app icons Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

This Android TV launcher fixes everything I dislike about the default one

Android-based televisions, including Google TV models from TCL and Sony, often have a cluttered and slow default launcher filled with ads, recommendations, and bloatware, making navigation cumbersome. The Projectivy launcher offers a minimalistic, customizable, and ad-free alternative that enhances speed and flexibility. It allows users to modify their home screen, including app arrangements, icon sizes, and the visibility of categories. Projectivy supports features like tailored recommendations, remote control via smartphones, and custom app icons, although some features require a premium subscription. Overall, Projectivy provides a significantly faster and cleaner interface compared to the stock launcher.

BetaBeacon

March 22, 2026

I turned my old Pixel 7 Pro into a portable emulation handheld, and it actually works

- RetroArch is a popular software for hosting games on various consoles under one roof. - Daijisho's UI paired with RetroArch's power is a match made in emulation heaven. - Older phones, like the Pixel 7 Pro, can still perform well with 2D titles and games up to the GameCube era. - The Pixel 7 Pro may not be as powerful as modern flagship phones for emulation, but it can still breathe new life into older handsets.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7877 (KB5077232) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. Key updates include: - The "Open" option in the context menu for .exe, .bat, or .cmd files now aligns with the icon of the default application. - The Device info Card on the Settings Home page has been refined for easier comprehension, displaying key device specifications prominently. - Enhanced animations for hovering over app groups on the taskbar and improved reliability of app icons in the system tray. - An issue with File Explorer where open windows and tabs might jump to Desktop or Home has been resolved. - Reliability improvements for sending larger files using nearby sharing. - The Paint app has been updated to version 11.2601.391.0, introducing a freeform rotate feature that allows users to rotate shapes, text, and selections to any angle. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7859 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7859 (KB5077223) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing new features and improvements. For Microsoft 365 Family subscribers, there is a new option to upgrade to a different 365 plan on the Accounts page in the Settings app, which can be disabled if a streamlined experience is preferred. Improvements include enhanced reliability for app icons in the system tray when the taskbar is set to autohide, resolution of an issue causing File Explorer windows and tabs to jump unexpectedly, improved reliability for sending larger files via nearby sharing, and increased reliability in configuring options in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Wheel. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and many features are being rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Users can opt to receive features sooner by enabling the toggle in Settings > Windows Update. Some features may not be released beyond the Insider program and may evolve or be removed based on feedback. Localization for some features may still be in development.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Nothing’s Playground lets you build the apps you need without coding — and it’s exactly what I need

Nothing's Playground tool allows users to create simple Android apps using AI without coding expertise. It generates mini apps based on user-defined text prompts in minutes. Currently in beta, it is exclusive to the Nothing Phone 3, with plans for broader availability in the future. Users can create, update, and revert apps, and the current version requests only three permissions: location, calendar, and contacts. A February update will add support for activity recognition, sensor data, and a Weather API, with plans for custom app icons, audio, and fonts. Access to the tool is available through the Nothing Playground website.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Stunning Android 17 Leak: Blur UI Floating Screen Recorder & App Lock

The Android 17 update introduces a system-wide blur UI with a glassy design, enhancing the visual appeal of the notification shade. It features a floating screen recorder with multiple audio input options and touch indicators, allowing for seamless management during recordings. A built-in app lock enhances security through biometric authentication or device passwords, with hidden message previews for locked apps. The update also includes refinements to the notification and quick settings panels. Android 17 is currently in internal builds, expected to launch in 2026, with a preview at the Google I/O event.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Android 17 Leaks Reveal Blur UI, Floating Screen Recorder, App Lock, Privacy Controls & More: Here’s What to Expect?

Google is expected to unveil Android 17, featuring a visually sophisticated update with significant enhancements to the system interface, including widespread blur and transparency effects. The design aims for a translucent, layered aesthetic that allows wallpapers and app icons to subtly show through. A system-wide blur effect will be introduced, affecting elements like the volume bar and power menu, with a semi-transparent appearance that enhances wallpaper visibility. The update will also include a revamped screen recorder with a floating control for easy access to recording options, a built-in app lock feature for enhanced privacy, and a split-panel layout for Quick Settings and notifications. Separate toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data are anticipated, reversing a previous merge. The release date is speculated to be around mid-2026.

Winsage

December 14, 2025

Windows 11 lets you shrink taskbar icons for a cleaner, more compact look — here’s how to enable smaller icons easily

Windows 11 has reintroduced the option to use smaller Taskbar icons, which was absent at the operating system's launch. The feature allows users to enable smaller icons without reducing the height of the Taskbar. To activate smaller icons, users need to open Settings, click on Personalization, navigate to the Taskbar page, and adjust the Taskbar behaviors setting. Options include "Always" for consistently smaller icons, "When taskbar is full" for smaller icons when space allows, or "Never" to keep standard-size icons.

Winsage

December 13, 2025

Windows 11 lets you shrink taskbar icons for a cleaner, more compact look — here’s how to enable smaller icons easily

Windows 11 users can now enable smaller Taskbar icons, a feature that was absent at the operating system's launch. The new implementation allows users to adjust icon size without changing the Taskbar's height. To enable smaller icons, users must open Settings, click on Personalization, navigate to the Taskbar page, and adjust the "Show smaller taskbar buttons" setting to "Always," "When taskbar is full," or "Never."

BetaBeacon

December 3, 2025

Google Pixel Phones Just Got a Game‑Changing Android 16 Update

- Google has introduced new screen customizations for Pixel phones in Android 16 QPR2. - Users can now customize app icons with new shape options on the home screen. - Pixel phone users can place widgets on the lock screen by swiping left, with limited options compared to the home screen. - Other lock screen changes include a new low-light mode for the screen saver and fingerprint scanning on the switched-off display. - Users can now disable or reduce blur effects in background elements, adjust HDR intensity, and schedule expanded dark mode. - The update also adds a more flexible split-screen layout, AI-powered notifications, and strengthened parental controls. - Android 16 QPR2 includes the December security patch to fix vulnerabilities and protect against threats.