articles Archives

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Spotify announces new messenger feature

Spotify has introduced a new Messenger feature that allows users to share content and communicate with friends directly within the app. This feature is available to Free and Premium users aged 16 and older on mobile devices. Users can still share content on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and TikTok. Spotify plans to further refine and expand this feature in the coming months.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Xbox Cloud Gaming and Some PC Titles Coming to Game Pass Core and Standard

Microsoft has announced that Xbox Insiders subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Core or Standard can now access Xbox Cloud Gaming and select PC titles. This allows subscribers to stream cloud-compatible games from various devices. Users can sign in to Xbox Cloud Gaming on supported devices and browse their game catalog. Additionally, Microsoft is expanding the PC game offerings through Xbox Game Pass, enabling access to PC versions of select titles. Xbox Insiders can view available titles by signing in and selecting the Game Pass tab. Those interested in joining the Xbox Insider Program can download the Xbox Insider Hub for their devices. Microsoft encourages feedback from the Insider community to improve Xbox services.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

This week in PC games: a MGS3 remake, new Blumhouse horror and some freshly peeled spaceships

The Maw has consumed another Monday, and a recent article about a "bank holiday" was a public relations strategy to prevent a stock market downturn. Mark has been on a theoretical holiday since last Wednesday but is actually marooned in the Cretaceous period. James is in a state of limbo, neither at Gamescom nor back at his desk. New PC game releases include: 1. NG Y' STOOD L' SAND OT GN'TH: A cosmic horror experience. 2. Pizza Bandit: A shooter combining culinary creativity with alien defense. 3. Watertight: A free horror adventure set in a troubled submarine exploring the Titanic wreck. 4. good: A minigame collection about a teenager avoiding education. 5. The Supper: New Blood: A point-and-click adventure with a dinner party theme. 6. Pixel Starships 2: An MMO for designing and managing spaceships. 7. Eyes Of Hellfire: A haunted house experience published by Blumhouse. 8. Neon Village: A hybrid game blending match-3, town-building, and roguelike elements. 9. Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance: A revival of a classic Sega side-scroller. The author plans to work on an interview-driven feature and a piece on liminality, while James is expected to handle impressions articles and interviews. Mark may return to regular updates and a review if he escapes his situation.

Winsage

August 25, 2025

Windows 10’s latest update adds big nag screens for Windows 11 for some people

Users of Windows 10 must decide whether to extend support, switch to an alternative operating system, or upgrade to Windows 11, as support for Windows 10 ends on October 14th. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 through a full-screen prompt introduced in the August update, which continues to appear even if users choose to stay on Windows 10. The company aims to create urgency for upgrading as the deadline approaches.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Microsoft Tests Android App Resume Feature on Windows 11 with Spotify

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that allows users to resume Android applications on their PCs, starting with Spotify. This feature is available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels and requires linking Android devices to PCs. When a song plays on the Spotify mobile app, a notification appears on Windows 11 prompting users to "Resume from your phone" with an option to "Continue on this PC." This feature resembles Apple's Handoff and may expand to include more activities in the future.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

7 Open Source Android Apps Every User NEEDS

Open source Android applications prioritize transparency, privacy, and functionality, distinguishing themselves from mainstream apps by offering user control, lightweight performance, and an ad-free experience. Seven essential open source apps are highlighted: 1. Permission Summary: Provides a categorized overview of app permissions, focusing on third-party applications, and operates offline to enhance privacy. 2. Lock Lock: An app locker with anti-uninstall and brute force protection, functioning offline to secure sensitive data. 3. AppLock: Combines biometric authentication and PIN protection with real-time background protection for locked apps. 4. Orientation Lock: Allows users to lock their screen orientation to a preferred mode, featuring a minimalist design and ad-free interface. 5. Yet Another Habit Tracker: Aids users in building habits with features like heat maps and customizable colors to maintain motivation. 6. Create: An offline music player that supports playlist management and customizable themes, focusing on user privacy. 7. Record Equalizer: Offers real-time audio processing tools for recording and sound manipulation, suitable for both casual users and professionals. These applications provide efficient alternatives to traditional apps while enhancing user privacy and control.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Windows Copilot Vision: Can this AI app actually help you?

Copilot Vision is a built-in feature within the Windows ecosystem that can "see" what users are doing on their screens and provide tailored assistance. It offers real-time support and guidance, particularly in complex applications like Adobe Photoshop, by highlighting specific elements for users to interact with. However, its performance can be inconsistent, sometimes struggling to accurately interpret screen content. Unlike Windows Recall, Copilot Vision requires manual activation and can be directed to focus on specific applications. Users can deactivate it after completing their tasks for privacy control.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows Is Broken—Emergency Update On Way

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting the Reset and Recovery operations on Windows 11 23H2/22H2 and Windows 10, advising users against utilizing these features after the installation of update KB5063875, which may result in failure during reset or recovery attempts. An out-of-band update is expected to be released soon, potentially as early as August 19. Windows 11 24H2 is not affected, but many Windows 10 users are concerned as they await the emergency update. Additionally, another August update has been reported to corrupt PC SSDs when writing large files. Users are advised to refrain from using the Reset & Recovery features until the issue is resolved, as there are no warnings from Windows about the malfunction.

BetaBeacon

August 15, 2025

What Do the Epic Games’ Lawsuits Against Apple and Google Say About the DOJ’s Apple Case?

Epic Games filed lawsuits against Apple and Google in 2020 for restricting users' access to Epic's offerings through third-party app stores. The Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of Epic against Google, finding antitrust violations, while Epic lost the federal antitrust case against Apple. The Department of Justice also filed a lawsuit against Apple under Section 2 of the Sherman Act for monopolization. Apple's closed system was found to be successful, while Google's open-source system faced legal challenges. The court in the Google Play case issued remedies targeting exclusivity, which could lead to better user experiences and lower prices.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

My Google Keep notes were a mess — here’s how I got them under control

A user reflected on their experience with Google Keep, noting challenges in managing a growing collection of notes despite attempts at color-coding and pinning. They committed to better organization through labels and deleting outdated notes. In a poll, users shared their strategies for maintaining order: 16% delete and archive old notes, 19% color-code notes, 13% pin important notes, 14% use labels, 22% use another app for complex notes, and 16% use all of the above. Organizing notes into categories with labels has been beneficial, allowing users to filter and reduce clutter. Users expressed a desire for enhanced organizational features, like folders. A user recognized a tendency to hoard unnecessary information and conducted a cleanup, deleting irrelevant notes. Some users moved complex notes, such as medication tracking and pet vet visits, to Notion for better organization, as it offers more advanced features than Google Keep. Despite these changes, Google Keep remains popular for quick notes and spontaneous ideas.