screen Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

What The Tech: Beware of the anti-virus popup scam

A viewer experienced a pop-up warning claiming her device had 120 viruses, which is a scam designed to promote a free antivirus app called “Total Cleaner.” The pop-up aims to incite panic and persuade users to download the app, which has hidden costs, fake reviews, and privacy concerns. Modern smartphones generally do not require traditional antivirus programs, and these pop-ups are advertisements that do not reflect the phone's security status. To protect against such alerts, users should close the tab immediately, keep their device updated, and be cautious with app downloads.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Nothing OS 5.0 has received the Glyph app – three smartphones will not be getting Android 17

Nothing has unveiled Nothing OS 5.0, based on Android 17, which will begin open testing on August 26 for the Phone (3). Key features include a dynamic home screen theme, the Geist system font, new status bar animations, simultaneous icon and widget movement, Gooey and Micrographics watch faces, a standalone Glyph app, a Glyph Timer widget, an Away Time widget, and a Collector feature for photo curation. Essential AI tools include Essential Voice for cleaner transcriptions, Smart Collections for automatic content grouping, and the creation of Essential Apps. Android 17 enhancements feature improved Quick Share, Noto 3D emojis, an upgraded dark theme, and simplified Bluetooth connectivity. The public rollout of Nothing OS 5.0 for the Phone (3) is scheduled for mid-October, with other models to follow, while Phone (1), Phone (2), and CMF Phone 1 will not receive the update. Google released Android 17 in June, introducing universal floating windows and enhanced privacy protections.

BetaBeacon

August 26, 2026

LDPlayer 14 vs LDPlayer 9 vs BlueStacks: 21% FPS Gap [2026]

LDPlayer 14 has moved to an Android 14 kernel, allowing newer titles that reject Android 9 installs to run natively. BlueStacks allows users to spin up separate instances running different Android versions, giving flexibility to users. LDPlayer 14 has introduced Eco Mode and an updated LDMultiplayer manager for running multiple accounts in parallel. LDPlayer 9 remains the stable version listed on LDPlayer's homepage and has a mature ecosystem of community macro and script tools. BlueStacks offers multiple Android versions from a single install, catering to users with a game library spanning old and new titles.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Beware of fake Indeed interview apps used to install spyware

Scammers are exploiting the Indeed platform to target job seekers by using counterfeit Android "interview" applications. Users in the UK and Brazil reported being instructed by supposed employers to download fraudulent apps like MyInterview, which compromised their devices. These scammers post fake job listings and prompt applicants to install apps that mimic Indeed's login page and establish a VPN connection. The malicious apps, classified as Trojan.Droppers, can install additional untrusted software and gain control over devices, complicating uninstallation efforts. Indeed confirmed that their interview process does not require downloading any separate app and warned job seekers against such scams. Indicators of compromise include specific MD5 hashes and package names associated with the Trojan droppers and dropped malware payloads.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

GBA Emulator Android: My Boy! vs John GBAC vs RetroArch

Game Boy Advance emulation on Android has gained significant traction in 2026, with key applications like My Boy! priced at .99, John GBAC receiving an update on May 19, 2026, and RetroArch enhancing its mGBA core for free use. The search term "gba emulator android" sees around 8,100 monthly searches in the U.S., reflecting a resurgence in interest, particularly among former GBA owners now in their late 20s and 30s who prefer using their smartphones for gaming. All five apps—My Boy!, GBA.emu, John GBAC, RetroArch, and Lemuroid—can run the entire GBA library at full speed on devices from the last six years. The main differences lie in software quality, including save state management, cheat code reliability, controller mapping, and update frequency. My Boy! and GBA.emu utilize cores derived from VisualBoyAdvance (VBA), while John GBAC uses a custom core, and RetroArch and Lemuroid rely on the mGBA core. In terms of features, all apps support save states, but My Boy! offers multiple named slots with thumbnail previews, while RetroArch has a more complex system. Cheat code support is available across the board, with My Boy! and GBA.emu accepting GameShark and CodeBreaker formats, and RetroArch providing a built-in cheat database. My Boy! stands out for its link-cable emulation, allowing local multiplayer connections, whereas RetroArch's netplay is designed for online gaming. All apps support external controllers, but RetroArch excels in visual enhancements with its extensive shader options. The setup process for all five apps is similar and typically takes under ten minutes. GBA ROMs are small, ranging from 4MB to 32MB, making them easy to store on modern devices without significant battery drain. Common issues include save files not loading, audio problems, and cheat codes failing to apply, with solutions often involving file management and settings adjustments. Users can migrate save files between emulators by ensuring the correct file naming and directory structure. Pros and cons of each app include: - My Boy!: Ad-free, strong multiplayer support, but lower rating and closed-source. - GBA.emu: High rating and broad support, but outdated and lacks a free trial. - John GBAC: Free and recently updated, but lower rating and ad-supported. - RetroArch: Free and feature-rich, but complex setup. - Lemuroid: User-friendly and actively maintained, but limited shader options. All five apps are legally available on Google Play, as they do not distribute copyrighted ROM files. Users are advised to source their ROMs legally, ideally by dumping from their own physical cartridges. GBA emulation remains an accessible entry point into retro gaming on Android, especially compared to more demanding systems like the PS2 or GameCube.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Googlebooks could make switching between Android and PC much easier

