enhancement Archives

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

Minecraft adds use for copper, but are the tools and armor actually worth it?

Copper armor and tools will be introduced in Minecraft with the upcoming copper update, providing a sturdier alternative to stone gear. Copper tools and armor have better durability and mining speed than stone but are less effective than iron. Copper ore is easier to acquire than iron, yielding double the resources per block. Copper tools can mine basic materials but cannot mine valuable resources like redstone, gold, diamonds, or emeralds. A full copper armor set offers 5 armor points, less than the 7.5 points of iron armor, and requires 24 ingots to craft. Players may prefer to use leather armor while saving iron for essential items. The copper update is currently available in Minecraft Bedrock Edition and will be included in future Java snapshots.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

It’s here! Precise Volume app gets Android 16-style volume UI

The Precise Volume app for Android has introduced a redesigned volume interface that aligns with the upcoming Android 16. Users can activate this new interface by enabling the Volume Button Override feature, which is available only in the Pro version of the app priced at .49. The app offers up to 1,000 distinct volume steps, compared to the native interface's 15 to 20 steps, allowing for more precise audio adjustments. Additional features of the Pro version include reverb control, unlimited volume presets, and Bluetooth automation, with a one-time purchase model that avoids recurring subscription fees. The app is available for download on Google Play.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

If you haven’t upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 yet, Microsoft’s giving you a good reason to do so

Microsoft has rolled out version 24H2 of Windows 11, enhancing its security framework by updating the scripting engine from JScript to JScript9Legacy. This upgrade improves performance for applications and web pages using JScript and reduces the likelihood of security breaches, particularly from cross-site scripting (XSS) and web-based attacks. The new engine features enhanced management of JavaScript objects and stricter execution policies, increasing resilience against malicious scripts. Windows 11 24H2 has a more robust security posture than its predecessor, 23H2, and the upgrade will become compulsory. Windows 11 25H2 is expected to include similar security improvements.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Unofficial Windows reinstaller app locks you out of your Windows 11 PC until you pay

Windows 11 version 25H2 may allow users to uninstall Microsoft apps, addressing concerns about pre-installed software. However, recent tests suggest that the impact of such bloat on performance is minimal, leading some users to reconsider the need for a cleaner system. A concerning trend involves an unofficial app called "Windows Reinstall Master," which charges users 98 RMB for reinstallation services while locking them out of their operating system. This app resembles ransomware and often installs unwanted software, counteracting users' intentions to reset their systems. The situation is exacerbated by Microsoft's upcoming end of support for Windows 10, prompting users to seek help from unreliable sources, increasing the risk of scams.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Modder behind the ‘Swiss army knife of PC gaming’ deletes their 20 year-old Steam account with anti-Valve manifesto: ‘By the end of my bitter dealings with Valve… there was zero hope’

Kaldaien, the creator of the graphics and performance enhancement tool Special K, has deleted their Steam account after two decades, citing frustrations with Steam's update policies and the platform's evolution since 2002. They criticized Steam for becoming bloated and complicating software compatibility, making older games unplayable due to updated requirements. Kaldaien expressed concerns about the diminishing freedom for gamers to purchase from various sources and criticized the Steam Input API for obstructing access to alternative input options. Despite being a Steamworks partner, they felt unresponsive to Valve and noted that some issues stem from developers' choices rather than Steam itself. Kaldaien's experiences highlight the concentration of power in Valve's hands and raise questions about the long-term implications for gamers reliant on a single platform.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Minecraft Celebrates James Gunn’s Big DCU Launch With Five Free Superman Skins

A new Superman skin pack is available for Minecraft, featuring characters like Superman, Lois Lane, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific, accessible for free from the Minecraft Marketplace. This release coincides with the upcoming Superman film by James Gunn, set to premiere on July 11, which stars David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film has received positive reviews, with one critic rating it 8/10. Additionally, Minecraft has introduced new features, including copper golems, copper tools, and armor, along with a graphical enhancement called the Vibrant Visuals update.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 11 could get AI-powered dynamic wallpapers – I just hope Microsoft doesn’t kill off this idea

Microsoft is revisiting the idea of AI-driven dynamic wallpapers for Windows 11, as indicated by leaker PhantomOfEarth, who noted signs of this feature in the operating system's preview builds. The proposed system would allow backgrounds to automatically update based on user preferences. Previous attempts at dynamic wallpapers were explored but ultimately abandoned, and while elements for live wallpapers were included in Windows 11 23H2, they were removed in 24H2. The incorporation of AI into wallpaper functionality could lead to backgrounds that adapt based on time of day or user behavior. However, there are concerns about the potential impact on system resources, particularly for lower-spec machines, which would have the option to disable dynamic wallpapers.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Gemini can now read your WhatsApp chats without you knowing – but you can stop it

Starting July 7, 2025, Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, will automatically interact with third-party applications on Android devices, including Messages, WhatsApp, Utilities, and Phone applications. Users can expect Gemini to perform tasks such as sending messages, setting timers, and making phone calls with minimal input. These interactions will occur automatically, regardless of whether the Gemini Apps Activity setting is activated. Conversations will be logged in user accounts for up to 72 hours, even if users disable the Gemini Apps Activity. Google has informed Android users about these changes via email. Concerns regarding privacy have been raised, with Tuta, an encrypted email service, highlighting the lack of transparency from tech companies. Users can disable Gemini's interaction with apps through the Apps settings page or uninstall it entirely using developer tools. Future Android updates may introduce Gemini features to additional devices.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Android getting new ‘System services’ settings page to view, update background Google apps

Google is introducing a new 'System services' settings page for Android devices to streamline the management of background services. This page will provide a comprehensive list of Google services and applications, allowing users to navigate updates, identify uninstalled services, and confirm which services are up to date. Users will also be informed if they are part of the Google system services beta program, with a streamlined sign-up process for early access to new features. The update is compatible with devices running Android 6 and above and is currently being rolled out, with beta participants receiving priority access. Users can find the new page in the Settings app under their profile, in the All services tab, and then in the Privacy & security setting.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Android’s Photo Picker is getting a search function, but it probably won’t use AI

Android users will soon experience an updated Photo Picker that includes a search bar for quicker photo selection. This update, which is gradually rolling out, enhances the previous basic gallery interface by allowing users to input keywords to find specific images. The search function does not utilize the same large language models as Google’s “Ask Photos” feature but aims to simplify the process of locating photos among many. The Photo Picker was initially introduced to improve privacy and security for applications accessing images. The update is currently being rolled out slowly, with many devices yet to receive it.