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AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Android is going to play nicer with video apps in the car soon

Google is enhancing the in-car experience for Android users with a new mode for vehicles equipped with Android Automotive, allowing for seamless transitions between video and audio-only formats based on whether the vehicle is parked or in motion. The company is also preparing to introduce video applications for traditional phone-based Android Auto, which may adapt to the vehicle's movement. Google might implement a digital toggle for users to switch from video to audio-only streams before driving, addressing potential limitations of smartphone accelerometers compared to integrated Android Automotive systems.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

This lean Linux distro can give your Windows 10 PC an extra 5 to 10 years of life

FunOS is a lightweight operating system built on Ubuntu LTS, focusing on stability, performance, and security. It uses Joe's Window Manager, consumes approximately 250 MB of RAM when idle, and has a compact installer size of 1.8 GB. The installation process is straightforward, taking under five minutes, and features a familiar desktop layout. FunOS lacks a graphical user interface for the package manager, requiring users to utilize the command line for software management, although Synaptic can be installed for easier application installations. New applications require a menu reload to appear. FunOS is suitable for aging Windows 10 machines, providing a reliable and efficient computing experience.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Google Play’s latest security change may break many Android apps for some power users

Google's Play Integrity API has been updated as of May 2025 to include stricter security measures that verify app integrity on Android devices. The updated API aims to prevent abuse and protect sensitive information but excludes most custom ROMs, making it challenging for users who root their devices. This change means that many applications, particularly in banking, gaming, and medical services, may become inaccessible to rooted users. The new integrity verdicts—“basic,” “device,” and “strong”—now incorporate hardware-backed security signals, with the “strong” verdict requiring recent security patches. Developers will automatically transition to these stronger verdicts, enhancing security without additional effort. As a result, power users may be locked out of essential applications, and workarounds to bypass these restrictions are becoming less effective.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Here’s what CarPlay users are missing – how media and streaming apps could run on Android Auto

Google is enhancing Android Auto by introducing new control options and features, including updates for Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. At the Google I/O 2025 event, Google announced plans to expand the app ecosystem, integrating video content and web browsing capabilities into Android Auto. A new feature, Spotify Jam, will allow collaborative listening sessions, and a video-to-audio feature will enable users to watch content while parked and switch to audio playback while driving. Google is also revisiting the button layout for media controls, which may lead to varying layouts across applications.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

3D platformer action adventure game Big Hops announced for PC

Big Hops is a 3D platformer where players control Hop, a young frog kidnapped by a spirit named Diss. The objective is to reunite with Hop's family by gathering Airship Parts while navigating challenges such as infiltrating the Gulley Gang’s Hideout, rescuing workers from DrillCO, and sneaking past cultists. The game features self-contained narratives in each world, with dynamic gameplay mechanics centered on movement and frog-tongue interactions. Players can use various Veggies for creative problem-solving, and collectibles enhance gameplay and customization options. The game includes four main worlds—Forest, Desert, Ocean, and Mountain—offering diverse environments and challenges. Chris Wade, the creator, aimed to modernize the 3D platformer genre, drawing inspiration from various games and shows.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Spotify will get a new Android Auto app ‘in the coming months’ with Jam support [Gallery]

Spotify is launching a revamped app for Android Auto that includes a new "Jam" feature, allowing users to connect to a friend's playlist by scanning a QR code. This feature enhances collaborative listening by enabling friends to add tracks to the queue without device pairing. The updated app will be available in the coming months, with similar updates expected for Amazon Music and YouTube Music.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Great moments in PC gaming: Getting so badly stuck on an adventure game puzzle I called the developer for a hint

PC gaming has evolved significantly over the years, with earlier eras characterized by limitations such as poor graphics, clunky gameplay mechanics, and limited online multiplayer access. In contrast, today's gaming environment features stunning graphics, immersive storytelling, and expansive online communities, highlighting the advancements made in the industry.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

6 reasons OneCommander is my favorite free file manager for Windows, and it’s not even close

OneCommander is an alternative file management solution for Windows 11, featuring a modern and customizable user interface with various themes. It offers a dual-pane view for side-by-side folder management, tab management for quick access to multiple locations, and a sidebar for pinned locations and recent history. The application provides swift navigation, allowing folders to open instantly, and includes advanced file preview capabilities for various file types without needing to open them separately. OneCommander simplifies file creation with templates and includes a note-taking feature for organization. Its File Automator toolkit allows for bulk renaming of files using presets or custom RegEx rules.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

I’ve found every major Memorial Day sale that’s relevant for PC gamers, and handpicked my favorite deals

Memorial Day weekend features sales for PC gamers, offering discounts on gaming rigs, laptops, and accessories. Notable deals include the Alienware Aurora R16 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265F and RTX 5080 for ,349.99 at Dell, and the HP Omen 45L with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K and RTX 5090 for ,189.99. The HP Omen 35L, featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 8500G and RTX 4070 Super, is available for ,349.99, down from ,679.99. For laptops, the HP Omen Max 16 is priced at ,799.99. Monitor deals include the 32" Alienware AW3225QF 4K 240Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor for ,199.99 and the 32" Dell S3222DGM QHD 165Hz monitor for 9.99.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

The best deals and free Warhammer PC games in Skulls 2025

The annual Skulls event hosted by Games Workshop features previews of upcoming releases and discounts on Warhammer PC games. Notable discounts include 42% off Space Marine 2, 77% off Chaos Gate Daemonhunters, 60% off Rogue Trader – Voidfarer edition, 60% off Darktide, 69% off Total War Warhammer 3, and 84% off Vermintide 2. Additionally, three Warhammer games are available for free: Warhammer 40k Boltgun – Words of Vengeance on Steam, Warhammer 40k Gladius Relics of War on Steam, and Warhammer 40k: Rites of War on GOG.