elements Archives

Winsage

May 14, 2026

I hit the Windows 11 emoji picker bug that hides search and found a quick fix

Windows 11 users have experienced an issue with the emoji picker where the search box disappears unexpectedly. This problem has been noted by multiple users, including a colleague from Android Central. A simple solution to restore the search function involves opening Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, locating Windows Explorer in the list of processes, right-clicking on it, and selecting Restart. This action reloads the user interface elements and effectively restores the emoji search feature until a permanent fix is provided by Microsoft.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

5 New Features Coming To Android Auto In 2026

Android Auto will undergo a significant redesign in 2026, featuring a comprehensive visual overhaul that includes personal design elements, glanceable widgets, and edge-to-edge Google Maps integration using the Material 3 Expressive Google design system. The update aims to enhance the GPS experience across various screen types and introduce widget support for interactive applications on dashboard displays, promoting safer driving. Immersive navigation will shift from 2-D to 3-D views, providing clearer terrain understanding and displaying critical information for urban driving. Users will also be able to watch videos from platforms like YouTube on their car screens, with safety measures in place for when the vehicle is in motion. Popular media apps will receive visual updates, and Android Auto will integrate Gemini AI features, allowing context recognition, suggested responses, and access to vehicle information. The Magic Cue system will offer intelligent message interpretation and lane guidance using the car's cameras.

TrendTechie

May 13, 2026

На торренты слили Subnautica 2, но это старый билд

Some players have experienced outdated versions of Subnautica 2 ahead of its anticipated release on May 14. A leak has occurred, distributing older builds of the game online, leading to various theories about its source. Unknown Worlds Entertainment has confirmed the leak, stating that the circulating builds are incomplete and do not represent the final game. They warned that these unofficial builds may contain bugs and cannot be verified for safety or stability. The official release will differ significantly from the leaked versions and will launch in an "early access" format, with plans for ongoing updates and new features.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Snapshot 7 patch notes: Friends List, Music Disc, and more

Mojang has released the seventh snapshot for Minecraft Java Edition 26.2, introducing several new features: - A Friends List has been added, accessible via a new button and keybind ("O"), with tabs for managing friends and pending requests. Player presence is indicated, and notifications for friend request activities are included. Privacy settings can be managed in Online Options, though there are known desynchronization issues. - Players can now convert singleplayer worlds to online multiplayer through a new Multiplayer Options screen, offering two connection methods: Invite to World and Request to Join World. The previous Open to LAN screen has been replaced. - A new music disc titled Bounce by fingerspit is available in Mineshaft Chest Minecarts in Sulfur Cave biomes, along with five new background music tracks and activated biome music for Sulfur Caves. - Changes to Potent Sulfur include randomized geyser eruption times and the ability to erupt when a Lava block is placed underneath. Noxious Gas can spread through non-collidable blocks, and erupting Potent Sulfur can propel entities. - Bug fixes include resolving game crashes during legacy world upgrades, addressing issues with Wardens and Sulfur Spikes, enabling bucketed Sulfur Cubes to despawn, and correcting the TNT explosion advancement trigger.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

I didn’t think the desktop cursor needed reinventing — Googlebooks are proving me wrong

Google has announced plans for Aluminum OS, a desktop version of Android that may replace ChromeOS, alongside a new category of Android-powered laptops called Googlebooks, developed in partnership with Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. The operating system will utilize the Android technology stack and focus on integrating artificial intelligence to create a unified experience across devices. A key feature is the Gemini Intelligence software suite, which includes the Magic Pointer cursor designed to provide real-time suggestions based on user actions. This AI integration allows for both on-device and cloud-based processing, enhancing performance while keeping costs low.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

One of the best rated games on Steam this week is an action platformer where you can parry a giant industrial digger with a chainsaw

Motorslice is an action platformer that was launched on Steam last week and has received over 2,200 reviews, with 88% of them being favorable, resulting in a "Very Positive" rating. The game combines exploration and the destruction of machinery using a chainsaw, appealing to a wide audience. Although there were minor technical issues at launch, the developers have addressed some bugs with a recent patch. A demo version is available on Steam for players to try before purchasing.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Path of Exile’s overwhelming complexity isn’t the real reason new players pass on it, director believes: ‘I think that PoE 1’s being such an old game is in itself the accessibility problem’

Many dedicated players of Path of Exile (PoE) consider themselves novices even after investing over 3,000 hours into the game, highlighting its complexity. The game features a sprawling skill tree that can overwhelm new players, leading some to exit quickly. Jonathan Rogers, co-director of PoE, believes that the game's age is a primary barrier to entry rather than its complexity. As Grinding Gear Games prepares for PoE 2, they aim to balance the expectations of long-time players with the need to make the game accessible to newcomers. A significant development for PoE 2 is the introduction of "Return of the Ancients" tutorial quests, designed to simplify the game's mechanics and create a more welcoming environment for new players. The developers are committed to addressing the challenges faced by new players while maintaining the intricate nature of the game.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Google announces raft of free upgrades for Android phones

Google recently announced new features for Android during the "Android Show," including the Gemini Intelligence AI system, which will automate tasks and enhance user interaction. This system will be available on high-end Android phones, including Samsung and Pixel models. Key features include: - Automation of tasks like ordering takeout and creating shopping lists. - Chrome browser's auto-browsing capabilities starting in late June. - Enhanced Gboard dictation with the Rambler AI feature. - Pause Point feature to manage distractions from apps. - Expanded compatibility for Quick Share to various phone brands and Apple devices. - New editing tools for Instagram on Android, including smart enhancements and sound separation. - Revamped emoji library with 3D designs. Android Auto will receive a redesign with smoother animations and a 3D navigation experience in Google Maps. Google is also launching a new line of laptops called Googlebooks, supporting Android apps and featuring the Gemini system. These devices will include a "glowbar" and a "magic pointer" for contextual assistance. Further details on models and pricing will be revealed in the autumn.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

This vampire farm sim has Real Housewives of Stardew energy

In Moonlight Peaks, players experience a unique farming simulation where the protagonist escapes from Dracula and arrives at a neglected family cottage that needs restoration. The game features quirky characters, including a hungover vampire father, a werewolf mayor, and a self-absorbed warlock. Players manage farm life starting at 6 PM, engaging in tasks like watering crops, crafting goods, and pursuing romantic interests, particularly with a werewolf named Saga. Innovative gameplay elements include a spellcasting minigame, energy-saving spells, and shapeshifting abilities. Additional activities such as flower arranging and potion brewing enhance the experience. The game has a sitcom-like tone and a distinctive art style, focusing on character relationships without combat. A public demo is available ahead of the full release on July 7.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Mixtape is at the center of another tedious culture war discourse, and I think I know why

Harvey Randall recently reviewed the game Mixtape from Annapurna Interactive, rating it a 74. The game received mixed reviews, with IGN giving it a perfect 10, VGC a five-star rating, and GameSpot and Nintendo Life scoring it nine, while GamesRadar+ rated it four stars. Discussions have arisen regarding the game's ties to the Israeli Defense Forces, leading some to reconsider their support for Annapurna, although Randall finds claims of astroturfing unfounded. He argues that the developer, Beethoven & Dinosaur, is transparent about its partnership with a publisher. The game features themes of nostalgia and explores a fantastical version of '90s suburban America, with character dynamics that hint at deeper themes without overtly pushing social agendas. Randall describes Mixtape as a charming character drama that elicits laughter and warmth, despite differing personal experiences. He acknowledges the subjective nature of gaming experiences and the range of opinions surrounding the game.