collective Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

OK Google, it’s time to support app icon packs on Pixel phones

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update introduces new features, including Material 3 Expressive and a "Themes" tab in the Wallpaper and Style app, indicating potential customization through unreleased "Pixel Customization Packs." While the full capabilities of Pixel themes are unclear, they may include new wallpapers, fonts, and app icon designs, addressing the current limitations of app icon customization on Pixel phones. Future updates promise customizable app icon shapes, but lack of support for third-party icon packs remains a significant drawback compared to competitors like OnePlus and Samsung. The introduction of Pixel themes raises hopes for enhanced personalization, particularly regarding icon pack support, which has been a long-standing request from Pixel users.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

What’s driving growth in the Chinese video game industry?

The Chinese game industry has experienced significant growth, with popular titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong driving global interest. Black Myth: Wukong sold 10 million copies within a week of its August 2024 launch and won Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards. The single-player game market in China is becoming more sustainable, with a shift in focus due to the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. Developers are adapting their strategies, although challenges such as high production costs, competition, and issues related to work culture persist. Local governments are actively supporting game development through licensing, tax breaks, and grants, with initiatives aimed at integrating cultural themes into games. Despite layoffs in the industry, a robust social safety net exists to support affected employees.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Android users lose key Nextcloud feature because Google said so, and the reason doesn’t add up

Google has restricted file upload capabilities for the Nextcloud Files Android app by revoking the "All files access" permission, which has been essential for the app since 2011. This change prevents Android users from uploading various file types to their Nextcloud accounts. Nextcloud has expressed frustration over this decision, suggesting it is a strategic move by Google to maintain dominance in the cloud storage market and favor its own applications. The alternatives proposed by Google, such as the MediaStore API or Storage Access Framework (SAF), do not meet Nextcloud's functionality needs. Nextcloud draws parallels to past corporate tactics that limited competition and highlights ongoing concerns regarding fair competition and regulatory responses.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft App Assure helps Nord Security build for Windows on Arm

Developers are focusing on optimizing applications for the newly launched Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced system architecture, all-day battery life, and the ability to run AI models directly on the device. The initial Copilot+ PCs are powered by Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus silicon, with AMD and Intel also introducing compatible processors. Microsoft’s App Assure Program provides guidance and technical support to help developers optimize applications for these devices, particularly for Arm-based Snapdragon X Series devices. NordVPN is a notable example of a company that successfully utilized the App Assure program to develop an Arm-optimized version of their application. The program includes the Arm Advisory Service, which allows developers to consult with Microsoft engineers for a smoother development process. Other companies, such as Proton VPN and F-Secure, have also benefited from the App Assure team in optimizing their applications for the Windows on Arm platform.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

No, your Steam info isn’t being sold on the dark web: Valve confirms the Steam leak was just a bunch of old, harmless texts and “you do not need to change your passwords”

Valve addressed concerns about a potential data leak affecting Steam accounts, confirming that while a data leak did occur, it was limited to outdated text messages containing one-time validation codes that expire after 15 minutes. The only information potentially accessed was the phone numbers to which these messages were sent, which poses minimal risk. Valve stated that users do not need to change their passwords or phone numbers due to this event.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks Acquires Neon for $1 Billion, Boosting AI Infrastructure with Serverless PostgreSQL

Databricks has acquired Neon, a cloud-based database startup specializing in serverless PostgreSQL, in a billion-dollar deal. This acquisition aims to enhance Databricks' role in the AI tooling landscape and reflects a shift in the database market to meet the needs of AI-native applications. Neon, founded in 2021 and based in Menlo Park, California, had raised nearly million before this acquisition. Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi noted that 80% of databases on their platform are created by code rather than humans, indicating a shift in database management driven by autonomous AI agents. Databricks has been actively acquiring companies to strengthen its AI development capabilities, having previously acquired firms like MosaicML and Arcion. Ghodsi emphasized that as a private entity, Databricks can make long-term strategic decisions without public market pressures. The acquisition reflects a broader trend of increased deal-making in the AI sector and highlights the growing importance of robust data infrastructure in the context of sovereign AI initiatives.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Gun Interactive ends support for Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Developer Gun Interactive has announced that support for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre will conclude after an upcoming patch in May, with no further downloadable content, balance adjustments, or bug fixes planned. The game will remain available for purchase and will not be removed from digital storefronts. Launched in August 2023, the game has gained a following in the asymmetrical multiplayer horror genre.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Almost 200 Overwatch staff unionise

Nearly 200 developers from the Overwatch series have formed a union called The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA, announced by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union includes members from various departments such as design, production, engineering, art, sound, and quality assurance. The unionization effort was motivated by layoffs in the gaming industry and aims to improve workplace conditions. Members believe collective action will help address long-standing issues like layoffs, excessive crunch periods, and inadequate working conditions in the gaming sector.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

There’s another Risk of Rain 2 expansion on the way

Gearbox announced the third expansion for Risk of Rain 2, titled Alloyed Collective, at the PAX East panel. The expansion introduces new challenges, including battles against Solus robots and a new final boss called Solus Wing. Players will explore new territories in Petrichor V. The community has responded positively to the announcement, indicating excitement for the upcoming content. The full panel is available for viewing on YouTube.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

So many people had no clue this Google app for managing photos and videos existed!

Google's Gallery app, previously known as Gallery Go, has over a billion downloads and has been available for six years, yet remains largely unknown to many users, including Pixel device owners. It serves as a simpler, offline alternative to Google Photos, appealing to users with limited storage or unreliable connectivity. A trending Reddit thread revealed users' surprise at the app's existence, with many expressing frustration with Google Photos' complexity. Launched in 2019, the Gallery app was initially aimed at low-end devices and has seen minimal marketing and updates since then. Its primary function is to allow users to view locally stored photos and videos, and it includes basic AI-powered photo organization.