journal Archives

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Is Minecraft colonial?

In a Minecraft world, approximately 50 villagers are confined in a basement, contrasting with the idyllic town above. Players manage villagers by using fishing rods to guide them into trading halls, where they can be traded with for resources. The game, launched in 2009 by Mojang Studios, allows players to explore and build in an open-world environment. The construction of villager trading halls reflects themes of exploitation, likened to chattel slavery, as players seek enchantments through trading. Critics note that the game's mechanics mirror colonial ideologies and contemporary global supply chains. Techniques like update suppression enhance farming efficiency, suggesting a deeper layer of exploitation in gameplay. The villager trading hall serves as a processing puzzle, emphasizing the functional role of villagers rather than their individuality. The game encourages innovation and manipulation of reality within its grid-based structure, reflecting broader societal trends in technology and information.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Google’s AI Android Updates Spark Phone App Glitches on Pixel Devices

The phone app within Google's ecosystem has faced significant user frustration due to recent updates that disrupt essential functions like dialing and contact management. Users report issues such as the app failing to register incoming calls and cumbersome navigation following software patches. AI features introduced to enhance user experience often misfire, raising privacy concerns. The Pixel series has experienced bugs, including one that automatically declined calls. Updates to Google's search algorithm have inadvertently affected app performance, leading to instabilities. Monthly system updates prioritize new features over rigorous testing, resulting in a bloated app with sporadic functionality. Policy changes regarding data handling complicate app interactions, making simple tasks more laborious. Google's rapid release cycle has led to volatility in app performance, with security patches sometimes introducing new bugs. The integration of third-party services has created inconsistencies, and the overall Android ecosystem suffers from misalignment between updates. Users express dissatisfaction with the prioritization of aesthetics over functionality in updates. Critics argue that Google's approach mirrors past missteps, and experts recommend proactive user measures and improved developer practices to enhance app reliability.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

How I learned to manage my emotions with Google’s Journal app

The author initially did not find journaling appealing but began using Google's Journal app, also known as Pixel Journal, to process emotions during a tumultuous year filled with mental challenges. The app serves as a safe space for unloading burdens and offers AI-powered prompts that encourage introspection. It features a built-in calendar for revisiting past entries, customization options for tagging emotions, and integration with Google Photos. Privacy is prioritized with password protection and local AI processing. The author finds the app to be a comforting tool for managing emotions, especially as the new year approaches.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

I’ve played the Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy alpha and it’s basically grimdark Disco Elysium

Owlcat Games is releasing downloadable content for Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader and has announced a new RPG inspired by The Expanse novels. They have launched a publishing division producing titles like Rue Valley, with contributions from Disco Elysium writer Robert Kurvitz. The alpha test for Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy is available to players who pre-ordered specific editions, lasting approximately eight hours and allowing exploration of different narrative outcomes. The game features a detective system and an Inquisitorial Journal for gathering clues. Dark Heresy emphasizes investigation over combat, which is currently seen as the weakest aspect of the demo. The game includes a character named Ra'ahkti, who may have a role similar to Kim Kitsuragi from Disco Elysium, and there are hints of potential romantic interactions.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Siliconera’s PC Game of the Year 2025

The PC platform has become a supportive environment for indie game developers, allowing innovative titles to thrive before expanding to other systems. Siliconera's PC Game of the Year selections showcase games that have succeeded due to the unique PC ecosystem. The awards reflect the opinions of the Siliconera team, with multiplatform games assessed based on the platform that received the most support. Hades II continues the legacy of its predecessor, showcasing the developers' commitment to quality during its Early Access phase, resulting in a seamless gameplay experience. Monster Train 2 expands on the original by introducing more factions, increasing strategic possibilities and providing fresh challenges for players. Blue Prince, the winner, offers engaging puzzles with clear solutions, making it accessible for players who may struggle with traditional exploration puzzle games.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

