touchscreen Archives

Winsage

April 5, 2025

I hope these 3 long-lost Microsoft Windows 8 features stay gone forever

Windows 8 introduced a new interface that replaced the traditional Start Menu with a full-screen tile layout, leading to negative user feedback due to its touchscreen optimization and disruption of productivity for desktop users. The tile interface featured constantly updating tiles that distracted users, while Metro apps had a restrictive design that complicated tasks like image editing. The Charms bar was criticized for unintentionally activating and interrupting workflows. Despite some improvements like Fast Startup, the overall reception was poor, prompting Microsoft to release Windows 8.1, which reintroduced the Start Button. The subsequent launch of Windows 10 received a much more favorable response, indicating a shift in Microsoft's strategy away from the controversial elements of Windows 8.

BetaBeacon

April 4, 2025

Android Auto Beta Allows You to Play Games on Cars’ Infotainment Systems, But There’s a Catch

Android Auto's latest beta update allows users to play games on their infotainment systems. Users must have a compatible mobile device running on Android 15 or later, verify compatibility with their infotainment system, and be in park to access this feature.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows 8 tiles were ahead of their time — The Xbox handheld could be the perfect place for a similar interface

Microsoft plans to launch its next-generation Xbox hardware, including an Xbox handheld device, in 2027. The handheld is expected to be more integrated with Windows, potentially using a design similar to the "Metro" interface from Windows Phone and Windows 8. This new approach aims to streamline game development by aligning Xbox consoles more closely with Windows, allowing for easier porting of PC games. The design of the handheld is still in development, with a focus on comfort and functionality, and it will need to compete with other devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. The operating system will play a crucial role in user experience, with a simpler interface being a priority to enhance accessibility for gamers.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Cubasis 3, Rotaeno, Zombie Sim Z, and more

A collection of Android game and app deals has been released on Google Play. Lenovo's touchscreen Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Copilot+ PC is highlighted for its features. Google’s Find My Device trackers are available for a reduced price. The Google Pixel Tablet is discounted by 0, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra has a price reduction of 0.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Revisiting Microsoft’s biggest canceled devices — from revolutionary phones to dual-screen PCs

Microsoft has scrapped several notable hardware projects over the years, including: - Microsoft Courier (2010): A dual-screen device with a 5.5-inch FHD LCD display and 3D Touch technology, shelved in 2014 due to complexities and costs. - Surface Mini (2014): An 8-inch Windows RT tablet designed for touch and pen input, canceled shortly before its announcement due to a shift away from Windows RT. - Xbox Joule (2014): A fitness watch intended to sync with Microsoft Kinect, canceled in early 2014 before the launch of Microsoft Band. - Microsoft Band 3 (2016): A refined wearable with improved features, canceled as Microsoft exited the fitness wearables market. - Surface Andromeda (2018): A dual-screen phone designed for pen and digital ink capabilities, shelved in 2018, with its hardware repurposed for Surface Duo. - Surface Neo (2021): A dual-screen computer with two 9-inch screens, canceled in 2021 alongside the discontinuation of Windows 10X. - Surface Cronos (2022): A planned mid-range variant of Surface Duo, canceled as Microsoft shifted focus away from new phone hardware.

BetaBeacon

March 29, 2025

Full mobile games now supported in Android Auto

Google is testing a new feature in Android Auto version 14.1 that allows users to play full mobile games on their car's display.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Download MSI App Player (free) for Windows

MSI App Player is a versatile tool for users seeking gaming and productivity enhancements on a larger screen. It features a user-friendly interface for setting up a virtual Android environment on Windows without requiring advanced technical skills. The app allows keyboard and mouse mapping to emulate touchscreen controls and supports console pad connectivity in Console Mode. Users can open multiple windows for different applications and launch the same game with different accounts. It is integrated with the Windows operating system for mobile software testing and can handle high-end graphics and fast-paced mobile games. MSI App Player optimizes CPU, GPU, and memory usage, ensuring smooth performance even on less advanced hardware. It includes an error-checking mechanism and a built-in recovery system to prevent gameplay disruptions, with regular updates for compatibility with the latest Android games and applications.

BetaBeacon

March 28, 2025

Android Auto’s latest beta brings full Android game support

Google has added gaming support to the beta version of Android Auto 14.1, allowing users to play select Android games on their car's touchscreen while parked. Currently, only four games are supported, including Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Farm Heroes Saga, and Beach Buggy Racing. The games must be installed on the user's phone beforehand and can only be accessed when the car is stationary for safety reasons. This update also introduces fullscreen apps to Android Auto, bringing it closer to the software experience in cars with Google built-in. The feature was announced earlier this month as part of Google's March feature drop, but the official release date out of beta has not been specified.

BetaBeacon

March 26, 2025

5 Top PlayStation emulators for Android to relive classic games anytime, anywhere

- ePSXe provides a straightforward setup and stable performance for PlayStation emulation on Android. - DuckStation offers broad compatibility with PlayStation games and enhances graphics with OpenGL and Vulkan rendering. - My Boy! is primarily a Game Boy Advance emulator but includes features useful for PlayStation fans. - Lemuroid works as a multi-console emulator supporting PlayStation and other gaming systems. - RetroArch supports multiple consoles, including PlayStation, but requires individual downloads for each system as plugins.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

The best Windows laptop for work has one major letdown

HP’s OmniBook Ultra 14 is a premium productivity laptop priced around ,100 for a model with a 1TB drive and 16GB of RAM, and approximately ,300 for a version with 32GB of RAM. It features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, a 12-core processor, and offers nearly 13 hours of battery life. The laptop weighs about 1.5kg and measures 1.5cm in thickness, with a design that combines aesthetics and functionality. It includes two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, a 3.5mm jack, and a USB-A port. The QHD IPS touchscreen is bright for indoor use, and it has an integrated camera and microphone for virtual meetings. The AI capabilities include an AI Assistant app and a dedicated Copilot button for Microsoft’s assistant, but the practical applications of the AI technology are limited. Comparatively, the OmniBook Ultra 14 outperforms other laptops in its category, such as the Framework Laptop 13 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, particularly in AI capabilities and processing power.