multimedia Archives

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Gemini Omni is ‘like Nano Banana for video’ and I couldn’t believe the results

Gemini Omni is a video-generation tool launched at Google I/O 2026, part of the June Pixel Drop, designed for creating multimedia content through conversational prompts. It is available on any smartphone with the appropriate Google AI subscription, offering a free version with limited access and more extensive features for subscribers of Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra. Users can create videos by uploading photos or videos and selecting aspect ratios, with the app providing suggestions for prompts. Gemini Omni replaces the Veo models within the Gemini app, although Veo remains available in other Google products. The app includes exclusive features like Screen Reactions and Bubbles for Pixel 10 users.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

The new Windows Media Player still can’t beat the old version

Members of the Windows Insider program have access to a revamped version of Windows Media Player, which includes enhancements in stability and subtitle management. However, the updated media player is less favored than the classic Legacy version, which has a quicker launch time and lower resource consumption (103.4 MB vs. 377 MB). The Legacy player also supports HEVC format playback, while this feature is behind a paywall in the new version. VLC media player is suggested as a free alternative for users seeking compatibility across various formats.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

6 Android Auto apps that are essential when I’m off-roading

Android Auto is expanding its functionality for outdoor activities with a variety of apps designed for off-road navigation and exploration. These applications cater to different vehicle types, including RVs and ATVs, and many off-road vehicles now come with built-in Android Auto systems. Aftermarket multimedia units are also available for those without factory-installed screens. Key apps include: - onX Offroad/Hunt: Provides access to verified off-road trails, difficulty ratings, and land boundaries, with features for hunters including landowner information and offline maps. - National Park Service: Offers interactive trail maps, self-guided tours, and downloadable park information, enhancing the experience of exploring U.S. national parks. - RV Life: Assists RV owners in planning safe routes based on their vehicle's dimensions, avoiding low bridges and restricted roads, though it requires a subscription for Android Auto integration. - Gaia GPS: A navigation tool for areas with limited cell service, featuring various map layers and the ability to track position and access downloaded maps on the vehicle's display. - Spotify: Allows users to download music and podcasts for offline listening through Android Auto, requiring a premium subscription and a brief online connection every 30 days.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Microsoft is bringing 10 new features to Windows 11’s taskbar and Start menu

Microsoft is planning to introduce several new features and improvements to the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu in response to user feedback. Users will soon have the ability to reposition the taskbar to the top, left, or right of the screen, with options for icon alignment. A new “Show smaller taskbar buttons” toggle will reduce the physical height of the taskbar, providing more screen space. These features are currently available in the Insider Experimental channel and are expected to roll out to all PCs soon. The Widgets board will also see changes, with the MSN feed being disabled by default and the “Open on hover” behavior eliminated. In the Start menu, users will gain section-level toggles to hide or show the Pinned, Recent, and All Apps sections. The Start menu can be resized to either Small or Large, and a new privacy mode will hide account names and profile pictures. The “Recommended” section will be renamed to “Recent,” and improvements will be made to file relevancy. Additionally, the Start menu will transition to a new modular engine, enhancing responsiveness and addressing previous criticisms regarding performance.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

The Google app could soon show you videos it thinks you’d like to watch

The Google app is expected to introduce a new “Videos” tab for Android devices, which users can manually enable in a beta version. This tab will be located alongside the “Home” tab and aims to provide personalized video recommendations based on users' preferences and recent searches. The feature may include suggestions from YouTube and other platforms, enhancing multimedia offerings. The “Videos” tab is anticipated to function similarly to the existing “Images” tab, with a search bar and recommended search terms. The timeline for its rollout is currently uncertain.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Rosemont’s New Minecraft Experience Is Built For Kids

A new attraction called "Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue" has opened in Rosemont’s Pearl District, allowing visitors to engage in an immersive adventure based on the popular video game. Guests receive an “Orb of Interaction” to unlock challenges, collect resources, and rescue villagers from zombies while exploring seven themed environments inspired by Minecraft. The experience includes interactive elements such as hurling snowballs at Creepers and crafting potions. Developed by Supply + Demand in partnership with Mojang Studios, the attraction is accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers. It is available for a limited time at EXP Rosemont, with tickets starting at a specified price. Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling video game of all time.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

I tried Gemini’s redesigned Android app. Here’s what Google got wrong

The Gemini app has been redesigned with a visually appealing interface that incorporates multimedia elements, enhancing user experience. The new design features a colorful homepage with a blue-and-white gradient, a larger greeting, and a streamlined layout. The app now radiates a gradient glow when processing requests, replacing the old spinning loading icon. Responses include richer multimedia content, but visuals must be requested by users. The Gemini Live feature allows for continuous chat without interrupting the flow, displaying responses in a compact format. However, the new Neural Expressive interface may confuse users due to the consolidation of features and the placement of essential tools under a single “+” menu. Navigation has become more complicated, with important settings less accessible. Despite aesthetic improvements, the app's functionality may feel obscured, especially for new users.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Messenger Statistics By Revenue, Usage And Behavior (2026)

Messenger has approximately 1.12 billion monthly active users as of the first quarter of 2026. In the first half of 2026, it generated USD 3.2 billion in non-ad revenue, reflecting a 63% year-over-year growth. In India, there are 424.3 million Messenger users, making up 28.7% of the country's population. South-Eastern Asia accounted for 212 million Messenger users in 2025, representing 22.4% of the global total. The user base shows a gender disparity with 55.5% male users and 44.5% female users, and is primarily favored by those aged 25–34, who comprise 32.4% of users. Messenger has surpassed 5 billion downloads on the Google Play Store, with users spending an average of 3 hours and 21 minutes per month on the app. It supports customer communication for over 40 million businesses, with approximately 80% of messages opened within the first hour. Messenger.com received 244.62 million visits in March 2026, a 30.67% increase from February. Chatbots on the platform handle up to 80% of routine inquiries, and the engagement rates for campaigns are high, with open rates ranging from 70% to 88%. Overall, Messenger is among the top three or four most-used platforms globally, trailing only behind Facebook and WhatsApp.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Minecraft Game To Debut Friday in Rosemont

Fans of Minecraft will have the opportunity to experience a tangible event called Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, created by Supply + Demand in collaboration with Experience MOD and Mojang Studios. The event will take place at EXP Rosemont in the Pearl District, launching on Friday, May 8. A preview was given to approximately 15 media representatives. Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time, with over 300 million copies sold globally.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

I love everything about Valve’s Steam Controller except this one major flaw

The Steam Controller features trackpads that serve as substitutes for a mouse and keyboard, providing precision for desktop browsing. It defaults to a desktop configuration upon startup, which is not user-friendly and requires users to memorize the button layout or create a custom configuration. Customization is hindered by software issues, including an inability to modify the desktop configuration and challenges with assigning buttons. Users have reported difficulties with Guide Button Chords and Action Sets, leading to wasted time and confusion. The Quick Access Menu button cannot be customized, limiting its effectiveness. Despite these issues, the controller performs well without extensive customization, boasting impressive battery life and comfort. Improvements in software explanations and customization accessibility are needed for broader appeal.