Communities Archives

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

How to Stop Android Battery Optimization from Killing Apps

Users and developers managing Android devices must navigate the balance between battery life and app functionality. Android's aggressive power-saving features can mute notifications or suspend background processes, leading to a state known as “sleeping.” To maintain app functionality, users can exempt specific applications from battery optimization through the Settings app under “Battery” or “Apps & notifications.” This feature, introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows apps to operate seamlessly in the background. For example, disabling sleep mode for essential apps like WhatsApp can prevent missed notifications. Samsung's Adaptive Battery is particularly aggressive, often pushing unused apps into a “deep sleep” state after a few days, which can disrupt vital functions. Users may need to manually exempt applications in Samsung’s “Device care” settings. Other manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi impose similar restrictions, while Google’s stock Android offers more straightforward adjustments. Developers can incorporate foreground services or request permissions like “android.permission.WAKE_LOCK” to keep apps awake, balancing user privacy and battery health. Android’s Doze mode activates during inactivity and organizes background tasks into maintenance windows, but apps can request exemptions. Monitoring battery usage statistics can help identify problematic apps. In enterprise environments, tools like Ivanti’s mobile device management can automate these settings. Combining exemptions with notification settings ensures that apps remain active, although blanket exemptions may lead to faster battery depletion. The dynamic between operating system efficiency and app demands continues to evolve, particularly with Android 14’s enhanced foreground service requirements.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

$1B DEI slush fund: Minecraft extremism study & “intersectional” virtual reality

The Canadian government has invested over billion in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives since 2016, with funding exceeding 4 million across 29 departments and agencies. Notable expenditures include a ,522 grant from Public Safety Canada for a study on radicalization linked to gaming communities, a .2 million award to the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce for developing virtual reality software for women entrepreneurs, a ,000 grant for research on gender and race in Canada’s space program, and a ,595 grant to the University of British Columbia for establishing a research network on parks and protected areas. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers about the effectiveness and transparency of these expenditures, with calls for clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. Harvard cognitive scientist Steven Pinker cautioned that DEI mandates might inhibit free inquiry and stifle dissenting voices.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

How Movie Adaptations Impact the Video Game Industry

Video games are becoming a significant revenue source for the film and television industry, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Media adaptations of video games attract diverse audiences, with recent adaptations for titles like Call of Duty, Life is Strange, and Dark Deception indicating a continuing trend. Adaptations typically result in a 203% increase in players for TV shows and a 48% increase for films, encouraging collaborations between video game companies and entertainment studios. The competition among studios to partner with video game franchises is increasing, as evidenced by the success of films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and A Minecraft Movie, which appeal to family audiences. Video game adaptations are emerging as a major trend in Hollywood, potentially surpassing superhero films.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Refurbished Windows 10 PCs on the ‘Back Market’ combat Microsoft’s programmed obsolescence with ChromeOS and Linux

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting approximately 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) warns this could lead to a significant increase in discarded computers. Microsoft is offering Extended Support Updates (ESU) but critics view these as temporary solutions. Companies like HP and Dell report that about half of the global PC market still relies on Windows 10, leading to accusations of planned obsolescence. Back Market is addressing this issue by offering refurbished laptops pre-installed with Google’s Chrome OS Flex, although only 50 units are available. They emphasize the environmental impact of planned obsolescence and suggest users consider alternative operating systems or participate in repair communities to extend the lifespan of their devices.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Study Ranks Least Toxic Gaming Fandoms: Minecraft Lands #2

Minecraft's Reddit community (r/Minecraft) is one of the least toxic gaming environments, with only 1.37% of comments containing toxic keywords, according to a study by Chicks Gold. It ranks second overall among major gaming subreddits and has 8,503,899 subscribers. The analysis involved sampling 50 recent posts from each subreddit and scanning comment threads for negative terms. The top five least toxic communities also included r/Oblivion (1.36%), The Legend of Zelda (1.51%), Genshin Impact (1.51%), and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (1.56%). Higher toxicity levels were noted in some franchises like FIFA, despite its "E for Everyone" rating.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

Borderlands 4 PC performance debate takes a turn for the weird as Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford gets into bizarre row with OG Minecraft creator Notch: “Masculinity is a shader option”

Randy Pitchford, head of Gearbox Software, has faced backlash on Twitter regarding the performance of Borderlands 4 on PC. He previously suggested that any "real fan" would buy the game regardless of its price and advised unhappy players to seek refunds from Steam. This incident followed a confrontation with Markus "Notch" Persson, the creator of Minecraft. Pitchford stated that the Gearbox team does not let online hate affect them and views feedback as motivation for development. Despite Pitchford claiming that only "less than one percent of one percent" of PC players reported performance issues, fans are hoping for improvements in the game's optimization.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

What is Discord? Messaging platform popular with gamers part of Charlie Kirk assassination investigation

Discord has over 200 million monthly users and is a messaging platform popular in the gaming community but serves a variety of interests. It operates on a system of invite-only "servers" for communication. Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, allegedly discussed details of the crime on Discord, including logistics about a rifle. A spokesperson for Discord stated they found no evidence of Robinson promoting violence on their platform, and the messages about the weapon were likely on a different service. Discord has faced criticism for harboring extreme rhetoric and has been implicated in past violent incidents. The platform prohibits hate speech and requires users to be at least 13 years old.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

How Messengers Can Boost Your Life

Messengers, particularly Telegram, have become essential tools for personal and professional communication. Telegram's open API allows developers to create alternative applications known as Telegram clients, which enhance user experience by offering additional functionalities. These clients provide customization, advanced privacy controls, enhanced usability, and integration of tools like AI assistants. The best Telegram clients include Nicegram, which offers advanced chat filtering and privacy options; Telegram X, optimized for speed; Plus Messenger, highly customizable; Unigram, designed for Windows; and iMe Messenger, which combines AI tools and cryptocurrency support. These clients improve communication by streamlining tasks, enhancing privacy, supporting hobbies, boosting productivity, and facilitating travel. Overall, Telegram clients allow users to manage communication more effectively and adapt to their unique lifestyles.

Tech Optimizer

September 15, 2025

AWS Bedrock Knowledge Bases: Comparing S3 Vector Store vs. OpenSearch, PostgreSQL & Neptune

A new initiative led by a consortium of technology firms aims to enhance digital interactions by improving user experience through seamless connectivity and accessibility. Key features include enhanced interoperability among platforms, advanced security protocols for data privacy, and user-centric design for intuitive interfaces. The initiative also explores the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to personalize user experiences based on behavior and preferences. The consortium comprises various organizations, promoting resource sharing and idea exchange. Additionally, there is a commitment to sustainability in technology development. The initiative is expected to influence future tech developments and user expectations, with the first phase set to roll out soon for user feedback and collaboration.