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I gave my Samsung phone superpowers with a $6 pack of NFC tags
AppWizard
August 8, 2026

I gave my Samsung phone superpowers with a $6 pack of NFC tags

NFC technology enhances daily life by allowing users to automate tasks through NFC tags. These tags are inexpensive, with a pack of ten costing around , and in the U.S., fifty tags can be purchased for just under . Users can create routines on Samsung phones by accessing Settings, selecting Modes and Routines, and scanning NFC tags to trigger automated actions. Practical routines include: - Morning Routine: Scanning an NFC tag turns off an alarm, adjusts phone settings, opens Google Calendar and Google Keep, and allows for news updates. - Work-from-Home Routine: Optimizes phone settings for productivity, including keeping the phone unlocked and using the Pomodoro technique with the Tomato app. - Pre-Outdoor Exercise Routine: Activates location services, adjusts Bluetooth settings, opens a podcast app, and reminds users to take essential items. - Android Auto Routine: Simplifies the connection process between the phone and Android Auto using two NFC tags for connecting and disconnecting. - Cooking Routine: Launches Samsung Food and Google Clock to set timers while cooking. - Bedtime Routine: Launches a white noise app, prompts a review of notes, and adjusts settings for better sleep. These routines illustrate the versatility of NFC tags in streamlining daily activities.
John Romero says id Software once sold empty Doom boxes to Taiwanese pirates so fans there could have legit copies: 'For us, it was distribution'
AppWizard
August 7, 2026

John Romero says id Software once sold empty Doom boxes to Taiwanese pirates so fans there could have legit copies: ‘For us, it was distribution’

Doom was initially distributed through a shareware model, offering the first chapter for free to players. This approach allowed players to experience the game before purchasing the remaining episodes, fostering a unique relationship between developers and players. In the early gaming landscape, distribution was challenging, particularly before the internet, with players often relying on Bulletin Board Systems (BBSes) and facing barriers such as long-distance phone call costs and the need for a modem. Despite these challenges, Doom's popularity led to the rise of resellers selling shareware versions for a fee. id Software, led by John Romero, focused on accessibility over copy protection, believing that players would find ways to copy games regardless of protective measures. This philosophy emphasized community engagement and set a precedent for future innovations in the gaming industry.
29 years later, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night gets its second PC port in 4 weeks thanks to fans of the PS1 version
AppWizard
August 6, 2026

29 years later, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night gets its second PC port in 4 weeks thanks to fans of the PS1 version

PC gamers can now enjoy a native port of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, originally launched on the PlayStation 1, following the release of a recompilation based on the Xbox 360 version. The unofficial port, NocturneRecomp, allowed players to experience the 2007 Xbox 360 version, while SymphonyRecomp, introduced by BlackLabelHQ, offers an alternative. The new recompilation provides the PS1 version natively on PC, featuring widescreen resolutions and a built-in randomizer. The Sega Saturn version included additional content, such as new areas and the playable character Maria Renard, but it remains unclear if this content will be included in the new port. The PC version retains the nostalgic charm of the '90s credits theme.
Big Shooter Sale On GOG Includes Over 400 Cheap PC Games
AppWizard
August 6, 2026

Big Shooter Sale On GOG Includes Over 400 Cheap PC Games

Good Old Games (GOG) has launched the "Shooter Promo" sales event, running until August 15, featuring over 400 PC games focused on classic and contemporary shooters. Iconic titles such as Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, Metro 2033, and Red Faction are available at significantly reduced prices. Highlights of the sale include: - Medal of Honor: Allied Assault War Chest - Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault - FEAR: Platinum - FEAR 2 - BioShock Remastered - BioShock 2 - RoboCop: Rogue City - Far Cry - Far Cry 2 - Stranglehold - Metro 2033 Redux - Metro Last Light - Metro Exodus - Clive Barker’s Undying - Call of Juarez: Gunslinger - Turok - Turok 2 - Sin Gold - Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood - Powerslave Exhumed - Painkiller Black Edition - Warhammer 40k: Fire Warrior - Red Faction - Warhammer 40k: Space Marine GOG promotes a DRM-free model, allowing players to enjoy these titles offline.
Minecraft Is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 Soon With an Upgrade Path for Switch 1 Owners
AppWizard
August 6, 2026

Minecraft Is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 Soon With an Upgrade Path for Switch 1 Owners

Minecraft will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27th, featuring enhanced visuals and performance. The game will include a default Vibrant Visuals graphics option for improved lighting and graphical fidelity. The Super Mario Mash-Up will also receive visual upgrades. An upgrade path for existing Minecraft players on the original Nintendo Switch will be available, though details on whether it will be complimentary are unclear. A major update introducing a new biome is expected later this year.
The AI dictation app everyone is talking about just got a powerful new Notetaker
AppWizard
August 5, 2026

The AI dictation app everyone is talking about just got a powerful new Notetaker

Wispr Flow has launched the AI-powered Notetaker, which automatically captures conversations, identifies speakers by name, and generates organized summaries with actionable items. It emphasizes accuracy and contextual understanding over simple transcription. Notetaker allows personalized identification of speakers, enables users to search through meeting histories and related information, and includes a “What did I miss?” feature for quick catch-ups. After meetings, it compiles structured summaries highlighting key decisions and next steps. It serves as a research tool for reviewing past conversations and gathering insights about participants. Notetaker integrates with platforms like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Slack Huddles, and works with AI tools supporting the Model Context Protocol. A one-click migration feature is available for users transitioning from Granola, but it is currently only accessible on Mac, with no mobile support yet.
This Android launcher made my home screen fun again - and I'm using the free version
AppWizard
August 5, 2026

This Android launcher made my home screen fun again – and I’m using the free version

Mango Launcher is a home screen launcher for Android that is described as "minimal and fast," featuring playful physics effects that animate app icons. The free version includes premade themes, dynamic physics effects, a favorite apps section, three app list layouts, folders, frosted glass effects, accent color options, icon customizations, font selection, notification badges, and extensive customization options. The Pro version, available for .99 per year or a one-time fee of .99, adds widgets, custom themes, auto-changing wallpapers, custom gestures, scribble functionality, voice commands, and digital well-being tools. Users can modify the app drawer layout and customize the notification shade, although the latter remains unchanged by the launcher’s themes.
Private Internet Access now lets you ditch Google as it brings its VPN app to F-Droid
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

Private Internet Access now lets you ditch Google as it brings its VPN app to F-Droid

Private Internet Access (PIA) has launched its VPN application for Android on F-Droid, a platform known for privacy and open-source software. This allows users to download the VPN without sideloading, simplifying the installation process and reinforcing PIA's commitment to transparency. The F-Droid platform provides a catalog of free and open-source Android applications, ensuring that apps are compiled from public source code by volunteers, which helps eliminate concerns about tampering. The introduction of PIA's app on F-Droid allows users to install the VPN easily while prioritizing their privacy. F-Droid operates under a model emphasizing user trust and community engagement, with strict privacy policies in place. This collaboration enhances PIA's accessibility and solidifies its position in the open-source VPN market.
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