layout Archives

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Artist Recreated a Massive City in Minecraft & Shared a Breakdown

3D creator Sluda Builds has created a detailed replica of Kowloon Walled City in Minecraft, showcasing his dedication to capturing the essence of the historical landmark. The project includes stages such as 3D modeling, recreating topography, constructing buildings, adding rooftop details, and incorporating surroundings to enhance the immersive experience.

BetaBeacon

August 28, 2025

This Android-powered Nintendo DS has fully replaced my OG hardware

The MagicX Zero 40 is a handheld device that runs on Android 10 and is designed for Nintendo DS emulation. It has a unique design that is comfortable to hold but may not be pocketable. The device comes pre-loaded with 1,400 DS games and 500 tate mode games on a 64GB microSD card. Despite some faults, the MagicX Zero 40 is considered the best Nintendo DS emulation device at its price point.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

How to get the old Google dialer (Phone app) on Android

Google introduced the Material 3 Expressive update to its dialer app, changing the layout, design, and functionality of the Phone app for Android users. The home page now combines the ‘Favourites’ and ‘Recents’ sections, and the dialer icon has been moved to the bottom menu. Users must use the search bar or the ‘View contacts’ option to access saved contacts. The method for accepting calls has changed from a tap to a sliding gesture, which has upset many users. There is no straightforward option to revert to the old design, but users can uninstall the update or enable a single-tap option in settings. To uninstall, users can go to the Google Play Store, search for Phone by Google, disable auto-update, and then uninstall the app. To change the incoming call gesture back to a tap, users can access Settings in the Phone app and select ‘Single tap’ under Incoming call gesture.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Windows 95: The system that changed the way we use computers

Branislav Bukmirović began using computers in 1985 with MS-DOS and experienced a significant turning point with the launch of Windows 95 on August 24, 1995. This operating system introduced a graphical user interface, including the "Start" button and desktop icons, which made computing more accessible. Windows 95 required upgraded hardware due to its 32-bit architecture, leading many users to invest in new components. The launch event featured the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and cost Microsoft 0 million in marketing. Within a year, Windows 95 became the most widely used operating system, solidifying Microsoft's market dominance and funding further innovations. It integrated Internet access, making it easier for everyday users, although the initial version of Internet Explorer faced criticism. Windows 95's legacy continues to influence modern computing.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

I couldn’t find an ideal pet app, so I used Notion instead

A devoted cat owner faced challenges in managing vaccination schedules and health notes for their pets, leading to the use of Notion as a pet care management tool. The owner found existing pet care apps lacking in functionality and opted for Notion due to its customizable templates, reminders feature, and cross-device compatibility. They created a pet care page using the Pet Care Planner template, setting up profiles for their cats, Black Velvet and Loxi, and incorporating health information, medication details, and vet notes. Notion's database capabilities allowed for effective tracking of expenses and health incidents, especially with Loxi's diagnosis of Stage 2 Chronic Kidney disease. The owner also noted some limitations of Notion's free plan, such as restrictions on automations and mobile optimization issues, but found it effective for documenting health incidents and setting reminders. Future plans include expanding the template to manage pet-related chores.

Tech Optimizer

August 23, 2025

How to load test PostgreSQL database and not miss anything

Practitioners face challenges during load testing of Tantor Postgres databases using pgbench, primarily due to insufficient documentation of the testing environment, leading to non-representative results and the need for repeated tests. The pg_perfbench tool has been developed to address these issues by ensuring repeatability, safeguarding data, and simplifying result comparisons through a cohesive template. It automates pgbench execution, collects metadata about the testing environment, and generates structured reports. pgbench operates on a TPC-B model, providing performance metrics such as transactions per second (tps), average latency, and the number of processed and failed transactions. A Bash script can be used to automate pgbench tests with varying client numbers, logging results into separate files. The pg_perfbench tool captures extensive data regarding the database environment and generates reports that include system properties, common database information, benchmark details, and test results. It facilitates the comparison of multiple load test results and ensures that environments being compared are consistent in terms of PostgreSQL versions and system parameters. The tool also allows for the evaluation of performance impacts from changes to PostgreSQL settings by generating separate reports for different configurations. It verifies compliance of specified parameters before joining reports, ensuring accurate comparisons. The final reports are structured in JSON and HTML formats, enhancing analysis and collaboration efforts.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Sound the alarm: Google Clock is now getting an Expressive overhaul

The Google Clock app has been updated to version 8.1, featuring visual enhancements aligned with the Material 3 Expressive design philosophy. Key updates include distinct backgrounds for active alarms, a revamped alarm setup screen for personalizing alarms, and an improved interface for snoozing or stopping alarms with clearly defined buttons. The stopwatch feature now has larger buttons for better usability. Although the redesigned timer section was not officially included, it can be unlocked, showcasing a more prominent font for time display and a streamlined layout that allows for multiple timers to be viewed simultaneously.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Copilot’s new look: bokeh, daisies, and fewer “what do I even do here?” vibes

The Copilot app for Windows 11 has been updated to version 1.25082.132.0 and higher, introducing a new "home experience" with a vibrant layout that integrates seamlessly with the operating system. Key features include enhanced Start Menu access for managing privacy settings related to recent files, the ability to create permanent Pages for ongoing research, and an app-specific quick launcher that utilizes Copilot Vision for contextual assistance. The app also includes a recent conversations window for easy access to previous inquiries. Microsoft is testing a potential return of the 'share' functionality and has introduced Copilot Labs for users to experiment with new features. Additionally, a memory function in the Android app allows Copilot to learn user preferences by asking questions based on prior interactions.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Microsoft quietly updated Windows 10 — here’s what’s new in 2025

Microsoft has continued to enhance Windows 10 with cumulative updates since the release of version 22H2 in October 2022. Notable updates include: 1. A redesigned "About" page in the Settings app that displays key technical specifications and includes a FAQ section. 2. Introduction of a System Components page that consolidates essential OS components. 3. Relocation of the Optional features page for better accessibility. 4. A new Manage devices feature that enhances connectivity with mobile devices. 5. Updates to the Taskbar Calendar, including the display of seconds and expanded calendar views. 6. Enhancements to the Windows Backup app that allow file transfer to a new PC during setup. 7. Updates to the File Explorer context menu, including an Ask Copilot option. 8. Redesign of icons on the Settings home page to feature solid colors. 9. Improvements to Windows Search for European users, allowing changes to the default web search provider. 10. Changes to the default browser configuration process for European users, allowing broader link types and the option to uninstall Microsoft Edge. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with an option for users to enroll in the Extended Security Update program until October 2026.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Android 16 QPR2’s New Expanded Dark Theme Can Force All Apps to…

In the Android 16 QPR2 Beta, Google has introduced an "Expanded" option in the dark theme settings, which automatically extends the dark theme to more applications, improving accessibility. This update addresses the lack of dark mode in some apps, such as the Fitbit app, which is expected to receive a dark theme in the upcoming October refresh. Users can apply the dark theme themselves in the QPR2 Beta, which offers two options: Standard and Expanded. The Expanded setting applies the dark theme to a wider range of apps without changing the overall darkness level of the system.