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AppWizard

June 12, 2025

Android 16 QPR1 Beta redesigns the Pixel Launcher search bar, adds AI Mode

In Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2, the Pixel Launcher features a redesigned search bar that aligns with the Google app's updated homescreen widget. The new design includes a more compact search bar with an AI Mode icon on the right, a magnifying glass in four Google colors, and a darker background for better organization. The redesign is limited to the search bar and does not affect the top of the app launcher. Currently, users have limited customization options for the search bar shortcut, while the Google app offers various shortcuts that integrate with Google Lens. The redesign is visible on one device following a server-side update, and a new gradient G logo was introduced recently.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft Finally Gets Into the Handheld Game With ROG Xbox Ally

Microsoft unveiled its new handheld gaming consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, during the Summer Game Fest on June 8. Both models feature a design resembling a pair of controllers attached to a wide screen and are expected to launch this holiday season. They will operate on Windows 11 and allow for gaming through remote play, cloud gaming, or directly on the device, providing access to a wide range of PC games and popular applications. Initial impressions of the consoles have been positive, with reports highlighting their comfortable design and gameplay experience. Microsoft aims to compete with existing handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, and the Ally will debut with popular titles, including Roblox.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

How to Turn Off Meta AI Features on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp

Meta AI, integrated across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, does not provide a straightforward way to disable it entirely. Users can minimize its influence by following specific steps: - On Facebook, users can disable AI-generated comment summaries in the “audience and visibility” section of the “settings” tab. - In Messenger, users can mute Meta AI through the “information” tab by clicking the “i” button and selecting the mute option. - On Instagram, users can mute Meta AI by clicking the Meta AI logo, accessing its information page, and toggling the mute option. - In WhatsApp, users can mute notifications from Meta AI by selecting the AI icon and adjusting notification settings. European users have a form available on Facebook’s help page to object to their data being used for training purposes. In 2024, the European privacy group NOYB filed complaints against Meta AI in 11 countries regarding data usage. Although Meta paused its training plans for nearly a year, it resumed in April 2025, notifying EU users and providing an opt-out form. Meta AI utilizes user-generated content from its platforms for training, raising privacy concerns, especially for users outside the EU who cannot opt out of data collection.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

‘Xbox PC’ Could Be Microsoft’s Next Big Thing

Microsoft is considering the introduction of the 'Xbox PC' branding to unify its PC games and applications under a single identity. The Xbox PC logo was seen at the end of a gameplay trailer for the game MIO: Memories In Orbit, suggesting a potential cohesive branding strategy for Microsoft's gaming content on PCs. This initiative aims to clarify the distinction between Xbox and PC gaming, particularly with the Game Pass service available on both platforms. However, Microsoft has not yet officially confirmed this new branding for its PC gaming division.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

We installed SteamOS on our ROG Ally and Legion Go Windows handhelds and we don’t want to go back

SteamOS has been released for non-Steam Deck gaming handhelds, including the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. To install SteamOS, users need a USB-C stick and the SteamOS recovery image, which can be downloaded from Steam's website. The installation process involves creating a bootable USB drive using the Rufus utility, adjusting BIOS settings to disable Secure Boot, and following specific steps to wipe the device and install SteamOS. After installation, users can set up their Steam account and check for updates. The transition to SteamOS enhances performance and visual fidelity for these devices.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Windows 11 Pro Is Going for Pennies on the Dollar, a 92% Price Drop Makes It Almost Free

Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced networking and security features compared to Windows 11 Home. A lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is currently available at a discounted price on StackSocial. It includes tools like snap layouts, virtual desktops, improved voice typing, and the AI assistant Copilot, which aids in navigation and productivity. Windows 11 Pro also features essential Microsoft applications, advanced security measures, and enhancements for gaming with DirectX 12 Ultimate.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Here’s an early look at the Material 3 Expressive changes headed to Google Photos (APK teardown)

