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AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Sony Says Game Discs Not a Big Factor of Differentiation Between PlayStation & PC; Can Coexist “Peacefully” With PC

Sony has confirmed its commitment to a disc-less gaming model for upcoming PlayStation consoles. CFO Lin Tao stated that the absence of discs will not significantly influence gamers' decisions to switch to PC gaming, highlighting the strengths of curated content, a stable game environment, and affordability compared to high-end gaming PCs. Sony is proceeding cautiously with phasing out physical game discs, noting that any backlash has not negatively impacted their business. Anticipation for the PS6 includes advancements in cloud streaming technology and a new horror game, along with a patent for innovative modular controller technology featuring a touchscreen interface.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Google Keep is working on new UI that may screw up your muscle memory

Google is updating its Keep app, specifically focusing on the toolbar at the bottom. The Add button will become larger and permanently blue to reduce accidental taps. The Background options button will be replaced by a checkbox button for easier switching between note and list formats, while the Background options will still be accessible in the menu that appears when the Add button is tapped. Other features like Reminder, Labels, and Collaborator will also be included in the Add menu, indicating a more intuitive design for note-taking and list management. These changes are based on an APK teardown of version 5.26.301.00.90, and not all features may be included in the final release.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Pixel Watch 5 shows up early in an official Google app

The Pixel Watch 5 has been spotted in the Google Health app, indicating an upcoming launch. It appears as a selectable device and prompts users to connect it to their Google Health account. The visuals for the Pixel Watch 5 are similar to those of the Pixel Watch 4, suggesting a shared design. Google is set to hold a hardware event on August 12, where the Pixel Watch 5 will be featured alongside the Pixel 11 series. The smartwatch is expected to come in 41mm and 45mm sizes with Wi-Fi and LTE options. A listing on the Google Play Console suggests an upgrade in RAM from 2GB to 3GB, while the CPU and GPU configurations will remain the same as previous models.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

‘The last time I liked everything about a game was probably Baldur’s Gate 3’: Raphael Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, talks us through the games installed on his PC

Raphaël Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, was inspired to enter the gaming industry after playing Ultima 7, which led him to co-found Arkane in 1999. The studio's first game was Arx Fatalis, and it has since produced titles like Dishonored and Prey, with their latest project being Weird West. Colantonio is currently playing Mewgenics, having previously completed Cyberpunk 2077 and enjoyed Baldur's Gate 3. He has revisited Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth for enjoyment and research. Colantonio has logged 649 hours in Wasteland 2 and expresses nostalgia for Thief, Fallout, and Deus Ex, noting their influence on his work. He uses DaVinci Resolve for video editing and DiskState for managing hard drive space. Colantonio maintains a tidy desktop with minimal icons and folders.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Samsung may finally let you set screen zoom levels on a per-app basis

Samsung has unveiled its latest foldable devices: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Within the firmware of the Fold 8 Ultra, code suggests a new feature called "App screen zoom," which would allow users to set different screen zoom levels for individual applications. This feature is not yet visible in the device's display settings, as it is not operating on retail firmware. There is potential for this functionality to be available when the devices reach consumers next month and possibly extend to Samsung's broader lineup and the Android ecosystem. An APK teardown indicates this feature is a predictive tool based on preliminary code, with no guarantee of public release.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

I’m very into this Papers, Please-esque puzzle game about identifying traitors to the socialist motherland

Players assume the role of Aleksey Lutomski, a recruit at the security service of a fictional 20th-century communist state, in the game What Awaits, Aleksey?. Set in 1970, the game involves examining evidence such as coded letters, covert photographs, and wiretapped conversations to identify members of an underground dissident cell called the KNOT network. The gameplay emphasizes a balance between challenge and engagement, with players needing to present findings to superiors who critique their work. The game features a 1970s setting with mechanical tools like calculators and tape recorders that enhance the investigative experience. Players must navigate misleading clues and make critical decisions that affect their allegiance, potentially choosing between siding with conspirators or remaining loyal to the state. The game explores themes of loyalty, identity, and moral dilemmas within a historical context.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Gears of War’s creator is considering returning to game development, but whatever he makes won’t be PvP like his last efforts: “Good look to anyone in that space.”

Cliff Bleszinski, known for creating the Gears of War franchise, is considering a return to game development after an eight-year break following the closure of his studio, Boss Key Productions, in 2018. During his time away, he wrote an autobiography, produced a Tony Award-winning musical, and addressed his alcoholism, which included a hospitalization earlier this year. He expressed a desire to create characters and worlds again, focusing on player-versus-environment (PvE) experiences rather than PvP multiplayer games. Although he has not disclosed specific projects, he indicated that he is inspired and open to new creative endeavors in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

As PlayStation prepares to go all-digital, one PC gamer is turning Steam physical with SSD cartridges

PlayStation plans to phase out physical discs for new releases by 2028. A Reddit user, Jibril-sama, has created a Game Cartridge system using affordable 2.5" SSDs that contain games and a script to navigate to the game's page on Steam. The system operates on Linux and requires a systemd template to function. Jibril-sama acquired 128GB SSDs for €7 each. While gamers can use an external USB drive for their Steam library, this method lacks the charm of individual cartridges. Jibril-sama notes that players do not truly "own" their games on Steam due to reliance on Valve's online authentication.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Steam Machine compatibility checks are here, though not every game on the store enjoys a rating

Steam users can now check a game's compatibility with Steam Machine and SteamOS directly from the store page. This feature was introduced after the Steam Machine's June release. Players can click 'learn more' next to the Steam Deck compatibility rating for an overview of compatibility across Valve's hardware and software. The game Black Myth: Wukong has an 'unknown' compatibility status with the Steam Machine, while it runs successfully on SteamOS. Valve is investigating compatibility for titles like Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Elden Ring Nightreign. Some games, like 007: First Light, can achieve a 'Verified' rating on the Steam Machine. Currently, the Steam store does not allow filtering by Steam Machine or SteamOS compatibility, but this feature is expected soon.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Pixel phones are getting a handy upgrade for ringtone, alarm, and notification controls

Google is enhancing the user experience on Pixel phones by integrating volume sliders into the ringtone, alarm, and notification selection screens within the Sounds app. This feature allows users to adjust volume directly while selecting sounds. The functionality was discovered in an unreleased Pixel 11 firmware build. Additionally, there are indications of a potential new "Vibrations" tab that may include various vibration patterns, although it is currently non-functional. Previous discoveries suggested Google aims to let users customize sound and vibration patterns independently.