Do Not Disturb Archives

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

6 Free Apps To Automate Tasks on Android

In daily life, people engage in repetitive phone actions that shape their routines, such as turning off Wi-Fi or silencing notifications. Android devices offer basic automation features, but true automation potential lies in apps that allow personalized routines. Samsung Galaxy users can utilize Modes and Routines, integrated into One UI 5.1, to create preset profiles and custom automations based on triggers like time and location. Google’s Action Blocks enable users to create customizable shortcuts for complex tasks with a single tap, leveraging Google Assistant. Automate by LlamaLab uses a visual flowchart interface for routine creation, allowing users to design automation flows with over 320 building blocks available. aProfiles focuses on profile-based automation, adjusting settings based on time and location, while IFTTT allows users to create applets for connected services, with limitations on custom applets for free users. MacroDroid offers a three-part structure for automations, with over 100 triggers and actions, and a template library for pre-made macros, while the free version limits users to five macros.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Android phones are finally getting a way to flag ‘urgent’ calls

Android is introducing a feature called Expressive Calling in the Phone by Google app, allowing users to specify the reason for their calls, including marking them as urgent. This feature is currently available to select beta testers. When a call is marked as urgent, the recipient receives a notification that reads “It’s urgent!” along with an animated siren emoji, and the urgent designation remains in the call log if the call is missed. This feature aims to improve the calling experience by providing context and is particularly useful for users with Do Not Disturb mode activated. However, both the caller and recipient must be using the Phone app beta for the feature to work, limiting its current availability.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Google Phone app may soon make your urgent calls hard to ignore

Google is exploring an upgrade to its Phone app that may allow Android users to label calls as “urgent” through a feature called Expressive Calling. This feature would enable users to select a specific “call reason” while dialing, such as “It’s urgent!” or “Quick question.” The urgent tag could potentially bypass Do Not Disturb settings for saved contacts, reducing the risk of spam calls. Recipients may receive notifications like “Missed an Urgent Call” to ensure important messages are noticed. Both parties may need compatible apps or settings for the feature to work properly. The rollout timeline is uncertain, and early versions are not yet available, but the feature may launch first on Pixel devices before expanding to other Android smartphones.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

5 Free Android Apps That Act As Digital Burner Phones

The demand for burner phone numbers has increased due to privacy concerns, leading to the availability of several free applications that provide temporary phone numbers. Hushed is an Android app that offers burner numbers with support for over 300 area codes in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, ensuring user anonymity and features like voicemail, call forwarding, and auto-reply. It operates on VoIP and requires a subscription after a free trial. Burner allows users to create temporary numbers while maintaining anonymity, using actual cell phone minutes. It includes spam-blocking and Do Not Disturb features and is available for free with a trial on the Google Play Store. Call.com supports multiple burner numbers (up to four) from various countries and allows cost-effective international calling via VoIP. It requires a subscription for full access, with in-app credits available for testing. Second Number enables users to create numbers from over 20 countries and supports VoIP, call forwarding, voicemail, and group conference calls. It offers the option to port numbers to major carriers and is available for free on the Google Play Store. Text Me allows users to create multiple phone numbers from various countries and supports VoIP for calls and messaging. It includes features like call forwarding and blocking and is also available for free on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

What’s new in Android’s October 2025 Google System Updates [U]

The monthly “Google System Release Notes” detail updates for various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Features may target end users or developers, and their presence in the changelog does not guarantee immediate availability. Key updates include: - Google Play services v25.42 introduces new developer APIs for multi-device experiences and enhanced device connectivity. - Google Wallet has a revamped user interface for feedback and now supports provisioning a Wavelynx corporate badge. - Android WebView v142 includes security and privacy enhancements and new developer features for web content display. - Google Play services v25.41 adds developer features for ads, allows mobile reCAPTCHA verification, and enables users to add cards through issuer apps. - Google Play Store v48.5 allows personalized app content viewing and in-app purchases in Mongolia. - Android System Intelligence V.39 includes maintenance and bug fixes. - Google Play services v25.40 supports Maps-related processes and allows pairing of LE Audio devices. - Google Play services v25.39 introduces Quick Start for supervised accounts and updates to user journeys and profile picture design.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

