streaming device Archives

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Netflix is killing Chromecast support, with casting removed on many devices

Netflix has begun removing casting support on newer Google TV and Chromecast devices, requiring users to use the app instead. Many users have reported the disappearance of the Cast button in the Netflix app, which the company has officially confirmed. Netflix states that most TVs and streaming devices no longer support casting, except for older Chromecast models without remotes. This change affects all Netflix subscription tiers, including ad-supported and Premium plans, with the only exceptions being older Chromecast devices and select TVs.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

While we eagerly await the second coming of Steam Machines, it’s worth remembering what a gloriously awful mess Valve got itself in over a decade ago

Valve is reintroducing Steam Machines, a concept that initially faltered nearly a decade ago. The original Steam Machines were announced in 2013 alongside SteamOS and the Steam controller but faced challenges due to Valve's partnership model with various vendors, leading to a disjointed consumer experience. The gaming landscape shifted with the success of Windows 10, which solidified its dominance over Linux. Despite the original Steam Machines' failure, Valve launched the Steam Deck in February 2022, taking direct control of hardware and software, which proved successful. The new generation of Steam Machines will feature a custom AMD APU with a Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 GPU, aiming to provide a better big-screen gaming experience, although it may have limitations in upgradeability. The reception of this new iteration remains uncertain as it approaches its market debut in 2026.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Valve just quietly redefined what PC gaming can be all while an increasingly delusional Microsoft desperately tries to tell everyone their PC is an Xbox now

Valve has announced a new ecosystem that aims to reduce Microsoft's influence in the PC gaming market, introducing SteamOS on Arm architecture, which may eliminate the need for x86 CPUs. The new Steam Controller improves upon its predecessor and is designed for use with the Steam Deck. The Steam Frame is a high-speed streaming device that allows wireless access to gaming content, functioning as a versatile headset for both VR and traditional games. It operates on an Arm-based architecture with a version of SteamOS and includes the FEX translation layer for compatibility with Windows games. Valve is collaborating with companies like Lenovo for hardware compatibility and is focusing on supporting AMD graphics in the new Steam Machine, while also working on enhancing gaming experiences across various Linux distributions. Despite challenges like Windows' dominance in multiplayer gaming, Valve's initiatives indicate a shift towards a more open gaming ecosystem.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Amazon’s Vega OS launch trick: cloud-streamed apps

Amazon has introduced its custom-built Vega operating system with the launch of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which comes preinstalled with Vega. This new OS operates alongside Amazon's modified version of Android, creating challenges for developers who are hesitant to fully support Vega. To mitigate potential app shortages at launch, Amazon will allow the Fire TV Stick 4K Select to run Android versions of popular applications through cloud streaming. Amazon has also released documentation for developers on transitioning apps to the Linux-based Vega OS, which uses React Native as its default framework, and introduced the Amazon Cloud App Program to facilitate the deployment of existing Fire TV apps to Vega OS devices. Amazon is offering cloud streaming services free for the first nine months to encourage major publishers to develop native Vega apps, while also enabling cloud streaming for select popular Android apps. Developers can check if their apps are enrolled in the Cloud App Program via the Amazon developer portal. Although cloud streaming for TV apps is not new, Amazon's entry into this space is significant, especially following its previous use of cloud streaming for its Luna gaming service. The announcement of Vega OS comes nearly two years after its initial report and follows the launch of three Echo devices powered by Vega. With nearly 300 million Android-based Fire TV devices sold, it is essential for publishers to maintain support for Android apps. Amazon has stated its commitment to being a multi-OS company, continuing to launch new devices on Fire OS while supporting existing experiences.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

How to get free games on PlayStation, PC and Xbox

The Epic Games Store offers a free game every week, featuring indie titles and blockbuster games like GTA 5 and Death Stranding. Amazon Prime Gaming provides free games for subscribers, including titles like the Mafia trilogy and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Xbox users can access free games through Amazon Prime Gaming and occasional offers on the Xbox Store, with current availability of Minecraft Legends. Microsoft also provides older titles for free sporadically, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers a vast library of games for a monthly fee. On PlayStation, free games are primarily found through free-to-play titles like Fortnite, with PlayStation Plus offering access to a catalog of games, including The Last of Us Part I and Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut.

BetaBeacon

November 17, 2024

I tried gaming on the Google TV Streamer, and it was just awful

The Google TV Streamer does not support all three modes of the 8bitdo SN30 Pro Plus controller, with only D-input mode working reliably for both Android TV and Google TV. Playing native Android games on the device is possible but may have latency and performance issues. Emulated console games are difficult to play due to the lack of expandable storage and a native file explorer. Streaming games from a PC using Moonlight provides the best gaming experience on the Google TV Streamer. Overall, the Google TV Streamer is not recommended as a gaming machine, and using a phone or investing in a more powerful streaming device like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is suggested for better gaming performance.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Google TV removed its best new app, but it’ll be back soon

Google TV's Freeplay app, initially launched on the Google TV Streamer, was rolled out to additional devices in September but was removed shortly after due to an issue causing increased crashes for some users. Currently, the app is only accessible on Google's flagship streaming box. Google has temporarily disabled the app on affected devices and plans to implement a fix soon, with the updated guide expected to be available for all Google TV devices in the coming months. The Freeplay app offers access to over 150 free channels and features a user-friendly interface for sorting content.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

New Android Spyware Warning—Do Not Install These Apps

Android users are being warned about a new variant of the FakeCall malware, which can intercept calls, live-stream device screens, and manipulate text messages and camera functions. This updated spyware prompts users to set it as the default call handler, granting it control over all calls. Users are advised not to designate unfamiliar apps as default call handlers, avoid sideloading apps, and ensure Play Protect is activated. The FakeCall app can redirect users to malicious lines that mimic legitimate banking interfaces, risking unauthorized access to sensitive information. Google is enhancing Play Protect to monitor apps from outside the Play Store and plans to introduce live threat detection in the upcoming Android 15 update. Zimperium offers resources to help identify FakeCall apps and encourages users to check their default call handler settings and permissions.

AppWizard

September 25, 2024

Mersive Technologies Launches Mersive Smart App

Mersive Technologies has launched Mersive Smart, an application that transforms Android-based smart TVs or streaming devices into collaboration hubs, targeting small to medium-sized businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare settings. It features wireless content-sharing, multi-share functionality for simultaneous connections, and an intuitive interface for easy setup. The app includes enterprise-grade cloud management and will receive free updates for mobile device sharing and digital signage. Mersive Smart is designed with security in mind, holding certifications such as ISO 27001 and HIPAA, and is available for download on the Google Play store at no cost, with subscription plans starting at per year.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Google TV Freeplay gets a redesigned app with favorite channels, more [Gallery]

Google TV has expanded its Freeplay offerings by introducing new free channels and a redesigned app experience. The updated app features an organized channel guide that allows users to sort content by categories such as recently watched and popular selections, along with a "Favorites" section for easy access to preferred channels. The rollout of the new design began recently, but users may experience inconsistencies during the transition, with some devices displaying the Freeplay icon and others retaining the "Free Channels" label. Additionally, Google TV is preparing to release a new streaming device.