TV Archives

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Android users are getting important Google system updates

Google has released system updates designated as Google System Updates 26.36 for September 2026, applicable to various devices including smartphones, tablets, Android TV, Google TV, Android Auto-compatible vehicles, and Wear OS gadgets. - Bug fixes have improved stability in account management services for smartphones. - Location sharing capabilities have been enhanced in account management for smartphones and Wear devices. - New features for developers have been introduced to facilitate better integration with Google Maps on smartphones. - Devices can now be set up regardless of their operating system for a streamlined onboarding process. - Developers have new features to enhance device connection processes within their applications for smartphones and Wear devices. - New functionalities for location- and context-based processes have been added for developers on smartphones. - Bug fixes related to system management and diagnostic services have been addressed across cars, PCs, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices. - Updates to system management services have improved device updateability for cars, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices. - The update allows real-time price adjustments in the shopping basket for PC and smartphone users during checkout. - Smartphone users switching to a new device will receive a notification to re-add their Google Wallet cards for mobile payments. These updates are distributed through the Play Store and are set to automatically install on Android devices. Users can manually initiate the download through Settings > System > Software Updates > Google Play system update.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

This clever Plex app could give your aging LG TV a new lease on life

A new open-source Plex client named PlxNative has been developed for older LG TVs running on webOS to improve the browsing experience of Plex libraries. It operates independently of a web browser using a native Rust/OpenGL interface, allowing it to launch in about one second and ensuring fluid scrolling and menu navigation. PlxNative supports various Plex functionalities, including library browsing, profile switching, audio and subtitle selection, and direct play or server transcoding. It does not replace the TV's built-in video decoder and connects directly to the Plex Media Server over the local network after initial sign-in. Installation options include the Homebrew Channel or sideloading via LG’s Developer Mode, which requires periodic session renewals. The developer has submitted PlxNative for official review by LG.

AppWizard

September 15, 2026

Amazon says Fire TV devices will be able to sideload Android apps again in upcoming update

Amazon will restore the ability to sideload apps on its Fire TV hardware with an upcoming Android software update. A previous update unintentionally blocked the installation of third-party applications due to a bug, which Amazon has acknowledged and is working to fix. Affected devices will receive the update automatically in the coming week.

AppWizard

September 14, 2026

LG denies secretly recording users as TV privacy concerns grow

LG asserts that its smart TVs do not secretly record or transmit user conversations, clarifying that listening for a wake word does not mean recording conversations. Audio without the wake word is discarded locally and not sent to LG servers. The company uses technology that listens for a specific wake word and processes audio only after recognition. LG's Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology, which enhances user experience, relies on audio fingerprinting and requires user consent to activate. Users can disable ACR in TV settings. This privacy debate follows a previous incident involving unsolicited promotional pop-ups from LG monitors, which led to intervention from Microsoft.

AppWizard

September 9, 2026

Walmart is selling a $200 Android tablet for 55% off

The Zonko Android 16 Tablet is currently available at Walmart for a 55% discount, priced at $— down from its original price of $—. It features a 10-inch 1280×800 HD IPS display, dual speakers, an 8MP front camera, and a 13MP rear camera. The tablet runs on the Android 16 operating system, has 12GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage (expandable up to 512GB). It includes a 6000 mAh battery with a lifespan of 32 to 48 hours, and dual-band 2.4G/5G WiFi. The purchase comes with an accessory bundle including a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, screen protector, protective case, and charger. The tablet supports Google Mobile Services and is pre-installed with Google Play. It is noted for its affordability and quality, although it has a limited number of reviews and does not support Apple apps.

AppWizard

September 9, 2026

Walmart is selling a $200 Android tablet for 55% off

Walmart is offering a limited-time Flash deal on the Zonko Android 16 Tablet, reducing its price by 55% from its original price of 0 to 5. The tablet features a 10-inch 1280×800 HD IPS display, Android 16 operating system, dual speakers, an 8MP front camera, and a 13MP rear camera. It includes 12GB of RAM, 64GB of storage (expandable up to 512GB), and a 6000 mAh battery with a lifespan of 32 to 48 hours. The purchase comes with an accessories bundle that includes a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, screen protector, protective case, and charger. The tablet supports Google Mobile Services and is pre-installed with Google Play. It has parental controls for safety and dual-band 2.4G/5G WiFi for stable internet connectivity.

BetaBeacon

September 8, 2026

Uta Macross Rhythm Game Launches Project for Offline Version

AUGUST Inc. is developing a new version of the Macross franchise's rhythm game, Uta Macross, set to be released next spring on iOS, Android, and Steam platforms.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

I’ve Been Gaming On Linux For Five Years – Is It Ready To Replace Windows?

Steam Deck debuted in early 2022 with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that uses the Wine-based Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games. This development has significantly advanced Linux gaming, with approximately 95% of games functioning well on Linux. Steam's Verified program lists nearly 9,000 Verified games, and around 30,000 playable titles, with only about 1% of popular games failing to run entirely. Anti-cheat systems remain a major limitation, preventing popular titles like "Fortnite" and "League of Legends" from being playable on Linux. Game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW offer alternatives for playing anti-cheat games on Linux. Linux distributions provide better controller support compared to Windows, particularly for handhelds and living room PCs. Accessing non-Steam games can be cumbersome, though tools like Heroic Launcher help. Compatibility issues with proprietary standards, such as HDMI 2.1 support, persist in Linux gaming.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

What’s new in Android’s September 2026 Google System Updates

The monthly release notes from Google provide updates on Play services, the Play Store, and system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PCs. The Google System includes first-party applications that enhance user experience and functionality. Users can check for updates by navigating to the Settings app, accessing "Google services," and selecting Privacy & security followed by System services. Not all features in the changelog are immediately available to all users, as some may take months to roll out. The latest updates include Android System Intelligence B.29 / C.7, which consists of bug fixes and maintenance changes.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

I refuse to stop using my 8-year-old Chromecast for one simple reason

The original Chromecast has received an update, which has pleased its users who appreciate its simplicity compared to the more complex Google TV interface. A recent poll showed that 36% of users often use their older Chromecast, another 36% use it rarely, and 27% never had one. The Chromecast (3rd gen) remains reliable for some users, despite being connected to an Android TV with built-in Chromecast capabilities, which can struggle with performance issues. Users find casting from a smartphone to be more efficient than navigating the TV's interface, and the ability to cast content without delays is a significant advantage. The original Chromecast continues to be relevant and valued by users for its functionality and ease of use.