Windows 11 will soon support dark mode for Run dialog box

Windows 11 Build 26120.6780 (KB5067103) was released on October 10, 2023, to Beta Channel testers, integrating dark mode into the Run dialog for the first time. Users can now experience the Run dialog in dark mode, featuring a deep black top border and a gentle grey interface. Dark mode enhancements have also been extended to other components, including the file transfer dialog, confirmation prompts for file deletions, and the Recycle Bin's delete confirmation. Microsoft is not rewriting these legacy dialogs in modern frameworks like XAML or WinUI due to performance concerns. The Control Panel and its applets have not yet adopted dark mode, and updating all dialog boxes remains challenging due to the nature of Win32 UI. Additionally, the update includes improvements to the Settings app for Copilot+ PCs, introducing agentic actions that allow for quick adjustments to recently modified settings. However, these features are not available for users without a Copilot+ PC.

Winsage

October 4, 2025

Windows 11’s Notification Center opens on secondary display, gets a clock and more

Windows 11's September 2025 Update (KB5065789) enhances the taskbar, particularly for users with multiple displays. The Notification Center can now open on secondary displays, improving workflow by allowing access to notifications, calendar, and Do Not Disturb settings directly from either screen. Previously, the Notification Center only launched on the primary display when using Extend mode, which was inconvenient for productivity. The update also allows users to right-click the system tray clock to access Date and Time settings and Notification preferences. Additionally, users can enable a full clock display in the Notification Center and collapse the Calendar for a more compact view. This update is available for both Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 versions.

BetaBeacon

September 23, 2025

Play Games Sidekick is Gemini Live for Android games

Google has introduced Gemini Live for Android gaming through Play Games Sidekick, which acts as a coach providing in-game overlay for supported games. Gemini offers context-aware guidance, tips, and tricks without the need to leave the game. The feature is powered by AI and tailored to the user's gameplay, with additional features such as Achievements, Quests, and Boosts. Google plans to roll out Play Games Sidekick with Gemini Live in select games over the coming months.

Tech Optimizer

September 18, 2025

3 simple Windows Group Policies I always set on a new install

Windows 11 is popular but can be cumbersome due to features that may overwhelm users. Common issues include difficulties in permanently disabling Microsoft Defender antivirus, frequent toast notifications, and OneDrive's backup policies. Users can enhance their experience by making adjustments through the Windows Group Policy editor. 1. Microsoft Defender can be permanently disabled using Group Policy settings, as it may not perform as well as third-party antivirus solutions. 2. Notifications can be turned off entirely through Group Policy settings, allowing users to eliminate unwanted pop-ups while keeping essential alerts. 3. OneDrive's automatic backup feature can be disabled via Group Policy settings to prevent issues when managing multiple devices. Additional customizations through Group Policy can optimize performance by blocking software installations, disabling USB drives, and reducing background programs.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

New, hidden features rolled out in Windows 11

Windows 11 offers several features to enhance user experience: - Snap Layouts: Hovering over the maximize button reveals a grid of layout options for arranging multiple applications on the screen. - Virtual Desktops: Users can create multiple desktops for different tasks by pressing Windows + Tab and selecting ‘New Desktop,’ allowing for easy switching with Ctrl + Windows + arrow keys. - Focus Sessions: Located in the Clock app, this feature allows users to set a timer to minimize distractions during work sessions. - Clipboard History: Accessed by pressing Windows + V, this feature provides a list of recently copied items and allows users to pin frequently used snippets. - Built-in screen recording: The Xbox Game Bar includes a screen recording feature activated by pressing Windows + G and clicking the record button or using Windows + Alt + R. - Dynamic Refresh Rate: This feature adjusts the screen refresh rate based on user activity to enhance scrolling smoothness and conserve battery life, found under Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. - Emoji and symbol picker: Pressing Windows + period (.) opens a menu for quick access to emojis, GIFs, and symbols.