anticipation Archives

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Minecraft 2 Is Better Than the Original in 1 Specific Way, According to Jason Momoa (& There’s A Big Filming Update)

A Minecraft Movie 2 is in production, following the success of its predecessor, which was the highest-grossing film of 2025 with a domestic box office of 4 million. The film grossed 8.2 million globally, ranking fifth behind titles like Ne Zha 2 and Zootopia 2. Director Jared Hess returns, along with original cast members Jason Momoa and Jack Black. Momoa expressed excitement about the new script, stating it made him laugh out loud. The sequel will feature Steve and Alex as distinct characters, with Jack Black reprising his role as Steve. The casting for Alex is still unannounced. The first film's post-credit scene hinted at further adventures involving a mysterious chest, possibly an Ender Chest, which could lead to the End dimension and the Ender Dragon.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Voice search in the Google app is leaning hard into the Gemini aesthetic

The Google app is receiving a visual update to its voice search interface, featuring a new microphone icon and the text "Ask anything," replacing the previous cartoon face and "Listening..." prompt. This update introduces a design with softly glowing colors and an elegant horizon-shaped animation, replacing the traditional four-dot animation. The song search feature has also been enhanced, with a streamlined prompt now reading "Play/Sing/Hum." Users can access the updated interface through microphone icons in the app and home screen widgets. The update is being rolled out to users on version 17.1 and beta version 17.2 of the Google app.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Google App Revamps Voice Search Feature on Android

Google has redesigned its voice search feature for Android devices to improve accessibility and user experience. Key features include a modernized design with a centered gradient ‘G’, a back button with a three-dot overflow menu for voice settings, options for language and voice selection, and an updated dark theme. The new interface replaces the previous four-dot waveform design with a prompt stating “Listening…” and a friendly face illustration, along with a vibrant four-color arc beneath the transcribed query. Enhancements include a larger “Search a song” button that leads to a dedicated song search interface, encouraging users to “Play, Sing, Hum,” and a shortcut to Song Search history. The update is being gradually rolled out with version 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta) of the Google app on Android devices, but is not yet widely accessible. There is anticipation for a potential upgrade to the text search interface to align with the new voice search features.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Google app finally redesigns voice search on Android

Google is redesigning its voice search feature on Android to improve user experience. The update can be accessed via the homescreen widget or any Google Search bar within the app. When a query is initiated, users see a standard results page while receiving an audible response. The new design includes a centered ‘G’ gradient, a back button, and a three-dot overflow menu for Voice settings. Users can customize language options, toggle spoken results, and select from various voices: Cosmo, Neso, Terra, or Cassini. The dark theme has been updated for better visual appeal. The interface shows a “Listening…” prompt with a face illustration and displays the transcribed query above a four-color arc. A larger “Search a song” button leads to a dedicated song search interface, inviting users to “Play, Sing, Hum.” A shortcut to Song Search history is also available. The rollout is ongoing with versions 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta) of the Google app on Android, but it is not yet widely available.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

It’s looking likely Escape From Tarkov lead’s mysterious sci-fi project is a space FPS, and a reveal could be very soon

Escape From Tarkov has launched its full 1.0 version, while director Nikita Buyanov is developing a new project called Cor3, which has been teased through a dedicated website. The project is speculated to be a new space sci-fi FPS game, with recent insights revealing screenshots of space debris and a planet with fires, alongside missile schematics and gameplay elements reminiscent of Escape From Tarkov. An "intel report" mentions a stable location labeled B4, and a countdown timer on a separate website is set to end on February 1, coinciding with an expected official announcement about Cor3. The project may involve various gameplay dynamics, including extraction shooter elements, narrative exploration, and potential cryptocurrency aspects, although the exact nature remains unclear.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Here’s how Google’s getting ready for Android’s upcoming sideloading restrictions

Starting in 2026, Google will require developers to register when releasing apps intended for sideloading on Android. Recent updates to Google Play (version 49.7.20-29) include references to verified installations and options to install without verification. Users will see cautionary messages about the risks of installing apps from unverified developers, indicating that an internet connection may be necessary for developer verification. If connectivity is lacking, users will be informed that the app developer cannot be verified, but they may still proceed with installation. Google's rollout plan for this new system includes Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with an anticipated start date in September of this year.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Cutesy Stardew-like life sim with millions of players just hit Steam, but the PC version is a letdown and it’s awful news for Steam Deck

Heartopia, a life simulation game, has gained over five million players on mobile but has struggled to resonate with the Steam audience after its PC release. The game launched on Steam with vague announcements about its availability and received nearly 1,000 reviews shortly after, though feedback has been mixed. Players feel the PC version seems like an afterthought, with issues related to control schemes and the absence of controller support. The development team is engaging with the community but has provided generic responses regarding improvements. Despite these challenges, 69% of Steam reviews are positive, with players appreciating the game's charm, although frustrations about camera controls persist. Heartopia is available for free on Steam.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Diablo 4 and PoE 2’s fastest competitor drops a new update at the perfect time, earning its most players ever

Torchlight Infinite has gained attention in the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre with its latest season, Vorax, which introduces features such as custom monster cultivation for arena battles, a 'grafting' system for unique gear creation, and a new hero variant, Vendetta Erika, who operates as an agile assassin. The update also includes new spellcasting mechanics and endgame bosses, alongside a comprehensive UI overhaul aimed at improving aesthetics and readability. On January 17, the game achieved a peak concurrent player count of 23,715 on Steam, surpassing its previous launch high, with an additional 7,600 players on the Chinese client.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Fortnite x Minecraft Crossover Reportedly in Early Development

A collaboration between Fortnite and Minecraft is reportedly in development, with leaker AdiraFNInfo expressing a 90% confidence level in the crossover. The launch may not occur for many months, potentially aligning with the end of Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1 in March, and could take up to 10 months. Specific details about skins or items are not yet available, but there is speculation about voxel-inspired cosmetics.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

The sequel to isometric mech sim Brigador gives off serious Syndicate vibes in its latest footage, and you can play its alpha version right now

Brigador is celebrating its tenth anniversary, having undergone significant transformations since its initial release. The developers at Stellar Jockeys improved the original game, leading to a better reception on Steam. The sequel, Brigador Killers, is in development and features gameplay that diverges from the original, blending elements of Syndicate and the original Grand Theft Auto. Players assume the role of a character aiming to take down wealthy figures contributing to societal decay, with gameplay allowing exploration on foot and various mission types from a homebase called the Garage. The game emphasizes strategy and stealth, with players able to use a range of vehicles, though mechs have not yet been showcased in gameplay footage. There is currently no official release date for Brigador Killers on Steam, but an in-development version is available for purchase on Itch.