distractions Archives

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

I was wrong about Obsidian: Here’s why it’s actually a powerful app

Obsidian has evolved from a frustrating app to a vital organizational tool for the user. Initially, the app's complexity and unstructured layout were overwhelming compared to alternatives like Google Keep and Notion. The user struggled with its numerous plugins and customization options, which made note-taking chaotic. However, after adopting a minimalist approach by simplifying the setup and using Obsidian's official sync service, the user discovered its potential. Obsidian's strengths include local storage of notes, a straightforward folder and tagging system, and a web clipper extension for capturing information. Despite its steep learning curve, Obsidian has become an effective tool for organizing thoughts and capturing notes.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Google stocks ‘featured notebooks’ on NotebookLM shelves for curated topics

Google is introducing "featured notebooks" in NotebookLM for desktop users, in partnership with publications like the Atlantic and the Economist. These notebooks provide in-depth advice and analysis, including contributions from Eric Topol and Yellowstone National Park. They are publicly accessible, allowing users to read or generate Audio Overviews. The update, announced on July 14, enhances the app's ability to curate high-quality sources for complex topics. Notable collaborations include public notebooks such as "How to Build a Life" and "The World Ahead 2025." Users can engage with AI for clarification and access AI-generated summaries. The rollout also includes various publicly available notebooks, such as longevity advice from Eric Topol and a science enthusiast’s guide to Yellowstone National Park. The feature builds on the "Public Notebooks" introduced in June, allowing users to compile and share notebooks for collaborative interaction. Discover Sources helps users find credible references by autonomously gathering pertinent information based on user-described topics.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

4 things Linux does better than Windows for the average user

Windows 11 dominates the consumer market due to partnerships with laptop manufacturers, creating a barrier for Linux. Windows 11 requires users to create a Microsoft account during setup, allowing data tracking, while Linux allows setup with just a local username and password, enhancing privacy. Windows 11 imposes unnecessary features like OneDrive and aggressive marketing, whereas Linux offers a customizable experience without upsells. Windows often includes bloatware, while Linux distributions typically come with only essential applications that can be uninstalled. Linux provides extensive customization options through various distributions, allowing users to tailor their computing experience.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Top Android Apps (July 2025): Essential Downloads for Your Phone

The latest Android apps for July 2025 include: 1. Cosmos: An app for discovering and curating aesthetic ideas with personalized feeds and collaborative boards. 2. Copy SMS Code: A lightweight app that copies authentication codes to the clipboard, operating offline and focusing on privacy. 3. Super Alarm: An alarm app that engages users with tasks like puzzles and physical activities to enhance their waking experience. 4. Creative App: A community-driven platform for customizing devices with wallpapers, ringtones, and layouts, allowing user contributions. 5. Gator: A storage management app that clears cache, removes duplicates, and organizes backups with automated cleaning schedules. 6. Timewise: An app that provides insights into app usage and screen time, allowing users to set limits and create phone-free zones. 7. Parquet: An AI-driven mind mapping tool that helps users brainstorm and organize ideas, generating structured mind maps for easy sharing.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

I’m fed up with ads on my Google TV, so I got rid of them with this third-party launcher

The transition from Android TV to Google TV has led to mixed reactions from users, primarily due to the increase in sponsored content and ads, which can be frustrating for those who have invested in hardware. Unlike Apple TV 4K, which is ad-free, Google TV users can utilize a third-party launcher, such as Projectivy Launcher, to eliminate ads and enhance their viewing experience. Projectivy Launcher is customizable, allowing users to reorder apps, hide unused ones, and create personalized categories. It offers features like adjustable icon sizes, dynamic wallpapers, and the ability to sideload APKs. It also includes parental controls and is free to use, with some premium features available for a one-time payment. Google TV provides an "App-only" mode to reduce clutter, but Projectivy is considered a better option for a streamlined experience.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

