Cherry Picker is crowdfunding for the development of their cyberpunk puzzle game sequel, D1AL-ogue+, to address soundtrack and localization issues from the original game.
Google is redesigning its app icons to adopt a more vibrant and gradient-centric aesthetic, moving away from its traditional minimalist style. Key changes include:
- Gmail will retain its 'M' envelope shape but will feature a predominantly red hue with accents of yellow, green, and blue.
- Google Drive will eliminate red and introduce a rounded triangle filled with green, yellow, and blue.
- Google Docs will keep its vertical paper motif.
- Google Sheets and Slides will transition to a landscape orientation.
- Google Calendar will replace its four-color container with a blue-centric flip-style icon.
- Google Meet will adopt a bold yellow hue.
- Google Chat will feature a new green, pill-shaped bubble.
- Google Keep will highlight a light bulb icon without a background page.
- Google Tasks will maintain a prominent checkmark within a button-like shape.
- Google Voice will have a more rounded phone icon, keeping its light green color.
These updates have not yet been rolled out, and no server-side updates or beta versions are currently available.
Most Android launchers focus on functionality, with options like Microsoft Launcher for productivity and Senior Home for a decluttered interface. The author struggles with organization, preferring a chaotic arrangement of apps and files. They decided to transform their Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra into a Windows 95 homage, inspired by nostalgia for the operating system. The community on the r/windows95 subreddit celebrates this legacy. To achieve the transformation, the author used Launcher95, which offers a free and paid version. The app provides a home screen reminiscent of Windows 95, featuring a Start button, alphabetical app listing, and customization options. While initially a novelty, the author found useful features like quick links to webpages. Launcher95 may not suit everyone, especially those with many apps, but it offers a unique charm and can promote a simpler digital experience when used minimally.
Google is redesigning the icons for its Workspace applications, including Gmail, Drive, and Calendar, adopting a gradient style and moving away from the strict use of all four Google brand colors. The new icons feature more focused color themes, with notable changes in Calendar, which is shifting to a blue-dominant palette, and Gmail, which will maintain its 'M' envelope shape but with a vibrant gradient. Google Meet is also being visually revamped with a brighter yellow theme. The new icons have not yet started rolling out to users.
Google's Pixel Weather app was launched with the Pixel 9 series in 2024 and is known for its clean interface and robust pollen tracking. However, the author has shifted their preference to Gradient Weather, an Android weather app that aggregates data from multiple sources for improved accuracy. Gradient Weather features an intuitive bar graph for hourly forecasts, user-friendly color-coded alerts, and additional functionalities like a sunrise and sunset widget, moon phases, and a compass. Its map functionality includes filters for various weather conditions and allows users to report real-time weather phenomena. The app offers extensive notification customization and aesthetic options, including theme modifications and widget arrangements. While Pixel Weather has advantages such as a pollen tracker, Gradient Weather's premium features and rapid development make it a compelling choice for Android users.
Android's built-in Linux Terminal app is set to receive an upgrade with new options for adjusting image quality and performance, particularly beneficial for users in desktop mode. The latest Android 17 QPR1 beta 1 introduces a setting to adjust the Terminal's resolution, offering three choices: Full (prioritizes visual quality), Half (balances performance and visibility), and Quarter (maximizes performance at the cost of visual fidelity). Users can access these options through Settings > Advanced. The update also includes a full-screen button to hide navigation and status bars, and a redesigned toolbar in a pill-shaped floating bar at the bottom of the screen. Additionally, a feature to limit memory usage is being tested for future stable rollout in Android 17.
The user expanded their Samsung ecosystem with a Galaxy Book 4 Edge and tested the Galaxy Connect application, which includes four features: Continue on other devices, Storage Share, Multi Control, and Second Screen. Multi Control allows users to connect their Samsung phone or tablet as a secondary display, enabling seamless control of the mobile device from the primary display. The Second Screen feature lets users utilize a Galaxy tablet as a wireless display for their Windows computer, reducing lag by connecting directly. Storage Share provides access to files on Samsung devices from the PC's File Explorer, and the Continue on other devices feature syncs the clipboard for easier two-factor authentication. Users with ARM-based PCs may face limitations, and some without Intel network adapters have reported issues with Galaxy Connect's functionality.
Shizuku is an open-source tool that connects elevated Android functionalities with third-party applications, enabling access to previously restricted features.
Canta allows users to uninstall any app, including bloatware and system applications, on devices like Samsung, providing guidance on safe uninstallation.
ColorBlendr enhances control over Android's color-picking system, allowing users to select colors from wallpapers and standard palettes.
Essentials is a toolkit for Pixel and other Android devices that unlocks hidden settings for granular adjustments and includes tools like a real-time distance calculator.
Smartspacer extends the At A Glance widget's functionality beyond Pixel devices, integrating information from various sources.
ShizuWall is a firewall that prevents selected apps from accessing the internet without needing a VPN or Private DNS.
aShell You allows users to run ADB commands directly on their device, featuring a list of commands and bookmark support.
Install With Options streamlines APK installation with modifications like bypassing SDK limits and downgrading apps.
Adaptive Theme automatically switches between Dark and Light modes based on ambient light levels.
SD Maid SE is a storage-cleanup tool that identifies and removes unnecessary files, with enhanced capabilities when used with Shizuku.
Shappky enables users to terminate any running app, including system apps, with a simple tap.
Android hackers are targeting over 800 applications in banking, cryptocurrency, and social media sectors, utilizing four active malware families: RecruitRat, SaferRat, Astrinox, and Massiv. These malware employ advanced techniques to evade detection and execute credential theft, unauthorized financial transactions, and data exfiltration. Attackers lure victims through phishing websites, fraudulent job offers, fake software updates, text-message scams, and promotional lures. Once installed, the malware can request Accessibility permissions, obscure app icons, obstruct uninstallation, and steal sensitive information through counterfeit lock screens. They can also capture one-time passcodes, stream device screens, and overlay fake login pages on legitimate applications. The malware uses HTTPS and WebSocket communications to blend malicious traffic with normal activity and may incorporate encryption layers to avoid detection.
The highlighted Android app price drops include Black Border 3 for , Lia: Hacking Destiny for .50, Outliver: Tribulation for , Ash of Gods: Redemption for .50, and more.