Google Photos is undergoing a visual transformation to align with the Material 3 Expressive design language. The latest update (version 7.30) allows users to manually enable the new interface, which features a streamlined homepage with the app's logo in the top left corner and a refreshed loading animation. The update also introduces revamped Memories cards. However, the floating bottom bar and rounded image previews hinted at in an earlier survey are not yet present, but may be introduced before the full rollout of the updated homepage, possibly alongside Android 16 QPR1 later this year.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

The Best PC Games of 2025 So Far (Spring Edition)

Spring 2025 has seen the release of several notable PC games, including: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Released on April 24, 2025, by Sandfall Interactive, it sold over 1 million copies in three days and features a blend of French art nouveau aesthetics and JRPG combat mechanics. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Released on February 28, 2025, by Capcom, it introduces full narrative integration and dynamic monster interactions. - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered: Released on April 22, 2025, by Bethesda Game Studios, it attracted over 4 million players shortly after launch and features enhanced visuals and gameplay updates. Other early 2025 releases include: - Blue Prince (April 10, 2025) - Split Fiction (March 6, 2025) - Atomfall (March 27, 2025) - Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20, 2025) - Two Point Museum (March 5, 2025) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (January 23, 2025) - Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 22, 2025) - Ninja Gaiden II Black (January 23, 2025) - The Talos Principle: Reawakened (April 10, 2025) Highly anticipated titles for later in 2025 include: - Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2025) - Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025) - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025) - The Outer Worlds 2 (Expected 2025) - Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) - Marvel’s Blade (TBA 2025) - Hades II (Full Release later 2025) - Frostpunk 2 (Summer 2025) - Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access Expected 2025) - Anno 117: Pax Romana (Expected 2025) - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (October 2025) - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Expected 2025) - Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Expected 2025) In 2024, top-rated PC games included: 1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 2. Metaphor: ReFantazio 3. UFO 50 4. Tekken 8 5. Caves of Qud 6. Animal Well 7. Satisfactory 8. Balatro 9. Thank Goodness You’re Here! 10. The Last of Us Part II Remastered The PC gaming landscape in 2024 was characterized by significant hardware advancements, improved game integration and compatibility, and thriving online communities.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

LEGO Minecraft The Ghast Balloon Village Attack (21273) Review

The LEGO Minecraft set The Ghast Balloon Village Attack (21273) consists of 555 pieces and is priced at .99. It includes six minifigures: Steve, Natalie, Dawn, a villager, and two piglins. The set features several builds, including a brick-built iron golem, Steve’s Lava Chicken restaurant, a crafting shack, a fountain, and a ghast balloon designed to appear floating with a disc shooter for launching fireball tiles. The set is noted for its exclusive minifigures but requires additional purchases to complete the full cast. The ghast balloon is highlighted as a standout feature, while many builds are described as relatively simple. A 20% discount is suggested to enhance its appeal.

Tech Optimizer

April 29, 2025

Intego Mac Internet Security

PCs were introduced before Apple’s Macintosh, leading to the emergence of PC viruses and the establishment of antivirus companies, with Macintosh protection being less prioritized. Intego focused on Macintosh security from the start, offering Intego Mac Internet Security, which includes a firewall that manages network permissions and defends against external attacks. Intego has been effective against Mac malware, achieving a 99.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Intego's pricing is competitive, with a standard annual fee of .99 for a single license and .99 for three licenses. A five-device subscription costs .99, while the Mac Premium Bundle starts at .99 annually and includes additional features. A 14-day free trial is available, and free alternatives like Avast and AVG are also on the market. Intego supports older macOS versions back to Mavericks (10.9), but the latest version requires High Sierra (10.13) or later. The installation process for Intego is straightforward, requiring a restart and granting necessary permissions. The main interface includes components for updates, firewall, and antivirus, with user-friendly access to scanning options. Intego has received certification from AV-Comparatives and detected 100% of Windows malware samples in tests. Its quick scan takes about two and a half minutes, while a full system scan takes seven minutes. Intego's Safe Browsing feature checks existing browser protections but lacks a dedicated antiphishing solution. The NetBarrier firewall allows users to classify their network and manage traffic permissions effectively, although it may be complex for some users.