maze Archives

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Don’t ruin your Galaxy phone with a half-baked beta update

Samsung is expected to begin public beta testing for Android 16 and One UI 8 as early as June, with the software already appearing on a secret test server. Users are advised to exercise caution when considering participation in the beta testing, as unfinished software may lead to bugs and glitches. One UI 8 is anticipated to introduce meaningful changes to enhance user experience, but it is recommended to wait for a fully polished version before adopting it. The initial beta versions are primarily intended for developers, and early adopters may encounter challenges. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra are highlighted as peak Android devices, featuring impressive RAM, performance, and the latest One UI with unique AI features.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

This one app has made my life easier and my wife happier

The author has at least 35 different smart home devices, leading to a fragmented experience with multiple apps and services. They are considering using Home Assistant as a central hub for device control, which supports various protocols like Matter, Thread, Zigbee, HomeKit, and Nest. Home Assistant can be installed easily on devices like Raspberry Pi or Virtual Machines, requiring a constant network connection. Once set up, it consolidates controls into one interface, allowing for custom dashboards and automations. Recent developments, such as Google discontinuing support for older Nest Thermostats, have prompted users to seek alternatives like Home Assistant for a unified control experience. The introduction of customizable lock screen shortcuts in Android 14 allows users to replace the Google Home app with Home Assistant. Users are encouraged to start simple and gradually expand their system.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Oblivion is a lot better now that I can read

The author recently played Oblivion Remastered and engaged in a side quest involving a character named Glarthir, which felt new and captivating. They reminisced about their first experience with the game in 2006 at the age of nine, when they received The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Collector's Edition, which included two discs, an art book, a map, and a metal coin. The author’s father bought the game without prior knowledge of the franchise and never progressed beyond the sewers. The author struggled with character creation and navigation, recalling a chaotic encounter in Weynon Priory that led to a panicked escape. They revisited the game on PS3 but rushed through the main quest without engaging with the story. Upon returning to Oblivion Remastered, the author recognized the game's depth and the wealth of side quests they had previously overlooked.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Gemini is an increasingly good chatbot, but it’s still a bad assistant

Google's Gemini platform aims to streamline tasks by utilizing data across various applications, allowing users to request actions like sifting through emails for specific messages. However, there are significant issues with its functionality. An example involved retrieving a shipment tracking number, where Gemini provided a seemingly accurate but ultimately fabricated number that did not work in tracking systems. This incident highlighted Gemini's tendency to misinterpret requests and produce incorrect information, raising concerns about its reliability as an assistant. Over the past year, the user experienced multiple instances of Gemini misplacing calendar events and inputting incorrect data, leading to frustration with its performance compared to its predecessor.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Enough with the game launchers! It’s dragging PC gaming down

The proliferation of game launchers such as EA, Steam, Blizzard, Epic, Xbox, and Ubisoft Connect has created frustration for PC gamers, making it difficult to locate games and manage multiple platforms. Issues include lengthy installation processes, problems with game registration, unexpected logouts, and complications in co-op game menus. The gaming experience has become convoluted, with some launchers requiring multiple platforms or external authentication. The gaming industry has shifted from a simpler model, exemplified by Battle.net in 1997, to a fragmented ecosystem driven by financial motivations, leading to a lack of collaboration between platforms.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

5 reasons the Windows 11 Settings app makes me forget about the Control Panel

The transition from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11 has been significant, with the new app offering quick access via Windows + I and a highlighted search bar for easy navigation. The Settings app features a modern design with vibrant icons and a clean layout, enhancing usability, especially on touch devices. It provides intuitive navigation with a visible menu, allowing users to find settings without confusion. Most essential features have migrated from the Control Panel to the Settings app, making the latter more functional for tasks like uninstalling applications. Some new features are exclusive to the Settings app, indicating its growing importance. Microsoft is considering phasing out the Control Panel, which has received mixed reactions, but many users see this as a potential improvement in user experience.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Nintendo GameCube modified to run PowerPC Windows NT and Doom

A new build of Windows NT for PowerPC, named Entii for WorkCubes, has been optimized for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles, available on GitHub. This build theoretically supports the Wii U but does not utilize its additional PowerPC cores or enhanced GPU capabilities. YouTuber @emukid_id has showcased the installation and functionality of this build, including a gameplay session of The Ultimate Doom at a low resolution. The build supports various peripherals, including a GameCube controller with a keyboard, and utilizes the standard USB ports on the Wii and Wii U for expanded input options. However, online functionalities are limited, and compatibility with modern web pages is poor. The GameCube has 24MB of system RAM, while the Wii has a CPU-overclocked architecture and upgraded GPU. Future support for NT 3.5 on the Wii U could enhance the experience by utilizing its 1GB of RAM and triple CPU cores.

BetaBeacon

March 2, 2025

Best free-to-play action games for Android (March 2025) | Esports News – The Times of India

- Free Fire Max is a popular battle royale game for Android with competitive PvP experience and exclusive in-game content.

BetaBeacon

February 22, 2025

The best Wear OS games your can play on your smartwatch

Cosmo Run is a game where you guide a comet across changing tiles.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Classic Board Game ‘Labyrinth’ gets a Minecraft twist

Labyrinth, a board game created by Ravensburger and Max J. Kobbert in 1986, has sold nearly 30 million copies globally and was inducted into the Origins Games Convention Hall of Fame in 2024. The game has been re-themed over the years with over twenty different intellectual properties, including Disney and Pokémon. The new version, Minecraft Labyrinth, will be released in August 2025 for players aged 7 and up, retailing for .99 MSRP. It features a maze with shifting cards and allows players to gather items and explore. Currently, copies are available on Amazon UK.