curiosity Archives

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

It’s Not Gone: The Feature Android Auto Users Love Is Still There, Google Says

The wavy progress bar in Android Auto's music applications has disappeared for some users, leading to speculation about its permanent removal. Google clarified that the squiggly line has not been eliminated, attributing the inconsistency to app developers' ability to customize the progress bar's appearance. Users have observed that the wavy progress bar may appear in the Coolwalk screen but reverts to a standard straight line in full-screen mode. Additionally, any app capable of playing media now utilizes a dedicated card on the Coolwalk screen, allowing users to see song information and playback controls. This feature is live on production devices with the latest updates of Android Auto.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

I have to settle for this AI recreation because Microsoft won’t share its gorgeous new Windows 11 wallpaper

Microsoft has a history of creating and commissioning unique wallpapers for its product launches, with each version of Windows featuring its own official wallpaper collection. At a recent Windows and Surface event, a new wallpaper was seen on RTX Spark laptops, but Microsoft has not yet released it publicly. An X user recreated this wallpaper using ChatGPT, while AI has been previously used to enhance Windows wallpapers. The RTX Spark laptops are available for preorder, with shipments starting on October 16, 2026, and the official wallpaper is expected to be released soon.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

Can Windows on Arm really challenge x86?

Nvidia is launching its Arm-based RTX Spark platform, which aims to challenge the x86 architecture and support Microsoft's Windows on Arm strategy. The platform leverages Arm's energy efficiency and performance capabilities, potentially allowing it to compete with traditional x86 systems. Nvidia's entry into the market could drive innovation and competition, enhancing consumer products. Despite previous challenges faced by Microsoft's Windows on Arm initiative, Nvidia's involvement brings renewed optimism for Arm's market presence. The success of the RTX Spark platform may indicate the future viability of Arm within the Windows ecosystem.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Warhammer Survivors is more than just a Vampire Survivors spin-off

Warhammer Survivors is developed by Auroch Digital and is seen as a worthy sequel to Vampire Survivors. It features detailed hero designs, expansive maps, and grotesque creatures. The game introduces fresh elements like followers and enhanced boss encounters. Familiar mechanics from Vampire Survivors are present, such as weapon evolutions and challenging bosses, with unique adaptations like experience skulls and Extremis bosses. Nuln oil is used as a weapon in the game, damaging and slowing enemies. Each map has a distinct theme, with one set in a WH40k battlefield and another in Age of Sigmar. Players can rescue unlockable characters to aid them in battles, adding a strategic element. The game presents a tougher challenge compared to its predecessor, with enemy factions exhibiting unique traits. Players must choose between WH40k and AoS universes, which have tailored characters and upgrades. Warhammer Survivors runs well on Steam Deck and is set to launch on November 10.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Steam sale deep cut alert: this ARPG originally developed for Nokia N-Gage is brilliant on Deck

Xanadu Next, developed by Nihon Falcom for the Nokia N-Gage, is a spin-off of the 1985 game Xanadu: Dragon Slayer 2. It has recently been re-released on Steam during the Autumn sale. The game features an isometric view and a metroidvania structure, with gameplay involving exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players can upgrade and trade in a central village, while the world outside offers interconnected areas reminiscent of Dark Souls. The game is available at a 70% discount but lacks comprehensive controller support, requiring some tasks to be done with a mouse. Players have reported success running it on the Steam Deck despite it being marked as unsupported.

Winsage

October 6, 2026

Quote of the day by Panos Panay: “To make a great product, you can’t have great software without the hardware; you can’t have great hardware without the software.” — Can Microsoft’s October 7 Surface event keep this vision alive?

This week marks the fifth anniversary of Windows 11. Microsoft will host a Surface event on October 7, focusing on the NVIDIA RTX Spark chip and the new Surface Laptop Ultra lineup. Recently, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 12-inch (Gen 2) and Surface Laptop 13-inch (Gen 2) on September 23 during Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, raising questions about the timing of these announcements. The Surface Laptop Ultra was initially revealed at Computex 2026, and further details are expected at the upcoming event, which will be streamed at 1 PM ET.

Winsage

October 5, 2026

TITAN Xp Finally Runs on Windows XP Thanks to a Modded NVIDIA Driver

A modder named SupraGSX released an unofficial Windows XP driver on GitHub called Forceware 382.69, designed to support NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 10-series graphics cards, including the TITAN Xp. This driver is a patched version of NVIDIA's older 368.81 driver from July 2016, specifically for 32-bit Windows XP systems. It supports various graphics cards, including GTX 1060, GTX 1070, GTX 1070 Ti, GTX 1080, GTX 1080 Ti, TITAN X (Pascal), TITAN Xp, and some GTX 900-series and Quadro cards. The driver introduces support for DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3 and HDMI 2.0, although not all models were individually validated. The latest build, released on October 4, fixes OpenGL crashes on Pascal cards, verified on the GTX 1080 Ti, while support for GP107 cards, like the GTX 1050 Ti, remains experimental. Users are advised to be cautious when installing unverified drivers on their primary machines.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Mike Tomlin’s 12-year-long Minecraft hobby is being questioned: “You don’t see Andy Reid doing that”

Mike Tomlin has spent 12 years building a detailed virtual city in Minecraft, initially as a way to bond with his children. His city features hotels, apartments, sports venues, and an aquarium, serving as a therapeutic escape from coaching pressures. Tomlin's project developed between 2014 and 2025, coinciding with the Steelers' struggles in the NFL Playoffs despite having talented rosters. Criticism arose from fans and former player Le'Veon Bell, who questioned Tomlin's dedication to the team. The city includes a large body of water, a boutique hotel with an executive spa, glass ceilings for natural light, an aquarium-themed apartment high-rise, a CVS, and various sports facilities. Despite his commitment to this project, Tomlin led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory in 2009 and has maintained competitiveness in his coaching career.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

Did Mike Tomlin’s Minecraft obsession derail NFL coaching career?

Mike Tomlin, the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been building an expansive Minecraft city for over a decade, starting on PlayStation 3 as a way to bond with his children. He continued to develop this project through various console generations, ultimately reaching the PlayStation 5. During Tomlin's coaching tenure from 2007 to 2025, the Steelers had a playoff record of 5-3 in his first seven seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances, but struggled in the following 12 years with a 3-9 playoff record. Former NFL player T.J. Ward humorously suggested that Tomlin's dedication to Minecraft could have impacted his coaching performance, although he acknowledged that many factors influence playoff outcomes. Tomlin stepped down from coaching in January and may now have more time to complete his Minecraft city.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

Ex-NFL Coach Mike Tomlin Reveals Massive ‘Minecraft’ City He Spent 12 Years Secretly Building

Mike Tomlin, former Steelers head coach and current NBC analyst, has created a detailed city in Minecraft over the past decade, inspired by his children's interest in the game. He began exploring Minecraft's creative mode due to his passion for architecture, despite lacking gaming skills. His city features luxury high-rises, hotels, sports stadiums, and a boutique hotel with a spa and ballroom, emphasizing lighting in his designs. A notable feature is a wall-sized fish tank that spans multiple rooms. Tomlin finds the experience therapeutic and prefers it over watching television, promising more updates on his project in future videos.