backgrounds Archives

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

5 Android Apps to Declutter & Secure Your Phone

DBMB is an app that silences unknown calls while keeping a log of all calls, operating offline without relying on online databases. Cork organizes links and apps into visual boards, allowing users to create personalized dashboards for easy access. Hidebox provides an encrypted vault for sensitive files, secured by PIN or biometric access, with features like a disguised app icon and intruder selfies. Infinite Walls offers curated 4K artwork and AI-generated wallpapers for phone backgrounds, with options for automated changes. Floatkit provides a floating sidebar for quick access to essential tools and functions without leaving the current app, facilitating seamless multitasking.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

This Android TV launcher gave me screen time controls, but I’m still not switching from Monet

PLUI, or Premium Launcher TV UI, is an Android TV launcher that offers a feature-rich experience without premium fees. It features a vibrant interface with an app list, colorful widgets, and a sidebar menu, but can appear cluttered and overwhelming. The performance on devices like the Chromecast with Google TV can be sluggish compared to lighter alternatives. PLUI provides extensive customization options, including over 80 weather-related widgets, photo slideshows, and security camera feeds. Users can select backgrounds from sources like Reddit and NASA, and apply a blur effect. It supports multiple user profiles, accommodating up to ten accounts, and includes parental controls such as screen time limits. However, its performance and user experience may not surpass lighter launchers like Monet, which offers similar features in a more streamlined manner.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

These 3 popular Windows apps run faster as CLI tools: Here’s how to switch

Windows provides graphical tools for various tasks, but terminal commands can be more efficient. Three utilities that serve as alternatives to File Explorer, Task Manager, and Notepad are zoxide, btop, and bat, all of which can be installed using winget. zoxide is a directory jumper that simplifies navigation through folder structures by learning user habits. It can be installed with PLACEHOLDERf0ff8219c0950297 and requires a line added to the PowerShell profile for activation. Users can jump to directories by typing PLACEHOLDERb9546a80b5ad16aa followed by part of the folder name, and it adapts over time based on usage patterns. btop is a system monitor that displays processor, memory, disk, network, and process data on a single terminal screen. The Windows version, btop4win, can be installed with winget install aristocratos.btop4win. It features live graphs, allows navigation via keyboard and mouse, and provides real-time updates on resource consumption. Users can filter and sort processes and terminate them directly from the interface. bat is a command-line file viewer that shows file contents with syntax highlighting and line numbers, eliminating the need to open Notepad. It can be installed using winget install sharkdp.bat and allows users to view files directly in the terminal. It integrates with Git to highlight changes and manages longer files with a pager for easier scrolling. These tools enhance efficiency for common tasks in Windows by providing quick access and streamlined workflows through the terminal.

Winsage

September 29, 2026

I replaced Windows’ Snipping Tool with ShareX for screenshots, but the best part is everything else it can do

The Snipping Tool in Windows has been modernized in Windows 11 but still has bugs that can disrupt user workflow. ShareX is a free and open-source alternative that excels in screenshot capabilities and offers advanced features, including precise selection tools, real-time editing, video recording, and GIF creation. ShareX supports multiple upload targets, including Imgur and cloud services like OneDrive and Google Drive, and allows users to upload various file types, including text documents to Pastebin. It includes bonus features such as a video converter, image comparison tools, and customization options for hotkeys. However, ShareX may be overwhelming for newcomers seeking basic screenshot functions, for whom the Snipping Tool remains a valid choice.

Winsage

September 27, 2026

I finally figured out why Windows 11’s menus feel so slow—and the fixes that take seconds

Windows 11 users experience delays in right-click menus and context options due to a combination of factors, including the MenuShowDelay registry setting, UI transition animations, and the hybrid shell architecture. The MenuShowDelay setting introduces a default pause of 400 milliseconds before submenus appear. Users can improve performance by modifying this setting to a range of 0 to 100 milliseconds, disabling animation effects and transparency, and adjusting the power mode to "Best performance." Additional tweaks include using the Performance Options panel, enabling Task Manager's Efficiency Mode, auditing startup programs, and ensuring graphics drivers are up to date. These adjustments can enhance responsiveness without requiring advanced technical skills or third-party software.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

Android 17 QPR1: What Pixel Gets

Android 17 QPR1 began its stable rollout in the United States on September 15, 2026, coinciding with Google’s September Pixel Drop. This update introduces the Pause Point feature, which temporarily halts access to a selected app for 10 seconds, allowing users to reconsider their choice. The update is compatible with Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 through the Pixel 10a generations, as well as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold models. The rollout is staged, leading to varying delivery times for users. Pause Point imposes a 10-second delay when accessing a configured app, offering options like breathing exercises and alternative app suggestions. Disabling Pause Point requires a phone restart. Scam protection features vary by region, with Gboard scam warnings initially exclusive to the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer devices, while notification-based Scam Detection has expanded to nine additional regions, excluding Spain. Android 17 QPR1 also includes a refresh of the Pixel interface, adding a new Keyboard tile to Quick Settings and improving visual aesthetics with enhanced translucent and blurred backgrounds. Screen recording defaults to capturing a single app, and the VIPs widget has been upgraded for easier calling and messaging. Google and Audible have collaborated to provide Harry Potter-themed packs for Pixel users, featuring customized wallpapers and icons, along with a two-month Audible trial, though eligibility conditions are unspecified.

Winsage

September 25, 2026

Windows update leaves some virtual desktops staring into the void

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting some Windows 11 users utilizing virtual desktops, where a black screen appears after sign-in, requiring manual launch of Explorer to regain access. This glitch is linked to devices operating on the August 2026 non-security preview update or later. It has been predominantly observed on Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts using FSLogix, with crashes of Windows Explorer noted in the Application event log. A temporary workaround involves using Task Manager to initiate explorer.exe as a new task. Microsoft has implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) via Group Policy to disable the problematic change until a permanent fix is released. Versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2 of Windows 11 are affected, while Windows 10 and Windows Server do not appear to be impacted.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

ATV Launcher’s latest update brings big home screen upgrades for your Android TV

ATV Launcher has released version 0.1.41 for Android TV, introducing significant updates that enhance aesthetics and functionality. Key features include ten fixed row layouts (Spotlight, Bookends, Centre Stage, Marquee, Hero Trio), the ability to place widgets within app rows (Weather, Digital Clock, System Info, Favorite App, Watch Next, Recommended, and standard Android widgets), and the launch of the "ATV Launcher Digital Clock Widgets" companion app with 15 clock styles. Visual enhancements allow folders to display contents in various preview styles, and the Configure Tile dialog now includes a live preview interface. The Watch Next and Recommended cards feature edge-to-edge artwork and progress bars. A modular status bar lets users toggle and reorder icons, select placements, and switch TV inputs. The update is available on the Google Play Store.

BetaBeacon

September 25, 2026

ARMSX3 PS3 emulator can finally run games at playable frame rates with new update

The ARMSX3 PS3 emulator update brings major improvements, including support for PS3 themes as library backgrounds, fixes for issues with several games, support for SIXAXIS motion on motion-enabled controllers, and touch-control features.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Shadow of the Road Release Date Confirmed For November 2026

Developer Another Angle Games and publisher Owlcat Games announced that the tactical RPG Shadow of the Road will be available for PC on November 12, 2026. The game is set in a war-torn Japan where players form a diverse party to face various adversaries. Players must strategically develop their characters and manipulate the environment during tactical combat. Key features include a story-driven journey, impactful choices, team assembly, and turn-based combat. A demo is currently available on Steam.