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Android Auto Users Get New Phones, End Up Losing Major Google Maps Update
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

Android Auto Users Get New Phones, End Up Losing Major Google Maps Update

Users of the Google Pixel 11 have reported a glitch that results in the loss of access to a significant update for Google Maps, which includes immersive navigation features such as advanced 3D maps and contextual information. This issue arises because the rollout of the immersive navigation feature is managed through a server-side flag based on device ID, causing the Pixel 11 to re-enter the queue for the update rather than receiving it immediately. Google has not yet issued a fix for this problem, and the immersive update for Google Maps is currently being rolled out in stages across the United States.
Poppy Playtime studio reveals its next survival horror game, and this time it's co-op
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

Poppy Playtime studio reveals its next survival horror game, and this time it’s co-op

Mob Entertainment has announced a new game titled Escape from Playtime, which allows 1 to 4 players to participate in a cooperative horror adventure set in the Playtime Co. toy factory. Players will encounter characters like Huggy Wuggy while navigating the factory's corridors. The game is scheduled for early access on Steam and aims to enhance the gameplay experience with cooperative mechanics, building on the success of its predecessor, Poppy Playtime. An announcement trailer was showcased at the Future Games Show during gamescom 2026 and is available for viewing on Steam.
Blue Dragon has been stuck on the Xbox 360 for 20 years, but no longer: a fantastic unofficial PC port unlocks the FPS, goes 4K, and even adds mod support
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

Blue Dragon has been stuck on the Xbox 360 for 20 years, but no longer: a fantastic unofficial PC port unlocks the FPS, goes 4K, and even adds mod support

Hironobu Sakaguchi founded Mistwalker after leaving Square Enix in the early 2000s. Blue Dragon, a title from Mistwalker, is now available on PC due to a fan-made port created by programmer Tom, who used his toolset ReXGlue to recompile the game. This port integrates original game files into a single executable, enhances graphical fidelity, and resolves compatibility issues. Tom's work allows the game to run at 1080p resolution and 60 fps on systems with as little as one gigabyte of VRAM. The port was released on GitHub to coincide with the 19th anniversary of Blue Dragon's U.S. release, and future updates and mods are planned, including the introduction of characters from the Nintendo DS sequel.
I've played Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Remake, and I still can't believe we're getting 2 HoMMs in the same year
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

I’ve played Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Remake, and I still can’t believe we’re getting 2 HoMMs in the same year

The franchise Heroes of Might and Magic is experiencing a revival after more than ten years, with the early access release of Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era earlier this year and a full launch anticipated in 2027. The HoMM 3 Remake is the third iteration of the iconic game, featuring a fresh art style and several enhancements while retaining the essence of the original. The remake allows up to four players to embark on quests and introduces quality-of-life improvements, such as visibility of enemy troop movement ranges. The gameplay involves commanding heroes and armies, battling monsters, conquering towns, and gathering resources. The new art style features more detailed units and dynamic combat animations, although there are concerns about the loss of the original's distinctive character. Both the HoMM 3 Remake and Olden Era are set to launch around the same time, providing fans with multiple options for tactical gameplay.
Double Fine Productions Makes Brutal Legend Free for 666 Minutes to Honor Tim Curry
AppWizard
August 27, 2026

Double Fine Productions Makes Brutal Legend Free for 666 Minutes to Honor Tim Curry

Double Fine Productions has reclaimed the rights to its entire catalog after parting ways with Microsoft. The studio is offering fans the chance to download the game Brutal Legend for free for 666 minutes in tribute to Tim Curry, who voiced a character in the game and passed away at the age of 80. This offer is available until 3:06 AM PT / 6:06 AM ET on August 27. IGN's Daemon Hatfield rated Brutal Legend 9 out of 10, praising its unique blend of humor, music, and gameplay. Double Fine plans to revive its Amnesia Fortnight game jam as it prepares for future projects.
Is Control Panel dying in Windows 11? Microsoft's biggest UI revamp says not yet
Winsage
August 27, 2026

Is Control Panel dying in Windows 11? Microsoft’s biggest UI revamp says not yet

Windows 11 is undergoing a significant design transformation, with updates to key components like Print Management, the Properties Sheet in File Explorer, and the AutoPlay dialog from Windows 8, all receiving a WinUI makeover. The Control Panel's future is uncertain, but it will remain until Microsoft can transition its features into Windows Settings. Microsoft plans to minimize the need for legacy features and is cautious about removing the Control Panel due to its importance for enterprise compatibility. Upcoming features include a modern Windows Run dialog set to launch in 2026, which will be faster and allow users to navigate to their user directory more efficiently. A modern Properties dialog is also being developed to replace the legacy version, and the AutoPlay dialog will be revamped to remember user preferences. A new Print Management app is in testing, aimed at improving printer management. The overall modernization of Windows 11 suggests that the Control Panel may eventually be phased out, but the timeline for this change is still unclear.
Windows XP turns 25. It's still beating Windows 8 in market share
Winsage
August 26, 2026

Windows XP turns 25. It’s still beating Windows 8 in market share

Windows XP was launched to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, and became available for purchase on October 25, 2001. It was built on the Windows NT architecture, offering enhanced stability and security compared to its predecessors. Microsoft described it as “the most important version of Windows ever,” and its legacy continues to influence modern operating systems.
How to sideload Android apps on your phone in 2026 - and what's behind the changes
AppWizard
August 26, 2026

How to sideload Android apps on your phone in 2026 – and what’s behind the changes

Google has revamped the sideloading process on Android devices with a new protocol called "Advanced Flow" to enhance user security while allowing the installation of applications from downloaded APK files. Users must enable sideloading, authenticate their identity, and confirm they are not being pressured into installation, followed by a device restart and a 24-hour waiting period. Users can choose to allow installations for seven days or indefinitely. To sideload apps, users need to download an APK file, disable Advanced Protection temporarily, install the app, and then re-enable Advanced Protection. Caution is advised when downloading APK files from unknown sources, with recommendations for trusted sites like APKMirror, F-Droid, and Uptodown.
Here's every major Xbox and PC announcement we've rounded up from the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2026
AppWizard
August 26, 2026

Here’s every major Xbox and PC announcement we’ve rounded up from the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2026

Gamescom is currently showcasing the Future Games Show, which features over 40 titles for Xbox and PC, including 13 brand new games. The event began today at 10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT / 6:00 pm BST and is available for live viewing or on-demand replays on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, X, and Steam. Major game announcements include: - Worms: Galactic Tactics: A turn-based tactical game set for release in 2027 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 1/2, and PC via Steam. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword: An action-adventure game launching on September 4, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival: A side-scrolling beat 'em up releasing on September 18, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Dioxide: A tactical FPS with Soulslike elements expected to launch in the future on PC via Steam. - Wolcen 2: An ARPG anticipated to enter early access in 2027 for PC via Steam. - Serious Sam: Shatterverse: A roguelite FPS set for release on August 31, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. - SPINE - This is Gun Fu: A cyberpunk action game launching in 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. - STAR WARS: Galactic Racer: A racing game set in the Star Wars universe, launching on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Alkimya: House of Wisdom: A survival horror game expected to release in the future for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: An action-RPG set to leave early access on September 2, 2026, available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Windows.
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