launcher Archives

BetaBeacon

December 28, 2024

I replaced my Android launcher with a game emulation hub, and it (mostly) worked

ES-DE Frontend is a paid app that brings all emulators and games into a unified UI, but it does not emulate anything. The most difficult part of the installation process is setting up RetroArch. The app allows for customization with various themes and the addition of Android apps and games through external tools. However, the app lacks touch controls, only works in landscape mode, and requires manual scrolling to access apps, making it less suitable for daily use. Tasker can be used as a workaround to switch the launcher to ES-DE when a controller is attached. Despite its limitations, ES-DE Frontend is recommended for Android-based gaming handhelds.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows 11 installations that hinders future security updates for devices installed using installation media, specifically when the October or November 2024 security updates are included. No workaround is currently available for those impacted. New apps highlighted this week include Ashampoo Burning Studio 2025, an updated CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray burning software; Flow Launcher, an open-source file search tool and launcher for Windows; and Hasleo Backup Suite Free 5.0, which facilitates system, disk, partition, and file backups and includes a new compression algorithm for reduced disk space usage.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Minecraft Fisk’s Superheroes mod: Features, installation guide, and more

The Minecraft Fisk's Superheroes mod features over 90 powers and abilities inspired by various heroes and villains, enhancing gameplay with items, suits, and armor. It can be installed using the Curseforge loader or manually by placing a downloaded ZIP file into the mods folder. Players can battle creetles for iridescent gold to unlock suits and refine minerals for blueprints. The mod supports community-created add-ons called Heropacks, which expand the variety of powers and suits. Each suit has unique powers, and players can mix and match armor sets for diverse combinations. To expand offerings, players can download Heropacks from the community marketplace and place them in the Heropacks folder.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

How to play Minecraft Bedrock on Steam Deck

Minecraft Bedrock Edition can be played on the Steam Deck using a third-party application called Prism Launcher, despite it not being natively supported. To play, users must switch the Steam Deck to Desktop Mode, install Prism Launcher from the Discover Software Center, and log in with their Microsoft account. After setting up the desired game version and optimizing settings, users can integrate Prism Launcher into Steam by adding it as a non-Steam game. Finally, they can switch back to Gaming Mode to launch Minecraft.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

How to enable and use Simple View on a Pixel phone

The Simple View feature was launched with the December Pixel Feature Drop as part of Android 15 for Google Pixel phones. It enhances accessibility by allowing users to modify multiple settings simultaneously, including larger text and icon sizes, a simplified home screen layout, simplified 3-button navigation, higher touch sensitivity, shortcuts for Contacts, Clock, and Weather apps, high-contrast wallpaper, an increased app grid to a 4x4 display, and locked suggested apps. Certain features are only available during the initial setup of the device. Users can enable Simple View by factory resetting their Pixel device or through the Settings app after setup, though some changes may not take effect afterward. Simple View is not available for the Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, or Pixel Tablet.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Niagara Launcher, one of the best Android launchers, finally has backups

Niagara Launcher has released a "Winter Update" that includes a backup feature allowing users to securely save and restore their launcher settings, integrating with Android's backup system to archive settings to Google Drive. This feature is available in both free and pro versions and can be accessed through the app's settings. Additionally, a new tool called the Usage Breaker, exclusive to Niagara Pro users, helps manage screen time by reminding users of excessive app usage without restricting access. The launcher maintains a minimalist design with a vertically scrolling list of apps for easy navigation. The latest beta version is available for download, with updates rolling out to all users soon.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Vampire Survivors Is Free For One Day Only

Vampire Survivors is a PC game that will be available for free on the Epic Games Store as part of its 2024 holiday giveaway starting December 19. The game will launch with all five downloadable content (DLC) packs, which include collaborations with Contra and Castlevania, introducing new abilities, enemies, and gameplay elements. Players can purchase the entire bundle at a 15% discount. The giveaway lasts for 24 hours before being replaced by another free title, and the Epic Games Store's winter sale runs through January 9. The gameplay involves navigating an 8-bit character, collecting orbs, and selecting power-ups while automatically engaging enemies. Vampire Survivors was recognized as a Game of the Year contender in 2022.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Easily Run Windows Apps on Linux Using These Tools

Running Windows applications on Linux can be done using tools like Wine, which is a compatibility layer allowing Windows programs to run without a full Windows installation. Users can utilize Wine through command-line or GUI wrappers such as PlayOnLinux, Bottles, Heroic Launcher, and Lutris. To install Windows applications like Notepad++ using Bottles, users can install Bottles via Flatpak, create a new bottle for the application, and run the installer from within Bottles. For more control, users can install Wine via the command line and execute Windows executables directly. The winecfg command allows users to adjust settings, and Winetricks can be used to install necessary components for certain applications. Virtualization software, such as VirtualBox and VMware Player, can be used to create a virtual Windows environment on Linux, which is beneficial for resource-intensive applications. For gaming, tools like Proton and Lutris can facilitate running Windows games on Linux, with Proton being optimized for Steam. Users can also run a Windows virtual machine for gaming, though it may require more resources. Checking for native Linux versions of games is recommended before using compatibility layers or virtualization.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

I made my dream Google widget with one of my favorite Android tools

The author previously used Nova Launcher to create custom widgets but found Google's existing widgets difficult to enhance. This led to the idea of creating a new widget using KWGT that serves as a centralized hub for Google services. The author aimed to build an "omniwidget" that organizes essential Google services while maintaining a customizable design. They downloaded KWGT Pro, added a 4x4 widget, and followed steps to create the widget's shape, buttons, and visual elements, including icons and a font. The widget features nine buttons for shortcuts to various Google services and includes a section for displaying time, date, and temperature. After completing the design and functionality, the author expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the potential for an official Google widget that offers customizable shortcuts.

AppWizard

December 12, 2024

Hunt: Showdown’s weirdest ever update has just landed

Hunt: Showdown, officially known as Hunt: Showdown 1896 after its 2.0 update, is an extraction shooter known for its unique blend of suspense and chaos. The latest 2.2 update introduces Post Malone as a circus ringmaster, running until February 10, 2025, featuring a circus-themed environment with zombified carnies and the Ursa Mortis mini-boss. Players can interact with a Fortune Teller machine for random rewards and participate in a balloon-shooting stall for event points, which can be exchanged for exclusive weapon skins. A new weapon, the sawblade launcher (Shredder), allows players to bounce blades off walls to hit multiple targets. The Lawson Delta map has been redesigned with graphical upgrades using a new CryEngine iteration, enhancing the visual experience and adding expanded ear-ringing effects for more dynamic gameplay.