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How to Utilize Android Applications on Mac or PC: 4 Approaches Clarified

**4 Methods To Access Android Apps On Your Mac Or PC**

In the interest of convenience, a multitude of applications today are crafted to be cross-platform. They function on both mobile and desktop platforms, enabling you to effortlessly transition between devices without starting over. It’s also more convenient to access your work from any location, whether you’re on the move, at home, or in the office.

However, while several applications are compatible with both your smartphone and computer, some are restricted to mobile devices only. They lack desktop versions, effectively binding you to your phone whenever you wish to use them. The positive news, however, is that there are alternatives if you want to run Android-only apps on your desktop. From Android emulators to screen mirroring applications, here are some straightforward methods to run your favorite Android apps for fitness tracking, reading, and more, directly on your PC or Mac. The best part: They are completely free.

### Connect your Android phone to your Windows computer with Phone Link

Windows 11 provides a built-in method to manage your Android phone via your PC — utilizing Phone Link. This desktop application wirelessly links your smartphone to your computer, enabling you to check your texts, make calls, browse your images, and even open Android apps straight from your PC. You can also receive phone notifications on your desktop. For checking texts, calls, and images, you’ll utilize Phone Link’s own interface. However, regarding Android apps, Phone Link effectively mirrors your smartphone’s display to access them. Here’s how to set up Phone Link:

1. Link your Android phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Install Link to Windows on your Android device. Some Samsung and HONOR devices may already have this pre-installed.
3. Open Phone Link on your PC.
4. On the Phone Link welcome screen, select Android.
5. When asked, enter your computer PIN or password.
6. From your Android device, scan the QR code displayed on your PC.
7. Tap Continue on your Android device.
8. Enter the code shown on your PC.
9. Log in to your Microsoft account.
10. Click Continue on both Phone Link and Link to Windows.
11. In Phone Link on your computer, navigate to the Apps tab at the top.
12. Select the app you wish to use.
13. Back on your Android device, select Allow to enable screen mirroring from your phone to the PC.
14. Use the Android app as you usually would.

Keep in mind that with this method, you may encounter some lag while navigating the apps. It also won’t function if your Android device is offline, locked, or connected to a different network than your PC.

### Play Android games on Windows using Google Play Games

If the sole Android applications you wish to run on your computer are games, Google Play Games is your answer. Google Play Games is a desktop application made for Windows, which syncs games from your Android device to your PC, allowing for quick switching between the two. It transfers your Google Play Games profile, including your game library, progress, and even Google Play Points.

At the very least, your PC should operate on Windows 10 (v2004) and have 10GB of free SSD storage, 8GB of RAM, an Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU (or equivalent), and four CPU cores. To utilize Google Play Games to play Android games on your computer, do the following:

1. Go to the Google Play Games download site on your PC’s browser.
2. Click Download on PC.
3. Install the downloaded EXE file.
4. Select Sign in with Google.
5. In the browser tab that opens, choose the Google account you also utilize for the Play Store on your Android devices.
6. Back in the Google Play Games application, confirm your Play Games profile.
7. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
8. Click Finish.

Now, you can view all the various Android games. Choose one you’d like to install on your Windows computer and begin playing. Keep in mind that not all Google Play games are playable on your PC. Look for either a green checkmark or green laptop icon on the game’s download page. A green checkmark indicates the developers optimized the game specifically for Windows, while a green laptop means it has been tested for playability. You may also notice a yellow laptop icon (game is untested so it may or may not run well), or a red cross icon (game is unavailable for installation), beside an individual listing.

### Use the MuMuPlayer Android emulator

Another straightforward way to access Android apps on your computer is through Android emulators. Android emulators essentially simulate the Android OS environment on your PC or Mac, making it feel like you’re using a genuine mobile device. Among the numerous emulators available, many users highly recommend MuMu

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How to Utilize Android Applications on Mac or PC: 4 Approaches Clarified
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Italian Antitrust Authority Levies Penalty on Apple for Breaching App Tracking Transparency Rules

Italy’s competition regulatory body, Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), has imposed a fine of € 98.6 million ($ 116 million) on Apple due to its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature. This article delves into the context surrounding the issue, specifics of the penalty, and the consequences for Apple.

