app launcher Archives

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

Why were Motorola phones hijacking the Amazon app? Here’s what the company says.

Motorola phones experienced an issue where launching the Amazon shopping app caused a browser window to briefly open with a dubious URL before redirecting to an Amazon affiliate link. This behavior was linked to the preloaded Smart Feed app, which was sending requests to devicenative.com, associated with Motorola’s advertising. Motorola confirmed that this behavior was unintended and has since corrected the routing configuration, ensuring that apps now launch directly as intended. The company emphasized its commitment to user experience, privacy, and platform integrity.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Google’s new gradient icons for Gmail, Calendar, Drive and more are finally rolling out

Google has started rolling out new gradient icons for its Workspace applications, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, and others. These icons feature a more fluid and colorful gradient aesthetic, moving away from the traditional four-color scheme. The new designs are visible in Google's web app launcher, but older versions will still appear in the applications for now. The redesign marks a significant shift towards gradients and blended colors, with the Google Drive icon showcasing shades of green, yellow, and blue, and the Google Calendar icon returning to a predominantly blue design. Gmail's logo retains its envelope shape but now includes gradients, while the Google Meet icon has adopted a yellow-centric gradient style. Keep and Tasks icons have also been simplified for a softer look. The new icons are expected to roll out more broadly during Google I/O week or shortly thereafter.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Microsoft lets PC users add third-party games and apps to the Xbox App

Xbox's forthcoming Project Helix console is expected to support both console and PC games, featuring an "Xbox Mode" interface that transitions to a full Windows environment. A new enhancement allows users to incorporate third-party games and applications into the Xbox PC app launcher. A preview version of the Xbox app includes a plus icon in the My Library tab, enabling users to add programs to their Xbox library. Users can browse through File Explorer to select ".exe" and ".cmd" files for inclusion. Added applications appear as unofficial "games" in the My Library section, with options to play, remove, or edit them, including modifying file locations and artwork. The official launch of the console is not expected until at least late 2027.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Windows 11 Just Fixed One Of Its Biggest Problems

Linux installations are increasing as Windows 10 approaches its expiration date, driven by user dissatisfaction with Microsoft's focus on artificial intelligence and disruptive updates. The Start Menu, a key feature since Windows 95, has faced criticism due to redesigns that complicate user experience. A recent update to Windows 11 has introduced a redesigned Start Menu that allows greater customization, features a wider layout, and enables users to disable the Recommended section. However, issues remain, such as irrelevant search results, loss of access to recently accessed files when disabling recommendations, inability to resize the Start Menu, and absence of categorization for pinned items.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Android app launcher Nova Launcher is back

Nova Launcher has been acquired by a Swedish company named Instabridge, which aims to maintain and improve the app while preserving its core identity. Instabridge has committed to keeping Nova stable, compatible with modern Android, and actively maintained. They plan to explore sustainable business models, including potential ad-based options for the free version, while ensuring that Nova Prime remains ad-free. Existing Prime users will continue to have access to their features, and the price of Nova Prime has been set to .99. Instabridge is also evaluating the possibility of making Nova open source and intends to keep data collection minimal and transparent.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

10 free Windows apps that improved my productivity (and I’d easily pay money for)

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users. Notable applications for Windows include: 1. LibreOffice: A free office suite with tools similar to MS Office, offering a modern or classic interface and local data privacy. 2. Flow Launcher: A rapid file search and app launcher that is customizable and visually appealing, available for free. 3. Duplicati: A backup solution that allows data backup to various destinations, including cloud services, with features like scheduling and remote management, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, installable on Windows at no cost. 5. Franz: An application that consolidates multiple messaging services into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: A customizable top bar for Windows that displays system information and provides quick access to controls, enhancing desktop aesthetics and functionality. 7. File Converter: A tool for converting and compressing files directly from the Windows file manager, free to use. 8. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with essential features, free to use with a premium option for advanced features. 9. AutoHotKey: A tool for automating tasks through scripting, available for free installation. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI solution with a user-friendly interface, free to install and use on Windows.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

