. Approximately 70% of users utilize Mesh for business purposes. The app, formerly known as Clay, is available on Google Play and compatible with various devices.
Android 17 review: Bubbling with excitement
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

Android 17 review: Bubbling with excitement

Recent updates in Android, particularly with Android 17, focus on refining existing functionalities rather than introducing numerous new features. Key highlights include: - Revamped multitasking capabilities with expanded chat bubbles, allowing interaction with multiple apps simultaneously. - A bubble bar for foldable devices that displays all active floating windows for easy access, though launching apps as bubbles from the recents menu is not supported. - Tailored updates for foldable devices, including a dedicated gaming mode and native controller remapping for customization. - New customization options, such as hiding app labels on home screens and per-app adjustments for the dark theme. - Enhanced background blur effects and the ability to disable them through accessibility settings. - Security updates including Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock enabled by default, and a new Contact Picker feature for sharing specific contacts. - Improved parental controls allowing for daily limits, downtime schedules, and individual app restrictions. - A consistent user experience across devices, with applications adapting to different screen sizes and the introduction of features like Continue On for cross-device continuity. - Anticipated future enhancements related to Gemini Intelligence.
Search