minimalist Archives

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

White Knuckle is a grimy, Buckshot Roulette-looking game about fast-climbing your way out of industrial hell, and I can’t put its demo down

The game "White Knuckle" features players embodying a character with only their hands, navigating upward by moving from one handhold to another. The gameplay is designed to be both intricate and simple, providing a sense of accomplishment while avoiding frustration. Players receive messages of encouragement and caution every 50 meters climbed, reminding them of the risks involved. The game offers a raw and unfiltered experience of climbing, challenging players to confront their fears and embrace the chaos of ascent.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

These 7 WSL programs changed how I use Windows

Windows users previously faced challenges using Linux tools via virtual machines until the introduction of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which was further improved with WSL2. WSL2 integrates a lightweight virtual machine into Windows, allowing users to run Linux applications seamlessly. Runtipi and CasaOS can be easily set up on WSL2 to host self-service applications without complex configurations. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) offers a WSL extension that enables code execution directly in Linux distributions from Windows, enhancing the coding experience. Gigolo is a frontend for managing network shares, which can also be integrated into Windows 11 through WSL2. Ansible can automate the provisioning of virtual machines and containers on WSL2, making it easier for users engaged in DIY projects. Rsync can be installed via WSL2 for efficient file synchronization and backups on Windows. Podman Desktop allows Windows users to explore container runtimes using WSL2, providing a GUI for managing containers. Lastly, WSL2 enables users to access the Linux terminal and run various Linux distributions directly within Windows 11.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Change these 4 Windows settings for a more minimalist look

The text discusses ways to enhance the Windows user experience to make it more aesthetically pleasing and organized, similar to a Mac. Key modifications include: - Using the application TranslucentTB to make the taskbar transparent or hiding it in desktop mode. - Decluttering the taskbar by removing unnecessary icons through the right-click menu. - Shrinking desktop icons by selecting "Small icons" or hiding all icons for a cleaner look. - Pinning frequently used applications to the Start Menu for easier access and unpinning less essential apps to reduce clutter. - Emphasizing that a cleaner desktop can improve focus and productivity by minimizing distractions.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

5 amazing Linux distros that are better than Windows, but you should avoid them as a beginner

Linux distributions have evolved to be more accessible for users transitioning from Windows and macOS, with Debian-based distributions being relatively easy to navigate. DietPi is an ultra-lightweight OS that requires manual configuration of essential packages, making it more suitable for experienced users. Tails prioritizes user privacy by using the Tor network and operates from a USB drive, but is not ideal for casual users. Qubes OS enhances security through virtualization but has a steep learning curve and challenges with GPU passthrough. Talos Linux is optimized for Kubernetes projects but may be difficult for newcomers due to its lack of SSH support and immutable design. Bazzite, a gaming-focused distribution based on Fedora, offers a user-friendly setup but may not support multiplayer games with kernel-level anti-cheat technology, making it less suitable for competitive gamers.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Google is preparing to make Android Settings a bit more colorful

Google is set to transform its Settings homepage in the upcoming Android 16 beta, introducing colorful icons encased in circles, replacing the current gray icons. This redesign aims to enhance the expressiveness of the Settings app and is expected to align with a new Material Design theme at the Google I/O developer conference. The colorful icons may not appear in the initial stable release of Android 16 but could be introduced in a future quarterly update or in Android 17 next year. The 'Digital Wellbeing & parental controls' entry will retain its gray icon due to its origin from a separate app. Feedback from users will influence the final design.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Best Single-Player PC Games to Play in 2025

Single-player PC games are thriving in 2025, featuring captivating narratives, intricate gameplay, and stunning visuals. Notable titles include: 1. Blue Prince - An indie roguelike puzzle game with a Metacritic score of 93, set in a shifting manor where players solve interconnected puzzles. 2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Set in feudal Japan, this game features two protagonists with distinct playstyles and has been praised for its narrative pacing and environmental design. 3. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - A cinematic first-person adventure focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving, released on PC in late 2024. 4. South of Midnight - A magical adventure following a girl with weaving abilities, notable for its claymation art style and emotional depth. 5. Avowed - A first-person fantasy RPG with choice-driven storytelling, set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Upcoming games include: - Blades of Fire (May 22, 2025) - A Soulslike combat game with a focus on cinematic storytelling. - Cairn (TBA 2025) - A survival climbing simulator emphasizing precision control mechanics. - Hell Is Us (September 4, 2025) - A narrative-driven action game that eschews traditional open-world design. - Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream (Late 2025) - A stealth-adventure game featuring orphans uncovering a conspiracy. The PC platform remains the best for single-player games due to mod support, performance flexibility, a vast library, and indie innovation. The evolution of gaming technology has led to cutting-edge graphics, immersive storytelling, and innovative exploration mechanics, enhancing player engagement.

BetaBeacon

April 7, 2025

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – April 2025 round-up

- Songs Of Conquest Mobile is available on iOS & Android for £11.99 - The game was originally released on PC last year - The game features turn-based interactions and pixel art - It involves warring fantasy characters and Final Fantasy Tactics-style battles - The game is challenging and requires players to gather power-ups - The game has a score of 7/10

Winsage

April 6, 2025

Microsoft changes the blue screen of death in Windows 11: why?

Microsoft has changed the blue screen of death to a green screen in its operating system, aligning it with the aesthetics of Windows 11. The new error screen features a simple message stating, “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” along with a progress percentage and minimal technical details. Reports suggest that Microsoft may eventually switch the error screen color to black for future public releases. Additionally, the sad emoji and QR code previously found on the error screen have been removed.

AppWizard

April 6, 2025

A Minecraft Movie Review: An Imaginative Family Fun Adventure

The recently released A Minecraft Movie is directed by Jared Hess and features a whimsical and campy aesthetic. The plot follows a quirky group of characters, including an eccentric video game store owner, two grieving siblings, and an aspiring petting zoo entrepreneur, as they embark on a classic fantasy quest in the Overworld. Jack Black voices the iconic avatar Steve, while Jason Momoa plays Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a comedic lead. The film effectively translates the game's blocky aesthetic into a vibrant cinematic experience, with detailed environments and action sequences that reference in-game mechanics. However, it faces pacing issues, particularly in the middle act, and sometimes struggles to balance humor with emotional storytelling. The movie appeals primarily to fans of Minecraft but remains accessible to newcomers, incorporating Easter eggs without overwhelming them.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft is finally giving the Start menu the overhaul we’ve all been waiting for

The Start menu in the latest preview builds of Windows 11 is being redesigned to enhance user experience by addressing customization and functionality issues. The updates in builds 26200.5518 and 26120.3671 introduce a wider layout with a single scrollable view, removing the need for clicks to access the All apps section. Applications will be displayed directly beneath pinned items and recommendations, reducing clutter. Users can disable the Recommended section for a minimalist interface and adjust settings to hide recently added apps, most used apps, and various recommendations. Additionally, users can automatically display all pinned apps without expanding the view. This feature is currently hidden and requires enabling specific feature IDs to access it.