4 idle games I play while working on my PC

Idle games are designed for those working from home, allowing for minimal interaction and automated progress. They provide engaging yet low-maintenance entertainment, often developed by indie creators. Examples include: - Rusty's Retirement: A farm simulation where players set up their farm while automated assistants manage daily tasks. - Cauldron: An idle game featuring turn-based battles and resource gathering from five mini-games for upgrades. - Cast n Chill: A fishing game that allows players to actively fish or switch to an idle mode for automated fishing. - Bao Bao's Cozy Laundromat: Players manage a laundromat for pandas, with a focus timer to maintain productivity while engaging in gameplay. These games offer non-intrusive experiences, allowing players to check in at their convenience without the pressure of failure.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Boost Your Android: 15 Must-Have Apps for July 2025

In July 2025, Android users will have access to 15 new applications aimed at enhancing productivity, safeguarding privacy, and improving entertainment experiences. Productivity Apps: - Touch Grass: Restricts access to addictive platforms until users go outside, promoting outdoor activity. - Grease Milky Way: Minimizes distractions on platforms like YouTube and Instagram by streamlining the interface. - Habit Ricks: An ad-free habit tracker that visualizes progress with customizable widgets. File Sharing and Device Management Apps: - Transfer: An open-source app for fast and secure file sharing via local Wi-Fi. - SDK Monitor: Tracks app updates and Android API levels for device security. - Shot Studio: Uses AI to organize screenshots into categorized collections. Privacy and Security Apps: - Don’t Break My Balls (DBMBB): Silences unknown callers while allowing calls from saved contacts. - Incognito Calculator Tools: Disguised as a calculator, it securely stores private files and notes. - No Wake Lock: Controls background processes to conserve battery life on rooted devices. AI and Navigation Apps: - RAHub: Centralizes multiple AI assistants for easy management. - Arrow: A minimalist navigation app that uses a directional arrow instead of traditional maps. Entertainment and Savings Apps: - Pool Suite: A retro-style radio app curating summer tracks. - G Deals: Aggregates gaming discounts from major platforms. Specialized Tools: - Alternate: Generates a secondary contact list for temporary numbers. - Copy SMS Code: Automatically detects and copies login codes from notifications for easier account access.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

6 Android phone features that boost productivity

- Android phones, particularly the Google Pixel 6 Pro running on Android 15, offer features that enhance productivity and work-life balance. - The camera can be accessed quickly by double-pressing the power button, and photos can be taken using the Volume Down button. - Bedtime Mode silences the phone, dims the wallpaper, and allows only alarms and essential calls, which can be set up in Settings > Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls > Bedtime Mode. - Google Messages can be connected to a web browser for easier access to texts and sending messages using a full keyboard by visiting the Google Messages page and following the QR code pairing process. - Important text messages can be pinned to the top of the message list by pressing and holding the conversation and tapping the Pin icon. - App Pin locks the phone screen to a specific app to prevent accidental navigation, which can be enabled in Settings > Security and privacy > More security & privacy > App pinning. - Do Not Disturb can be scheduled for a specific time period by swiping down from the home screen, tapping on Mode, selecting Do Not Disturb, and setting the desired duration.

BetaBeacon

June 27, 2025

WhizKid World: The #1 Educational Android Game for Kids in 2025 (Free Download)

WhizKid World is a top educational Android game for kids in 2025. It offers offline play, zero ads or distractions, and curriculum-based learning. It provides age-appropriate content for preschoolers and toddlers, with activities tailored to different developmental stages.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

You Use Windows. Be Resilient (Premium)

Microsoft has launched the Secure Future Initiative (SFI) to strengthen its security against cyber threats following recent breaches. The Windows Resiliency Initiative, part of the SFI, introduced features like Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) and enhanced Administrator protection for consumer users. Microsoft is also integrating existing Windows 11 security features, such as Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-In Security (ESS). A recent update to the Windows Resiliency Initiative was announced, emphasizing the need for accessible information for users.