engagement Archives

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

YouTube Brings In-App Sharing & Messaging To The U.S.

YouTube is expanding its in-app video sharing and messaging feature to key markets including the U.S., U.K., Brazil, Singapore, and various U.S. territories. Users aged 18 and older can share videos and engage in discussions without leaving the app. The messaging system operates through an invitation process, allowing users to send invite links that expire after seven days. Once connected, users can share long-form videos, Shorts, and live streams, and have the ability to unsend messages, block, or report others. This feature is not available for Brand Accounts and is governed by YouTube’s Community Guidelines, with content not used for ad targeting. The original messaging feature was discontinued in 2019 but was reintroduced as a pilot in Ireland and Poland in November 2025, later expanding to 31 European countries. YouTube plans to further expand this feature, though specific markets and timelines are not yet disclosed.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

YouTube Rolls Out Updates for In-app Messaging

YouTube is introducing a native video sharing and messaging feature, rolling out in the U.S. and internationally for users aged 18 and older. This update includes a messaging icon for sharing videos, texting, and reacting to content without leaving the app, supporting all video formats. The feature follows a successful rollout in select international markets and adheres to YouTube's Community Guidelines. Users must verify their age through their Google account and be signed into a YouTube channel to access the feature.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Android 17’s newest feature feels like it was built for TikTok

The Android 17 QPR1 Beta 4 introduces a feature called Screen Reactions, allowing users to record their screen with their selfie camera for creating reaction videos. The update also includes the May 2026 security patch, bug fixes, and stability improvements, and is being rolled out to Android Beta Program participants. Additional features showcased include enhanced Instagram integration, exclusive Edits app features, and the upcoming availability of Adobe Premiere on Android.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

YouTube Wants Your Video Conversations To Stay On YouTube

YouTube is introducing a feature that allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams while engaging in conversations directly on the platform, aiming to retain social interactions within its ecosystem. This functionality integrates messaging across YouTube's primary content formats, enhancing user interaction and reducing the need to navigate away from the platform for discussions. YouTube is not attempting to become a full-fledged messaging app but rather to facilitate conversations that arise from video content. A moderation note indicates awareness of safety concerns related to integrating messaging on a public platform, and the limited rollout is designed to assess effectiveness while managing moderation challenges. This development may signal a shift in video-driven conversations for brands and creators, encouraging content that fosters sharing within the app. If successful, this feature could transform sharing from an exit point into a catalyst for further engagement, enriching the user experience.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Preludes 15: Gods & Ghosts – New Soulframe Update Launches Free for PC

Digital Extremes has released the Preludes 15: Gods & Ghosts update for the closed Alpha of Soulframe, now available for free on PC. The update features a reworked loot and crafting system, allowing players to obtain fully crafted weapons with unique modifiers and forge Ingots with a blacksmith. New social features include gear trading and in-game mail. Players will encounter new enemies, including the Turret Jotar and Ode’n Caeulam, as well as a revamped enemy patrol system. The Totem system has been redesigned to provide stat bonuses and buffs connected to the Virtues: Courage, Spirit, and Grace, enhancing strategic build options with new weapons. Players can sign up for the closed Alpha on the official website, with weekly random selections for access or immediate access available through a Founder option. Detailed patch notes are provided on the official website, and players can follow Soulframe on various social media platforms for updates.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II Blows the Doors of the ARPG Wide Open

Minecraft Dungeons II features a new narrative and an expansive Overworld map, adding new gear slots and various gameplay enhancements. It is designed for co-op play, appealing to both casual gamers and ARPG enthusiasts. The game will launch on September 29 and be available on multiple platforms, including XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, cloud services, Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, with no additional cost for Game Pass subscribers. The sequel offers a contiguous, interconnected world with dungeons and includes a jumping mechanic for enhanced exploration.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Steam’s tired of gift card scams, so it’s killing them off for good

Valve will stop restocking Steam gift cards at retail locations due to increasing scams targeting consumers, particularly the elderly. The company estimates that these cards will no longer be available by the end of 2026, although unspent cards can still be redeemed after that date. Despite the discontinuation, Valve's guest checkout feature will allow digital gifting for gaming experiences.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

‘An evolved game of cat and mouse:’ Alien: Isolation 2 leads on taking the alien outside, the good kind of AI, and why a sequel took so long

Two years ago, Sega and Creative Assembly announced a sequel to Alien: Isolation, which won game of the year in 2014. The original game has maintained a strong reputation in the stealth genre, known for its unique enemy AI that enhances the horror experience. As the game nears its 10th anniversary, it continues to attract new fans. The sequel's development team includes veterans from the original game and new members, fostering innovative gameplay design. The team aims to create a "survival sandbox" that offers players multiple choices and paths, enhancing player-driven narratives. They are also addressing pacing issues from the original game and integrating mechanics from the start for a cohesive design. The team is committed to delivering an authentic Alien experience while exploring the franchise's lore and connecting the game to broader narratives.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

18 embargoes from Summer Game Fest just lifted, so let’s rank everything I saw in LA

Morgan Park attended a recent gaming showcase featuring various titles with mixed reactions from attendees. Grave Seasons had a demo focused on introducing townsfolk and watering seeds, with a plot twist involving a murderer left unexplored. Resident Evil: Veronica was presented in a Capcom theater segment that included a Q&A with producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, but offered little new information. Join Us combined management sim and third-person shooter mechanics, allowing players to expand a cult's influence while fending off a gang. Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 aimed for a Left 4 Dead-style co-op experience, but early impressions noted a lack of excitement in shooting mechanics. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game impressed with its faithful recreation of the Nickelodeon show's aesthetic and attention to detail in character movesets. Gears of War: E-Day showcased visual engagement but revealed little about gameplay evolution, confirming a shift to 4v4 PvP modes. Bad Magpie featured whimsical chaos-driven gameplay, allowing players to disrupt a soccer match among mice. The Wolf Among Us 2 demonstrated smoother animations and an immersive experience through Unreal 5 and motion capture. Spyro: A Realm Beyond hinted at new gameplay mechanics, including an innovative flight system. Blood Message offered a grounded action gameplay experience set in the late Tang dynasty, blending stealth and combat. Stupid Never Dies featured a zombie protagonist who absorbs enemy powers in a roguelite format. Fable highlighted an intricate social sandbox system with various activities, though some interactions felt mechanical. Onimusha: Way of the Sword showcased exceptional combat mechanics, while N+ Infinity Times Two provided an exciting multiplayer platforming experience, particularly in its Tag mode.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Welcome to AI’s creepy era

The Dreambeans app offers personalized "stories" that align with user interests, including playful references to technology preferences. However, it may present mismatched content, such as insights about soccer for users whose children are not interested in the sport. Overall, the app engages users by curating familiar yet surprising content, encouraging reflection on personal preferences.