map Archives

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

Monitor live traffic from V2X signals with V2X2MAP open-source Android app and an ESP32-C5 development board

The OpenTrafficMap initiative has introduced the ESP32-C5 C-ITS receiver board, which uses 802.11p / ITS-G5 V2X communication over the 5.9 GHz WiFi 6 spectrum for traffic management. Peter Holzhauser has forked the firmware for this receiver and ported it to the Waveshare ESP32-C5-WIFI6-KIT development board, adding Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) streaming capabilities. He also developed the V2X2MAP open-source Android app to interface with the board, allowing users to monitor live traffic and visualize detected nodes on the OpenTrafficMap website. The ESP32-C5 C-ITS receiver board includes an ESP32-C5-WROOM-1 module, a GPS module, and an Ethernet port with Power over Ethernet (PoE). The V2X2MAP app captures signals from vehicles' on-board units (OBUs) and roadside units (RSUs) on the 5.9 GHz V2X band, collecting data such as GPS coordinates, speed, hazard alerts, traffic light countdowns, and intersection geometry. The app can update maps offline and refresh data via MQTT. The source code for the firmware and the V2X2MAP app is available on GitHub under an MIT license. The firmware has been adapted for the Waveshare ESP32-C5-WIFI6-KIT, which is available for purchase online. Users are cautioned about legal considerations regarding the reception and forwarding of ITS-G5 radio data, particularly concerning GDPR compliance in Europe. The ITS-G5 standard is primarily used in Europe, while other regions may rely on C-V2X technology.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

Steam Week in Review: Steam is flooded with liminal spaces games and I approve, but I think I’ve found the best to start with

Dreamcore explores "liminal spaces," featuring environments like indoor pools, low-poly suburbia, and children's play areas, with a notable "liminal hotel" inspired by the Backrooms meme. Liminal spaces evoke feelings of transition and emptiness and have gained popularity on platforms like Steam. Since its release in January 2025, Dreamcore has introduced a new map called Dead Mall, reminiscent of 1990s super malls. Other titles in the genre include Pools, Tainted Pools, and Liminal Waters, while games like Dream Logic offer a PS1-era twist. Dreamcore is noted for its diverse themes and well-optimized performance, allowing players to explore unsettling landscapes. Steam's sales chart from May 12 - 19 lists the top games by revenue, with Subnautica 2 leading, followed by Forza Horizon 6, Counter-Strike 2, and PUBG: Battlegrounds. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Night is expected to rise in the charts, and 007 First Light is gaining traction due to pre-orders. Librarian: Tidy Up The Arcane Library ranks eighth despite its April release. A humorous user review for Bubsy 4D received attention for its candidness.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Microsoft’s PowerToys is getting a low memory mode that kills idle utilities hogging Windows 11 RAM

Microsoft PowerToys is introducing a new optional low memory mode to address significant memory usage from inactive background processes. This feature, developed by an independent contributor, will close the helper process of specific utilities when not in use, allowing users to relaunch them with a hotkey, albeit with a slightly slower initial launch. The initial rollout will support four tools: Text Extractor, Color Picker, Advanced Paste, and Peek. A shared settings map and helper APIs have been introduced to facilitate this feature, which was renamed to “Close apps when inactive” during the code review process. Users can enable this memory-saving behavior globally or for specific applications, with each supported module featuring a toggle on its settings page. The feature is not yet available in PowerToys, and the default behavior will keep background processes running until users opt into the new feature. The code has passed initial validation checks and is awaiting final confirmation before public release.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a textbook remaster

Ubisoft has released a remastered version of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, titled Black Flag Resynced, after a 12-year hiatus. The game features significant upgrades, including an overhauled combat system with dynamic animations, seamless transitions between cities and the ocean, dynamic weather conditions, and enhanced lighting effects using ray tracing. New gameplay features include a crouch button, a fast travel option to the Jackdaw from the map screen, and a shanty player for selecting songs. While some systems have been reinvented, the game retains familiar elements and largely stays true to its roots, preserving the essence of the original experience.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Dawn of War 4 just got a release date (or 2), a DLC roadmap, and Crusade Mode plans

Dawn of War 4 is set to be released on September 17, with early access for the Commander Edition available on September 14. The Commander Edition includes advanced access and additional downloadable content, such as a story prologue, a campaign expansion, and a new faction. The Blood Ravens Story Prologue follows a Blood Ravens strike force returning to their homeworld of Aurelia. The expansion will introduce a new faction and campaign, along with new commanders and features in the Crusade Mode. Free updates will include new modes, map packs, and a Mission Editor for custom battles. Both editions will have a 10% preorder discount, but specific pricing details are not yet available.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Dawn of War 4 now has a release date and a roadmap, with Crusade Mode making a much-awaited comeback

The release date for Dawn of War 4 is set for Thursday, September 17, 2026. Players can choose between two editions: the Standard Edition and the Commander Edition, which offers a three-day early access period and all year-one content. The game will feature various modes, map packs, and a mission editor, with the return of Crusade Mode. A new faction will be introduced within the first year, with speculation about playable Xenos. Players can wishlist the game in anticipation of its launch.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

It’s my own fault for thinking Warren Spector’s new multiplayer stealth game adding singleplayer would make it the Thief successor I was hoping for

Thick as Thieves is a first-person stealth game featuring minimalist controls and hand-drawn map designs. The game combines elements of technology and magic, with Scottish-accented guards who discuss light. Players navigate Elway Manor's basement, encountering marked areas that hint at mysteries. The game includes responsive guards who react to player actions, such as extinguishing candles. Originally intended as a PvPvE experience, it has shifted to a single-player and co-op format, currently lacking features like key rebinding and offering only two maps. Otherside refers to this release as the first chapter, resembling an early access title. The game is priced attractively, leading to consideration for co-op play despite its limitations.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Cairn revolutionizes bragging rights, lets you print a shirt showing your playthrough ascent from an in-game menu

Cairn invites players to explore a fantastical mountain with various paths, catering to both casual and adventurous players. The game allows players to share their climbing achievements through custom t-shirts that print their routes. It has received positive reviews and sold 500,000 copies as of March. A free DLC titled On the Trail is set to launch this summer.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

I tried playing Fortnite with the Steam Controller, and now all I want to do is watch The Mandalorian and Grogu

A player approached Fortnite to test the Steam Controller while focusing on competitive shooters. They encountered a Mandalorian-themed event that included a watch party for an upcoming movie. The game featured a vibrant introduction with Mandalorian and Grogu, leading to a battle against Stormtroopers on Nevarro. Players watched a short clip from the movie, described as exhilarating with AT-AT-like walkers and explosions, which reignited the player's interest in the Star Wars franchise. However, the player's experience with the Steam Controller was disappointing, as the gyro feature needed adjustments and many buttons did not map correctly, leading them to prefer traditional thumbsticks and aim assist.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Media apps in Android Auto are about to get a big design boost

Google is enhancing the Car App Library with new features for developers, including expanded headers, spotlight sections, new progress bars, grid item variations, chips, compact items, interactive headers, and a mini-player component for easier playback control. The updates are available in versions 1.8.0-beta01 and 1.9.0-alpha01, with early access encouraged for developers. Popular media apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music are integrating these features. Upcoming support for video playback in vehicles will roll out later this year for devices on Android 17 or higher. Future updates will allow for a templated experience that transitions into the full app interface when parked, along with agentic and voice-based interactions. Additionally, Maps SDK support for Cars with Google Built-in will enable seamless rendering of map-based content in applications.