NewApp Digest
search bot

banner

silver Android smartphone
Winsage
September 9, 2026

Windows 11 set to gain upgraded sound settings, cross-device improvements, and new family safety features as Microsoft begins testing

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds for testing, featuring several enhancements. Key updates include: - Enhanced sound settings with redesigned volume sliders that provide real-time audio feedback and the migration of more Control Panel sound settings to Windows Settings. This includes options to set default audio devices, enable hardware acceleration, configure exclusive mode, and adjust adaptive communication sound levels. The All sound devices page has also been improved for easier management of audio devices. - Improved cross-device functionality allowing users to download the Windows app for a phone directly from the Taskbar via Phone Link, facilitating easier task resumption across devices.
Minecraft World to open in 2027 at Chessington park, near London: what this changes for its hotels
AppWizard
September 8, 2026

Minecraft World to open in 2027 at Chessington park, near London: what this changes for its hotels

Merlin Entertainments is investing £50 million to create Minecraft World, a dedicated park zone at Chessington World of Adventures, set to open in 2027. The park will include a unique roller coaster, interactive trails, play areas made from blocks, and themed dining and shopping experiences. There are currently no plans for Minecraft-themed hotel rooms, although the resort has two existing hotels, Azteca and Safari, and an Explorer Glamping site. The strategic location near London is expected to attract families, potentially increasing overnight stays. Chessington World of Adventures is already home to themed rooms inspired by various franchises.
First look: The Play Store could give paid games the overhauled UI they deserve
AppWizard
September 7, 2026

First look: The Play Store could give paid games the overhauled UI they deserve

Google is enhancing the user experience on its Play Store by developing a new user interface (UI) for paid games, differentiating them from free games. The updated UI in version 53.0 includes a prominent banner image for each paid game, along with essential details like reviews, ratings, age ratings, and device compatibility. A new feature called "Ask Play" has been introduced, providing a scrollable strip of contextual question chips for user interaction. The new design has been successfully tested but lacks some information, such as download size and count. The timeline for the public rollout is uncertain, and while the changes are not drastic, they aim to make paid games more appealing. An APK teardown indicates potential future features, but there is no guarantee they will be included in the final release.
Microsoft’s Project Zenith is a ‘distraction-free Windows experience’ for developers
Winsage
September 4, 2026

Microsoft’s Project Zenith is a ‘distraction-free Windows experience’ for developers

Microsoft has launched Project Zenith, aimed at enhancing the developer experience on Windows for devices with 64GB or more of unified memory. At the IFA event, AMD introduced the first Project Zenith device, a compact PC powered by Ryzen AI Halo chips. These devices come with a preconfigured Windows setup for development and tools such as Visual Studio Code, GitHub Copilot, PowerToys, WinAppCLI, and Windows Dev Skills. The File Explorer has been optimized for developers, displaying file extensions and hidden files, and unnecessary notifications have been disabled. Project Zenith is a response to developer feedback regarding their needs from Windows.
How to escape Xanthe's trap in The Blood of Dawnwalker
AppWizard
September 4, 2026

How to escape Xanthe’s trap in The Blood of Dawnwalker

To escape Xanthe's trap in The Blood of Dawnwalker during the siege of Griefberg Castle, players must follow these steps: 1. Confront and defeat the enemies in the main chamber. 2. Proceed through the door directly ahead and to the left. 3. Pull back the bookcase to reveal a hidden hole and descend into it. 4. Return to the main room, eliminate any remaining foes, and find the door with the triangular, downward-pointing, tentacled-eye banner. 5. Drop down through this door. This process should be repeated until the player successfully escapes the trap.
Here's how Googlebooks will stop random files from clogging your desktop
AppWizard
September 3, 2026

Here’s how Googlebooks will stop random files from clogging your desktop

Device Intelligence is a new suite of features for Android-powered laptops that utilizes artificial intelligence to improve user experience. It includes an automatic file sorting capability that organizes documents into topic-based folders, which is initially off by default. Users can activate this feature, which comes with a pop-up description regarding its purpose and privacy. A desktop widget will also be available for easy access to organized collections. Additionally, Device Intelligence integrates with Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM), allowing users to add local files to their notebooks and share files directly from Google Photos. There is a file size limit of 200MB for shared documents. The insights are based on an APK teardown, and not all features may be included in the final release.
Sony reportedly reverses course on live service co-op Horizon game after 'negative player feedback'
AppWizard
August 19, 2026

Sony reportedly reverses course on live service co-op Horizon game after ‘negative player feedback’

Guerilla Games is rethinking their live service co-op game, Horizon Hunters Gathering, due to negative feedback from playtests. The game will shift from a live service model to a more traditional co-op format focused on storytelling. Sony has set a deadline for the team to present a milestone by December, or the project may be canceled. Many developers have been reassigned to other projects, with a smaller group working on the next single-player Horizon installment. Sony is moving away from live service games, with only Helldivers 2 and MLB The Show performing well. The future of another live service game, Fairgames, is uncertain due to development challenges.
Google ordered to make it easier to download alternative Android app stores
AppWizard
August 14, 2026

Google ordered to make it easier to download alternative Android app stores

Google has allowed third-party app store downloads within its Play Store, but US District Judge James Donato has raised concerns about the implementation, citing unnecessary "anticompetitive friction." He has mandated Google to address these issues. Google and Epic Games are in a global partnership but remain adversaries in an ongoing antitrust case. In 2023, Google lost a case requiring it to incorporate third-party app stores into the Play Store, with Aptoide Games being the first to benefit from this ruling. Judge Donato criticized Google's execution of the mandate, noting that access to the alternative app store page is difficult for users, as it is buried within menus and does not yield effective search results.
US Judge says Google Play Store isn't doing enough to help users find rival app stores
AppWizard
August 14, 2026

US Judge says Google Play Store isn’t doing enough to help users find rival app stores

A recent court session involving Epic Games and Google highlighted issues with the Play Store's app search functionality. Judge Donato expressed dissatisfaction with the current search process and instructed Google to improve it, specifically by removing the third-party app store-specific page under the "Are you looking?" banner. Aptoide has returned to the Play Store due to Google's Play Catalogue Access Program, which allows qualifying third-party stores to publish their apps. Epic Games continues to challenge Google’s practices, arguing that the Play Store complicates the installation process for rival app stores. Judge Donato noted the unnecessary friction caused by the "Are you looking for?" banner, questioning its utility and instructing Google to eliminate it. The ongoing legal battle has also led to the Epic Games Store being allowed on the Play Store in 2025.
Search