designs Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Privacy or Evasion? The Policy Dilemma Around Messaging App Usernames

On June 29, 2026, WhatsApp introduced a feature allowing users to create usernames to enhance privacy by enabling connections without revealing phone numbers. The Government of India expressed concerns about potential increases in cybercrime linked to this feature and issued a notice to WhatsApp requesting a pause on its rollout. The notice demanded justification under various laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000. Similar inquiries were sent to other messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. This scrutiny represents a shift from reactive measures to proactive assessments of platform design, emphasizing how features like usernames can impact user safety and accountability. The Delhi High Court upheld a temporary ban on Telegram during an examination period, recognizing the relevance of platform architecture in assessing risks. The increase in cybersecurity incidents in India raised concerns about usernames enabling fraud and evasion. The government is advocating for a balanced approach that allows pseudonymous interaction while ensuring accountability.

BetaBeacon

August 12, 2026

This leaked Zelda Switch 2 could be Nintendo’s next collector hit

- Leaked images suggest that a Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 console and a standalone Switch 2 Pro Controller are in the works to celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary. - The console features a dark aesthetic with gold and green accents, a gold Triforce dock, and black-and-teal Joy-Con controllers. - The Pro Controller mirrors the console's color scheme with gold triggers, shoulder buttons, and a central Triforce crest. - The release date for the hardware has not been confirmed by Nintendo.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Marvel Tokon Stumbles to Mixed Steam Reviews as ‘Miserable’ PC Port Complaints Prompt Response From Arc System Works

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls launched on August 6, 2026, on Steam, receiving a "Mixed" user review rating with only 44% of 2,561 reviews being positive. Players have expressed frustration over technical issues, including mandatory PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirements, lack of Linux support, and anti-cheat complications. The PSN requirement has made the game inaccessible in over 100 countries, and many players have criticized the game's performance, noting low frame rates. Despite these issues, some players have praised the game for its character designs and gameplay. Arc System Works has acknowledged the performance problems and is actively investigating them while encouraging player feedback.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

5 Best PC Games Of The ’80s, Ranked

The original "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" is a classic game from 1989 that is being remade to appeal to both new and veteran players. "Dungeon Master," released in 1987 by FTL Games, is a first-person dungeon crawler that introduced a dynamic improvement mechanism for character attributes and skills, featuring real-time combat and detailed monster designs. "Maniac Mansion," developed by Lucasfilm Games in 1987, is a horror-comedy point-and-click adventure that involves rescuing a teenager from a mad scientist's home, known for its intricate puzzles and multiple endings. "MIDI Maze," released in 1987 for the Atari ST, was an early multiplayer first-person shooter that allowed up to 16 players to battle using floating smiley faces as avatars and included networking capabilities and a level editor. "Starflight," released in 1986, allowed players to explore a vast galaxy, interact with civilizations, and engage in diplomacy and trading, featuring 270 star systems and the ability to recruit crew members and upgrade spacecraft.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

This free Steam cozy game offering will bring back fond childhood memories

Stickers evoke nostalgia for many, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, who often decorate their MacBook covers with them. The free Steam game My Cozy Cube, developed by Potato Sprouts, allows players to decorate a virtual room using sticker-like items and includes a light puzzling element. Players can choose between a guided 'normal mode' and a freeform 'sandbox mode,' with features like auto-snapping for accurate placement. A demo is currently available, but the full release date has not been announced. Another game in this genre is Little Corners, priced at £5.99, which lets players decorate various scenes and offers a simple yet enjoyable experience.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Check out the latest Pixel Watch apps to get a new look for their icons

Google is updating the visual design of its Wear OS applications, particularly for the Pixel Watch series, ahead of the Pixel Watch 5 launch. The Clock and Stopwatch apps are receiving a redesign with a more natural color palette and refined aesthetics. The Clock app now features a classic 10:10 hand positioning and a toned-down appearance, while the Stopwatch app has a revamped color scheme. These changes are part of Google's broader effort to modernize its smartwatch offerings.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

All the news from QuakeCon 2026

QuakeCon 2026 is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Quake franchise. A new episode titled "Dawn of the Machine," created by MachineGames and id Software, is now available as a free update for Quake, featuring a 19-map campaign, time-bending mechanics, a new soundtrack, and a new Deathmatch map. A special event discussing this episode will take place on August 6 at 1:30 PM CT with industry legends. The id Signature Series has new designs available for purchase, including tees and hoodies. "Quake: The Board Game," a cooperative dungeon crawler developed by Archon Studios, is set to launch in Q4 2026. The DOOM Collection for Evercade, including DOOM (1993) and DOOM II), is available for preorder, along with a limited-edition Evercade Nexus DOOM Edition releasing in October 2026. Additionally, "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" is now available uncensored in Germany on various platforms.

Winsage

August 6, 2026

Microsoft is updating even more parts of the Windows 11 UI with modern designs: Here’s what’s next on the list of overhauls

Windows has faced user dissatisfaction due to inconsistent user interface designs since Windows 8, which worsened with Windows 10. Windows 11, launched in 2021, introduced a consistent design language through the WinUI framework, modernizing various UI components and replacing older elements. Enhancements included a more consistent dark mode and updates to features like volume controls and context menus. Microsoft is revamping the File Properties dialog and the Start menu for improved speed and responsiveness while optimizing resource consumption. Context menus are also being redesigned for better customization and quicker access. Ongoing efforts aim to modernize legacy components of the OS, with a focus on performance and reduced memory usage.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Why Minecraft Bedrock Is Still the Ultimate Mobile Sandbox in 2026

Minecraft Bedrock is a mobile sandbox game that remains popular in 2026 due to its blend of survival, exploration, building, and multiplayer features. It offers regular updates, cross-platform play, and community-generated content, enhancing player engagement. Community resources like MCPE Planet help players discover new maps, add-ons, and enhancements. The game allows for quick gaming sessions or extensive projects, with cross-platform multiplayer enabling users on different devices to play together. Regular updates introduce new content that keeps old worlds relevant, while custom maps allow for diverse gameplay experiences across various genres. Players can customize their experience with add-ons that introduce new elements without switching to Java Edition. Resource packs can refresh the game's visuals, and touch controls make it accessible on mobile devices. The game serves as a creative platform, fostering community and collaboration among players.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, particularly for Chrome Unboxed, which offers a membership for an ad-free experience and exclusive access to a private Discord. The author expresses frustration with the limitations of Android apps on ChromeOS, specifically citing issues with PUBG Mobile's performance on Chromebooks. The introduction of Googlebook, particularly the Lenovo Googlebook ‘Sapphire’ detachable tablet, is highlighted as a potential solution, featuring an architecture built on native Android, which promises improved app compatibility, native input mapping, direct hardware acceleration, and seamless Play Store integration. The author envisions an ideal tablet experience that combines the functionality of a desktop Chrome browser with robust Android applications.