essential apps Archives

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

5 Android Auto Settings You’ll Want To Change (And Why)

Android Auto allows customization of the dashboard to display only essential apps, minimizing distractions. Users can force set Day or Night mode for maps by adjusting app settings or unlocking developer options for a consistent theme. To stop automatic music playback, users can disable the "Start music automatically" option in the Android Auto settings and check individual app settings. Notifications can be managed by disabling chimes and customizing their display, or using the "Play Aloud" feature for hands-free alerts. Android Auto can be set to operate while the phone is locked by enabling the relevant setting in Connection Preferences, and users may need to restart their vehicle for changes to take effect.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

5 Windows apps to install first on a new PC and what each one does for you

Every new Windows laptop presents a pristine interface, but users often encounter frustrations such as locating files, cumbersome multitasking, and needing assistance with certain formats. A curated selection of applications can streamline the user experience significantly. 1) Microsoft PowerToys enhances multitasking with features like FancyZones for window arrangement, batch renaming files, resizing images, and customizing keyboard shortcuts. 2) Everything by Voidtools simplifies the search process on Windows, allowing users to find files instantly with just a few letters typed. 3) 7 Zip manages zipped folders and unconventional formats, offering features for compressing, splitting files, and securing documents with passwords. 4) Bitwarden centralizes passwords and notes, providing a single sign-in and autofill feature that syncs across devices, helping users avoid weak password reuse. 5) SumatraPDF is a lightweight PDF reader that opens documents quickly and supports epub and mobi files, serving as a basic eBook reader. These applications alleviate daily annoyances on Windows and prioritize functionality over aesthetics.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

I activated a secret Super God Mode in Windows

Super God Mode is a tool designed to simplify access to Windows settings by consolidating them into one location. It operates by executing a batch file that scans the Windows 10 or 11 environment and generates folders with shortcuts to essential apps, features, and settings. To use Super God Mode, run the SuperGodMode-EasyLauncher.bat file, keep the default settings, and click the Run Script button. After execution, users will have a comprehensive directory of Windows settings organized for convenience. The tool enhances productivity and helps manage Windows settings more easily.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Malicious Android apps on Google Play downloaded 42 million times

The Android ecosystem has seen a significant rise in malicious applications, with over 40 million harmful apps downloaded from Google Play between June 2024 and May 2025. There has been a 67% year-over-year increase in malware targeting mobile devices, particularly spyware and banking trojans. Cybercriminals are shifting tactics from card fraud to mobile payment exploitation, employing phishing, smishing, SIM-swapping, and payment scams. Banking malware transactions reached 4.89 million in 2025, with a slowed growth rate of 3%. Malicious applications increased from 200 to 239, totaling 42 million downloads, with adware now accounting for 69% of all detections. Spyware has surged by 220% year-over-year, with India, the U.S., and Canada being the most affected countries. Notable malware families include Anatsa, which targets financial institutions, Android Void (Vo1d), which affects Android TV boxes, and Xnotice, which targets job seekers. IoT devices, particularly routers, are also being exploited, with the majority of attacks occurring in the U.S. Zscaler recommends implementing security measures such as regular updates, trusting reputable publishers, and adopting zero-trust technology for organizations.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

De-Enshittifing Windows 11 Version 25H2: Tiny11 Builder ⭐

Tiny11 Builder is a PowerShell-based tool designed to create a custom version of the Windows 11 ISO, allowing for a streamlined installation compared to the standard version. It operates as a script but has limitations in customization unless users have technical expertise. Users can reinstall applications excluded from the installation image, but this is not possible with Tiny11coremaker, which removes essential features like Windows Defender and Windows Update. The creator, NTDEV, has improved Tiny11 Builder by disabling telemetry and enhancing the removal process for Microsoft Edge. Tiny11 Builder aims to reduce the installation size and resource consumption of Windows, making it suitable for older PCs. To use Tiny11 Builder, users must download the latest Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft and the Tiny11 Builder ZIP file from GitHub.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

