interactivity Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

As a Thomas superfan, Thomas and Friends Wonders of Sodor would have blown my four-year-old mind

The author had a childhood fascination with Thomas the Tank Engine, influenced by their grandfather, a train enthusiast. In the late 90s, special Thomas-themed days were held at the railway where the grandfather worked, allowing children to ride in Thomas replicas. The author recalls a cherished experience of riding in the cab of a Thomas engine. The release of "Thomas and Friends: Wonders of Sodor" evokes nostalgia for the author, who, as a video game journalist, critiques the game for its clunky interface and design flaws while acknowledging its charm and alignment with the series' essence. The gameplay includes scenarios like a race involving Thomas and Gordon, with interactive elements that would appeal to young fans. However, the game has accessibility issues, such as a lack of checkpoints, which can frustrate players. The mechanics seem more suited for adult train simulation enthusiasts, raising questions about the game's intended audience.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Pokemon Pokopia features a riff on Minecraft’s iconic Redstone system, and fans are already dreaming up the possibilities: “This is like super advanced”

Pokopia features innovative gameplay mechanics that allow for complex building tasks similar to Minecraft's Redstone system. The game's director, Takuto Edagawa, demonstrated a mechanism that activates lights, waterfalls, and neon LEDs through a motion-sensing system. This has led to comparisons with Minecraft among fans, who note the advanced level of customization in Pokopia. Additionally, a developer tour showcased a moving minecart that activated note blocks to create melodies, further emphasizing the game's Minecraft-inspired elements. Pokopia is highly anticipated, tying for the highest-rated title in the Pokémon series on Metacritic.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

In a world of serious videogames, the Valheim devs’ new co-op dungeon crawler is a reminder that having fun is okay

Begraved is a co-op game developed by Grip Jaw, a team of former Valheim members, blending cozy and horror elements in a genre they call 'friendslop.' Players explore dungeons, collect treasures, and interact with a customizable hideout that serves as a social hub. The game features a narrative framework encouraging player progression and ownership, with mechanics allowing for team revivals and ghost assistance. The demo includes a selfie camera for capturing moments, emphasizing fun and lighthearted gameplay. The demo is available for download after Steam Next Fest, although it is an early version that may contain bugs.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

Great moments in PC gaming: Dark Messiah of Might and Magic’s rooftop chase

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, developed by Arkane in 2006, features a blend of linear and open-world gameplay set in a town besieged by the undead. Players engage in encounters such as using a ballista against a zombie cyclops and chasing a ghoul across rooftops. The game includes a succubus character who provides guidance, enhancing the immersive experience. It also incorporates strategic stealth gameplay with a sandbox environment filled with guards and allows players to craft weapons. The game is noted for its creativity and distinct sequences that keep players engaged without repetitive gameplay.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Google Unveils New Tools and Libraries for Building AI Glasses Apps

Google has released Android XR SDK Developer Preview 3, which enhances AI Glasses development with two new libraries: Jetpack Projected and Jetpack Compose Glimmer, and expands ARCore for Jetpack XR to include motion tracking and geospatial capabilities. Jetpack Projected allows apps to project XR experiences from host devices to AI Glasses, enabling interaction with the glasses' hardware. Jetpack Compose Glimmer provides UI components for creating augmented experiences, utilizing optical see-through technology. An AI Glasses emulator is also available in Android Studio for developers to preview UI designs. The expanded ARCore capabilities include retrieving planar data, anchoring content, motion tracking, and geospatial pose support. Developers can access these features through Android Studio Canary with the latest emulator version.

AppWizard

December 13, 2025

If the only Larian game you’ve played is Baldur’s Gate 3, here’s what you need to know about the Divinity series

Larian Studios is shifting its focus from the Dungeons & Dragons universe back to its original franchise, the Divinity series, with a new installment titled Divinity. The upcoming game will be accessible to newcomers and will not require extensive knowledge of the series' lore. The recommended order to play the Divinity games is: Divinity: Original Sin 2, Divinity: Original Sin, Divinity: Dragon Commander, Divinity 2: Ego Draconis, Beyond Divinity (optional), and Divine Divinity. Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel feature turn-based combat and cooperative gameplay, with Original Sin 2 being particularly praised as Game of the Year in 2017. The series is set in the fantasy world of Rivellon, featuring various beings and engaging narratives centered around heroism. The new installment's reveal trailer has sparked discussions about its darker themes.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Sideloading apps on Android 16 QPR2 has a much nicer-looking UI

Google has updated the Android Package Installer with a new Material 3 Expressive design language, aligning it with the visual overhaul of Android 16. The Package Installer now has a more intuitive layout, centering the app name and icon to emphasize installation actions. New button styles include Filled Buttons for primary actions like “Install” and “Open,” and Elevated Buttons for secondary actions like “Cancel” and “Done.” The installation progress bar features a new Material 3 Linear Progress Indicator, and the dialog’s title font size has been increased for better readability. However, the permission dialog for sideloading apps has not been redesigned and still uses the older button style. Users need to install the Android 16 QPR2 update to access these enhancements, as the Package Installer cannot be updated through Google Play System Updates.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11’s November Insider update brings new features and reveals a new version

Microsoft has unveiled several preview builds for Windows 11 in November 2025, including versions 25H2 and 26H1. The notable updates include: - Windows 11 build 26220.7070 introduces a redesigned Widgets board with a new "Discover" section, improved navigation, and alert badges on icons. - The Quick Machine Recovery feature now scans for fixes only once and offers alternative recovery options if no solution is found. - Smart App Control can now be toggled on or off without reinstalling Windows 11. - New widget options have been added to the Lock Screen settings, allowing customization of displayed widgets. - A drag tray feature in the Canary Channel simplifies file sharing from File Explorer or the desktop. - Build 28000 in the Canary Channel is the first preview of Windows 11 version 26H1, focusing on compatibility with newer hardware. - New agentic AI components are being integrated into Windows 11, allowing applications like Copilot to automate tasks. - Haptic feedback capabilities have been introduced for digital pen users. - The Narrator and Magnifier features now use high-definition voices for improved clarity and support structured math reading in Word.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

I don’t know how I missed this playable Windows 95-era 3D Maze screensaver, but it’s making me feel like I’m tripping out, man

A new playable version of the 3D Maze screensaver from Windows 95 has been created by a user named x86matthew, based on a reverse-engineered binary of the original screensaver. This version allows for user control through keyboard inputs via an additional DLL, enabling players to navigate a maze filled with digital brick walls. Players may encounter rat sprites and enigmatic black polyhedrons, adding elements of surprise and intrigue to the experience. This project evokes nostalgia for those who remember the original screensaver, providing a chance to reconnect with a piece of digital history.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Google’s AI-Powered Gemini Updates Are Changing Android Forever

Google has rolled out updates for Android devices that enhance applications like Google Maps, Android Auto, Google Messages, and the Play Store using its AI system, Gemini. These updates aim to improve user experience by providing real-time assistance and seamless interactivity. Key features include: - Google Maps: Users can ask about specific location details directly within the app, enhancing convenience and safety while driving. - Android Auto: Allows natural language interaction with the vehicle's infotainment system, making tasks like adjusting routes simpler and less distracting. - Google Messages: Offers insights on shared links without needing to open them, improving communication and online security. - Play Store: Facilitates app discovery by allowing users to ask detailed questions about apps, ensuring informed decisions before downloading. The updates prioritize safety and user-friendliness, promoting efficient interactions and a cohesive ecosystem across Android devices.