Pocket-lint daily - Android apps on Windows, Steam Deck repairs and more

Good morning! By Chris Hall | Wednesday February 16 2022 Good morning! - If you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to [sign up here.]( First big Windows 11 update includes preview of Android apps Microsoft What's happened? Microsoft is releasing its [first big update to Windows 11]( - and it includes a public preview (only in the US) of Android apps on Windows 11. Why does it matter? This latest update actually includes a number of new additions, from redesigned Notepad and Media Player apps to improvements in the taskbar. But the public preview of Android apps on Windows 11 is perhaps most notable because it will allow you to install apps from Amazon's Appstore. What's my take? Apps have been blamed for making or breaking platforms. They were seen as the power behind iOS and the failure of Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Symbian. Android, however, has no problem with apps, so sharing those with Windows is a significant step. It means parity with mobile experiences, it means you're not left with web versions running in a browser, and means some developers can move away from desktop apps. It also results in Windows 11 having potential outside of the traditional desktop space. Supporting Android apps could see Windows making greater inroads to more mobile devices. But this isn't Google Play - it's the Amazon AppStore. So while this is significant, it's unlikely to compete with the app experience on Google's own Chrome OS. Steam Deck replacement parts to be available through iFixit Creative Electron What's happened? Valve has announced that it is partnering with a well-known consumer electronics repair site to offer replacement parts for its upcoming Steam Deck console. Why does it matter? This means that if you somehow break your Steam Deck you'll be able to buy official parts and components from iFixit and repair it yourself. What's my take? There have been growing calls for a right to repair, enabling customers to easily fix their devices without immediately voiding any warranty or foregoing support. It also makes official spare parts readily available. That's, in part, aimed at reducing waste, with people throwing out devices that could easily be repaired, while it also redresses the balance between manufacturer and customer. iFixit is best known for its YouTube videos, tearing down devices so people can see what's inside. It also supplys guides, tools and parts for fixing common electronic devices. This partnership makes perfect sense to me, therefore. It feels like a power to the people move and only adds to what looks like a compelling case for the forthcoming Steam Deck. - [Steam Deck: Everything you need to know]( A MESSAGE FROM SPONSOR Sharp's 2.1 Soundbar with wireless Subwoofer offers the ultimate TV audio combo Sharp The 2.1 HT-SBW202 soundbar with a wireless subwoofer offers one of the most affordable and convenient means of upgrading your TV system into a home theatre experience. [Here's how!]( Sony LinkBuds review: A different kind of earbuds for a new generation Sony What's happened? Since the advent of stable, low latency Bluetooth we've seen multiple form factors when it comes to headphones and, specifically, earbuds. The Sony LinkBuds are exactly that. They are primarily designed to let external noises in; for the wearer to be constantly aware of their surroundings. They are anti-active noise cancelling earbuds, if you like, offering the opposite to others on the market. Our quick verdict An oddity in the earphones world, the LinkBuds are specifically designed to let the outside world in as you listen to music or make a video call. And for that, they are perfectly suited, coming with an open ring driver design that avoids anything actually going into your ear canal. With that in mind, the sound performance is surprisingly good and the comfort is unparalleled. Just don't expect to be able to watch video on your mobile on a packed train. [Read our review.]( In Case You Missed it Carl Pei teases Nothing's [upcoming Android smartphone](. --- A [live-action BioShock film]( adaptation is headed to Netflix --- Amazon's Fire tablets have up to [27% off at the moment]( with the HD 10 costing just $109.99. That was priced at $149.99, with a $40 saving for the 32GB model with ad-support. From The Gear Loop Stanley To put it simply, the best cool boxes do the job of your fridge in the great outdoors. [Read more.]( And finally... Pocket-lint We're big fans of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 - and the latest model on the same platform is the Genesis GV60. We got to see the new model for a studio shoot, to explore this important car for Genesis, with great results. [Check out this hot new electric car from Genesis](. Have you checked out our weekly podcast that comes out every Friday? It's packed with news, interviews, and top things to get. You can subscribe to the Pocket-lint Podcast via [iTunes]( and [Spotify]( or access it on the web via [Acast](. This week, we take a closer look at the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Tab S8 announcements from Unpacked, including first impressions of the devices themselves. [Listen to the new episode today.]( Thanks for reading , if you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to [sign up here.]( [The Trust Project][Why you can trust Pocket-lint]( Copyright © 2022 Pocket-lint, All rights reserved. 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