Experiment Archives

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Chrome may be the default browser on Android, but more people are trying this instead

Opera has experienced a 66% growth in monthly active users on Android in the UK and a 40% increase in the US year-over-year during the second quarter. This growth is attributed to features like a free unlimited VPN, an integrated ad blocker, and advanced AI tools, which are not provided by Google Chrome. Additionally, Opera's user base in Europe has also been rising, aided by the European Union's Digital Markets Act. Despite Chrome being the default browser on most Android devices, more users are exploring alternatives like Opera.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

AI hacks apps in five minutes: fake builds can flood messengers

Recent findings from a study by Positive Technologies indicate that AI is increasingly being used by hackers to modify mobile applications, with a success rate of over 60% for embedding unauthorized code without disrupting functionality. The study analyzed 90 Android applications, finding closed commercial models had an 84% success rate, while open-source applications had a 61% success rate. Modifications were completed in as little as 5 minutes and 38 seconds to up to 9 minutes and 9 seconds, with costs ranging from 0.88 to 40.89 rubles per modification. Messaging platforms and third-party sites are particularly at risk, especially for users seeking unofficial app versions. Developers are advised to improve security against code modification and unauthorized clones.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

“Think Google Docs meets a creative sandbox like Fortnite or Minecraft”: Audiotool 3.0 turns its multiplayer online DAW into an open platform for creator-built music tools

Audiotool 3.0 has launched, introducing real-time multiplayer music creation capabilities via web browsers and tablets, with mobile applications planned. The update features NEXUS, an open-source SDK that allows users to create their own instruments, plugins, and AI tools within the Audiotool ecosystem. The platform aims to enhance collaboration by addressing issues like device discrepancies and incompatible plugins, boasting the lowest latency among online music production tools. Users can design custom instruments, effects, and applications, and the SDK supports AI integrations. Launch partners for NEXUS include Splice, Ujam, BandM8, and Fraunhofer, and Audiotool is hosting a hackathon series until August 23 to encourage innovation.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

Try Marketplace Pass for Free

The Marketplace Content series on .net offers a variety of content available through the Marketplace Pass, with a monthly showcase of popular items. The Marketplace Pass Free Weekend allows users to participate without a credit card, but discounts on content are only available to active subscribers. Free Character Creator items are exclusive to Marketplace Pass subscribers, while various skin packs can be accessed by all players. After the Free Weekend ends, any paid content downloaded will be removed from users' accounts, although built worlds will remain. Users can retain content by purchasing it with Minecoins or by signing up for a free trial of the Marketplace Pass, which provides temporary access to subscription content.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Id Software founder John Carmack mourns layoffs: “Games need to succeed, not just be beloved”

Id Software is laying off 136 positions, more than half of its workforce, as part of broader layoffs affecting Microsoft and Xbox studios. Co-founder John Carmack expressed sadness over the layoffs, which coincide with the launch of new DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages. He noted that his previous optimism regarding Microsoft's management of the brand is diminishing and highlighted the increasing pressures in the gaming industry. Carmack suggested that Id Software may be viewed as a marginal business by Microsoft, with revenues from Minecraft supporting other studios. He discussed the fierce competition for consumer attention and questioned whether different pricing models or broader audience targeting could have helped Doom succeed. The latest DLC for Doom received praise but arrived too late to make a significant impact. Carmack remains hopeful for the studio's future and expressed doubt about reclaiming ownership of the Doom IP, while also supporting Team Beef's commercialization of legacy open-source games on VR.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Google Photos’ latest UI experiment has one job: getting CapCut on your phone

Google is exploring new sharing features in the Google Photos app, specifically in version 7.83.0.943371825, which includes an option to export media directly to CapCut, a video editing app by ByteDance. This feature appears in the export sheet when users select multiple photos or videos, allowing for direct editing in CapCut. If CapCut is not installed, users will be prompted to download it from the Play Store. The feature is currently in testing and not available to the general public, and modifications to the app’s package indicate ongoing experimentation by Google. An APK teardown has revealed these features, but not all may be included in the final public release.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

Buckshot Roulette: The Viral Horror Phenomenon Joins XBOX Game Pass Today

Buckshot Roulette has officially launched today on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and cloud services. It is available at no additional cost for XBOX Game Pass subscribers. The game replaces the traditional revolver of Russian Roulette with a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun, where players alternate turns with The Dealer, drawing items and deciding whether to aim at their opponent or themselves. It offers a single-player experience and has integrated multiplayer support for up to four players as a post-launch update. The game has evolved from an experiment on Itch.io to a celebrated title with a vibrant community, featuring fan art and enthusiasm. Today marks its first availability on console.

BetaBeacon

July 7, 2026

Fortunes of Battle is now available on iOS and Android!

- Strategic dice-driven combat is a key feature of the game - Players can unlock unique heroes with their own abilities - The game features powerful weapons, ancient relics, and valuable treasures to discover - Meaningful progression allows players to unlock new skills and become stronger with each journey

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

The new Company of Heroes is a wave-based defense game that throws prospective generals straight into the action

Relic Entertainment has announced Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand, which introduces a "wave defense" gameplay style and features formidable bosses and dynamic battlefield events. The game incorporates a roguelite progression system, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies. This installment celebrates the franchise's 20th anniversary while evolving the Company of Heroes experience.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

Bottles is how you should actually run Windows apps on Linux

Wine enables users to run Windows applications on Linux by translating Windows calls into POSIX calls. It has evolved significantly, especially with contributions from Valve's Proton project, but can be complex and unpredictable, leading to potential glitches with updates. Bottles enhances this experience by creating isolated containers for each application, allowing users to run specific versions of Wine tailored to individual applications. This approach improves compatibility and organization, as users can group applications with similar settings. Bottles also features Eagle, a tool that recommends optimal Wine setups, and allows easy backup and restoration of configurations, ensuring a clean system.