Tablets

AppWizard
April 28, 2026
Google introduced Android 12L four years ago, tailored for larger screens on foldable phones and tablets. This led to optimizations in applications, with Google and Samsung enhancing their offerings, and third-party developers creating apps for these devices. The upcoming version 51.2 of Google Play Services will feature a badge identifying apps optimized for big-screen devices, helping users find suitable applications. This badge aims to increase visibility for these apps and encourage developer investment in the big-screen market. Additionally, Google plans to launch an Android-powered version of ChromeOS later this year, further promoting the use of big-screen devices.
AppWizard
April 28, 2026
Google Play Store will introduce a new badge system in version 51.2 to highlight apps optimized for larger screens, such as tablets and foldable devices. This update aims to improve user experience by making it easier to find applications that utilize larger displays effectively. The badge will indicate well-suited apps, helping users avoid poorly adapted ones. Additional enhancements include an expanded view of app content ratings, streamlined installation processes, easier access to Collections for tablet users, and the ability to review subscription plans within app ratings and reviews. These features are part of Google's commitment to enhancing big-screen experiences in the Android ecosystem.
AppWizard
April 22, 2026
Samsung plans to retire its proprietary messaging app by July 2026, leading many Android users to rely on Google Messages. Major carriers like AT&T have stopped supporting their own messaging apps, potentially creating a monopoly. Alternative SMS-enabled apps include: - Pulse SMS: Syncs across devices, offers password-protected cloud backups, and has end-to-end encryption for stored conversations. It has a 3.6-star rating on Google Play. - Chomp SMS: Highly customizable with features like scheduled messages and block lists. It remains free with ads, but some users find the customization options complex. - Handcent Next SMS: Incorporates AI for features like text extraction and grammar checks. It has over one million downloads and a 4.4-star rating, but requests a high number of permissions. - Textra SMS: Offers faster performance and extensive customization, aiming to replace default messaging apps. It follows a "free forever" model but lacks cross-device functionality and encryption. The selection of these alternatives was based on Google Play ratings above 3.5 stars, a minimum of 50,000 user reviews, and recent updates.
Winsage
April 21, 2026
Samsung has updated the Galaxy Connect app to version 2.1.6.0, expanding its compatibility to all Intel Windows 11 PCs, in addition to Galaxy Book laptops. The app allows users to continue viewing webpages from mobile devices on PCs, copy/paste content between devices, access files stored on phones and tablets through a PC file explorer, control Galaxy phones and tablets using a PC’s mouse and keyboard, and use a Galaxy tablet as a second screen for a PC. The app is available for download from the Microsoft Store. It remains limited to Intel- or AMD-based x64 PCs, with no support for ARM-based systems.
BetaBeacon
April 17, 2026
Valve has released Proton 11 beta, allowing for the emulation of Windows apps and games on Linux, including popular titles like Resident Evil, now playable on Android devices. The update is based on Wine and includes support for NTSync to enhance performance. Valve has also introduced a Proton 11 profile for ARM64 devices, enabling games designed for x86 hardware to be emulated on devices with Arm chips, such as Android phones and tablets. Additionally, the update has enabled Steam to run on unofficially supported devices like the Nintendo Switch, expanding gaming possibilities for Windows gaming on various devices.
AppWizard
April 17, 2026
AI is being utilized in software development, particularly in coding, with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini enabling users to create functional applications. However, AI models often lag behind updates in the Android core, leading to potential bugs and security issues in the apps they generate. Google has responded by providing real-time access to its official Android guidelines for AI coding agents and has introduced new tools to improve app development. This initiative allows AI agents to access the latest information from various developer resources, ensuring they can provide up-to-date guidance. Additionally, scaling AI applications across different devices has become easier, allowing Android apps to transition smoothly to platforms like smartwatches and tablets. The use of AI in app development is seen as a beneficial application amidst mixed feelings about AI-generated content in creative fields.
AppWizard
April 17, 2026
Google has released Android 17 beta 4, the final beta version before the anticipated mid-2026 launch. This update, with build number CP21.260330.008, is available for Pixel devices from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 and focuses on stability rather than new features. A key addition is 'App memory limits' to manage RAM usage and improve performance, particularly for foldable phones and tablets. Developers are required to optimize apps for Android 17, ensuring compatibility with new features. The beta update is rolling out via the Android Beta Program, with stable Android 17 expected later this year. Users can sideload the update or manually flash the factory image if they haven't received it.
AppWizard
April 16, 2026
Spotify has launched a redesigned app layout for Android tablets and iPads, moving away from simply scaling the mobile app. The new design optimizes the user experience by utilizing larger screens and includes features like adaptive orientation for portrait and landscape modes, a collapsible sidebar for parallel browsing, and a prominently placed "Switch to Video" toggle for easy access to video content. The updated interface is now live for users on these devices.
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