smartphones

AppWizard
April 12, 2026
Android 17 Beta 2 was unveiled in April 2026, introducing significant features aimed at enhancing user experience and supporting autonomous AI agents. Key features include: 1. A "Dual-Shade" UI redesign with a Split Control Center for notifications and customizable toggles. 2. A system-level Native App Lock for securing individual apps with biometric authentication. 3. Integration of Project Astra, enabling real-time contextual memory and live translation through the camera. 4. A "Frosted Glass" aesthetic with translucency and glassmorphism in UI elements. 5. Advanced desktop windowing capabilities for larger screens, including free-form resizing and a persistent taskbar. 6. A Battery Health Dashboard providing insights into battery performance. 7. Introduction of the RAW14 Image Format for professional-grade image capture and a redesigned Screen Recording toolbar for creators. The release roadmap includes developer previews completed by March 2026, public beta phases in April 2026, platform stability expected in June 2026, and a final public release anticipated in August/September 2026 with the Pixel 11. Devices expected to receive Android 17 include Pixel 7 and newer models, Samsung Galaxy S24, S25, S26 series, and flagships from OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Nothing.
BetaBeacon
April 12, 2026
- Google Pixel's lackluster performance may deter some buyers - The Pixel 10 Pro XL can hit 120fps on medium and very high graphics settings in COD Mobile - The Pixel's raw performance is behind rivals like Xiaomi and Samsung - Google's Tensor chip may struggle to catch up to Qualcomm's Snapdragon in terms of gaming performance - The Pixel 10 series is improving in performance but may not be the best choice for gamers looking for the smoothest frame rates
TrendTechie
April 11, 2026
Hacker voices38 has successfully circumvented the Denuvo anti-piracy protection in Resident Evil Requiem, marking the first breach of a project secured with the current version of Denuvo without using hypervisor techniques. The method used is described as a native approach, which avoids the complications and risks associated with hypervisor solutions. This breakthrough claims to improve performance, mitigating frame rate drops that typically average 11 fps with previous methods. The version of Denuvo in Resident Evil Requiem has only minor modifications from the 2025 release. Resident Evil 9: Requiem debuted in February 2026, featuring Leon Kennedy and FBI agent Grace Ashcroft. Additionally, Android smartphones can run Resident Evil Requiem at 90 fps.
AppWizard
April 10, 2026
Google has released the April 2026 Android 16 update, which includes security patches and improvements for Pixel devices. The update, launched on April 10, 2026, addresses issues such as app crashes, missing user interface elements, and game performance. It is compatible with devices from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 10 series and features region-specific variations to meet local regulations. Key fixes include resolving crashes in banking apps, restoring the Backup menu and Quick Share functionalities, and enhancing the home screen search bar.
BetaBeacon
April 9, 2026
Android 17 has introduced customizable in-game control buttons for mobile gamers. This feature allows users to change and customize button positions, size, and transparency to suit their personal play style. It also supports integration with external controllers for a more precise button mapping. This development is part of Google's efforts to enhance mobile gaming as the industry becomes more competitive.
AppWizard
April 8, 2026
Square Enix is considering a PC release for Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy after its mobile launch. Producer Naoya Matsumoto explained that the game's vertical screen orientation and portrait mode were designed for casual competitive play and one-handed gameplay on smartphones. The mobile gaming sector has faced challenges, with several Final Fantasy mobile games, including World of Final Fantasy: Meli-Melo, Final Fantasy Explorers Force, and Final Fantasy 7 The First Soldier, being discontinued after about a year. Dissidia is currently receiving criticism from fans, raising concerns about its longevity. In a positive update, Final Fantasy 14 has lifted gifting restrictions, allowing players to share items with others.
AppWizard
April 7, 2026
Samsung will discontinue its Samsung Messages app in July 2026, urging users to switch to Google Messages. Users should download Google Messages and set it as their default messaging app before the shutdown. Users with older Android devices (Android 11 or earlier) will not be affected. Newer Samsung Galaxy models will not be able to download Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store.
Search