distractions Archives

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

I switched to this YouTube client and I’m never going back

YouTube has evolved into a platform filled with ads and a complex algorithm since its launch in the late 2000s. In response, many users have turned to NewPipe, an open-source streaming client developed in 2015, which offers a lightweight and efficient viewing experience without user data collection. NewPipe allows ad-free video playback, offline downloads, background playback, and picture-in-picture mode, while enabling users to create local playlists. However, it lacks features such as posting comments, YouTube Shorts, and algorithm-driven recommendations, which may limit content discovery. Although using NewPipe does not violate laws, it contravenes YouTube's terms of service, and while it eliminates ads, creators do not receive compensation through this platform. NewPipe is available on F-Droid and operates independently using publicly available data.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

The most honest survival game I’ve ever played is this unemployment simulator

Unemployment Simulator 2018 is a survival game that focuses on the challenges of modern life, set in a modest apartment rather than a wilderness. Players collect empty beer cans and craft application letters, reflecting the realities of job hunting. The game features various minigames that highlight struggles in the job market, infused with dark humor. It includes elements of psychological depth, such as pressing a key to cry and experiencing lucid dreams. The developer, Samuel Lehikoinen, claims the game is based on real events, capturing the essence of contemporary struggles with a mix of silliness and sincerity. A free demo is available for players interested in this unique gaming experience.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

The Essential Android Apps You Should Try This August

As of August 2025, Android users have access to a variety of applications aimed at enhancing productivity, creativity, communication, and personal development. Notable apps include: - Stream Deck: Transforms Android devices into customizable control centers for tasks like live streaming and video editing. - Bit Chat: Enables offline communication via a Bluetooth mesh network, useful in areas without Wi-Fi or cellular service. - Cantra: Allows users to remove pre-installed apps without root access, improving device performance and storage. - GM Way: Customizes social media interactions by hiding notifications and ads to create a distraction-free environment. - Textband: Facilitates the creation of shortcuts for frequently used phrases, streamlining communication. - Timeark: Adds real-time timestamps, geotags, and labels to photos and videos for accurate documentation. - Rare Vision: Offers 1980s VHS-style video effects for retro-inspired content creation. - Adobe Firefly: Uses AI to simplify design tasks, enabling users to generate images and videos easily. - Nomad Table: Connects users to local events and meetups for networking and community engagement. - Imprint: Provides bite-sized lessons on various topics, making learning accessible for busy individuals.

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

7 smart ways Android’s Modes can help you

Android introduces customizable modes that allow users to adjust device settings for different aspects of daily life. The standard Google Android interface enables easy navigation through these modes, while Samsung's interface offers additional personalization options, including the ability to create custom modes with unique names and icons. Users can manage notifications by defining which types to receive or block, enhancing productivity by minimizing distractions during work or events. Samsung devices provide specific notification rules and integrate modes with calendar events for better organization. Additionally, Samsung's driving mode can read notifications aloud, helping users stay informed while driving.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

First-person narrative loop horror game Ire: A Prologue announced for PC

ProbablyMonsters has announced its new project, Ire: A Prologue, a first-person narrative horror game set to launch on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on October 28. The game features a story about a young girl named Emily searching for her missing father aboard a haunted ship in the Bermuda Triangle. Players will navigate dark corridors, unlocking thirteen doors while being pursued by a relentless monster. The game pays homage to 80s and 90s horror films, incorporating stealth mechanics and dynamic monster interactions. Ire: A Prologue is developed using Unreal Engine 5 and marks the beginning of a new horror franchise. Key features include exploring the ship for clues, utilizing stealth to survive, and experiencing an immersive atmosphere with a compelling soundscape.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

5 productivity apps I swear by, and one of them unlocks the rest

Productivity apps elicit varied reactions, with users often finding a balance between detailed organization and simplicity. Enpass is a password manager that securely stores passwords and documents, while Ente Auth manages two-factor authentication codes for streamlined security. TickTick is a task management app with features like reminders and habit tracking, allowing for customization. Notion serves as a versatile workspace for organizing reading lists and writing projects, promoting creativity with minimalist formatting. Google Keep functions as a digital notepad for quick notes and lists, despite some cross-platform limitations. ChatGPT aids in research and idea generation by synthesizing information and facilitating brainstorming. Each app contributes uniquely to enhancing productivity and maintaining focus in daily tasks.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

These are 5 of my favorite gallery apps, but one stands out from the rest

Focus Go is a lightweight gallery app that emphasizes simplicity and elegance, allowing users to organize photos by folder and offering features like fingerprint security and brightness adjustment. Aves Gallery provides tools for managing photos and videos, including metadata editing and user habit statistics, along with swift search capabilities. Piktures integrates with cloud services and USB drives, features a Secret Space for secure image storage, and has a visually appealing interface. Google Gallery is a simple app compatible with older Android versions, designed for easy navigation of photo collections. Fossify Gallery is an open-source app with customizable settings, suitable for users with large photo libraries, allowing for adjustments in display preferences.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

I’m a haunted Mad Max muscle car with 2 shotgun turrets in this early access vehicle combat game, and it’s just as rad as it sounds

Fumes is an early access car combat game set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland that focuses on vehicles and their weapons rather than character-driven narratives. It emphasizes fast-paced, pixelated machine violence and offers a straightforward approach to vehicular warfare. The game is currently available on Steam.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Is Microsoft Pushing Windows 11 Into Malware Territory?

Users are frustrated with Microsoft's direction for Windows 11, feeling that new features are more distracting than beneficial. The Widget board can be accidentally triggered, and the default multiple desktops setting can be irritating. The search function now prioritizes web browsing over file access, and the lock screen features advertisements for Microsoft services. The introduction of Copilot Vision and Recall has led to comparisons of Windows 11 to malware due to its invasive nature. Users are encouraged to find tips to disable intrusive features, although there is concern that Microsoft may remove these options in the future.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

10 hidden Windows settings you should change now

Most Windows users engage with basic settings, but there are hidden settings that can enhance usability and performance. 1. Adjust App Permissions: Navigate to Settings -> Privacy & security -> App permissions to limit unnecessary app permissions. 2. Disable "Let Apps Run in the Background": Go to Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps, select the app, click the three dots, choose Advanced options, and turn off "Let this app run in the background." 3. Turn Off Ad Tracking and Personalization: Go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> General and deactivate ad-tracking options. 4. Disable Tips and Suggestions: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Notifications, expand Additional settings, and uncheck "Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows." 5. Enable Clipboard History: Go to Settings -> System -> Clipboard and toggle on "Clipboard history." Access it with Windows key + V. 6. Manage Startup Apps: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), switch to the Startup tab, and disable unnecessary apps. 7. Turn On Storage Sense: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Storage -> Storage Sense to enable automatic cleanup of temporary files. 8. Prevent Apps from Reopening on Startup: Go to Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in options and disable "Automatically save my restartable apps." 9. Hide Recently Opened Files in Quick Access: Open File Explorer, click the "three dots," select Options, and uncheck "Show recently used files" and "Show frequently used folders." 10. Set Active Hours for Windows Update: Visit Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced options -> Active hours to define your active hours for updates.