voice Archives

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Gemini just got more useful in Android Auto now that flight delays and appointment addresses are a voice command away

Google is enhancing its AI assistant, Gemini, within Android Auto by introducing a feature called Personal Intelligence, which allows Gemini to use information from Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Photos, YouTube, and Search for personalized assistance while driving. Users can interact with Gemini using natural voice prompts for tasks like finding flights or navigating to appointments. To use Personal Intelligence, users must grant permission for Gemini to access their information across Google applications. Users have reported issues with Gemini's integration with Android Auto, including lengthy responses and inconsistent command recognition. Google is also planning a significant redesign of Android Auto, expected to roll out in the fall.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Google Gemini Brings Personal Intelligence to Android Auto for Smarter, More Personalized Driving

Google has introduced the Personal Intelligence feature integrated into Gemini for Android Auto, enhancing the driving experience by allowing drivers to access information, navigate, and manage tasks without using their phones. The rollout began on October 19, with further support for vehicles with Google built-in expected in the coming months. Gemini can connect to various Google services, such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Maps, to provide tailored responses based on individual schedules and preferences. It can retrieve personal information, synthesize details from multiple sources, and offer intuitive navigation and recommendations. Users can manage their privacy settings and choose to disable the feature if desired.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Minecraft to Murder: Where is Lewis Daynes now, after killing Breck Bednar? How he lured teens on gaming sites

Breck Bednar was a 14-year-old boy from Caterham, Surrey, who was murdered in February 2014 by Lewis Daynes, an older teenager he met on a gaming forum. Daynes, using the alias 'EagleOneSix,' groomed Breck over 13 months, isolating him from family and convincing him to travel to his flat in Grays, Essex, under the pretense of discussing a fictional software business. On February 17, 2014, after Breck arrived, Daynes stabbed him and later confessed to the crime. In November 2014, Daynes pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. As of October 2026, he remains incarcerated and will not be eligible for parole until he has served his minimum term. The case raised concerns about the dangers of online relationships, leading to the creation of an educational film, Breck’s Last Game, in collaboration with Breck's mother, Lorin LaFave.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Is the Lloyds Banking app down? Hundreds reports issues

Customers are experiencing difficulties logging into and using the Lloyds Bank app, with a significant increase in reports on Downdetector. The problems began shortly before 7 AM and have worsened throughout the morning. Users have expressed their frustrations on social media, reporting issues such as being unable to send money, freezing during usage, and difficulties accessing the app.

BetaBeacon

October 20, 2026

Cult Vacui Is Out Now on iOS and Android, Bringing Its Race-Against-the-Clock Horror to Mobile

- The game "Trailer" is a race against the clock with multiple endings based on player choices - It features logical but challenging puzzles and a creepy horror atmosphere without jump scares - The game has handcrafted pixel art graphics and an original soundtrack - It offers around 2 hours of playtime and is available on various platforms including the App Store, Google Play, Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Sound stickers, a toggle to remove the sticker outline and a two-line compose box are in WhatsApp’s beta code, per an Android Authority teardown.

In version 2.26.41.11 of WhatsApp's Android app, a teardown revealed several new features under development: sound stickers that allow users to add audio to stickers, a toggle to remove the outline from user-created stickers, and an enhanced two-line compose box for messaging. The sound sticker feature includes a sound wave icon for recording or selecting audio clips up to 10 seconds long, with video stickers automatically extracting five seconds of audio. The outline toggle will be available in the sticker creation screen, and the two-line compose box aims to improve user experience by organizing icons for attachments and camera below the typing area. These features are currently inactive, and no timeline for their activation has been provided.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Amazon’s new Alexa Tablets drop Fire OS for Android with full Google Play Store access, starting at $229.99 for the Alexa Tablet 8.

Amazon has started shipping its new Alexa Tablets in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, with deliveries beginning on October 19. The tablets were initially launched on October 8 and reached customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico by October 14. They run on Android and provide access to the Google Play Store. The pricing for the tablets is as follows: - Alexa Tablet 8: .99 (4GB RAM, 64GB storage) - Alexa Tablet 11: 9.99 (8GB RAM, 64GB storage) - Alexa Tablet 12 Pro: 9.99 (8GB RAM, 128GB storage) - Nanomatte 12 Pro: 9.99 (anti-glare screen) The Pro Keyboard is available for .99, and the Pro Pen for .99, specifically for the 12 Pro model. The new tablets do not carry the Fire branding, marking a shift from Amazon’s previous Fire tablets, which used Fire OS and the Amazon Appstore. Amazon plans to phase out the Fire brand, as stated by Panos Panay. Each model includes Alexa+ for voice commands and supports various applications from the Play Store, including YouTube, Netflix, Gmail, and Google Docs. The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro has a 12-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Alexa Tablet 11 has an 11-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, and the Alexa Tablet 8 has an 8.7-inch display weighing 329g. All models are powered by MediaTek chips. Amazon has also introduced Amazon Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes, bundled with a protective case and a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+. Existing Fire tablet owners will continue to have access to their devices and content, with Amazon providing at least four years of support after the last sale of Fire tablets. The new tablets can be purchased from Amazon.com and retail partners like Best Buy and Target.

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

Android Auto can be used outside of your car: Here’s how

A spare tablet, a USB cable, and a small investment can turn a workspace or kitchen counter into a hub for Android Auto, allowing users to repurpose older devices. To set up Android Auto without a car, you need an Android phone running Android 11 or newer, a spare Android tablet or phone, and a data-capable USB cable. A receiver app, such as Open Headunit or Headunit Reloaded, must be installed on the secondary device. The setup involves connecting the tablet to the phone via USB, selecting Android Auto in the phone's USB options, and following prompts to grant permissions. Android Auto is designed for driving, simplifying interactions with larger controls and allowing voice commands for messages. It can manage smart home devices through Google Home but may not always function reliably. A spare tablet can be positioned conveniently for essential tasks, but trade-offs include limited app availability and the need for the primary phone to remain connected.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon’s premium tablet gets almost everything right

The Alexa Tablet features a home screen with shortcuts to Amazon services and a folder for essential Google applications. It is a fully functional Android tablet that allows downloads from the Play Store. The user interface includes widgets for recently accessed content and the Alexa+ app, and users can interact with Alexa via voice commands. The tablet has a vibrant display suitable for streaming and Dolby Atmos-supported speakers. Performance remains positive with additional apps, though some lack optimization for larger screens. Popular apps like Adobe's Lightroom and Google's suite are optimized for tablet use. The tablet supports multitasking with split view mode and runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Battery life is claimed to be up to 16 hours, but initial testing shows around eight hours for mixed usage.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Ledger Atom: Ledger’s $849 Android Security Device Ships 2027

Ledger has introduced the Ledger Atom, a hardware signer designed to run standard Android applications while ensuring robust security features. It operates on a dual-mode system, using Android Open Source Project software for everyday tasks and Ledger OS on a Common Criteria EAL6+ certified Secure Element for sensitive operations. The device features a secure chip, a dedicated screen, and a Privacy Switch to disable the camera and microphone. It is equipped with a 6.77-inch AMOLED display, a 50 MP rear camera, a 32 MP front camera, and connectivity options including 4G and 5G via eSIM. The Atom is a data-only device that does not support traditional voice calls or SMS. It is priced at 9 for the Founders Edition, with shipping expected in the second quarter of 2027.