launchers Archives

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Windows 11’s new Start menu is here, and the community reaction is basically “why is this worse?”

Microsoft's redesign of the Start menu in Windows 11 has received mixed reactions, with many users criticizing its excessive size, automation, and lack of customization options. Users on larger monitors find the menu to be a "colossal waste of space," while those on laptops have a more favorable view. The automatic categorization of apps has been deemed ineffective, with users frustrated by the inability to rename or adjust categories. Some users appreciate the "List" view option, but overall, the menu's size overshadows its positive aspects. Functional issues such as icons failing to render and laggy animations have also been reported, contributing to dissatisfaction. Users express a desire for more control over their interface, suggesting that options for category editing and resizing could improve the experience.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

14 essential Android apps I install and update through Obtainium

Obtanium is an app that allows users to install, update, and manage apps from various platforms like F-Droid, GitHub, and the vivo Store. Breezy Weather is a weather app designed for Google Pixel users, providing comprehensive weather details and integrating with the Pixel Launcher. Nobook is a wrapper for Facebook Lite that offers ad-blocking features and customization options for a streamlined experience. Forkyz aggregates crossword puzzles from various sources, providing entertainment for crossword enthusiasts. Suntimes is an older app that tracks daylight hours, useful for planning outdoor activities. Canta helps users remove unwanted system-level applications, allowing for device decluttering. Shizuku grants system-level access to other applications, enhancing their functionality, particularly for power users. Kvaesitso is a launcher with infinite vertical scrolling and extensive widget support, offering customization options. Tubular is a lightweight alternative to the stock YouTube app, blocking sponsor segments and reintegrating the dislike counter. Aurora Store allows users to access Play Store apps without needing a Google account, appealing to privacy-conscious users. ColorBlendr enables users to customize their device's theme colors for a personalized look. Fennec is a privacy-focused browser based on Mozilla Firefox, eliminating trackers and supporting add-ons. SmartSpacer enhances the At A Glance widget by overlaying information from third-party apps. Exodus provides insights into installed apps, revealing trackers and permissions for privacy-conscious users. OSS Document Scanner is an open-source app that combines OCR capabilities with visual editing features for document management.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

New Blood CEO Dave Oshry says he’s ‘always loved GOG’ but ‘they need enough people to give a s**t, or how long are they even going to be around’

Steam is a dominant platform in digital gaming, known for its superior user experience and extensive library, including classic games. GOG offers a DRM-free storefront and focuses on preserving classic games with its GOG Galaxy launcher but struggles to match Steam's user numbers. Developers have noted that Steam's early integration of classic games significantly broadened its appeal. GOG's future depends on attracting a larger audience to sustain its operations while maintaining its preservation efforts.

BetaBeacon

February 16, 2026

What Makes Android the Go-To Platform for Indie Game Developers?

Android remains the dominant OS in countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and parts of Africa, providing indie studios with a large audience eager for content and more likely to download experimental games from unknown developers.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Survey suggests Nova Launcher remains one of Android’s darling apps

Nova Launcher was sold by its original founders in 2022 and experienced a period of dormancy under new ownership. In January, a new developer acquired the app, leading to a resurgence. The introduction of ads in the free version and new trackers has raised user concerns. Recent polls show that 63.2% of respondents use Nova Launcher, with 35.8% expressing loyalty to the app. Nearly 60% of respondents believe Nova Launcher is still the best Android launcher, while 30.5% think it has maintained its premier status. Some users have switched to other launchers, and 5.4% believe Nova was never the best.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

If your spider-sense is tingling, it’s because Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is now at its lowest price ever on PC

Many players find solace in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which offers thrilling combat and a captivating narrative, alongside the joy of swinging through New York City. The game continues to be highly regarded years after its release, with the narrative following Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they face threats from Sandman, Kraven the Hunter, and Venom. It features Arkham-style combat and an open-world design that allows for dynamic movement throughout the city. Currently, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is available for .19 / £35.99 at Fanatical, marking its lowest price ever.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Users Solve Windows 11 Issues With Four Settings Checks

To address slowdowns and glitches in Windows 11, users should verify several settings before considering a complete reinstallation. Key actions include: 1. Check for Windows Updates: Navigate to Settings > Windows Update to install patches and update device drivers. Uninstall problematic updates if necessary. 2. Manage Startup Applications: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) or Settings > Apps > Startup to disable unnecessary auto-starting applications to improve boot speed. 3. Pause OneDrive Syncing: Temporarily pause OneDrive syncing during resource-intensive tasks to prevent performance degradation. 4. Adjust Visual Effects: Disable Transparency effects and Animation effects in Settings > Personalization > Colors and Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects, respectively, to reduce GPU strain. 5. Limit Notifications: Turn off notifications in Settings > System > Notifications to minimize interruptions. 6. Restrict Background Activity: Set background app permissions to "Never" for infrequently used applications to conserve memory and disk usage. 7. Run Security Scans: Use Windows Security to perform a Quick scan and ensure that real-time protection features are enabled to detect malware and adware. 8. Browser Maintenance: Reset browser settings, remove unknown extensions, and enable tracking protection to improve resource management. If issues persist, further steps include running System File Checker, testing memory, checking storage health, or performing a repair install of Windows.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

4 Free Android Launchers That Users Swear By

Square Home offers grid-based menus for mobile customization, allowing users to organize essential apps and widgets conveniently. It enables quick transitions between apps like WhatsApp and social networks without scrolling through screens. Total Launcher provides extensive customization options, allowing users to reposition icons and widgets, modify fonts, and create unique interfaces, though it has a steeper learning curve. It includes a backup tool for saving and sharing custom setups. Kvaesitso focuses on search functionality, enabling users to access apps via a global search feature, streamlining interactions, and is available as an open-source project on GitHub. Niagara Launcher features a minimalist interface designed for one-handed operation, with an alphabetical scroll bar for easy app access and organization.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Is Your Car Getting Rid Of Android Auto? 3 Alternatives Worth Trying

Many new vehicles are opting to forgo Android Auto while still providing essential features through Android Automotive OS, also known as Google Built-In, which is integrated into the vehicle and does not require a smartphone connection. This proprietary software may require additional subscriptions. Samsung DeX allows users with newer Samsung devices to connect to an external monitor or TV, creating a desktop-like experience in the car using AutoPro X, which connects wirelessly to the car's infotainment system. This setup enables access to streaming services when parked but emphasizes driver focus on the road. For vehicles lacking Android Auto support, users can mount their Android phone or tablet on the dashboard for navigation, calls, and music, while third-party applications can enhance the experience. Automakers may discontinue Android Auto to optimize data usage and restrict third-party app installations. Drivers can use their car's built-in browser to access features like phone mirroring or web-based versions of apps, such as Waze, as alternatives to Android Auto.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

5 things to be ready for if you’re leaving PC gaming for consoles in 2026

In 2026, consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer a compelling alternative to PC gaming due to rising costs and complexities. Transitioning to a console means giving up hardware customization for stability, as games are guaranteed to perform consistently. Consoles simplify graphics settings, allowing players to focus on gameplay rather than optimization. Subscription services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass influence buying habits, encouraging gamers to be selective and explore a wider range of titles without the financial burden of purchasing each game. However, switching from PC to console results in a loss of modding capabilities, which can limit creativity and customization. Console gaming provides a more curated experience, reducing chaos from numerous storefronts and launchers. Ultimately, the switch is about reprioritizing the gaming experience towards stability, predictability, and simplicity.