subscription Archives

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

5 of the best new Android apps you need to try this May

Key Launcher is a free Android launcher developed by Lousify Tech that features a T9 keypad layout for intuitive app navigation, a vault for secure storage, quick-dial shortcuts, and a focus mode. Gradient Weather, developed by subtle signals, is a visually appealing weather app that adapts its color scheme based on weather conditions, offers customizable alerts, and includes a map view. Alpine Lines, created by Tiny Haltere, is a free management game where players design ski gondola routes, featuring minimalist design and soothing gameplay. LibrePods, developed by kavish, allows Android users to use Apple’s AirPods with features like conversational awareness and gesture controls, now available on the Play Store. Sea of Stars, a port of a 2023 RPG by Playdigious, allows players to control characters Valere or Zale in a turn-based combat game, featuring detailed visuals and controller compatibility, priced at .99.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Google is paying out $700M to Android app buyers

A federal court has approved a 0 million settlement involving Google, resulting from a lawsuit by 53 state attorneys general alleging unlawful monopolization of Android app distribution and in-app payments. Google has set aside 0 million for a consumer reimbursement fund and million for the states involved, without admitting wrongdoing. Consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store from August 2016 to September 2023 may be eligible for compensation, with payouts based on individual spending, guaranteeing a minimum of . Most eligible consumers will receive payments automatically via PayPal or Venmo, with options for those without these accounts to use a supplemental claims process. Additionally, there is a separate million settlement for claims regarding unauthorized use of cellular data, and a million California-specific settlement for Google Play subscription renewals between May 30, 2014, and October 27, 2019.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

You no longer have to pay for Gemini’s smartest organization tool

Gemini Notebooks are now available on mobile without a paywall, allowing users to organize chats and files in a centralized project hub. Existing NotebookLM notebooks sync to mobile, enabling direct saving of chats as sources. The feature is accessible to both free and paid users, with source limits varying by subscription plan: free users can add 50 sources, AI Plus users 100, Pro users 300, and Ultra users 600. The rollout is live for most users globally, with updates expected in Europe and other countries soon.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Google flips the script, reportedly considers putting ads in Gemini app

Philipp Schindler, Google's chief business officer, indicated during Alphabet's earnings call that the company is revisiting the possibility of integrating advertisements into the Gemini platform as it explores new advertising formats for its AI Mode. Discussions about incorporating ads into Gemini first emerged in late 2025 but were previously dismissed. While there are ongoing discussions about ad integration, Ginny Marvin, Google Ads product liaison, stated that there are currently no ads in the Gemini app and no plans to change that. Alphabet reported .9 billion in revenue, a 22% increase year-over-year, with the success of Gemini contributing to growth in Search, Cloud, and subscription services.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Don’t be filled with regret—get this Office & Windows 11 Pro bundle while it’s $22

The Microsoft Office Pro 2019 and Windows 11 Pro bundle is available for a one-time payment of .97, down from its MSRP of 9.99, until May 3. The bundle includes a lifetime license for Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Windows 11 Pro, which features performance improvements and advanced tools like BitLocker encryption and an AI assistant called Copilot. Office 2019 is noted for its stability and reliability.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Xbox CEO knows there’s “work to do” to win players back, as Microsoft boss recommits to “core” fans

Microsoft's gaming division is returning to its Xbox roots, with a recent price reduction for the Game Pass subscription. Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Xbox, has indicated plans for collaborations with Discord to enhance community engagement. Under her leadership, Xbox has faced challenges, including a 5% decline in content and services revenue and a 33% drop in hardware sales. However, Microsoft's overall revenue increased by 18% year-on-year. Despite mixed results, new records for monthly active Xbox users and game streaming hours were announced. Sharma and Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty outlined a vision for Xbox that is "affordable, personal, and open," focusing on initiatives like Project Helix and expanding the franchise portfolio.

AppWizard

April 29, 2026

Your Android Camera Can Do More Than Just Take Photos And Videos

Android devices are enhanced by powerful apps that improve photography and introduce advanced features. The Android camera is versatile, serving various roles beyond image capture. The Instant Heart Rate app allows users to measure their heart rate using the camera by placing a finger over the lens for ten seconds, providing heart rate data and a PPG graph. Accessibility apps like Microsoft Seeing AI and Google Lookout assist vision-impaired users by identifying objects and reading text. The Yuka app scans barcodes of food and cosmetic products to provide health scores and suggest healthier alternatives. Google Maps features Lens in Maps, which offers real-time navigation using the camera. Skin analysis tools like MySkin by Cetaphil and Neutrogena Skin360 allow users to assess their skin health through the camera.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

Valve’s new Steam Controller has a major problem for PC games not on Steam

The new Steam Controller lacks native Windows drivers, making it dependent on the Steam application for functionality. This means it cannot be used effectively with games from other platforms like the Epic Games Store or Xbox Game Pass, as it cannot interface with locked files on Windows 11. Gamers wanting to play titles like Forza Horizon 6 via Game Pass must purchase them directly from Steam to use the controller. While Valve could release standard Windows drivers to address this issue, there is skepticism about their willingness to do so. The gaming community previously developed a tool called GlosSI to enable the original Steam Controller to work with non-Steam applications, and a similar solution may emerge for the new model.

BetaBeacon

April 28, 2026

‘Guild Wars Reforged’ Launches on iOS and Android Devices This Summer

Guild Wars Reforged is launching on iOS and Android devices this summer, offering optimized UI and controls for mobile gameplay. The game will be available for free with the original Prophecies campaign included, and additional expansion content can be purchased for a fee. Players who already own the game can sync their progress to the ad-free version at no extra cost.

Tech Optimizer

April 28, 2026

Surfshark Has Dropped to $1.78/mo: Unlimited Devices, One Subscription (Ends Soon)

Surfshark is offering a VPN service at a discounted price of .49 per month, down from the regular price, with an upfront cost for a two-year commitment being approximately .76, which includes three additional months free. The service supports unlimited devices, provides security for online activities, access to popular streaming services, and offers unlimited data and speeds with over 4,500 servers in 100 countries. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, Surfshark has introduced an antivirus option for .08 per month, which includes features like dark web monitoring and anonymous browsing. The antivirus plan costs .96 for the initial two-year period, also at an 88% discount. Surfshark maintains a no-logs policy and has been audited by third parties, making it a secure choice for users.