### A Brief Overview

Since the launch of App Tracking Transparency in April 2021, Apple has encountered backlash from numerous companies and media organizations concerning the execution of this feature. Detractors claim that although ATT enforces stringent restrictions on third-party applications regarding data gathering and tracking, Apple’s own services are not subject to equivalent limitations.

Apple justifies its stance by asserting that it has structured its offerings—such as Siri, Maps, FaceTime, and iMessage—in a manner that prevents the association of user data across these platforms. Nevertheless, the company has been under the spotlight from various antitrust probes, notably regarding whether ATT yields anticompetitive outcomes.

Recently, Apple has made moves to counter antitrust apprehensions in several nations, including Germany, France, and Brazil, where it has encountered similar probes and penalties.

### The Italian Penalty

The AGCM’s penalty against Apple arises from what it refers to as the “exploitation of a dominant market position.” The authority carried out a thorough investigation in cooperation with the European Commission and other national competition bodies, along with the Italian Data Protection Authority.

The investigation found that the ATT policy is limiting from a competition-law viewpoint. In particular, third-party app developers are required to get explicit consent for data collection and linking for advertising purposes via Apple’s ATT prompt. However, this prompt does not meet the requirements of privacy legislation, compelling developers to apply a secondary consent request for the same objectives.

The AGCM indicated that Apple’s ATT policies are imposed unilaterally and adversely affect the interests of its business partners. The authority described the feature as excessive compared to the data protection aims Apple professes to follow.

While recognizing that Apple might have valid reasons for instituting privacy protections, the AGCM criticized the policies as overly burdensome for developers and disproportionate to the privacy protection intentions.

Additionally, the present execution of ATT mandates that developers seek consent twice for identical purposes, as the ATT prompt fails to satisfy the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) consent stipulations, requiring developers to incorporate additional consent methods.

Apple has expressed its plan to contest the fine. For more information, the complete decision is available on the AGCM’s official site.

### Conclusion

The penalty levied by Italy’s AGCM underscores the persistent conflicts between privacy initiatives and competition in the technology sector. As Apple tackles these issues, the ramifications of the ATT feature and its implementation will remain under careful examination by regulators and developers alike.

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Italian Antitrust Authority Levies Penalty on Apple for Breaching App Tracking Transparency Rules
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Android Central’s Special Review for the End of 2025

Here’s all that Android Central was thrilled about in 2025 and our aspirations for 2026.

The past year has been a whirlwind! Every single company unveiled a plethora of news and products, and Android Central had a remarkable year covering the technology you engage with on a daily basis.

We witnessed significant advancements in the evolution of AI by various companies, and many launched innovative products that could define the future. We took time to reflect on the year and consider our vision for 2026.

This year-end feature is broken down into three sections. For the first time, Android Central’s team opted to issue report cards. We reviewed what we penned at the conclusion of 2024 and pondered: Did companies live up to our expectations for 2025? Were they able to realize some of our forecasts?

We also dedicated time to envision 2026. What are our hopes, what types of launches do we desire, and what do we anticipate from the companies we follow daily? Interestingly, this has evolved into an enjoyable experiment. By the end of 2026, will these companies fulfill our expectations?

Additionally, we wish to express our gratitude to those companies that introduced outstanding products. Our team put considerable effort into voting and narrowing down our selections of winners from the past year into several categories, and we hope you appreciate it.

Congratulations to all the winners! We eagerly anticipate your endeavors next year.

Lastly, thank you to our devoted readers for being the core of Android Central. Your trust, passion, and involvement drive everything we do. We are profoundly thankful for your ongoing support and for incorporating our content in your daily life.

Cheers to another thrilling year of exploration, learning, and growing together in the realm of Android and beyond!

