experience Archives

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Google Play Store widgets will soon be available for individual Collections

Google Play Store has introduced a feature called Collections, allowing users to group apps by categories like Shop, Listen, and Food. The latest updates indicate that Google is developing new widgets for the Play Store that will enable users to select individual Collections instead of displaying multiple at once. In version 52.1.26-31 of the Play Store Android app, users currently have two widget options: a compact version with icons for individual Collections and a larger widget listing Collections. The upcoming update will allow users to choose from eight distinct widgets corresponding to categories: Food, Game, Listen, Read, Shop, Social, Travel, and Watch. These new widgets are still in development and not yet available for public use.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

This gorgeous Android launcher is basically dead — and it’s all Google’s fault

Stario Launcher, launched in 2024, is an aesthetically pleasing Android launcher that combines speed and functionality, featuring custom animations, widgets, and automatic app categorization. Its design is influenced by Google’s Material Expressive language, with a minimalist interface that emphasizes essential widgets. The launcher includes a search function similar to Pixel Launcher, supports alternative search engines, and has a dedicated Briefing page for personalized news feeds. It also offers a widget page for customization and a Low Spec mode for older devices. However, the developer plans to cease updates due to Google's tightening policies on third-party apps, which will complicate the installation of non-verified apps starting in September 2026. This situation reflects broader concerns about the future of third-party applications in the Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

EVE Online studio Fenris follows through on yearslong promise to make its in-house game engine fully open source

On July 1, Fenris Creations released its Carbon Engine as open source, which supports EVE Online and EVE Frontier. The Carbon Engine repositories are now available on GitHub. Fenris is also developing a new FPS project, Vanguard, using Unreal Engine. EVE Frontier has introduced dynamic dogfighting mechanics and server-side modding support. EVE Online continues to be popular, with a recent player experiencing a rare in-game drop.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer, has developed TinyRetroPad, a Notepad-like application that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. TinyRetroPad includes features such as Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and an unsaved changes prompt. It is built on existing Windows components, allowing it to function efficiently without extensive resources. TinyRetroPad is based on Dave’s Tiny Editor and utilizes RICHEDIT50W for text handling. The application's file size increased incrementally with each feature added, with the final size being 2,476 bytes. Crinkler, a compression linker, was used to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad is still in development, facing issues like high memory consumption and compatibility problems. In contrast, Windows 11's Notepad has become larger and more complex, weighing approximately 352KB and incorporating features that some users find unnecessary. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad without modern features, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential for simplicity in application design.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

12 handy hidden Google Docs tricks for Android

The Google Docs Android app has introduced several new features to improve document management and productivity. Key updates include an automatic document outline for easier navigation, integration of tabs for seamless transitions between documents, and the ability to create and save native Word files directly within the app. Document sharing has been simplified, allowing users to send files to compatible apps easily. A built-in Docs file finder has been added to save time, and the integration with Google Drive enhances user experience. Users can now add frequently used documents to their home screen for quick access and enable offline access for uninterrupted productivity. The text actions pop-up now includes a three-line icon for additional editing options, and emojis have been incorporated for creative document creation. Additionally, the introduction of Gemini within Docs provides users with a powerful writing enhancement tool.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Google Wallet on Android phones now shows Wear OS payment history

Users can now access their payment history from Wear OS watches within the Google Wallet app. The update allows users to view NFC payments made via Wear OS devices, with a note indicating "Purchase made on watch" on the transaction details page. The app still only displays the last ten transactions for each payment method. This update also retroactively shows past transactions made with watches.

BetaBeacon

July 4, 2026

Dark psychological otome game Cyber Paranoia has you undergoing experimental therapy sessions with a beautiful android

- Cyber Paranoia is a psychological medical romance adventure game set in a psychiatric treatment facility. - Players take on the role of a patient with a unique mental contagion and interact with a pink-haired android. - The game involves over 40 "treatment sessions" with various tasks and values to monitor. - Players manage their daily routine, engage in romantic encounters, and upgrade the android. - Decisions made in the game impact the endings, the android's personality, and the overall story direction. - Cyber Paranoia offers over 30 endings and takes approximately 10 hours to complete. - The game is designed for fans of psychological science fiction thrillers, android romance, and yandere characters.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Cyberpunk 2077 has now sold more than 40 million copies, ‘a testament to what CD Projekt does best’

Cyberpunk 2077 has sold over 40 million copies since its release in December 2020. Initially, the game faced significant backlash, especially on console platforms, leading to its removal from the PlayStation Store. The PC version was more stable, but the console experience suffered from numerous bugs and performance issues. CD Projekt committed to fixing these issues through updates and expansions, resulting in a "very positive" user rating on Steam. The game's success is attributed to the dedication of its community and CD Projekt's perseverance. Despite this turnaround, CD Projekt's leadership acknowledges challenges in regaining the trust of all players. Cyberpunk 2077's sales figures still trail behind The Witcher 3, which has surpassed 65 million copies sold.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Sand publisher celebrates 300,000 copies sold: ‘We getting a half hour of air conditioning tonight!’

Sand: Raiders of Sophie, a steampunk-mechs-in-the-desert game, sold 300,000 copies after its early access launch. An update released on July 2 caused connection issues, leading to a rollback of changes. The game ranks among the top 100 most played games. The second update on June 2 faced backlash due to connectivity problems but was quickly addressed. The update included fixes for server availability, enhanced BattlEye functionality, refined character movement, and various balance changes. Known issues include characters getting stuck on ladders and transparency issues in spectator mode.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Mouthwashing’s follow-up is self-described ‘friendsweat’ where 3 players struggle to operate a tank in a defiled city: ‘We’re definitely not quite at Peak, but we’re not trying to make Arma either’

Wrong Organ developers Jeffrey Tomec and Dave van Egdom discussed their upcoming game, Carcass Clad, which shifts towards co-op multiplayer gameplay, a departure from their previous title, Mouthwashing. The game features tank-based mechanics where players navigate with limited visibility, with gunners in a scoped view and a commander providing strategic direction. The gameplay includes moments of action and respite, with safe rooms similar to those in Left 4 Dead. The developers are open to changes during the development process to enhance the game's appeal.