artwork Archives

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

Pixel Audio Memory could upgrade song ID with new note-taking tool

Google is expanding its music recognition capabilities with a new feature called Audio Memory, which will enhance the existing Now Playing functionality. Audio Memory will automatically identify songs using a local database, and if a song isn't recognized, a digital fingerprint may be sent to Google for a secure cloud search. Background conversations and audio will remain private and not be transmitted to Google. Users will also have the option to manually identify songs via a cloud search. The onboarding text suggests that Audio Memory could track both music and important conversations, indicating its potential as an AI note-taker. Early interface glimpses show that users will be able to identify ambient music and songs from other applications, although details on conversation tracking are still unclear. The project is codenamed "blueflax," and while features are in development, not all may be included in the final release.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Palworld studio says ‘gamers don’t want’ AI in their games: ‘It feels like everyone who is super gung-ho about it isn’t from the industry’

The gaming industry is experiencing an increase in AI-generated content, particularly on platforms like Steam. John Buckley from Pocketpair expressed concerns about the enthusiasm for AI, likening it to early cryptocurrency excitement, and highlighted the importance of human creativity in game development. He stated that Pocketpair will not publish games relying on generative AI. Additionally, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney raised concerns about undisclosed AI "placeholders" in major game releases, emphasizing the need for transparency in the industry.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

This cool app turns your Android phone into an iPod Classic

A new music player app named NostalgicPod has been released, designed to resemble the Apple iPod Classic. It features offline playback, podcast support, and a click wheel interface. The app supports various music file formats, including FLAC lossless, and can access music stored on devices, SD cards, or USB drives. It retrieves missing artwork and lyrics through integration with LRCLIB and provides access to thousands of internet radio stations. NostalgicPod supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Japanese. The app has received positive feedback for its nostalgic appeal and modern functionality.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

SNES Exclusive Trilogy Officially Getting New Re-Release This Month

A trilogy of SNES-exclusive titles will be released on PC via Steam on June 29, featuring Dokapon Kingdom IV: The Legendary Heroes, Dokapon 3-2-1: Arashi o Yobu Yuujou, and Dokapon Gaiden: Flame no Audition. This collection will only support the Japanese language and is the first time it will be available outside Japan. The games will include enhancements such as save/load functionality, a rewind feature, and adjustable game speeds. The Steam page does not currently provide a price or details on compatibility with the Steam Deck. Another SNES title, Soccer Kid, will launch on June 18.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Steam Week in Review: More than 300 games released on Steam last week, and 120 of them had AI disclosures

Android Who Dreams of Stars is a visual novel developed by JinCycle, featuring an autonomous android named Eve Nova in a futuristic Tokyo where AI has eliminated war and hunger. The game relies heavily on AI-generated content for artwork, sound, narrative, and localization. My Summer Love Memories also uses generative AI for its videos, images, music, and dialogue. Kryonull has gained attention for its AI-generated voices, while some users on Steam question the legitimacy of its zero price tag. Typical NPC, developed by SmogGames, launched at a zero price with all AI-generated images, followed by After the Hero, which used AI-generated images but human-crafted text. KalendulaGames has released titles priced at zero, with extensive AI disclosures. Underwater claims to use AI-generated images only as art references. Steam emphasizes transparency in AI disclosures, with developers clarifying their use of AI in various ways. Many of the 120 games using generative AI focus on music and assets rather than translation. The Steam Deck has recently seen a resurgence in stock, with a price point higher than the average game. A humorous Steam review noted the unique experience of rummaging through trash for rewards in the game Where the F**k is my Bitcoin.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Kingdom Hearts 4 shows first signs of life after 4 years of radio silence

Square Enix released a new 90-second trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4 during the latest Nintendo Direct, marking the first update since its announcement in 2022. The trailer features Sora in a scene with a gigantic Heartless in Quadratum, reminiscent of Tokyo's Shibuya district, showcasing his signature moves with a keyblade. Tetsuya Nomura shared artwork of Sora in the same attire earlier this year for the franchise's 24th anniversary. The game will be multiplatform at launch, available on Steam, Epic Games, Xbox, and consoles.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Discover the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition

The Coalition has introduced the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition, which includes the Xbox Series X Premium Edition of the game and various collectible items. Pre-orders are open, with the Collector’s Edition launching on October 1, 2026, and the global release of Gears of War: E-Day on October 6, 2026. Key features of the Collector’s Edition include a 15-inch collectible statue of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, a SteelBook with artwork by Luke Preece, replica COG tags, a photograph of the characters, a premium art print of the Feral Wretch, and a thank-you note from the development team. The package also offers early access to the game, a weapon pack, customization packs, and in-game currency. The Collector’s Edition will be available for Xbox Series X and Steam, with limited quantities for pre-order.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

PC Gamers, come rate my videogame vinyl collection and decide whether it was worth the $$$

An enthusiast began collecting video game and anime soundtrack vinyl with a four-disc box set of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which featured both music and stunning interior artwork. The collection expanded to include soundtracks from titles like Dark Souls 3, Bloodborne, Demon's Souls Remake, Total War: Three Kingdoms, The Banner Saga, Outer Wilds, Hollow Knight, Baldur's Gate 3, Dishonored, and Persona 5. The collector values the ritual of listening to vinyl, which offers a mindful experience compared to streaming music. They browse sites like Black Screen Records and iam8bit for new releases while being mindful of shipping costs. The collector transitioned from an Audio Technica turntable to a portable Sound Burger for added fun and functionality. Common mistakes include buying soundtracks for games played extensively, which can diminish enjoyment. Storage solutions vary, with some using stylish crates or portable cases. Limited pressings make many soundtracks coveted collector's items, and the collector regrets missing Supergiant's 10th anniversary collection. They hope for future releases, particularly for Silksong.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

PC Users Can Grab 18 Free Games This Month, Saving $100s In Total

Amazon Prime subscribers can claim 18 PC games for free through Amazon Luna in June. The available games include: - Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition - Mega Man 11 - ULTRAKILL - Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered - Mafia III: Definitive Edition - XCOM: Chimera Squad Upcoming games include: - Tested on Humans: Escape Room (11 June) - Sin Slayers: Reign of the 8th (11 June) - G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra (11 June) - Paradise Killer (11 June) - Between Time: Escape Room (18 June) - Sugardew Island (18 June) - Wargame Construction Set III: Age of Rifles 1846-1905 (18 June) - Space Grunts 2 (18 June) - Space Grunts: Chrono Shard (25 June) - Please Touch The Artwork (25 June) - Terraforming Mars (25 June) - Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch (25 June) These titles are available as PC codes redeemable on platforms like GOG, the Epic Games Store, or the Amazon Games App.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

Steam Week in Review: 4 Backrooms games released on Steam last week, joining a list of over 500 cash-ins, parodies and legitimate contenders

A24's adaptation of The Backrooms has led to the release of only four new Backrooms-themed video games on Steam, despite over 500 results for "Backrooms" on the platform. Among the released titles, 225 are available, with an estimated 150 being legitimate playable games. Recent adaptations include Backrooms Cats and Lava, Backroom Warfare II, Chained in the Backrooms, Backrooms Santa, and Skibidi Gyatrooms. Escape the Backrooms and Inside the Backrooms are highlighted as quality co-op options, while The Complex: Expedition and Within the Backrooms are recommended for single-player experiences. Additionally, a Backrooms-themed event by publisher Secret Mode aims to help players find quality titles amidst the clutter. The Sims 4 is receiving favorable early access reviews on Steam, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is currently discounted by 70%.