My 18 favorite Android apps of 2025

Mishaal Rahman shared her favorite Android apps from 2025, which include: - Octopi Launcher: A launcher designed for foldable smartphones that allows users to create custom layouts for different screen orientations. - Nobook: A lightweight alternative to the official Facebook app, offering a simplified social media experience without ads. - Banana Browser: A browser that excels in video handling, featuring a built-in player and ad-blocking capabilities. - NotebookLM: A digital manual and note-taking app that helps users organize information effectively. - OSS Document Scanner: An open-source PDF scanner with automatic capture and OCR support. - whoBIRD: An app for identifying birds by their calls using real-time audio sampling. - Tomato: A minimalist Pomodoro timer that integrates focus and rest periods into productivity routines. - Stellarium: An app for exploring celestial bodies with detailed information about stars and planets. - Google Journal: A straightforward journaling app that stores entries locally and supports multimedia integration. - Next Player: A simple video player that supports various formats and offers organizational features. - Weather Master: A user-friendly weather app with customizable data sources and concise summaries. - Perplexity Comet: An AI browser that enhances news and information access. - LocalSend: A file-sharing app for quick and secure transfers across devices on the same network. - Super Display: An app that turns any Android device into a secondary monitor. - URLCheck: A link manager that scans for security threats and allows users to choose apps for opening links. - Samsung Food: A recipe management app that helps users curate digital cookbooks. - DeepSeek: An AI chatbot offering versatile capabilities and offline access. - Androidify: An app for creating personalized avatars and customizing devices with unique designs.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

GoLocalProv | Sports | PC Coach Kim English Puts Blame on Players

Kim English, head coach of the Providence College Friars, expressed disappointment after a 72-67 loss to Seton Hall, marking the Friars' second consecutive defeat in the Big East, leaving them at 0-2 in the conference. He highlighted challenges with managing a deep roster and the need for players to accept their roles rather than seeking individual recognition. English noted that the team's current lack of role acceptance is detrimental to their success. He has previously made headlines for his outspoken comments, including accusations of rival coaches tampering with his players and a dispute with a sports reporter. Under his leadership, the Friars have a record of 40-40 overall and 16-26 in the Big East.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Owlcat Games reveals a detailed look into Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy’s Investigation system — Become a fair judge or a biased executioner

Owlcat Games has revealed the Investigation system in their upcoming CRPG, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, where players act as acolytes of the Inquisition, investigating crime and conspiracy in the Calixis Sector. Players must gather clues, collaborate with party members, and use tools like Servo Skull Swarms and terrain analyzers while being cautious of misleading evidence. A Detective Journal is used to catalog evidence and analyze clues alongside NPC testimonies. Players must compile a report for the Inquisition at the end of investigations, detailing evidence, moral choices, and guilt determinations, with the option to impose punishment even without conclusive evidence. The game is set to release on PC, with a date yet to be announced, while the previous title, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC through Steam.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

How to win at Gift of the Gab in Where Winds Meet without tearing your hair out

Gift of the Gab is a minigame in Where Winds Meet that requires players to unlock the Scholar profession by completing the Legacy: Scholar's Path quest to succeed. Players must reach level 13 and finish the Gift of the Gab: Silver Tongue exploration quest, initiated by speaking to Song Jiu at Heaven's Pier. The game features two modes: Rhetoric Duel and Free Persuasion. In Rhetoric Duel, players choose from four styles—Bluster, Provocation, Rebuttal, and Filibuster—each with strengths against one another. Players aim to counter opponents' arguments using cards while managing their Inspiration points and depleting the opponent's mental focus bar. Matches end when a player's mental focus is exhausted or the timer runs out. Players can revisit challenges to improve their chances in future encounters.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

How to complete Celeste’s Journals in Arc Raiders

Players in Arc Raiders must locate Celeste's Journals, which are found in the Dam Battlegrounds. The first journal is located at the South Swamp Outpost, specifically in the entrance room next to a yellow-marked bed. The second journal is at Raider Outpost East, in the northeastern corner of the map, also near a yellow-marked bed. Players need to retrieve both journals in a single run and should consider their exit strategy due to potential dangers from other Raiders and a patrolling Rocketeer.