Enjoy your reading, happy holidays, and a joyful New Year! Stay safe and find happiness!

– Shruti Shekar, Editor-in-Chief

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Android Central's Special Review for the End of 2025
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Google Pixel Cameras Encounter Problems After Android 16 QPR3 Beta Update

**Another Camera Jitter Problem Has Surfaced for One of Google’s Previous Generation Phones**

In the most recent update from Google’s Android 16 beta testing, Pixel 8 Pro users are facing a new camera dilemma. Users have reported a trembling, unsteady camera issue occurring at 1x and 2x zoom levels, predominantly impacting the 50MP lens. This issue has been widely noted on platforms such as Reddit, following the release of Google’s Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1, which introduced features like an “At a Glance” toggle in Quick Settings.

The problem presents itself as a focusing difficulty, where the camera initially operates normally but turns blurry and unfocused when switched to 50MP mode. Users have provided video proof of this issue, mentioning that it was not present prior to the update. The issue is limited to the 50MP lens, with some users experiencing temporary relief by switching to the 12MP lens or manually focusing, although these are not optimal fixes.

Google is aware of the situation, as indicated in their IssueTracker, but a swift solution may be delayed due to the holiday season. This is not the first occasion Pixel phones have encountered camera troubles; Pixel 10 Pro users previously noted a jittery camera during video recording because of EIS (electronic image stabilization) issues.

While Google’s Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduced some improvements, such as a new Quick Settings slider, the camera problems remain a major concern for affected users. As the community waits for a fix, attention stays on Google’s response to these ongoing camera issues.

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Google Pixel Cameras Encounter Problems After Android 16 QPR3 Beta Update
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Tim Cook’s Major Product Initiative Anticipated to Unfold Next Year

### Apple Glasses: A Crucial Milestone for Tim Cook’s Vision of AR Wearables

In the coming year, Apple plans to introduce a remarkable array of more than 20 new products, with the much-awaited Apple Glasses, potentially branded as ‘Apple Vision,’ taking the spotlight. Anticipated for reveal in late 2026, these glasses are seen as a pivotal step towards Tim Cook’s enduring aspiration of crafting genuine augmented reality (AR) wearables.

As per insights from Bloomberg, although the Apple Glasses might not launch until 2027, Apple frequently previews products in new categories several months prior to their official launch. This strategy was previously observed with the Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro, offering consumers a sneak peek into what the future technology holds.

When the Apple Glasses are finally revealed, they will shed light on a device deemed critically important to CEO Tim Cook. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has noted Cook’s steadfast dedication to creating lightweight AR glasses designed for all-day wear, projecting data and visuals onto the physical environment. This goal has emerged as a major focus for Cook, who aims to spearhead the AR technology sector ahead of competitors like Meta.

It’s crucial to understand that the first iteration of the Apple Glasses will not provide full AR functionalities. Instead, it will emphasize integration with Siri, AI features, and function as a companion to the iPhone, akin to how the Apple Watch is utilized today. Nevertheless, this initial offering will establish the groundwork for future models set to integrate authentic augmented reality capabilities.

The Apple Vision Pro has already paved the way for Apple’s vision of AR software, referred to as “spatial computing.” Despite not achieving noteworthy sales success, visionOS has showcased impressive functionalities and advantages. The introduction of the Apple Glasses will clarify both the software and hardware designs for forthcoming AR eyewear.

As Apple refines the initial Glasses design, it will create a basis for the ultimate AR version. While the timeline for the technology associated with true AR glasses remains unclear, the anticipated advancements by the end of next year will provide significant insights into Tim Cook’s most prioritized product.

In summation, the excitement around the Apple Glasses underscores the company’s dedication to pioneering innovation in augmented reality. As consumers eagerly await the formal announcement, enthusiasm grows for what might become a groundbreaking product in the field of wearable technology.

