inclusivity Archives

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft Makes Individual Developer Accounts Free Next Month

Microsoft is removing all onboarding fees for individual developers to publish applications on the Microsoft Store, effective next month. This change allows developers to publish without a credit card, making the platform more accessible. Company accounts will still incur a fee, but individual developers can utilize the built-in developer mode on Windows 10, 11, and Xbox consoles to create unsigned applications. The Microsoft Store will also see improvements in discovery, delivery, and user acquisition processes. While developer mode is popular for running emulation software, it remains limited by the deprecated UWP application platform, affecting Xbox console applications.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

How to set up a Facebook group on Android

Effective management of a community group involves monitoring posts to ensure alignment with the group's values, promptly approving member requests, engaging with members through comments and insights, using moderation tools like post approvals to maintain a respectful environment, and finding the right balance of control to suit the group's dynamics.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

What’s The Best Alternative To Shazam For Android Users?

Shazam was launched in the UK in 2002 as a service where users could call a number to identify songs for a fee. Acquired by Apple in 2018, it remains available for Android users and integrates with various music platforms while being free to use. Shazam struggles with identifying earworms. SoundHound, Shazam's main competitor, has around 100 million users and can identify songs quickly, providing detailed information and lyrics. It allows users to hum or sing songs for identification, though this feature is not always accurate. SoundHound's free version includes ads, while SoundHound Infinity offers an ad-free experience for .99. Musixmatch is another alternative that identifies songs and focuses on lyrics, allowing users to create "lyrics cards" and offering a translation feature. It requires the actual song for identification. The Google app also provides quick song identification, including for hummed or sung versions, but gives candid feedback on user performance.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Exploring ChromeOS – A New Era In Android App Support

ChromeOS has introduced significant enhancements, particularly in Android app support, improving functionality and integration. The latest updates include upgraded Bluetooth technologies, improved content search capabilities, and the integration of Android 11 changes using virtual machines for better app performance. The initiative "Start building apps for ChromeOS" provides guidance for developers to optimize applications for these devices. Accessibility features like Face Control, Bounce Keys, and Slow Keys have been added to assist users with various needs. Security improvements include theft detection and quick locking, while usability enhancements like Fast Pair simplify device connections. Recent updates also focus on integration and compatibility with existing file systems and support for Android and Linux applications, aiming to create a cohesive ecosystem.

BetaBeacon

April 25, 2025

Download Fortnite (free) for Windows, macOS, Android, APK and iOS

- Fortnite is an always-moving universe with constant content updates to prevent staleness. - The game combines skill-based combat with creativity, allowing players to find success through shooting or construction abilities. - Fortnite rewards experimentation and offers diverse gameplay for all levels of players. - The game's success is heavily influenced by its active player community and incorporates relevant cultural elements. - Fortnite is accessible on multiple platforms and offers a seamless gaming experience without requiring payments for competitive spaces. - Fortnite offers an ultimate multiplayer gaming experience that promotes creative play and continuous world evolution.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Florida attorney general files lawsuit against instant messaging app Snapchat

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against Snapchat due to concerns that the platform is being misused by predators to target minors. The lawsuit claims Snapchat violates Florida's House Bill 3, which prohibits children under 13 from creating accounts and requires parental approval for users aged 14 and 15.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google Wallet brings real-time train status alerts to Android, and teases I/O 2025

Google Wallet has introduced real-time train status alerts for users in India and Canada, allowing them to receive notifications about their train's status, such as "On Time" or "Delayed." Additionally, parents and guardians in select countries can now permit their children to add event tickets and generic passes to their Wallet accounts, with the rollout starting in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland. Google will host its I/O 2025 event on May 20 at 10 am PT, where updates for Wallet and Pay will be discussed, along with developments related to Android 16, Android XR, and Wear OS 6. Android 16 will feature Live Updates and has reached Platform Stability, allowing developers to refine applications. The Android 16 Beta includes Auracast support for hearing aids to enhance accessibility.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Ubisoft open sources its colourblind simulation tool Chroma

Ubisoft has launched Chroma, a colourblind simulation tool aimed at improving game accessibility for individuals with colourblindness. The initiative, started in 2021 by Ubisoft's quality control team in India, has streamlined the assessment process for colourblind players. David Tisserand, Ubisoft's director of accessibility, noted the tool's effectiveness and invited industry feedback for its ongoing development. Quality control product manager Jawad Shakil emphasized Chroma's purpose in integrating colour blindness accessibility into the creative and testing processes, highlighting collaboration with accessibility experts to ensure its efficiency. Ubisoft plans to open-source Chroma to benefit the broader gaming industry.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

Narrative puzzle game Causal Loop announced for PC

Publisher Headup and developer Mirebound Interactive have announced the narrative puzzle game Causal Loop, which features a science-fiction storyline focused on time, consequence, and survival. The game will be available on PC platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, but a release date has not been provided. Causal Loop includes a unique "echo" mechanic that allows players to record, replay, and interact with up to three versions of their past selves. The narrative follows exo-archaeologist Bale and exo-linguist Jen as they explore the remnants of the lost Tor civilization on the planet Tor Ulsat. Bale activates the Chronolith, an ancient alien device, causing Jen to disappear and trapping him in a reality where time loops and echoes converge. Key features of the game include: - Mind-bending puzzles utilizing the ‘Echo Branching’ mechanic. - A mysterious alien world with fifteen chapters filled with secrets. - An emotional narrative that complements the gameplay. - Fully-voiced characters with a talented cast. - Accessibility options for inclusivity, including features for motion sickness prevention and color blindness mode.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Unlocking Multilingual App Development with Android Studio Translation Plugin

The Android Studio Translation Plugin is a tool for Android developers that facilitates the localization of applications by integrating directly into Android Studio. Key features include real-time translation previews, batch processing for multiple strings, a translation memory system for consistency, API connectivity with services like Google Translate, and support for over 100 languages. To set up the plugin, developers must install it through Android Studio's plugin marketplace, configure settings for source and target languages, and connect to a translation API. Translating an app involves selecting strings in the strings.xml file and using the plugin to translate them, with real-time updates in the layout editor. The plugin enhances developer workflow by automating localization tasks, reducing the risk of errors, and allowing for simultaneous translations. It also helps maintain translation consistency and improves app quality by identifying missing translations. Real-world use cases demonstrate its effectiveness in scaling applications for international markets, such as an e-commerce app that translated over 500 strings and an educational app that localized content for various Indian languages.