Countdown Archives

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

This new Android app fixes everything wrong with Google Clock

The Google Clock app has faced criticism for its alarm functionality and reliability, prompting users to seek alternatives. Pixel Clock has emerged as a new contender, offering a user-friendly design and features such as a Wake-up mission that requires users to solve math problems to dismiss alarms. It includes alarm presets for napping, a sophisticated timer feature called Pixel Timer for time-blocking, and Smart Presets for various time management needs. The app also tracks timer analytics on a Stats page. Despite minor bugs, Pixel Clock has made a strong impression and is seen as a more reliable option compared to Google Clock.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Opera For Android Adds Free 3GB Travel eSIM To Rival US Roaming Passes

Opera has integrated a built-in travel eSIM into its Android web browser, allowing international travelers to access cellular connectivity without expensive roaming fees. The company is offering a promotional trial that includes 3 GB of free mobile data for three days in 47 major destinations. This feature provides comprehensive cellular data access across the smartphone's operating system, enabling essential apps to function without physical SIM swapping. The activation process does not require credit card registration or personal email verification and can be completed within the app. The service is designed for American travelers as a cost-effective alternative to high international day passes from U.S. carriers. It operates in partnership with Holiday.com, offering additional paid data bundles of 3 GB, 5 GB, and 10 GB with 30-day validity at competitive prices. Users must have a carrier-unlocked smartphone running Android 10 or newer with eSIM support, and the service is exclusive to the standard Opera for Android client. It supports high-speed 5G networks where available and covers popular destinations in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

F-Droid’s biggest update in a decade is coming despite Google’s sideloading crackdown

F-Droid is releasing version 2.0, which features a complete rewrite of the app in Kotlin for better support and updates. The new interface follows Google’s Material Design, simplifying navigation into three sections: Discover, Search, and My Apps. The Discover tab has been redesigned for a more intuitive experience, with apps organized into sub-groups and the Categories tab removed. Enhanced search functionality includes privacy-focused exploration and filters for specific criteria. A new installation flow with a pre-approval API aims to streamline app acquisition. F-Droid is aware of upcoming Google developer verification measures, now set for 2027, requiring developers to create accounts and verify identities. Version 2.0 is still in development, with an alpha build available on APK Mirror but lacking all features. No specific release date has been announced.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

These three Microsoft 365 apps lasted just one year before getting axed

Microsoft will retire the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps from its Microsoft 365 suite on December 16, 2026. These apps were launched a year ago to enhance productivity by providing quick access to information via the Windows 11 taskbar. However, their role has shifted from essential tools to supplementary resources, as users can access the same information through existing Microsoft services. Microsoft recommends alternatives such as Outlook, Teams, Windows Search, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for users to utilize after the retirement of these apps.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Minecraft is moving into American Dream — but it won’t stay forever

East Rutherford, N.J. will host "Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue" starting November 13 at American Dream. This interactive adventure allows guests to explore eight realms inspired by the game over the course of one hour, where they will collect resources and work together to rescue Minecraft villagers. Participants will use an Orb of Interaction to engage with the environment and encounter various Minecraft creatures. Tickets go on sale October 1, with individual tickets priced from .99 and multipack tickets starting at .99 per person. The experience is temporary and part of a touring production, with no closing date announced. American Dream also features attractions like Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and DreamWorks Water Park, and plans to introduce a "Five Nights at Freddy’s"-themed attraction in the future.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Dutch foundation sues Epic Games over Fortnite’s “pressure” tactics that drive spending

The Massaschade & Consument Foundation has filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, alleging that Fortnite uses deceptive marketing tactics targeting younger players. The foundation claims that countdown clocks during gameplay create a false sense of urgency for limited-time offers, which often remain available after the timers expire, leading to confusion and potential overspending. The lawsuit raises ethical concerns about the responsibility of game developers to protect young gamers. The outcome could impact marketing strategies and consumer protection laws in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

September 14, 2026

Minecraft releases 26.3 RC2 ahead of September 15 launch | Tap to know more

Mojang has released the Java Edition 26.3 Release Candidate 2 on September 11, serving as the second testing version before the Wilderness Bound game launch on September 15. This update is expected to transition into the final version, enhancing gameplay mechanics and preparing for the official release.

AppWizard

September 12, 2026

‘Minecraft Dungeons II’ is coming soon: Score bonus items, preorder deals

Minecraft Dungeons II is set to launch on September 29, and players can pre-order two editions: - Standard Edition for .99, which includes: - Twisted Cape - Twisted Chicken Pet - Two additional hero skins - Full access to the base game on launch day and the Minecraft Launcher. - Deluxe Edition for .99, which includes all Standard Edition bonuses plus: - Access to two future DLC expansion packs - Instant access to the Soul Cape cosmetic - Blub Pet companion - Four Deluxe hero skins. Pre-orders must be completed by September 28 to receive these bonuses.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Onimusha: Way of the Sword launch times and release date

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is set to launch on PC at 12 am EDT / 5 am BST on Friday, September 4. The unlock times for various regions are as follows: Los Angeles: 9 pm PDT on Thursday, September 3; New York: 12 am EDT on Friday, September 4; London: 5 am BST on Friday, September 4; Berlin: 6 am CEST on Friday, September 4; New Delhi: 9:30 am IST on Friday, September 4; Sydney: 2 pm AEST on Friday, September 4; Auckland: 4 pm NZST on Friday, September 4. Preloading is available for players purchasing on Steam, but not for those buying on the Epic Games Store.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Google Clock rolls out redesign of Timers with presets on Android

Google Clock has introduced a redesigned Timers tab with a fresh design and new app icon. The update includes preset timers for 1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes, which can be started with a tap. The interface now uses full labels for Hours, Minutes, and Seconds instead of abbreviations. A green "Start" button has replaced the former icon, and the number pad has a flatter appearance without circular backgrounds. The layout for multiple timers has been changed to a grid format for better navigation, while the single timer design remains the same with a repositioned pause button and a reset option outside the countdown. This redesign is part of a server-side update linked to version 9.1 of Google Clock. Users may need to force stop the app to see the changes.