Nothing owners can now try Android 16 thanks to Nothing OS 4.0 open beta

The open beta for Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, is now available for users of the Nothing Phone 2, Phone 3, and Phone 2a series. Key features include a new quick setting tile size of 2×2, two new lock screen clock faces, an Extra Dark Mode, and support for Essential Apps with shareable widgets. The Nothing Phone 3 can support up to six Essential Apps widgets, while other models can support up to two, with plans for future expansion. The Nothing Phone 3 will also include an “AI usage dashboard” within Essential Space and improvements in Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi stability, display brightness, and camera functionality. The Nothing Phone 2, Phone 2a, and Phone 2a Plus will receive the “Stretch” camera preset and app optimizations for faster startup speeds. An open beta for the Nothing Phone 3a series is expected to launch in October.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Nothing’s new AI OS isn’t really an OS, or new

Nothing has launched an app store called Playground, dedicated to AI-generated smartphone applications, built on Android. This initiative is part of a broader vision termed Essential, which includes various AI-related products. Playground allows users to create simple apps using written prompts, with functionalities like mood tracking and expense management. Currently, users can only create widgets and must use a web platform to develop apps before installing them on their devices. Future enhancements may enable app creation directly on phones, potentially through voice commands. Playground also encourages a collaborative creator economy, allowing users to remix apps. Nothing remains committed to Android and has no plans to alter its foundational code.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

5 Essential Android Auto Apps You Need To Install

Android Auto allows users to manage messaging, music, and various functions through their vehicle's touchscreen, enhancing safety and the driving experience. It is compatible with over 500 vehicle models and can be set up by connecting a smartphone via USB or Bluetooth. Essential apps for Android Auto include: - Google Maps: Offers turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, lane guidance, speed limit notifications, and automatic rerouting, with over 10 billion downloads. - GasBuddy: Helps users find the lowest gas prices nearby and allows contributions from users for price updates, also showing stations with amenities like restrooms and car washes. - Spotify: Provides access to millions of songs and podcasts, integrating smoothly with Android Auto, with over 1 billion downloads. A premium subscription offers ad-free listening and offline access. - Angry Birds 2: A game available for use when the vehicle is parked, providing entertainment during waits, and is free to download. - MyRadar: Delivers real-time weather data, animated maps, and alerts for severe weather, helping drivers stay informed about conditions along their route.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

How to Stop Android Battery Optimization from Killing Apps

Users and developers managing Android devices must navigate the balance between battery life and app functionality. Android's aggressive power-saving features can mute notifications or suspend background processes, leading to a state known as “sleeping.” To maintain app functionality, users can exempt specific applications from battery optimization through the Settings app under “Battery” or “Apps & notifications.” This feature, introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows apps to operate seamlessly in the background. For example, disabling sleep mode for essential apps like WhatsApp can prevent missed notifications. Samsung's Adaptive Battery is particularly aggressive, often pushing unused apps into a “deep sleep” state after a few days, which can disrupt vital functions. Users may need to manually exempt applications in Samsung’s “Device care” settings. Other manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi impose similar restrictions, while Google’s stock Android offers more straightforward adjustments. Developers can incorporate foreground services or request permissions like “android.permission.WAKE_LOCK” to keep apps awake, balancing user privacy and battery health. Android’s Doze mode activates during inactivity and organizes background tasks into maintenance windows, but apps can request exemptions. Monitoring battery usage statistics can help identify problematic apps. In enterprise environments, tools like Ivanti’s mobile device management can automate these settings. Combining exemptions with notification settings ensures that apps remain active, although blanket exemptions may lead to faster battery depletion. The dynamic between operating system efficiency and app demands continues to evolve, particularly with Android 14’s enhanced foreground service requirements.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

5 productivity apps I swear by, and one of them unlocks the rest

Productivity apps elicit varied reactions, with users often finding a balance between detailed organization and simplicity. Enpass is a password manager that securely stores passwords and documents, while Ente Auth manages two-factor authentication codes for streamlined security. TickTick is a task management app with features like reminders and habit tracking, allowing for customization. Notion serves as a versatile workspace for organizing reading lists and writing projects, promoting creativity with minimalist formatting. Google Keep functions as a digital notepad for quick notes and lists, despite some cross-platform limitations. ChatGPT aids in research and idea generation by synthesizing information and facilitating brainstorming. Each app contributes uniquely to enhancing productivity and maintaining focus in daily tasks.