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Nothing’s Carl Pei thinks the app era is ending — here’s what comes next
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Nothing’s Carl Pei thinks the app era is ending — here’s what comes next

Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing, stated at SXSW 2026 that the era of smartphone apps may be ending, envisioning a future where AI agents manage tasks without the need for multiple applications. Nothing plans to integrate AI as a core component of its devices, aiming for innovative interfaces and enhanced automation. Pei acknowledged the challenges posed by the entrenched app ecosystem but suggested that as AI agents improve, users might choose to bypass traditional apps. This shift raises concerns about trust, transparency, and control over personal data.
Certified Android devices won’t let user sideload APK app files anymore, or at least it won’t be straightforward
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Certified Android devices won’t let user sideload APK app files anymore, or at least it won’t be straightforward

Starting September 2026, Google will regulate the sideloading of apps through APK files on certified Android devices. Users will need to pay a fee, agree to terms and conditions, provide government identification, upload evidence of the developer's private signing key, and list all application identifiers. There are three methods for sideloading: 1. Sideloading from verified developers, requiring a verification process. 2. Sideloading from developers with limited distribution accounts, allowing sharing with up to 20 devices without ID or fees. 3. Sideloading from unverified developers, which involves enabling developer mode, confirming the user is not being scammed, restarting the phone, waiting 24 hours, and confirming identity through biometric authentication or device PIN. These changes aim to enhance security and reduce scams while still allowing some flexibility for developers.
Hozy is a cozy decorating game that makes me want to rip up my carpet, and take a trip to Ikea
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Hozy is a cozy decorating game that makes me want to rip up my carpet, and take a trip to Ikea

The game Hozy invites players to revitalize a forgotten neighborhood by cleaning, painting, and decorating homes, focusing on a relaxing gameplay experience without timers or score meters. Players can tackle various rooms, starting with a messy attic, and use pre-filled boxes of items for decoration, which helps alleviate choice paralysis. The game features a first-floor studio with an adjacent garden, where players can creatively design spaces. Developer Come On Studio has announced that Hozy will include nine handcrafted locations to renovate and is set to launch on March 30, 2026. A suggested feature for improvement is painter's tape for more precise wall sectioning.
Join the circus and swing an election in Moves of the Diamond Hand, the RPG follow-up to Betrayal at Club Low, which hits PC early access in April
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Join the circus and swing an election in Moves of the Diamond Hand, the RPG follow-up to Betrayal at Club Low, which hits PC early access in April

Moves Of The Diamond Hand will debut on Steam Early Access on April 13th. It is the successor to Betrayal At Club Low and will feature the first two chapters. The game introduces a "one city block RPG" concept, focusing on infiltrating the Circus X, a renowned circus and artist collective. Players will navigate challenges to secure membership while interacting with colorful characters and facing a mayoral election involving a clone of a deceased mayor. Dice mechanics will influence character stats and gameplay. A demo of the game was previously explored by Nic Reuben, who described it as hectic and disorientating. An update for the demo will be released alongside the early access announcement.
Think Windows 11 is annoying? These 4 Windows XP "nightmares" were way worse
Winsage
March 20, 2026

Think Windows 11 is annoying? These 4 Windows XP “nightmares” were way worse

Windows XP was launched in 2001 without an active firewall or integrated antivirus, exposing users to malware. The Internet Connection Firewall was included but not enabled by default, and it wasn't activated until Service Pack 2 was released nearly three years later. Microsoft introduced its antivirus solution, Microsoft Security Essentials, in 2009. Internet Explorer 6, included with Windows XP, had significant security vulnerabilities, allowing malware to easily infiltrate systems. The transition from Windows 95/98 to NT caused driver compatibility issues, leading to troubleshooting challenges for users. Network sharing features were unreliable, with many users experiencing difficulties connecting multiple XP PCs and sharing printers. Windows XP reached its refined state with Service Pack 3 in 2008 and ended mainstream support in 2014. Despite this, it continues to be used in some modern applications, such as self-checkout registers.
Android Auto’s Secret Superpower Is a Customizable Shortcut Button
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Android Auto’s Secret Superpower Is a Customizable Shortcut Button

Connecting an Android phone to a car's dashboard via Android Auto allows users to enhance their driving experience by creating Assistant shortcuts directly on the app screen. These shortcuts can be assigned to various commands that work with Google Assistant, such as getting directions home, accessing Spotify playlists, opening a garage door, turning off home lights, and having text messages read aloud. To create a shortcut, users can navigate to the Android Auto launcher options in the Settings menu, select Customize Launcher, and then tap Add a shortcut to the Launcher > An Assistant action. Users can input their desired command, assign it a name, and test it while connected to Android Auto. Shortcuts can be rearranged, modified, or deleted without affecting the standard voice command functionality. Users are encouraged to choose practical commands for shortcuts and can chain multiple instructions together for convenience.
Do yourself a favour in Crimson Desert and play the game with a controller
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Do yourself a favour in Crimson Desert and play the game with a controller

Crimson Desert features a complex control scheme that can feel clunky, particularly during the game's introduction. Players can choose between a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad, with controllers offering a more intuitive experience for those familiar with console gaming. However, using a controller can lead to issues such as accidentally jumping instead of interacting due to limited buttons. The compact controller inputs can be beneficial in high-pressure situations, allowing for quicker healing, while keyboard users may struggle to reach distant keys. Sprinting is bound to the Shift key, which can cause problems like triggering sticky keys. The keyboard allows for some customization of bindings, but controllers are recommended for a more straightforward experience.
This is Android’s new ‘advanced flow’ for sideloading apps without verification, includes one-day waiting period [Gallery]
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

This is Android’s new ‘advanced flow’ for sideloading apps without verification, includes one-day waiting period [Gallery]

Google will introduce a new Android developer verification process later this year to enhance user security and accommodate power users. This will include an "advanced flow" that allows users to disable the verification requirement and install software from unverified developers. Users must activate Developer mode, confirm they are not being guided by a malicious actor, restart their device, and undergo a mandatory one-day "Security wait" period for identity verification through biometric authentication or a device PIN. After this, they can install apps from unverified developers indefinitely, with a temporary option for seven days. Users will still receive a warning when installing apps from unverified developers but can choose to proceed. The rollout is set for August, alongside new developer verification requirements. Additionally, Google will offer limited distribution accounts for developers to share apps with up to 20 users without registration fees or government ID.
Google introduces a new way for users to sideload Android apps that still protects against scams
AppWizard
March 20, 2026

Google introduces a new way for users to sideload Android apps that still protects against scams

Google has announced a new "advanced flow" setting that simplifies the process for Android users to install applications from sources outside the Play Store by allowing them to disable a verification requirement. This change responds to user demand for more flexibility in app installation, despite the associated risks of unverified applications. Previously, Google required all Android apps to be registered by verified developers to prevent malware and fraud. The new setting involves enabling developer mode, followed by a verification check to ensure users are not being scammed, a phone restart, and a protective waiting period of one day before confirming the change. Users can choose to enable the option to install apps from unverified developers for seven days or indefinitely, with a warning provided for unverified apps. Additionally, Google is offering free distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps with a small group without ID verification. These changes follow a legal settlement with Epic Games, resulting in reduced Play Store commissions to 20% on in-app purchases.
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