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I switched to an open-source notes app for 2 weeks, and I wish I had done it sooner
AppWizard
July 5, 2026

I switched to an open-source notes app for 2 weeks, and I wish I had done it sooner

The author initially used Simplenote and Obsidian for note-taking but sought a replacement for Simplenote due to its restrictive simplicity. They discovered Notesnook, which became their preferred app due to its end-to-end encryption, generous free plan, and offline functionality. Notesnook supports rich-media attachments, offers organizational features like notebooks and sub-notebooks, and provides superior text formatting options compared to Simplenote. However, the author noted some drawbacks, including slower speed, lack of full Markdown support without a paid plan, local revision history that doesn't sync across devices, and missing collaboration features. Despite these drawbacks, the author appreciates Notesnook's versatility but continues to use Obsidian for its strengths in managing databases and knowledge bases.
Clair Obscur is flawed on purpose, says director: 'Games that try to be perfect, that try to fix all their flaws—they're usually just really boring'
AppWizard
July 5, 2026

Clair Obscur is flawed on purpose, says director: ‘Games that try to be perfect, that try to fix all their flaws—they’re usually just really boring’

Guillaume Broche, the creative director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, discussed the game's inspiration and design philosophy in a conversation with the YouTube channel Konbini. He emphasized the importance of embracing imperfection in creativity, noting that flaws can enhance a game's character and depth. Broche referenced the charm of "eurojank," advocating for authenticity over perfection in game design. He acknowledged that while Clair Obscur may not be flawless, its imperfections contribute to its emotional impact and resonance with players, making it a memorable experience.
Google Play Store widgets will soon be available for individual Collections
AppWizard
July 4, 2026

Google Play Store widgets will soon be available for individual Collections

Google Play Store has introduced a feature called Collections, allowing users to group apps by categories like Shop, Listen, and Food. The latest updates indicate that Google is developing new widgets for the Play Store that will enable users to select individual Collections instead of displaying multiple at once. In version 52.1.26-31 of the Play Store Android app, users currently have two widget options: a compact version with icons for individual Collections and a larger widget listing Collections. The upcoming update will allow users to choose from eight distinct widgets corresponding to categories: Food, Game, Listen, Read, Shop, Social, Travel, and Watch. These new widgets are still in development and not yet available for public use.
This gorgeous Android launcher is basically dead — and it’s all Google’s fault
AppWizard
July 4, 2026

This gorgeous Android launcher is basically dead — and it’s all Google’s fault

Stario Launcher, launched in 2024, is an aesthetically pleasing Android launcher that combines speed and functionality, featuring custom animations, widgets, and automatic app categorization. Its design is influenced by Google’s Material Expressive language, with a minimalist interface that emphasizes essential widgets. The launcher includes a search function similar to Pixel Launcher, supports alternative search engines, and has a dedicated Briefing page for personalized news feeds. It also offers a widget page for customization and a Low Spec mode for older devices. However, the developer plans to cease updates due to Google's tightening policies on third-party apps, which will complicate the installation of non-verified apps starting in September 2026. This situation reflects broader concerns about the future of third-party applications in the Android ecosystem.
Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had
Winsage
July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer, has developed TinyRetroPad, a Notepad-like application that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. TinyRetroPad includes features such as Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and an unsaved changes prompt. It is built on existing Windows components, allowing it to function efficiently without extensive resources. TinyRetroPad is based on Dave’s Tiny Editor and utilizes RICHEDIT50W for text handling. The application's file size increased incrementally with each feature added, with the final size being 2,476 bytes. Crinkler, a compression linker, was used to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad is still in development, facing issues like high memory consumption and compatibility problems. In contrast, Windows 11's Notepad has become larger and more complex, weighing approximately 352KB and incorporating features that some users find unnecessary. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad without modern features, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential for simplicity in application design.
Carcass Clad is less story-heavy than Mouthwashing, but 'a lot of thought' has gone into it: 'We haven't discovered how much we can push it'
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

Carcass Clad is less story-heavy than Mouthwashing, but ‘a lot of thought’ has gone into it: ‘We haven’t discovered how much we can push it’

Developer Wrong Organ is set to unveil their latest project, Carcass Clad, a roguelike co-op tank simulation game, following their previous success with the narrative horror game, Mouthwashing. The game is set in a city in disarray and focuses on action and strategy. Developer Jeffrey Tomec stated that while scripted narrative elements are not the focus, storytelling and worldbuilding remain integral to the design. The core idea of Carcass Clad revolves around the tank, with an emphasis on evoking emotional responses from players. Each game element is crafted to enhance the player experience, connecting them with the environment and mechanics. The reveal trailer has garnered attention, suggesting a fresh take on cooperative gameplay and immersive world design.
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