Google has released Play Services v26.33 and Play Store v52.9, introducing several enhancements aimed at improving user experience across devices. Key updates include: - Googlebook Integration allows access to phone apps from Googlebooks on PC and mobile devices. - The Ask Play feature now supports video highlights of apps and games. - New developer features support Utilities-related processes across multiple platforms, including phones, PCs, TVs, Wear OS, and Android Auto. - Enhanced connectivity features support related processes in Google and third-party apps. Additional changes in Play Store v52.9 include: - A Home and Search chip for large-screen device optimization. - Automatic dismissal of the fallback overlay during app installations. - Curated app bundles presented after downloading an app. - Improved Play Protect for better detection of harmful apps. - An audiobook samples cluster added to the app’s home page. The rollout of these features may occur gradually, meaning not all users will receive updates simultaneously.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Nothing OS 5.0 brings a new Glyph Interface app and a more customizable homescreen

Android 17 introduces new features such as enhanced quick share capabilities and 3D emojis, but users of older Nothing devices will not receive this update. Nothing OS 5.0 includes a design that allows app icons and widgets to adopt adaptive colors from the user's wallpaper, alongside Android's Dynamic Colors. The open beta for the update launches on August 26th, starting with the Nothing Phone 3, while Phone 1, Phone 2, and CMF Phone 1 will not receive the update. Enhancements in Nothing OS 5.0 include homescreen customization options, the Away Time widget for tracking phone inactivity, refined Essential AI features, and a new app for glyph interface lighting controls. Lockscreen clockfaces can now reflect the wallpaper's palette, with new designs available. Key features include the Geist system typeface, Collector widget for transforming images into icons, multi-select functionality for app icons, animated status bar icons, single-tap Bluetooth controls, and Essential AI updates.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Nothing OS 5.0 Official: Android 17, New Glyph App, AI Tools and Release Date

Nothing OS 5.0 is an upcoming major Android software release built on Android 17, featuring a redesigned visual identity, expanded lock screen customization, improved Glyph Interface controls, new widgets, optimized system performance, and AI-powered Essential tools. Open beta testing will start tomorrow with the Nothing Phone 3, and a stable release is expected by mid-October. Key features include a refined design language with a new typeface, adaptive color system for app icons, enhanced lock screen customization with new clock styles, two new widgets for personal organization, a dedicated Glyph Interface app, improved system performance and Bluetooth controls, and expanded Essential AI tools. The update will not be available for the Nothing Phone 1, Nothing Phone 2, and CMF Phone 1, which have reached the end of their software support.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Google Play Store Could Soon Let You Search for Apps With Images

Google is developing a feature for the Play Store that allows users to attach images to their queries within Ask Play, its AI-driven conversational search tool. This feature enables users to upload an image or capture a new photo as part of their search process, allowing them to ask questions about the content depicted in the image. Additionally, Google is exploring modifications to the Ask Play interface on individual app pages, potentially replacing the current "Ask Play about this app" section with a horizontal row of suggested questions. These features are currently in development and not yet publicly available.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Commodore Announces Alien Breed 35th Anniversary Collection for PC, Consoles

Commodore is set to launch the Alien Breed 35th Anniversary Collection, featuring the original six titles from the series, reimagined for modern platforms including PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Switch 2. The collection includes enhancements such as dual-stick control support, new game modes (Horde and co-op Rush), save states, screen filters, and rumble support. The titles included are Alien Breed, Alien Breed: Special Edition 92, Alien Breed 2: The Horror Continues, Alien Breed: Tower Assault, Alien Breed: 3D, and The Killing Grounds. A virtual museum will also be part of the collection, showcasing original media and insights into cancelled projects. The release is scheduled for September 24 on Steam, GoG, and the Epic Games Store, with availability on Xbox and PlayStation, while Nintendo Switch users will see it in Fall 2026. The collection will not be available for current or historical Commodore hardware.