You NEED These 15 Apps! The Best of Android in November 2025

In November 2025, Android users can enhance their mobile experience with a variety of applications focused on customization, productivity, privacy, and entertainment. Notable apps include: - Customization: - No Volume: A customizable scroll wheel for sound adjustments. - Yumo: Animated pets for the status bar. - Edge Seek: Swipe gestures for brightness and volume control. - Flattery: An Apple Watch-style app launcher for smartwatches. - Toolkit Tiles: Quick access to tools like a compass and flashlight. - Privacy and Security: - Privacy Guard: Manages Google account privacy settings and app permissions. - CS Security: An offline antivirus app with a storage cleaner. - Productivity and Organization: - Paper AI: Scans documents and creates searchable PDFs. - Save it Later: Organizes saved links and articles. - Mark: Automatically deletes screenshots after a set period. - Health and Lifestyle: - Caffeine Clock: Monitors caffeine intake. - Reef: A screen time management app to reduce distractions. - Accessibility and Simplicity: - Senior Home Launcher: A minimalist launcher for easy navigation. - Entertainment and Utility: - Flicky: A TV-optimized app for browsing and sideloading apps from the F-Droid store. - Live Media: Integrates media controls into the status bar.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Google eases U.S. Android app billing and distribution rules

Google is implementing changes to Android app distribution and billing in the U.S. following a federal court injunction related to the Epic Games antitrust case. This allows Android users to see links within apps directing them to external websites, alternative app stores, or merchant purchase pages, enabling various payment methods beyond Google Play Billing, such as credit cards, PayPal, and direct merchant checkouts. Developers can now promote their own stores and route transactions through any payment processor, potentially offering lower prices or promotional offers. This policy shift applies only to U.S. app users, with existing policies remaining in place for other regions. Historically, Play Store fees were as high as 30%, but the new ability to transact outside the Play Store may lead to cost savings for consumers and increased investment in user acquisition and content development by companies. Developers are expected to experiment with pricing strategies, including web-only introductory rates and loyalty discounts. Google must now compete for developer loyalty based on service quality rather than just platform policies. User trust and safety remain priorities for Google, which will continue to enforce measures to deter scams and harmful applications. Developers will need to implement secure transaction flows and recognizable domains to maintain user confidence. Key questions for the future of the U.S. Android app ecosystem include whether consumer prices will decrease, if major brands will adopt external checkout strategies, and how Google will enhance discovery and compliance tools for developers.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Windows XP never really died — it just moved into your pocket

A developer named Gorjan Jovanovski has created a Windows XP launcher for Android devices, available for free download. The launcher replicates a fully functional Windows XP desktop environment, including a Start menu, settings dialogs, and a working version of Internet Explorer. It also features designs reminiscent of Windows 95, 98, ME, and 2000, complete with unique welcome screens, music, and sounds. Key features include customizable desktop icons, a functional Start Menu, gesture controls, classic wallpapers, calendar and weather integration, and a Windows Update feature. Jovanovski has developed retro apps that mimic original counterparts, such as Internet Explorer 6, Winamp, Notepad, Phone Dialer, Registry Editor, and classic games like Minesweeper and Solitaire. Users report a complete experience, with the launcher performing well on devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, sideloading the 72MB launcher poses security risks, requiring users to disable firewalls and grant manual permissions. The launcher is not available on the Google Play Store due to copyright issues, and the code is not hosted on GitHub, raising concerns about security and future updates.

BetaBeacon

October 7, 2025

Android Auto seems to be removing its ‘GameSnacks’ collection

Android Auto has removed the "GameSnacks" collection of games from the app launcher, leading to speculation that Google is phasing out this feature. Users have reported that GameSnacks are disappearing from beta releases starting with Android Auto 15.2, although they are still visible in the launcher settings. The specific Android Auto version causing this change is unclear, making it challenging to determine if it is limited to the beta track. It remains to be seen if this change will extend to stable versions of Android Auto in the future.