select devices Archives

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Windows 11’s “almost full-screen” Android apps mirroring now available for everyone via Phone Link app with supported phones

Users can utilize the "Expanded screen" feature in the Microsoft Phone Link app, allowing up to 90% of desktop screen space to be used when streaming Android applications to Windows 11. This feature is available to all users and may require updates from the Microsoft Store for those who do not see it yet. The Phone Link app previously had a compact view for Android app streaming, but now allows apps to stretch across the desktop. The feature prompts the phone to relaunch the app in a wider layout, which is then streamed to the PC, though not all apps are compatible with this expanded view. The feature is described as "almost-full-screen," leaving about 10% of the screen unused. The "Apps" section in Phone Link may be absent if the device is not supported; compatible devices include select models from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi. Microsoft has also introduced the ability to lock PCs directly from Android phones.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Find Hub app rolling out map layers support on Android

Google has introduced an enhancement to its Find Hub for Android, adding map layers to improve user navigation. A Floating Action Button (FAB) allows users to choose between map types: "Default," "Satellite," and "Terrain," along with a "Traffic" layer from Google Maps. This feature is useful for locating misplaced devices but can only be accessed from the main map view. The update is part of version 3.1.485-2 of Find Hub for Android, which is being distributed through the Play Store, although a server-side component is still being rolled out to select devices.

BetaBeacon

December 3, 2025

Red Dead Redemption Launches on Android and iOS via Netflix Games

Red Dead Redemption is now available on mobile devices through the Netflix Games section, with enhanced visuals, performance mode support, and updated controls for touchscreen gameplay. Players can carry over existing saves from previous-generation consoles. The Undead Nightmare expansion is included, offering a zombie outbreak storyline. The game also has updated versions for current-gen consoles with HDR support and resolutions up to 4K. It is also available on the GTA+ Games Library and PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Android’s Most Controversial Feature is Not Going Away—For Now

Google has decided to maintain the option for sideloading unverified apps on Android, despite initially planning to eliminate it. This decision follows backlash from developers and users. The new sideloading framework will cater to advanced users who can acknowledge the risks of installing unverified software. Google may enhance the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool to facilitate this process, which will include warnings about the risks. The changes aim to improve user safety by preventing regular users from installing unknown applications, as sideloading has been exploited for malware distribution. Google plans to roll out this feature early next year and encourages developers to enroll in a new identity verification system for apps distributed outside the Play Store. The verification process will be less rigorous for students and hobbyists to promote innovation while prioritizing safety.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Spotify’s having major issues on Samsung and Google phones—this is why

Users are reporting significant crashes and freezing issues with the Spotify app on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices, particularly when streaming over Wi-Fi. Switching to mobile data alleviates the problem. Spotify is investigating a permanent solution, as reinstalling the app has not resolved the issues. Complaints were highlighted in a community forum thread, with users specifically mentioning problems on devices like the Pixel 9. Similar issues occurred last year with Pixel 6, 7, and 8 devices after a feature rollout. Users have attempted workarounds such as disabling notifications or clearing the app's cache. Earlier this year, Premium users experienced ads despite their subscription, which Spotify confirmed and fixed the same day.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Microsoft releases biggest Windows 11 upgrade of the year just days before it will kill-off Windows 10

Microsoft is concluding support for Windows 10, urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 before the final update is released. The latest Windows 11 update, version 25H2, introduces new features, including a revamped Start Menu with pinned apps and recommendations for recently opened documents, integration of Phone Link for managing mobile interactions, customizable lock screen options, an upgraded File Explorer with a "Recommended" area, and a self-repair function called Quick Machine Recovery. Windows 10 will cease receiving free updates on October 14, 2025, raising security concerns for users. Windows 11 requires specific hardware compatibility, including a 64-bit processor, a minimum of 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0 for installation.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Microsoft reveal massive Game Pass Ultimate and PC Pass price hike, concede that price hikes are “never fun”

Microsoft is increasing the monthly fees for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to .99 (a 50% increase) and for PC Game Pass to .99 (approximately a 40% rise). The Xbox Game Pass Core is being rebranded to Xbox Game Pass Essential at .99 per month, offering around 50 games, while the Standard plan is now Xbox Game Pass Premium at .99 per month with about 200 games. Ultimate subscribers will gain access to Ubisoft games through Ubisoft Plus Classics and improved cloud gaming features. Microsoft reported record earnings from Game Pass, generating .6 billion last year, with an overall revenue increase of 18% to .4 billion. The company is also facing a consumer boycott related to its partnerships with the Israeli military and has announced plans to block Israeli military access to certain services.

AppWizard

September 28, 2025

6 crucial features the new Google Home app needs to win me back

Google is revamping its Home app by integrating Gemini, featuring a redesigned interface that consolidates favorites and devices into a Home tab. A new "Ask Home" text box allows users to interact with smart home systems, enabling inquiries about security camera activity and device statuses. Users desire customizable tiles and dashboards, an easier way to build routines, flexible device grouping beyond rigid room setups, broader camera brand support, improved visibility for scenes, and comprehensive logs of device activities.

AppWizard

September 23, 2025

Been neglecting your app updates? The Play Store has a new trick to speed through that backlog

The Google Play Store has increased its capacity to handle app downloads and updates, allowing up to six apps to be processed simultaneously, up from the previous limit of three. This enhancement was confirmed during testing, where six apps were updated at once, while additional apps entered a “Pending” state. Individual experiences may vary, with some users reporting the ability to update five apps simultaneously. This change is expected to streamline the update process and improve productivity for users managing multiple apps. The upgrade is likely a server-side update, with a broader rollout anticipated.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

IFA 2025: Accelerating innovation with Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11

At IFA Berlin, Acer and Lenovo showcased advancements in Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11, emphasizing innovation that is personalized, intelligent, and secure. The Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI Copilot+ PC is designed for small and medium-sized businesses, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor, up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, and 1 TB PCIe storage, with a lightweight design of 1.27 kg. The Acer Predator Helios 18P offers desktop-level gaming power with an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. The refreshed Nitro Windows 11 lineup includes Nitro V 16 and Nitro V 16S laptops and Nitro 50 and Nitro 70 desktops for gamers. Lenovo's Legion Pro 7 features an AMD Ryzen 9955HX3D and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, while the Legion Go handheld offers an OLED VRR display and up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 storage. The Copilot+ PC ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition delivers over 40 TOPS of NPU performance, and the redesigned ThinkPad models cater to data-intensive workflows.