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Tim Cook's Major Product Initiative Anticipated to Unfold Next Year
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Utilizing Apple CarPlay for Monitoring Your Vehicle: Essential Information You Should Have

not certain about what CarPlay accomplishes, it essentially provides an iOS experience while driving without needing to physically engage with your iPhone. Among various features, Apple CarPlay offers multiple free applications users swear by during their journeys, but vehicle tracking is not included.

There isn’t a definite method to track your vehicle via CarPlay, as this feature is not available. While CarPlay connects to your infotainment system, it merely mirrors your iPhone, which means it detaches from the vehicle when you do. Although Apple CarPlay cannot monitor your car once you’ve left it, there are some alternative solutions, one of which necessitates an additional Apple device and another that only assists in particular circumstances.

A straightforward starting point is to verify if your vehicle comes equipped with integrated GPS. This has become increasingly typical in newer cars and is often paired with location tracking functionality. Unfortunately, a subscription may be required to utilize these features, but this largely hinges on the manufacturer.

Apple AirTags provide a vehicle tracking alternative

<img class="gallery-image " src="https://allyoucantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/utilizing-apple-carplay-for-monitoring-your-vehicle-essential-information-you-should-have-1.jpg"

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Utilizing Apple CarPlay for Monitoring Your Vehicle: Essential Information You Should Have
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Google Delays Substitution of Google Assistant with Gemini on Devices

transition from Google Assistant to Gemini. The change is no longer on the immediate horizon, based on a recent Google update regarding the plans. Instead, Google has extended the timeline to next year. “Earlier this year, we communicated our intention to enhance the Assistant experience to Gemini on most mobile devices by the conclusion of 2025,” Google stated in a support document. “We are revising our previously declared timeline to ensure a smooth transition, and will persist in our efforts to upgrade Assistant users to Gemini on mobile devices into 2026.” Google indicated that further details regarding its plans will be disclosed in the forthcoming year.

Google’s aim to substitute Google Assistant with Gemini is not surprising. Google has been working to evolve Gemini into the logical successor for Google Assistant for several years. The voice assistant debuted nearly ten years ago, during the pre-generative-AI technology era. Gemini has swiftly surpassed it, as the AI chatbot demonstrates superior understanding of natural language compared to Google Assistant, and its generative abilities far outshine those of Google Assistant.

Nonetheless, the transition process has been anything but effortless, as users have pointed out Gemini’s limitations in managing routine tasks that Google Assistant executed reliably, such as setting alarms or handling home routines. Additionally, Google’s Gemini-associated data collection practices were perceived as problematic, although Google updated the Gemini privacy policy to enable users to make phone calls and send messages via Gemini while opting out of using these interactions for training future versions of Gemini.

You can still revert to Google Assistant

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit

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2025: A Year of Peaks and Valleys in Consumer Audio Technology

Successes, failures, and HiFi. 2025 was simultaneously amazing and disappointing!

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
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2025: A Year of Peaks and Valleys in Consumer Audio Technology
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The Year 2025: Significant Progress for Google and Samsung within the Android Ecosystem

A Year of Achievements, Challenges, and Evolving Focus: The Year That Transformed the Android Environment

2025 represented a pivotal year for the Android ecosystem, featuring substantial advancements from its two leading entities, Google and Samsung. This year was defined by a sequence of tactical achievements, notable challenges, and a realignment of focus that together transformed the Android environment.

Google’s Tactical Transformation: Adopting AI

Google’s trajectory in 2025 was highlighted by a tactical shift toward artificial intelligence (AI). The company prioritized a deeper integration of AI within its ecosystem, resulting in major advancements with its Gemini initiative. This year, Google concentrated less on hardware and more on software and AI, laying the groundwork for sustained success. The Pixel 10 series, dubbed as “prepared for the Gemini age,” exhibited Google’s dedication to AI, featuring robust on-device AI processing abilities. Innovations like Magic Cue and AI-crafted writing prompts showcased Google’s creative strategy to enhance user experience with AI.

