Development Archives

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Google Brings Vibe Coding to XR: Build VR Apps in Under a Minute

Google is introducing Vibe Coding XR, an experimental workflow that allows users to create virtual reality (VR) applications from simple text prompts in under a minute. This approach, part of a trend called "vibe coding," uses artificial intelligence to interpret user intent rather than relying on traditional coding. It leverages Gemini AI models and the open-source framework XR Blocks, which consist of pre-constructed modules for various functionalities. Users can generate diverse scenarios, such as a physics lab or a Schrödinger’s Cat simulation, by describing their desired scene. Vibe Coding XR is designed for Android XR, particularly optimized for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, but also offers a simulated reality environment for desktop Chrome. Internal evaluations show that the Gemini Flash model can create prototypes in about 20 seconds, while the Gemini Pro model is preferred for complex tasks. Vibe Coding XR is intended as a rapid prototyping tool for educators and developers, not as a replacement for professional developers. Google plans to showcase this technology at the ACM CHI 2026 conference from April 13 to April 17.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Guardian source messaging tech bringing in ‘much higher quality’ of tips

The Guardian's secure messaging technology, launched in June, has significantly improved the quality of tips from sources, utilizing advanced encryption techniques to ensure confidentiality. The app allows messages to vanish after 14 days and is designed to protect sources' anonymity better than many other encrypted services. It has been recognized as a finalist for a major award and has led to a notable increase in story tips, particularly from the U.S. and Australia, despite its primary user base being in the UK and Europe. The app operates independently of The Guardian's paywall, enabling non-paying users to submit tips freely. The platform encourages contributions from users who may have felt intimidated by other secure methods. The technology enhances communication quality and allows sources to provide context to existing stories. As of September, the app has one million daily active users, with features that obscure genuine communications among automated messages, contributing to source protection. The Guardian has invested in guiding sources on crafting effective tips and has made the secure messaging technology open source for other newsrooms to adopt, aiming to improve source protection across the industry. Collaborations with organizations like The Signals Network and the University of Cambridge are ongoing to gather feedback and enhance the technology further.

BetaBeacon

March 27, 2026

Netflix Games Could Soon Get Voice Chat Integration

Code found in the Netflix Android app suggests that voice chat functionality tied to games may soon be introduced, with references to active voice chat status and prompts to return to gameplay. The feature could potentially compete with traditional gaming platforms and improve user engagement. The code also hints at a possible integration with Agora's cross-platform voice API for scalable and reliable voice chat. The implementation of voice chat raises questions about how it will be incorporated into Netflix's current catalog of casual and single-player titles, potentially signaling a shift towards more social or multiplayer experiences in the future. It is important to note that Netflix has not officially confirmed the development of this feature.

Winsage

March 27, 2026

Yes, your office admin can fully remove Microsoft’s Copilot app from your work PCs — if you follow this strict criteria for 28 days

In January, Microsoft released an update for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535, allowing administrators to uninstall the Copilot app on managed devices. This update addresses previous criticism regarding the lack of a mass-uninstall feature for administrators. Individual users have been able to remove Copilot from personal devices, but the new feature enhances user experience for managed devices. Microsoft also plans to improve user sentiment by reintroducing a movable and resizable Taskbar, reducing the visibility of Copilot and AI features, allowing indefinite postponement of updates, and eliminating the mandatory Microsoft Account requirement during setup. CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged public skepticism towards AI and emphasized the need for technology to demonstrate its value. Despite limitations on completely uninstalling Copilot, there is a desire for better user control over these features.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Samsung One UI 9’s ‘Warranty & Care’ App Could Revolutionize Device Repairs

Samsung is preparing to launch One UI 9, based on Android 17, which will include a hidden app called ‘Warranty & Care.’ This app, accessible through an activity launcher, will serve as a hub for device support and will allow users to check warranty status, access self-diagnostic tools, and view help guides. It will also provide insights into repair history, repair cost estimates, service center reservations, and real-time updates on repair status. Additionally, an AI-powered chatbot for remote assistance is being developed, though it is uncertain if it will launch with One UI 9. One UI 9 is expected to debut with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide later this summer.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

“Rocket League is still a priority” despite Psyonix layoffs

Over 1,000 employees were laid off at Epic Games, with many affected coming from Psyonix, the studio behind Rocket League, which was acquired by Epic in 2019. An Epic Games spokesperson stated that Rocket League remains a priority for the company, and the Psyonix team is still focused on developing the game. Rocket League recently achieved a milestone of 40,000 concurrent players in 2023. Psyonix has been actively providing seasonal content and bug fixes for Rocket League, with a recent update released on March 23, the day before the layoffs were announced. Psyonix has also contributed to other projects, including the Rocket Racing minigame in Fortnite and the mobile game Rocket League Sideswipe, launched in 2021. The studio has a long history of collaboration with Epic, dating back to the early 2000s. The future direction of the Psyonix team regarding Rocket League or Fortnite development remains uncertain.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Total War Medieval 3 director says recreating its predecessors “would not make a good game”

Creative Assembly has announced several new titles, including Total War: Warhammer 40k and Total War Medieval 3, which is a sequel to a beloved game. They are also developing a sequel to Alien Isolation. Game director Pawel Wojs emphasized the studio's commitment to innovation and the need to modernize classic games for today's audience. He acknowledged the challenges of recreating Medieval 2, stating that simply replicating it would not result in a good game. However, he assured fans that the essence of what made Medieval 2 enjoyable will be preserved in Medieval 3. Creative Assembly is adopting a strategy of early project announcements to foster transparency and community involvement, aiming to engage with fans and incorporate their feedback throughout the development process. The studio is utilizing advancements in technology and a new engine to innovate within the strategy genre, potentially leading to significant achievements with Total War Medieval 3.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

There’s nothing ‘euro’ about ‘eurojank,’ says Stalker dev—after all, what are some of the 2000s’ best RPGs if not beautiful all-American jankfests?

Many gamers are attracted to "eurojank," a term describing beloved but imperfect games that emphasize creativity and ambition, such as Stalker, The Witcher, and Mount & Blade. The 2004 RPG Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines remains popular due to fan patches, highlighting its lasting impact. Andrii Verpakhovskyi, a designer from the original Stalker series, mentioned his fondness for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines and Arcanum, both created by Troika Games, which had ties to the Fallout series. The discussion around eurojank encourages appreciation for the quirks and imperfections that make these games memorable and foster community among players.

Winsage

March 27, 2026

Microsoft reportedly sets movable taskbars to ‘Priority 0’ as it tries to regain faith in Windows 11

Users have expressed concerns about Windows 11's shortcomings compared to Windows 10, particularly the absence of certain features. Microsoft is prioritizing the implementation of a movable taskbar, designated as "Priority 0," indicating its urgency. Additionally, a resizable taskbar is categorized as "Priority 1." This focus on taskbar features reflects Microsoft's responsiveness to user feedback and a shift towards a more user-centric approach in refining the Windows 11 experience.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Android 17 to Finally Let You Exclude Specific Apps from Your VPN Connection

Using a VPN on Android can enhance privacy but may hinder access to location-dependent services. Many users utilize "split tunneling" to exclude specific apps from the VPN connection, allowing access to these services. Android 17 Beta 3 is set to standardize split tunneling across the operating system, providing a cohesive settings screen for users to manage app exceptions. This development aims to simplify the user experience by eliminating the need to navigate different VPN app interfaces. Users will be able to configure specific apps, like banking applications, to use their local IP address while keeping other web traffic secure under the VPN. The feature is still in development and will require updates from VPN applications to utilize the new system screen.