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Gemini could finally catch up to other Google apps with this visual upgrade
AppWizard
April 7, 2026

Gemini could finally catch up to other Google apps with this visual upgrade

Google is exploring the integration of wallpaper-based theming within its Gemini feature in the Google app, aiming to unify the visual experience across applications and phase out the white-and-blue color scheme. The experimentation is underway with version 17.12.51 of the Google app, where users have noticed changes in the Gemini overlay that adapts to the user's wallpaper. The overlay now features a subtly tinted bar and a darker button for Gemini Live, reflecting the system's theme. However, other elements like button shapes remain unchanged. The main Gemini app still displays its traditional colors, indicating that the rollout of the theming feature is in its early stages. Insights from an APK teardown suggest potential future features, but some may not reach public release.
I watched the first TV show ever based on a game and it made me realize: we've really got it good these days
AppWizard
April 7, 2026

I watched the first TV show ever based on a game and it made me realize: we’ve really got it good these days

The animated series Pac-Man, produced by Hanna-Barbera from 1982 to 1983, features characters such as Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man (Pepper), and Pac-Baby living in Pac-Village, which is governed by the Pac-President and protected by Super-Pac. The series includes antagonists like Mezmaron and a group of ghost monsters: Inky, Blinky, Pinky, Clyde, and Sue. Mezmaron seeks to capture Pac-Man for his knowledge of Power Pellets, which grow on Power Pellet Trees in the Power Pellet Forest. The show consists of 44 episodes over two seasons and often concludes with Pac-Man consuming the ghosts, who then return to Mezmaron in new ghost suits. The humor is aimed at children but lacks cleverness, and notable voice actors include Peter Cullen and Alan Lurie. The second season introduced a younger version of Pac-Man named PJ and increasingly bizarre plots.
Minecraft Bedrock 26.12 Released for Update 3.36/1.046
AppWizard
April 7, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock 26.12 Released for Update 3.36/1.046

Mojang released a hotfix for Minecraft, designated as Bedrock 26.12 (console users recognize it as update 3.36/1.046), addressing several gameplay bugs, including an issue with the Members tab in Realms Stories and an allowlist problem for servers. The Java edition also received a hotfix (26.1.1) that fixed a bug preventing chat messages from being reported. The previous Bedrock 26.11 update improved mouse camera sensitivity for Windows users. Upcoming features include the golden dandelion dropping from moobloom, enhanced utility for the Clock, and increased functionality for Bats, among others.
"If it's this easy, why don't more Windows apps use a PC's NPU?" — Microsoft MVP demonstrates how he added meaningful AI to an app in just 10 minutes
Winsage
April 6, 2026

“If it’s this easy, why don’t more Windows apps use a PC’s NPU?” — Microsoft MVP demonstrates how he added meaningful AI to an app in just 10 minutes

AI PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) are becoming common in technology, enabling innovative applications that utilize on-device AI. Microsoft's Windows AI APIs facilitate easy integration of AI into applications, requiring only a Copilot+ PC with a capable NPU. Lance McCarthy, a Microsoft MVP, highlights tools available for developers, including Phi Silica for local language modeling, AI Text Recognition for OCR, and AI Imaging tools for image processing. McCarthy's Xkcd Viewer app exemplifies these tools, featuring AI-powered image descriptions for visually impaired users, which enhance the experience beyond simple text readouts. The modification of the app took ten minutes and significantly improved user accessibility.
Bloodmoored, a First-Person Psychological Horror Game Set in an Abandoned Factory, Announced for PC
AppWizard
April 6, 2026

Bloodmoored, a First-Person Psychological Horror Game Set in an Abandoned Factory, Announced for PC

Bloodmoored is a first-person psychological horror game set to launch on PC next year, where players navigate an abandoned industrial complex, specifically their father's old factory. The game features spectral encounters that vary in malevolence, requiring players to discern friend from foe. It includes a variety of puzzles: physical puzzles involving environmental manipulation, logistical puzzles for strategizing navigation, and spatial puzzles focused on understanding the layout. The game's developer, Stormdrill, emphasizes that the ghosts in the game are trapped between life and death, with unique narratives and behaviors that players must understand to survive. Bloodmoored can be added to wishlists on Steam.
Your joys will always be someone else's junk
AppWizard
April 6, 2026

Your joys will always be someone else’s junk

Crimson Desert has sold over 4 million copies in two weeks and has a Very Positive rating on Steam, despite mixed player reactions. Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2, launched on Steam in 2023, is a free-to-play mecha shooter that has received negative reviews due to monetization and networking issues, yet the author enjoys it for its mechanical satisfaction and representation of Gundam's universe. The author has rekindled interest in Gundam and finds GBO 2's combat mechanics compelling, despite its shortcomings. Engaging with a game considered subpar has helped the author clarify personal gaming preferences and appreciate design elements that resonate with their interests.
Star Wars Zero Company writer wants its cast to have real friction: 'It's not a personal fantasy game'
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company writer wants its cast to have real friction: ‘It’s not a personal fantasy game’

Star Wars Zero Company, directed by Aaron Contreras, aims to create a distinct narrative identity, departing from common RPG tropes. The game combines strategic gameplay similar to XCOM with storytelling elements reminiscent of Mass Effect. A feature detailing the development process and narrative vision is available, showcasing insights from Contreras and the Bit Reactor team. An explainer provides essential details about the game's features and narrative direction, indicating that it seeks to redefine the RPG landscape with a focus on challenge and emotional depth.
“These mods completely changed how I use Windows 11”: As I walk through the 7 Windhawk tweaks that transformed my desktop, I’m surprised by which ones made the biggest difference
Winsage
April 5, 2026

“These mods completely changed how I use Windows 11”: As I walk through the 7 Windhawk tweaks that transformed my desktop, I’m surprised by which ones made the biggest difference

Windows 11 allows users to customize background images, themes, accent colors, and the Start menu and Taskbar. However, for more significant changes, Windhawk offers a modular approach to modify the operating system without risky file modifications. To install Windhawk on Windows 11, users can use the Windows Package Manager (winget) by running the command: winget install --id RamenSoftware.Windhawk. Notable mods available for Windhawk include: - Windows 11 Taskbar Styler: Provides control over the Taskbar's visual elements with three levels of customization. - Taskbar on Top for Windows 11: Allows users to reposition the Taskbar to the top of the screen. - Taskbar Height and Icon Size: Enables adjustments to the Taskbar's height and icon size without affecting DPI scaling. - Windows 11 Start Menu Styler: Offers complete customization of the Start menu's appearance using themes and custom XAML/CSS. - Windows 11 File Explorer Styler: Allows control over the File Explorer interface by injecting custom XAML styles. - Windows 11 Notification Center Styler: Modifies the layout, transparency, and aesthetics of the Notification Center and Quick Settings. Windhawk uses dynamic code injection to implement changes without altering system files, minimizing risks associated with traditional modifications.
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