levels Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

5 Android apps I run on my Raspberry Pi to improve my home

Running Android on a Raspberry Pi allows users to enhance their smart home experience by utilizing Waydroid to execute Android applications. The Shelly Smart Control app provides a user-friendly interface for managing Shelly devices, offering local control and cloud syncing. The Home Connect app enables control of smart appliances from brands like Bosch and Siemens, allowing centralized monitoring and automation. Fully Kiosk Browser turns the Raspberry Pi into a wall-mounted dashboard for displaying smart home information. The Aqara Home app facilitates local control of Aqara sensors and hubs, integrating with Home Assistant for device management. The Home Assistant Companion app provides seamless access to Home Assistant functionalities, including notifications and custom dashboards.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Putin’s WeChat wager Moscow is betting on a super-app strategy to sideline foreign platforms and control digital communications

In late May, a significant amendment was introduced to a draft bill aimed at establishing a government-backed instant messaging platform, endorsed by President Vladimir Putin, which would have unique privileges compared to competitors. The proposed legislation includes features like document certification using electronic signatures and replacing physical identification with the platform's identification, which private enterprises would be required to accept. The platform is intended to function as an alternative to Russia's existing digital government services but will not replace them. The government will select an organization to manage the platform, which may be a private Russian company with over 500,000 users. VK, the company behind Russia's leading social network, is the frontrunner to develop the super-app called "Max," which offers various features and aims to integrate with external services. The Russian government may consider blocking competitors to Max, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, with the latter having a user base of 68 million daily users. President Putin has instructed his cabinet to promote the Russian messaging platform by migrating services from government agencies and financial institutions.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Psychological time loop life simulation game Fractured Blooms announced for PC

Serenity Forge has announced its new project, Fractured Blooms, a psychological time loop life simulation game featuring artwork by Satchely and a fully voiced narrative by Nichole Goodnight. The game will be available on PC via Steam, but no specific release date has been provided. It invites players to restore a neglected house through various activities, including growing crops, cooking meals, and managing resources while navigating a time loop. The narrative is inspired by real stories from the founder's family, aiming to foster empathy and reflection. Key features include gardening, cooking, home decoration, resource management, and discovering surprises each day. An announcement trailer and screenshots are available for viewing.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

June 2025: The Best Android Apps Right Now

1. Multi-Device Battery Monitor synchronizes battery statistics for smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, optimizing energy consumption and sending alerts for low battery levels. 2. Camera Remote Shutter allows users to capture photos remotely via Bluetooth, featuring timer settings, burst mode, and repeat captures. 3. Luminar provides advanced photo editing tools, including skin retouching and RAW file adjustments, with intuitive gesture controls. 4. Volume Styles enables users to customize their volume slider with themes and layouts and create shortcuts for brightness and media playback. 5. Noid automatically categorizes documents, photos, and videos, offering advanced search tools and secure backup options for efficient file management. 6. By Air offers real-time flight tracking, updates on flight statuses, gate changes, and delays, along with airport guides and online check-in options. 7. Widget Share allows users to share widgets like photos, notes, or reminders with friends and family for collaboration and personalization. 8. Evapail generates temporary email addresses to protect users' inboxes from spam and unwanted emails, maintaining privacy and reducing digital clutter. 9. Pixelshot organizes screenshots using AI, automatically categorizing and tagging them for easy retrieval while ensuring sensitive information is secure. 10. Crossplatform Disc Test measures the speed and health of internal and external storage devices to monitor storage performance effectively.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Google testing Generative AI weather summaries for Search

Google is testing a generative AI weather summary to enhance user experience for weather updates, providing a comprehensive overview between hourly and 10-day forecasts. This feature is currently limited to Southern California, including cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, and is accessible only to users signed into their Google accounts via the Google app and mobile web searches. It does not extend to the Google Weather app. Additionally, the Pixel Weather app has introduced a pollen tracker in the U.S., featuring a five-day view of pollen levels and insights into seasonality and cross-reaction data.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

A long-lost Duke Nukem prototype resurfaces after 24 years

The Duke Nukem franchise has seen a resurgence with the release of a prototype for the unreleased PlayStation 2 game, Duke Nukem: D-Day, developed by n-Space. This prototype, dating back to 2001, features twelve playable levels and has been made available on the Internet Archive. The game is described as "90% complete," though it lacks cutscenes and voicework. Players start in a strip club and engage in a time-traveling mission against the Third Reich and aliens. The controls are reminiscent of older gaming systems, and while the game framework is present, it lacks polish. To play the prototype, users need a PlayStation 2 with third-party software or an emulator like PCSX2. The game was in development until 2003, indicating that a more refined version may still exist.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Fill the Marathon-shaped hole in your life with Supplice, the best prog-heavy boomer shooter you’ve never heard of

Bungie's reboot of the classic FPS series Marathon was absent from the recent State Of Play showcase, facing scrutiny over allegations of aesthetic plagiarism. In contrast, the early access game Supplice, inspired by Marathon, features fast-paced gameplay, a robust shotgun, and labyrinthine levels. It includes exposition-filled terminals and a progressive metal soundtrack. The latest episode, titled 'An Anthem of Hammers', introduces new gameplay elements such as the heat-proof Lava Suit, five new enemy types, a new boss, and the Fission Dynamo weapon. Supplice is built on the GZDoom engine and aims for a total of six episodes, with the first four currently available for £8 on Steam. It is also offered in a discounted bundle with another title, Incision, for £13.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

This $200 Windows PC fits in the palm of my hand – and powers three 4K displays

The Minix Neo Z97 mini PC is priced at 9 on Amazon and features Windows 11 pre-installed. It has a compact size of 88×88×42mm and weighs 0.18kg. The specifications include an Intel® Processor N97 (up to 3.6 GHz), Intel® UHD Graphics, 12GB LPDDR5X-4800MHz memory, and a 512GB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x 4 NVMe SSD. It supports a triple monitor setup and offers connectivity options such as dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The device operates quietly, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. While it performs well for everyday tasks, it shows strain with resource-intensive applications.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

I’m hooked on this free Google app that transports me to different countries from my couch

Saeed Wazir, a daily user of Google apps, discovered the Google Arts & Culture app, which transformed his perspective on art. Initially hesitant about the Visual Arts feature, he found it engaging due to its diverse collection of artwork and user-friendly interface that allows for casual exploration. The app offers a Nature feature showcasing breathtaking locations, a Food feature highlighting unique dishes and culinary traditions, a Travel feature providing virtual visits to various landmarks, and a Design section displaying historical artifacts and inventions. Wazir appreciates the app's extensive features but notes that its cluttered interface can be challenging to navigate, and some sections may not resonate with him as much.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Roguelike clean ’em up game Scrubbin’ Trubble announced for PC

Odd Object, a new studio led by Stevie Hryciw and Tyriq Plummer, is developing a game called Scrubbin’ Trubble, set to release on PC via Steam in 2025. It is a "roguelike clean ’em up" game that combines cleaning and combat, allowing solo or cooperative play for up to four players. Players can choose from six RPG-inspired classes, including Bubbaladin, Bleacher, and Washbuckler, each with unique abilities. The game features randomized levels called The House, where players face various enemies and must defeat one of the Four Filths of the Apocalypse to progress. Key features include character upgrades, pun-themed enemies, and specialized equipment like the "Wiper Rifle" and "Splash Bang." The game is designed for both short and long gaming sessions.