social features Archives

BetaBeacon

May 19, 2026

Google is bringing Android’s gaming Sidekick to more users

Google is expanding its Play Games Sidekick overlay globally, introducing new social features that allow users to see which friends are playing the same game and track their achievements. These features will be launching next month. The Sidekick menu also allows users to take screenshots, record gameplay, stream gameplay, view achievements, and get in-game perks.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Google is hitting pause on the Fitbit app’s social features

Google has announced that social features of the Fitbit app will be temporarily suspended as it transitions to the Google Health platform. Users will be unable to send messages, view leaderboards, or manage their friends list. The new Google Health app is expected to roll out to all eligible users by May 26. Upon transitioning, users will have an updated social profile linked to their Google Account, which will include their name, email address, and profile picture. Customization options will be limited, and privacy settings for sharing personal information will no longer be available. The ability to send and receive direct messages and notifications will be eliminated, and features such as Groups and Community Feed will be removed. Kid accounts will not have the option to add friends. Friends will need to be re-added in the Google Health app post-transition.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Minecraft Java Edition will finally let you party up with your pals, without the need for mods

The Java Edition of Minecraft is introducing new social features, including a friends list system and peer-to-peer connectivity, directly into the game. The Minecraft 26.2 Snapshot 7 update allows players to open private worlds to friends through a 'Multiplayer Options' menu, enabling invitations and access requests. The friends list can be accessed from the title screen and pause menu. These features are exclusive to the Java Edition, and while they may reduce the need for the Essential Mod, some players may continue to use it due to the early stages of the new connectivity features. Access to these updates is currently limited to the Minecraft Snapshot preview system.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Look at how they massacred my boy: Google is killing these Fitbit app features

Google has launched the Google Health app, rebranding the existing Fitbit application, but it will phase out several features that longtime Fitbit users relied on. The badge system will be completely removed, and users will lose unique usernames, profile pictures, direct messaging, and community feeds. Child profiles will no longer allow adding friends, and the weekly leaderboard will only focus on steps and cardio load. In health and wellness, minute-by-minute stress check graphs will no longer be available, and detailed skin temperature data will be replaced with daily and weekly trends. Users cannot set calorie targets through food plans anymore, although they can set macronutrient goals. Recipes for Google Health Premium users will also be discontinued, and daily fitness plans will shift to weekly ones. Sleep features will be reduced, with the discontinuation of sleep profiles, monthly sleep animals, and the Estimated Oxygen Variation (EOV) feature. Premium subscribers will now use the Health Coach for personalized sleep responses, and snore detection on certain devices will be eliminated. The app will maintain compatibility with Health Connect and Apple Health but will no longer support connections to Lifescan devices, affecting users who monitor blood glucose levels. Users can log glucose data manually, but reminders and symptom tracking will be removed.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Google Health will leave behind some classic Fitbit app features: Here’s all of them

Google is transitioning the Fitbit app to the Google Health platform, resulting in the removal of features such as Sleep Profile, badges, and social interactions like groups and messaging. New metrics will include Resilience and weekly cardio targets, replacing traditional stress scores and daily goals. The Google Health app will allow users to monitor oxygen saturation levels through SpO2 data, while Estimated Oxygen Variation (EOV) levels will be retired. The cardio fitness core will shift to a standard VO2 max measurement, and minute-by-minute skin temperature data will be replaced with daily and weekly trends. The transition will eliminate social features, with changes effective for older Fitbit users starting May 12, 2026.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

A Brand New Ultimate Smash Minecraft Server – Classic Brawler Mechanics in a 3D Block World

The Ultimate SMASH Minecraft server has been launched and can be accessed via the IP address supersmash.eu. It is a Java Edition server that features a percentage-based damage system instead of traditional health bars, where players aim to strike opponents to increase their damage percentage. Key features include diverse arenas, a tactical arsenal of items, a party system for teaming up, cosmetic upgrades for avatars, and a scoreboard system for tracking gameplay. The server is accessible to players using Java Edition versions 1.20.2 and newer, and players can earn premium ranks through gameplay without spending real money. The development team encourages community engagement and regularly updates the server based on player feedback. Players can connect to the server at supersmash.eu or join the official Discord for updates.

BetaBeacon

March 18, 2026

How to Sync Your Mobile Game Progress Across Multiple Devices

Cross-device sync is important for mobile gamers as it allows them to seamlessly continue their game progress across multiple devices. This feature is especially appreciated by social casino fans who can link their accounts via Facebook to ensure their progress is always backed up and secure. Troubleshooting common sync issues and following security best practices are also important to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

I’ve finally completed my quest to transform my Samsung Galaxy XR into a bona fide Steam Frame, and it only took one free app to do it

GameHub app allows Samsung Galaxy XR users to play Steam games natively without the need for cloud streaming or subscriptions. The app is user-friendly and does not require excessive permissions. Users can easily connect their Steam account to the app and access their entire library on the Galaxy XR. Compatibility and performance checks are available, and additional options for performance adjustments can be configured. The app also supports VR games with the use of Bluetooth controllers and the Virtual Desktop app.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Excerion Sun LLC Launches Hi Stakes Market Game on iOS and Android

- Hi Stakes Market Game operates on a persistent online market with modeled market dynamics. - The platform supports a variety of simulated instruments and order types. - Price movements are driven by stochastic modeling and supply-and-demand mechanics. - AI-driven market events and sentiment shifts influence asset behavior. - Players can complete objectives for reputation and rewards. - In-game credits can be used for giveaways for physical prizes. - Multiplayer interaction allows players to observe, discuss, and contest strategies. - The game is available for free download on mobile platforms and major app stores.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Dota 2 PC Download For Windows 7

The minimum system requirements for playing Dota 2 on a Windows 7 PC include a dual-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, a graphics card with at least 256 MB of VRAM, and a reliable broadband internet connection. For an enhanced experience, a quad-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a modern graphics card are recommended. To download and install Dota 2, users need to download the Steam client, log in or create an account, search for Dota 2, and click the “Play Game” or “Download” button. Common issues during installation may include the game failing to launch due to outdated graphics drivers, which can be resolved by updating them. Network issues may arise, requiring a stable internet connection and potential adjustments to firewall or antivirus settings. To optimize performance, players should lower in-game graphics settings, close unnecessary applications, and keep their DirectX and drivers updated. Dota 2 operates on a free-to-play model, allowing access to all heroes and game modes without cost, while offering cosmetic microtransactions that do not affect gameplay balance.