expression Archives

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Paint (25H2)

Microsoft has updated Paint significantly with the rollout of Windows 11, enhancing both its user interface and core functionalities. Key updates include the introduction of a Dark mode, an updated Text tool, layer capabilities similar to Photoshop, and support for transparent PNG files. Paint now features AI-driven tools, some of which require a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription, while others are accessible on any PC or require a Copilot+ PC. Customization options in Paint are limited; users cannot disable any image creation or editing features but can change the app theme and configure watermark settings for AI-generated content. The toolbar can be set to auto-hide, and users can view their work in full screen by pressing F11. New features include the ability to save projects with multiple layers, a Remove background tool, an Image Creator for generating images from text prompts, and a Generative erase tool for removing objects from images. Copilot+ PCs unlock additional features that operate locally, such as Object select, Sticker generator, Cocreator, and Generative fill, which requires specific hardware capabilities.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

They finally made an action figure of Star Wars’ most evil and nasty grandma but it’s already sold out

Hasbro has launched preorders for an exclusive action figure two-pack on Amazon featuring Darth Nihilus and Kreia from Star Wars RPG, Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords. The set sold out almost immediately. The Darth Nihilus figure includes a blend of cloth and plastic elements, while the Kreia figure showcases her character's essence with a disdainful expression and three displayable lightsabers. Despite Kreia losing a hand in the game, the figure features both hands for customization. There is potential for additional figures if demand continues.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Marketplace Content April 2026

Embracing a monstrous persona can help overcome Writer's Block, as demonstrated by using playful attire such as Monster Invading Hands, Monster Invading Feet, Dark Monster Head, Dark Monster Tentacles, Monster Invade Hoodie, and Monster Pants. Subscribing to Realms Plus or Marketplace Pass on a Minecrafting device offers access to various content, with Realms Plus providing a personal server for up to ten friends and Marketplace Pass catering to individual players. An in-game counter will inform users of any changes to the catalog, and reactivation or separate purchase is required if a Marketplace Pass membership lapses or an add-on is removed.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

“These mods completely changed how I use Windows 11”: As I walk through the 7 Windhawk tweaks that transformed my desktop, I’m surprised by which ones made the biggest difference

Windows 11 allows users to customize background images, themes, accent colors, and the Start menu and Taskbar. However, for more significant changes, Windhawk offers a modular approach to modify the operating system without risky file modifications. To install Windhawk on Windows 11, users can use the Windows Package Manager (winget) by running the command: winget install --id RamenSoftware.Windhawk. Notable mods available for Windhawk include: - Windows 11 Taskbar Styler: Provides control over the Taskbar's visual elements with three levels of customization. - Taskbar on Top for Windows 11: Allows users to reposition the Taskbar to the top of the screen. - Taskbar Height and Icon Size: Enables adjustments to the Taskbar's height and icon size without affecting DPI scaling. - Windows 11 Start Menu Styler: Offers complete customization of the Start menu's appearance using themes and custom XAML/CSS. - Windows 11 File Explorer Styler: Allows control over the File Explorer interface by injecting custom XAML styles. - Windows 11 Notification Center Styler: Modifies the layout, transparency, and aesthetics of the Notification Center and Quick Settings. Windhawk uses dynamic code injection to implement changes without altering system files, minimizing risks associated with traditional modifications.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

Review of ‘DoNotNotify,’ a free Android app that filters and blocks unwanted smartphone notifications.

