Design philosophy Archives

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Latest Google Messages beta brings its Expressive redesign to more users

A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 has reported the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages, which includes a reworked plus icon menu and a "connected button group" for emojis and GIFs. The beta update features a solid-color background for conversations, distinguishing texts from contact options. The redesign is not yet available in the stable version of Google Messages but is gradually being rolled out to beta users. The conversation field now has a rounded-corner container, separating it from calling and menu buttons. Not all beta users have received the update, indicating it is still being distributed. The Material 3 Expressive design philosophy aims to enhance the Android experience with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. Similar updates have been noted in other Google applications, such as Gmail.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

MVRDV’s ‘Out of the Box’ Project Looks Like a Building Pulled Straight from Minecraft

A new residential tower named Out of the Box, designed by Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, is being built in Taipei’s Tianmu neighborhood. The 25-story structure reaches a height of 250 feet and features a dynamic facade with box-like protrusions that create additional living spaces such as balconies and terraces. MVRDV utilized digital scripting to navigate Taiwan’s building regulations, allowing for a balance of sunlight and privacy. The design includes a small number of repeating apartment types with variations due to the protruding boxes. The tower aims to foster community by providing private outdoor spaces in a humid subtropical climate. It is clad in marble, enhancing its sophisticated appearance while integrating with planned greenery to create a vertical garden.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Google Unveils Exciting Enhancements Coming to the Native Phone App for Android Users!

The latest update to the Phone by Google Android app includes larger text and images for callers, redesigned oval buttons, and the removal of the "Call from" text during incoming calls. The caller's phone number remains visible even after the call is answered, and the end button has been redesigned into a pill shape to reduce accidental presses. These changes aim to enhance usability and create a more intuitive user experience.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign is the first FromSoftware game that I honestly wish I could play on easy

Elden Ring Nightreign features a fast-paced, randomized gameplay experience that contrasts with traditional FromSoftware titles. Players face high-stakes encounters against powerful bosses, with a focus on survival and defeating Nightlords. The game lacks a progression system, leading to frustration when players are defeated without rewards. Critics have labeled it a cash grab, but it diverges from genre conventions. The absence of difficulty adjustments and varied gameplay experiences limits player engagement, though there is hope for future content that could introduce new characters and mechanics.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign review

A co-op action RPG battle royale hybrid set in the Elden Ring universe, titled Elden Ring Nightreign, is developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, with a release date of May 30, 2025, priced at £35. The game features multiplayer gameplay, with matches lasting around 30 minutes, and involves teams of three players battling against various monsters. Players engage in cooperative missions and face unpredictable challenges, including boss encounters and randomized loot. Each character can equip three Relics, though their effectiveness can vary. The game emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and adaptation, with a steep learning curve and elements that can lead to frustration. Despite its chaotic nature, it offers a thrilling experience that encourages players to experiment and persevere through challenges. The game was reviewed on an RTX 5090, Intel Core i9 12900K, and 32GB RAM, and has not been tested on Steam Deck.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

The Google app might bring an ‘Images’ feed to help you find inspiration

Google is developing an "Images" feed within its main app to enhance personalization, allowing users to select preferred topics for a tailored image experience. Additionally, the Google Photos app is set for a significant redesign aligned with the Material 3 Expressive design language, featuring a modernized interface for Memory cards and a "create memory" button for easier memory creation. The new "Images" tab will function like a search feature, and the integration of Gemini technology aims to improve the shopping experience by enhancing product exploration and inspiration.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

This lean Linux distro can give your Windows 10 PC an extra 5 to 10 years of life

FunOS is a lightweight operating system built on Ubuntu LTS, focusing on stability, performance, and security. It uses Joe's Window Manager, consumes approximately 250 MB of RAM when idle, and has a compact installer size of 1.8 GB. The installation process is straightforward, taking under five minutes, and features a familiar desktop layout. FunOS lacks a graphical user interface for the package manager, requiring users to utilize the command line for software management, although Synaptic can be installed for easier application installations. New applications require a menu reload to appear. FunOS is suitable for aging Windows 10 machines, providing a reliable and efficient computing experience.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Android Automotive is expanding its app catalog for cars with the largest displays

Google announced its collaboration with OEMs to enhance mobile app compatibility for large screens in Android Automotive, targeting thousands of car-ready applications. The rollout will begin in vehicles with Google built-in and running on Android 14, with the Volvo EX90 being the first model to benefit from this expanded app ecosystem. Additionally, Google introduced a new aspect ratio menu for toggling between default app size and full-screen view, aligning with updates in Android 14 QPR1 for smartphones.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Over 25 Years Ago, This Lemmings-Esque Puzzler Was Sent Out To Die – Its Fans Had Other Plans

Monolith Productions announced its closure earlier this year, prompting tributes to its 30-year legacy. One notable title from the studio is Gruntz, a puzzle strategy game released for PCs in 1999, which has maintained an active community despite its initial rocky launch. The game was designed by Nick Newhard, who aimed to create a game that his wife would enjoy, blending real-time strategy elements with puzzles. After Newhard's departure from the project due to internal disagreements, Kevin Lambert took over development, infusing humor and personality into the characters. Gruntz received mixed reviews upon release, but found a favorable reception in Europe. The game's inclusion of level editing tools led to a dedicated fan community, with ongoing projects like Dizgruntled and Gruntz Unityverse. The community currently has over 368 accounts, showcasing the game's lasting appeal.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Files by Google is also getting a fresh coat of Material 3 Expressive (APK teardown)

Google is testing its Files app with new Material 3 Expressive components in a beta version. The beta version, Files by Google v1.7528, features repositioned Quick Share and File Scanner floating action buttons to a centralized location, larger thumbnails for recent files, and a redesigned image viewer with updated Edit and Circle to Search FABs. The sidebar has undergone changes in padding and sizing, and the progress bar has been moved to the center of the screen with a new wavy design. These features are still under development and may not appear in the final public release.