brands Archives

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Sneak peek: Google’s Android XR glasses app shows off AI features, camera, and display options

Google is developing two types of smart glasses: a lightweight, screen-free model in collaboration with fashion brands and a display-equipped version with hardware partners like Samsung and Magic Leap. A companion app for the glasses has been identified, featuring a pairing process and settings for power management and camera functionality. The app includes AI capabilities such as 'Conversation detection' to silence notifications during conversations, and it ensures that all recorded data remains private to the user. Additional features in the app allow for display adjustments and an "audio only mode."

BetaBeacon

January 13, 2026

Samsung just abandoned this mini-game you never heard of, but there’s good news

Samsung has removed the Creature Collection feature from its Gaming Hub app, which allowed players to unlock collectible "monsters" by progressing through games and hatching virtual eggs. Despite this change, all the unlockable monsters are now available for users to set as their display pictures inside the app without having to complete specific missions or reach certain progress levels.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Google’s latest move brings AI shopping a lot closer to reality

Google has introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), which enables AI agents to manage product searches, checkout processes, and payments for users. UCP standardizes communication between AI agents and various retailers and payment platforms, including Shopify, Walmart, and Visa. The AI-driven checkout feature will be available in Google Search's AI Mode and the Gemini app, using data from Google Pay and Google Wallet. Google is also launching Business Agents and Direct Offers to enhance customer engagement within AI shopping environments. UCP allows AI agents to perform the entire shopping process with a single command, simplifying online shopping. Google has partnered with companies like Etsy, Target, American Express, Best Buy, Flipkart, Mastercard, Stripe, and Visa to implement this protocol. Users in the U.S. will benefit from features like automatic shipping information usage and upcoming support for PayPal. The Business Agent acts as a virtual sales assistant, and Direct Offers provide exclusive coupons to shoppers. Google aims to make AI-driven shopping experiences standard, allowing seamless retailer interactions.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

More than 8 years after The New Colossus, a new Wolfenstein game is reportedly in the works at MachineGames

BJ Blazkowicz, the protagonist of the Wolfenstein series, has evolved from a simple muscle-bound character to a complex figure dealing with a challenging dream. Reports indicate that Wolfenstein 3 is in development, alongside a Wolfenstein television series set to premiere on Amazon in 2025. The last main installment, The New Colossus, was released in 2017, followed by the spinoff Youngblood in 2019 and the VR title Cyberpilot, both of which did not fully satisfy fans. MachineGames has also worked on other projects, including Quake, Doom, and Indiana Jones, but there are indications they may return to the Wolfenstein franchise. Jerk Gustafsson, head of MachineGames, mentioned the intention to view Wolfenstein as a trilogy, and the studio has teased a new project, raising hopes for BJ Blazkowicz's return.

Tech Optimizer

January 7, 2026

Norton in 2026: Is the Old-School Antivirus Brand Still Worth Your Trust?

Norton has evolved into a comprehensive cybersecurity suite by 2026, transitioning from traditional antivirus software to a holistic solution under Gen Digital Inc. Its offerings include Norton 360, which provides real-time malware and ransomware protection, a built-in unlimited data VPN, password management, dark web monitoring, and identity protection on higher tiers. The Norton 360 Deluxe plan is popular for households, offering high protection scores, a usable VPN, dark web monitoring, cross-platform support, and identity protection features. Users appreciate its ease of use, strong protection record, and the value of the VPN, while some express frustration with upselling, auto-renew pricing, and performance on older machines. Norton competes with brands like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and McAfee, with its all-in-one convenience being a key advantage. It is suitable for families and less tech-savvy users but may not be ideal for those preferring minimalist setups or who have older hardware.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Google’s AI Android Updates Spark Phone App Glitches on Pixel Devices

The phone app within Google's ecosystem has faced significant user frustration due to recent updates that disrupt essential functions like dialing and contact management. Users report issues such as the app failing to register incoming calls and cumbersome navigation following software patches. AI features introduced to enhance user experience often misfire, raising privacy concerns. The Pixel series has experienced bugs, including one that automatically declined calls. Updates to Google's search algorithm have inadvertently affected app performance, leading to instabilities. Monthly system updates prioritize new features over rigorous testing, resulting in a bloated app with sporadic functionality. Policy changes regarding data handling complicate app interactions, making simple tasks more laborious. Google's rapid release cycle has led to volatility in app performance, with security patches sometimes introducing new bugs. The integration of third-party services has created inconsistencies, and the overall Android ecosystem suffers from misalignment between updates. Users express dissatisfaction with the prioritization of aesthetics over functionality in updates. Critics argue that Google's approach mirrors past missteps, and experts recommend proactive user measures and improved developer practices to enhance app reliability.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Adidas Just Turned Minecraft Creepers Into $40 Holiday Sneakers

Adidas has launched a holiday collection in collaboration with Minecraft, featuring footwear inspired by the game. The collection includes the Samba XLG, Handball Spezial, Campus 00s, Superstar II, and Adilette slides, each themed around specific Minecraft elements and characters. The Samba XLG is inspired by the Creeper, while the Handball Spezial reflects the Ghast. The Campus 00s showcases the Eye of Ender, and the Superstar II is designed after the Ender Dragon. The Adilette slides display the Creeper's face. The packaging resembles Minecraft storage chests, enhancing the unboxing experience. The collection is exclusively available in youth and children’s sizes, with prices ranging from forty to ninety-five dollars. It aims to resonate with Minecraft's younger audience while also appealing to broader aesthetic tastes. The collection includes complementary apparel pieces and is available through the Adidas webstore.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

CD Projekt Sells DRM-Free PC Storefront GOG to Original Co-Founder for $25.2 Million, Insists It’s Financially Stable

CD Projekt has sold its DRM-free PC storefront, GOG, to co-founder Michał Kiciński for 90.7 million Polish złoty (approximately .2 million). Kiciński, who co-founded GOG in 2008 and holds a 10% stake in CD Projekt, will lead GOG independently while maintaining its DRM-free philosophy. A distribution agreement between CD Projekt and GOG has been established for future collaboration, including the release of upcoming CD Projekt Red titles on the GOG platform. CD Projekt aims to focus on video game development, including The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, following the sale. GOG has remained financially stable and continues to attract gamers with its mission. CD Projekt previously employed 1,335 staff.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Adidas expands its Minecraft collaboration again.

Adidas has launched a new line of footwear and apparel in collaboration with Minecraft, featuring designs inspired by the game's pixelated world. The collection emphasizes both style and comfort, catering to gamers' active lifestyles. Many products are made from eco-friendly materials, reflecting Adidas's commitment to sustainability. The brand plans to engage the Minecraft community through interactive events and promotions. This partnership aims to strengthen Adidas's presence in the sportswear market while tapping into the growing gaming industry.

TrendTechie

December 25, 2025

Хакеры скачали почти весь Spotify! Вы можете получить его через торрент, но размер файла вас просто поразит.

The hacker project Anna's Archive has claimed to have downloaded 99.6% of Spotify's music catalog, amounting to nearly 300 TB of data. They reportedly acquired about 86 million tracks, focusing on those with listener engagement, which they argue represents nearly all the music users actively listen to. Spotify confirmed that the accounts responsible for the breach have been deactivated and stated that they are implementing new measures to counter such attacks.