Samsung’s Comeback: A Year of Breakthroughs

Samsung experienced an exceptional year, characterized by a succession of successful product introductions and tactical choices. The company commenced powerfully with the S25 series and sustained its momentum with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the groundbreaking Galaxy TriFold. Samsung’s emphasis on hardware advancements, coupled with a solid partnership with Google, proved to be an effective strategy. The introduction of the Galaxy XR, a formidable contender against Apple’s Vision Pro, underscored Samsung’s capacity to compete successfully in the marketplace.

Evolving Focus and Market Changes

Both Google and Samsung showcased a sharp awareness of evolving market dynamics. Google’s focus on AI signifies a wider industry trend towards intelligent, context-sensitive devices. On the other hand, Samsung’s concentration on hardware advancements and strategic rivalry with Apple highlights its determination to uphold its leadership within the Android ecosystem.

Final Thoughts: A Year of Change

2025 was a crucial year for the Android ecosystem, with Google and Samsung spearheading the efforts to reshape the landscape. As both corporations persist in innovating and adjusting to shifting market conditions, the future of Android appears optimistic, with AI and hardware innovation leading this change.

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The Year 2025: Significant Progress for Google and Samsung within the Android Ecosystem
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Ongoing Promotions: Level Lock+ Matter Apple Home Key Lock, 2025 Orange Alpine Loop, M4 Pro MacBook Pro Savings Up to $700, and Additional Offers

### Ongoing Promotions on Apple Products: An In-Depth Look

With the holiday season on the horizon, notable price cuts on Apple products have surfaced, making it an ideal moment for shoppers to think about upgrading their devices or buying gifts. This article showcases some of the top offers currently accessible, such as the M4 MacBook Air, AirPods Pro 3, and various accessories.

#### M4 MacBook Air Offers

Amazon has brought back its Black Friday pricing for the M4 MacBook Air series, presenting a **$250 discount** on all models. This includes configurations in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes and a variety of colors. The M4 MacBook Air is celebrated for its elegant design, robust performance, and remarkable battery longevity, rendering it a favored selection among students and professionals.

#### AirPods Pro 3 Discount

Alongside the MacBook offers, the **AirPods Pro 3** are on sale for **$199** on Amazon. These wireless earbuds boast active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and a snug fit, making them a perfect gift for music enthusiasts or anyone who regularly uses their devices for calls and media.

#### Level Lock+ (Matter) Smart Lock

One of the standout offers is the **Level Lock+ (Matter) Smart Lock** with Apple Home Key, currently available for **$249**, reduced from $329. This smart lock integrates flawlessly with Apple HomeKit, allowing users to secure and access their doors using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The installation is simple, needing just a screwdriver, and it accommodates most standard American doors.

#### Apple Watch Ultra Bands

For those interested in enhancing their Apple Watch, there are new low prices on two variants of the **Apple Watch Ultra bands**: the orange Alpine Loop and the black Trail Loop. These bands are crafted for resilience and comfort, making them perfect for a variety of activities.

#### Refurbished 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro

For users in search of a more high-powered device, a refurbished **16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro** is now **$700 off**, bringing the total to **$1,799**. This model boasts 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, delivering substantial capability for demanding tasks. Even though it is a refurbished unit, it provides considerable savings compared to the new model, which is priced around $2,499.

#### Apple USB-C Magic Mouse

Finally, the **Apple USB-C Magic Mouse** is priced at **$68**, reflecting a 15% discount. This mouse is recognized for its streamlined design and multi-touch surface, allowing users to execute gestures and navigate smoothly. Despite varying opinions on its ergonomics, it continues to be a sought-after choice among Mac users.

### Summary

With these notable discounts across a range of Apple products, now represents a timely opportunity to seize the holiday sales. Whether you are looking for a new laptop, smart home gadget, or accessories, these offers deliver excellent value and elevate the overall Apple experience.

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Ongoing Promotions: Level Lock+ Matter Apple Home Key Lock, 2025 Orange Alpine Loop, M4 Pro MacBook Pro Savings Up to $700, and Additional Offers
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