avatars Archives

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

You Can Change Your Google Maps Car Icon Without Even Touching Your Phone

In Android Auto version 17.8.163744 and Google Maps 26.38.0, a new feature called Driving Avatar allows users to customize the vehicle icon displayed on the screen. This feature was introduced in February 2025 and became available in Android Auto by May 2026. Users can access the Google Maps app directly through Android Auto to customize their avatar, which can be done by tapping the settings icon and selecting Driving Avatar. Customization options include various vehicle types and colors, such as a blue arrow, sedan, truck, SUV, sports car, small EV, and legacy icons like a red car, green pickup, and yellow station wagon. Additionally, Google Maps offers practical features like downloading offline maps, sharing trip progress, enabling media playback controls, and tailoring route suggestions.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

MapQuest Now Works With Android Auto – Here’s How To Use It

MapQuest has retained the name of Lake Ontario, leading to a rise in its popularity and a top position in the App Store charts. The app, launched in 1996, has recently begun supporting Android Auto, allowing users to integrate it into their vehicle's infotainment system. Users can connect their devices via USB or wirelessly, provided their vehicle supports it. Once connected, MapQuest offers turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates. However, its navigation services are currently limited to the United States and Canada, and some users have reported interface bugs. Alternatives to MapQuest on Android Auto include Waze, Sygic, and TomTom Go.

AppWizard

September 17, 2026

Google Maps on Android Auto Is Finally Getting the Most Basic Customization Feature

Google has enhanced Google Maps on Android Auto by introducing a customization feature that allows users to personalize their driving avatars. This update enables users to change their vehicle icons directly from their infotainment screens, a capability that was previously unavailable. Additionally, Google Maps on Android Auto has introduced a speedometer feature, allowing users to view their current speed and speed limits even when navigation is not active. The rollout of these features is ongoing.

Winsage

September 7, 2026

Windows 11 hack unlocks animated profile pictures Microsoft has been hiding from you

Windows 11 typically converts profile pictures into static, resized versions for display on the Start menu, Settings page, or lock screen. A registry tweak allows users to link these entries to the original image file, enabling animated profile pictures. This method supports transparent PNGs and animated GIFs, although Microsoft does not officially support animated account pictures. Windows generates resized copies of the profile picture and stores their paths in the registry. Users can automate the process using a PowerShell tool from GitHub or manually edit the registry with elevated permissions. Users must ensure the GIF is stored in a permanent location, as moving or deleting it will break the profile picture. The workaround modifies local account settings, not Microsoft account avatars, and users with sync enabled should be cautious.

BetaBeacon

September 5, 2026

Konami Wai Wai World Craft releases ‘concept video’ for the Roblox-like game creator

Konami Wai Wai World Craft is a new multiplatform game-creation app that allows players to create and play games featuring both original avatars and Konami characters. It offers tools for game creation and cross-play on multiple platforms, including mobile. However, it faces tough competition in an oversaturated market and may not be a success.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Gemini could take a leaf out of ChatGPT’s book for this design update

The Google Gemini app is testing a new camera interface in version 17.55.8, which will allow the viewfinder to occupy half of the screen while keeping chat contents visible. This design is inspired by the ChatGPT mobile app and includes a floating viewfinder, a handle for expanding or minimizing the viewfinder, and a redesigned camera shutter key. The camera switcher will be relocated to the three-dot menu. Additionally, the '@' menu is being revamped to potentially hide disabled apps and may be renamed "Connectors," featuring a wider layout and an option to "Connect apps." The Avatars section will allow users to showcase existing avatars and add new ones. These updates are currently in testing and may not be rolled out to the public.

BetaBeacon

September 3, 2026

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Game’s Trailer Previews Customizable Avatars, Android Race

Bandai Namco Entertainment has launched Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 for PS5, Xbox X|S, and PC in 2027.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Sick: Ace Combat 8 has online airbase lobbies where you can bum around as your own bespoke pilotsona

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve features a blend of aerial combat and storytelling. Bandai Namco released an "Online 101" video detailing multiplayer features, including online lobbies and personalized pilot avatars. Players can engage in 4v4 deathmatches and eight-pilot free-for-alls, unlocking new aircraft and customization options as they progress. The game will include battle passes, but any aircraft DLC in the premium pass will be available for individual purchase after the season. The game is set to launch on Steam on October 1.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

This spy game is a dream come true if you love spending time in character creators

Legion Was Here offers an immersive character creation experience, allowing players to customize avatars with extensive options, from facial features to expressions. The character creator is central to gameplay, pushing players to master character design for success in the game. A poorly crafted character can lead to challenges in survival, adding pressure to the creative process. Players can either replicate familiar faces or create new personas, with every detail impacting their character's fate.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

5 Best PC Games Of The ’80s, Ranked

The original "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" is a classic game from 1989 that is being remade to appeal to both new and veteran players. "Dungeon Master," released in 1987 by FTL Games, is a first-person dungeon crawler that introduced a dynamic improvement mechanism for character attributes and skills, featuring real-time combat and detailed monster designs. "Maniac Mansion," developed by Lucasfilm Games in 1987, is a horror-comedy point-and-click adventure that involves rescuing a teenager from a mad scientist's home, known for its intricate puzzles and multiple endings. "MIDI Maze," released in 1987 for the Atari ST, was an early multiplayer first-person shooter that allowed up to 16 players to battle using floating smiley faces as avatars and included networking capabilities and a level editor. "Starflight," released in 1986, allowed players to explore a vast galaxy, interact with civilizations, and engage in diplomacy and trading, featuring 270 star systems and the ability to recruit crew members and upgrade spacecraft.