elements Archives

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

Our next drop has a name

Adventurers gather around a campfire to share stories of their experiences, including unexpected detours and surprise encounters. While some moments are planned, spontaneous events often create lasting memories. Preparations for future journeys include stocking inventory, mapping campsites, and being ready for unforeseen adventures. New features for Wilderness Bound will require either Minecraft: Bedrock Edition or Java Edition, which must be purchased separately, and community feedback will help refine these features as development continues.

Winsage

September 6, 2026

I gave Windows 11 an old-school makeover by restoring its classic icons

Users can customize icons in Windows 11 by following different methods depending on the type of icon. For folders and shortcuts, right-clicking the item and selecting Properties allows users to change icons easily. Taskbar items require pressing Shift while right-clicking the closed app. Desktop icons like "This PC" and the Recycle Bin can be modified through Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings. More complex changes, such as altering icons for file types or drives, involve editing the Windows registry. Windows retains a selection of classic icons within DLL files, including moricons.dll, pifmgr.dll, and netshell.dll. Users can also access the Windows Icon Archive project for a repository of icons from various Windows versions, though .png files need conversion to .ico format for use. Limitations include the inability to change icons for new folders automatically, modifications not reflecting in Quick Access for special folders, and restrictions on altering application icons. Programs like OpenShell can help modify taskbar and Start menu icons, but achieving a perfect replica of older versions is not possible.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

Peak studio Aggro Crab is publishing a sick-looking platformer about a blue collar guy doing dirty work on an alien world

Nick Kaman from Aggro Crab expressed enthusiasm for co-op "friendslop" games and indicated a desire to explore this genre further. Aggro Crab is developing a new platformer titled Rebounder, which features a color-limited, comic book aesthetic and draws inspiration from kaizo games. The gameplay will include tricky jumps and precise timing, incorporating unique sci-fi elements. Rebounder is set for general release in 2027 and is available for wishlist on Steam.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

Google Maps on Android Auto To Get a New Interface and New Colors

Google is refining Google Maps for Android Auto with a new user interface designed to enhance the driving experience. The update includes two modes: a light visual mode and a dark theme, both featuring a streamlined design that minimizes distractions. The UI eliminates unnecessary visual elements and replaces the traditional white background with dark gray for better comfort. In dark mode, the background is fully black, maintaining a consistent theme for indicators and panels. Additionally, a significant overhaul of Google Maps is underway, introducing 3D navigation, enhanced turn-by-turn directions, and more detailed maps, with the rollout already in the U.S. and Canada. These updates will be available on Android phones and Android Auto.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

PC gamers can grab a sci-fi hit in 7 day time-limited free offer

The Epic Games Store offers a selection of free games every Thursday. This week, players can claim the game Alone With You for free until 4 PM BST on Thursday, September 10. Alone With You, developed by BancyCo and launched in 2017, is an adventure game set in a doomed space colony, featuring a robot AI companion. The game typically retails for .99 and takes approximately 6.5 hours to complete the main storyline, or 11.5 hours for full exploration. It has a 'Mostly Positive' rating of 78% on Steam, with players praising its puzzle elements and narrative. Once claimed, the game remains in the player's library, but it is only available for PC.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Which came first, Windows 95’s taskbar or NeXT’s Dock? Neither

The tech community recently celebrated the 31st anniversary of Windows 95, sparking discussions about its design influences, particularly regarding the potential British roots of its interface. Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer's post on X led to exchanges among ex-Microsoft employees, including Joe Belfiore, who clarified that the Windows taskbar was not inspired by the NeXT dock but rather by developments from the Cairo team, specifically a persistent "tray" for file transfers. The debate references Paul Fellows, who led the Arthur project at Acorn, which introduced the first "icon bar" in 1987, influencing both NeXTstep and Windows. Acorn's Arthur, initially a BASIC demo, became RISC OS by 1989, maintaining its foundational design elements. The timeline shows that Acorn's icon bar predated NeXTstep's dock and the Windows taskbar, with Windows 2.0 and OS/2 1.1 released in late 1987 and 1988, respectively, showing visual similarities to NeXTstep. The Microsoft Cairo project, which ran from 1991 to 1996, coincided with Windows NT 4 development. The Windows 95 taskbar and NeXT's dock served different functions, but their historical context is significant.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

RPCS3 emulator devs slam Nvidia DLSS 5 as ‘AI-slop generator’ — says industry pushing ‘more upscalers and frame generation to hallucinate games and hide their lack of optimisation’

Developers at RPCS3 have criticized Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology, calling it an “AI-slop generator.” They noted that some individuals are testing a leaked DLSS 5 DLL on the RPCS3 renderer. The official RPCS3 account stated that they do not support technologies that obscure optimization issues. DLSS 5 is set to officially launch with NBA2K27 and aims to provide advanced neural rendering for improved visual realism. It will feature various AI models and controls for artists, but is resource-intensive and compatible only with RTX 50-series GPUs and GeForce Now. Some modders have managed to use the leaked DLL on older RTX 40-series graphics cards.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Android Auto may finally have a solution for weather info on smaller screens: Jimothy, the raccoon

The latest Android Auto beta, version 17.6.66, introduces a new weather experience featuring an animated raccoon named Jimothy, who will appear on the music player interface with a bubble displaying current weather conditions. The weather visuals will change based on the user's location, showing elements like rain, clouds, or sunshine. To access this feature, users must go to Settings > Theme and switch modes or activate Android Auto. There are concerns about Jimothy's visibility during critical weather alerts due to its small size. Additionally, Google is working on a new green icon for the Android Auto app, suggesting further visual enhancements.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Google Maps for Android Auto could soon offer new colors that won’t burn your retinas

Google is enhancing Android Auto with updates, including a new icon and revamped Google Maps interface. The beta version 17.6.663424 introduces a new weather animation and support for Quick Settings tiles. A significant change is the testing of a darker map surface and a dark-gray turn indicator for Google Maps, aimed at reducing distraction on larger screens and improving nighttime visibility. This darker color scheme does not appear on connected Android phones, indicating it may be exclusive to Android Auto. Google frequently conducts A/B tests, and the current situation may be a test or a glitch in the beta version. An APK teardown can predict potential future features, but not all may be included in public releases.

Winsage

September 3, 2026

Windows 11 will get more secure next month, but gamers could pay in FPS

The Verge has become a significant voice in the tech landscape, combining technology news with cultural commentary to appeal to a diverse audience. It uses innovative storytelling techniques, incorporating multimedia elements like videos and podcasts to enhance reader engagement and understanding. The publication prioritizes user experience with a sleek website design and intuitive navigation. It has built a vibrant community through active social media engagement, fostering discussions beyond articles. The Verge adapts to changes in the media landscape by embracing new technologies and trends, positioning itself for continued growth and relevance in tech journalism.