DoNotNotify is an Android app that allows users to manage their notification settings with a high degree of customization. Key features include: - Real-time notification blocking using Android's NotificationListenerService. - Creation of deny and allow lists for specific notifications. - Support for simple partial matching and regular expression patterns to filter notifications. - Scheduling rules to be active during specific time frames. - Over 40 pre-configured rules for popular applications. - Automatic addition of relevant rules when compatible apps are installed. - Customizable notification retention and review of received alerts. - Tracking of blocked notifications through a block history feature. - Ability to import and export rules as JSON files. - Offline operation without data collection. To install the app, users can download it from the Google Play Store, enable notification access, and manage rules through the app's interface. Users can create new rules based on their notification history and customize settings, although advanced filtering may require experimentation.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

MindsEye is a glitchy, incoherent mess I wouldn’t recommend to anyone—and it might also be my favorite game of 2026

MindsEye is a game developed by Build a Rocket Boy that has improved since its launch last year, though it remains flawed. The gameplay experience is chaotic, allowing players to create havoc in Redrock City without law enforcement. The game features static character interactions and forgettable archetypes, with a narrative that occasionally entertains but ultimately falls flat. The story portrays billionaire tech moguls as heroes with questionable morals, while the government and military are depicted as self-serving. Despite numerous issues, including erratic enemy behavior and performance problems, the reviewer found the absurdity of the game engaging. The narrative includes elements like underground civilizations, love, loss, and alien communication, leading to a chaotic and disjointed finale. The game is described as a flawed product with an unjustified price tag, yet it captivated the reviewer with its unpredictability.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Xenonauts 2 review

Xenonauts 2 is set to launch on January 5, 2026, priced at £45. Developed by Goldhawk Interactive and published by Hooded Horse, the game reimagines the classic X-COM experience. Players lead a covert organization to thwart an alien invasion, managing resources, building bases, and conducting research on captured technology while maintaining calm across six major regions of Earth. The game features real-time air combat, tactical battles with squad sizes ranging from eight to twelve, and various environments. Players face familiar enemies with unique abilities, requiring clever counter-strategies. The game emphasizes skill expression, resource management, and the impact of player decisions on the outcome of missions.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

This week’s Epic Games freebie is 96%-rated on Steam, and lets you hack up robots while riding dinosaurs

Epic Games is offering the voxel-based action game Clone Drone in the Danger Zone for free from April 2 to April 9, 2026. The game allows players to customize their robotic gladiators and features a variety of gameplay modes, including Last Bot Standing and Private Duel. It has received a 96% rating on Steam, achieving 'Overwhelmingly Positive' status. The game typically costs .99 / £15.99 on the Epic Games Store.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

underscores Rates BTS, God, Minecraft, and Music Theory

The artist underscores collaborated with Pitchfork to discuss various cultural phenomena, including gaming, music, and personal expression, questioning whether elements like Minecraft, music theory, SoundCloud, dermal piercings, and Deadmau5 are overrated or underrated. Underscores' third studio album, titled U, is available for streaming and complements the discussions. The production team included Sam Dennis (Director), AJ Young (Director of Photography), Sam DiVito (Editor), Kristen DeVore (Creative Producer), Jen Santos (Line Producer), Evie Roop (Production Manager), Paige Garbarini (Talent Booker), Jon Corum (Camera Operator), Christian Olguin (Post Production Supervisor), Stella Shortino (Post Production Coordinator), Eduardo Araujo (Supervising Editor), Justin Symonds (Assistant Editor), Leo Fernandez (Global Head of Video), and Cara Marceante (Executive Producer).

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

Why is Korean chatting app KakaoTalk suddenly surging in Russia

The KakaoTalk app is experiencing a surge in popularity in Russia, largely due to the Kremlin's actions against competing messaging services like Telegram, which has faced potential bans and restrictions. KakaoTalk, with an average of 46.35 million monthly active users in South Korea, has risen to the top of Russia's App Store as an alternative after reports of Telegram's functionality issues. Russian authorities are blocking Western messaging services like WhatsApp and Discord, making KakaoTalk a viable option for users seeking privacy. By late March, KakaoTalk reached No. 2 on Russia's App Store and No. 4 in the Social Networking category. Despite needing to comply with South Korean data requests, KakaoTalk's servers being located outside Russia may appeal to privacy-conscious users.