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Here's what you should look for when buying an Android phone for gaming
BetaBeacon
September 20, 2026

Here’s what you should look for when buying an Android phone for gaming

The most important components in an Android phone for gaming are the processor, RAM, and thermal management. The Snapdragon 8 Elite series and MediaTek's Dimensity series are recommended for processors, while 8GB of RAM is a good middle ground. Proper thermal management is crucial for sustained performance during gaming sessions.
6 Actors Starring In Upcoming Video Game Movies
AppWizard
September 20, 2026

6 Actors Starring In Upcoming Video Game Movies

Actors are increasingly pursuing roles in video game adaptations, which have gained respect following the success of series like The Last of Us. Upcoming adaptations feature high-profile actors, including: - Kirsten Dunst will portray Alex in the sequel to A Minecraft Movie, following the success of the first installment. - Sam Neill will make his final on-screen appearance in The Legend of Zelda, with speculation about his character. - Kristen Bell will voice a character in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, joining a cast that includes Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves. - Kit Connor has been cast in the adaptation of Elden Ring, alongside Ben Whishaw and Nick Offerman. - Sophie Turner will portray Lara Croft in a television adaptation of Tomb Raider. - Dave Bautista will take on the lead role of Kratos in the television adaptation of God of War, after Ryan Hurst stepped down due to injury.
The Pixel Weather widget now lets you catch up on the forecast with a single tap
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

The Pixel Weather widget now lets you catch up on the forecast with a single tap

Google has updated the Pixel Weather app, introducing a refresh button on the home screen widgets that allows users to manually update weather information. This button is located in the top-right corner of the larger Weather widget and also refreshes the smaller widget if both are in use. Additionally, the app's design has changed, removing tiny arrow buttons for navigating hourly and daily forecasts, allowing users to swipe left or right over the cards instead.
GrapheneOS Isn't Happy With Google Over Pixel's Widening Head Start
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

GrapheneOS Isn’t Happy With Google Over Pixel’s Widening Head Start

Google's September 2026 Pixel Update Bulletin includes patches that affect standard Android platform code, relevant to both Pixel and non-Pixel devices, which have not been included in the regular monthly Android Security Bulletin. GrapheneOS has noted that Android 17 QPR1 introduced new developer APIs not present in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for the first time since Android Honeycomb, with one new package and modifications to sixteen others. GrapheneOS is backporting Pixel firmware and drivers from QPR1 onto Android 17 but lacks permissions to distribute this work. Additionally, there has been a delay in Google’s compliance with a GPL source request, with access granted over two weeks after the initial request. Starting in 2027, Google will require all Android app developers to register with them and provide legal identification and signing key evidence, complicating the process of sideloading unverified apps. GrapheneOS and other organizations are advocating for the Keep Android Open campaign against these developments, which may restrict competition and tighten Google's control over the Android ecosystem.
Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed Hits Mobile With Full Game for $15.99
BetaBeacon
September 18, 2026

Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed Hits Mobile With Full Game for $15.99

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a 2024 remake of the classic 2010 Wii game, now available on mobile devices for .99 with no microtransactions. It offers updated visuals, refined gameplay, and external controller support. The game is also set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 6, 2026.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5: key changes
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5: key changes

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 was released on September 15, 2026, with a public rollout for Pixel devices starting the next day. This beta version enhances the Proactive Assistance feature on Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 devices, allowing users more control over personalized suggestions and addressing various bugs. It is a development build for supported Pixel devices and Android Emulator images, with identified builds CP41.260828.004.A8 and CP41.260828.005.A6, and a security patch level dated August 5, 2026. The update package size for the Pixel 10 Pro XL is approximately 667 MB. The notable change in Beta 5 is the introduction of two Proactive Assistance entries in the Settings menu, allowing users to manage proactive suggestions more effectively. The updated settings page includes a "Use app content for suggestions" option, enabling users to control which applications can share screen content and notifications. Google's release notes list several fixes, including issues with Bluetooth device icons, unexpected reboots, missing volume controls, search-field highlight rendering, unlocking Private Space, HDR behavior, Google Wallet touchscreen unresponsiveness, camera crashes, and distorted Bluetooth call audio. The stable release of Android 17 QPR2 is expected in December 2026, and users are advised that Beta 5 is a developmental tool that may contain errors. Additionally, new restrictions on programmatic USSD requests for call forwarding have been introduced to reduce potential fraud.
The Blood of Dawnwalker sequel may not have the divisive time mechanic that so many players dislike: 'We will not force it,' game director says
AppWizard
September 17, 2026

The Blood of Dawnwalker sequel may not have the divisive time mechanic that so many players dislike: ‘We will not force it,’ game director says

The Blood of Dawnwalker features a time mechanic that serves as a limited resource, creating a sense of urgency that some players find restrictive. Shaun Prescott expressed a desire for a more leisurely gameplay experience, which has led to the creation of the "Better Story Timer" mod, the most popular modification for the game. Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the studio CEO, acknowledged player feedback regarding the time mechanic and indicated that it may be adjusted in the sequel, aiming to enhance urgency without compromising the overall experience. He noted that players can complete around 80 percent of the content despite the time constraint and observed a decline in complaints as more players finished the game, discovering they had more time than expected. The studio is also seeking a lead writer for the next installment in the Dawnwalker series.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
September 17, 2026

The real reason your Windows 11 taskbar couldn’t move for 5 years

Windows 11 did not inherit significant portions of the legacy Win32 code, leading Microsoft to rebuild the taskbar from scratch, focusing on essential functionalities. The task of allowing users to reposition the taskbar proved challenging due to the need for all applications to adapt to this change. Initially, the demand for a movable taskbar was low, but over time, some users expressed a desire for this feature, prompting Microsoft to conduct tests with Windows Insiders. Similarly, the Start menu faced challenges in reintroducing customization options due to Windows 11's design philosophy, which emphasized a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic.
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