photography Archives

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

This Android App Lets You Take Photos That Look Straight Out Of A Compact Camera

AI enhances smartphone cameras, such as the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, improving image quality but potentially compromising authenticity. VWFNDR + MBL is an Android app developed by VWFNDR Camera Co. that replicates traditional camera experiences, focusing on still photography with no selfie mode. It offers six aspect ratios, adjustable exposure compensation, and various exposure modes. The app supports optical image stabilization and generates both DNG and JPEG files, embedding authenticity records. It features a minimalist user interface for easy access to settings and allows customization of the control panel. Users can view and manage captured photos in a built-in gallery.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

I discovered a hidden Android feature that shows which apps are watching me

An Android phone can share sensitive data such as location, microphone access, camera feed, and contacts with various applications in the background, often due to permissions granted by the user. Google offers a Privacy Dashboard on Pixel devices to show which apps accessed specific data, while Samsung devices have a similar feature called "Permission Manager" for managing app permissions. Regularly reviewing app permissions is important for users to control their digital footprints.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Tired of fake smartphone photos? This Android camera app might be the fix

VWFNDR has launched a new camera app called VWFNDR + MBL, which captures unprocessed Bayer RAW DNG and JPEG files, avoiding modern computational photography. The app supports various aspect ratios and offers manual controls for ISO, shutter speed, focus, and exposure compensation. Each photo includes a tamper-evident record via the open Content Credentials standard from C2PA, verifying the image's source and integrity. VWFNDR is the fourth company globally to achieve C2PA Level 2 conformance and the second to support it for DNG files. The app is currently free for Android 10 or later devices but only supports the primary rear camera.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

VWFNDR MBL Is a New Android Camera App and an Actual Camera Is In the Works

VWFNDR has launched the VWFNDR + MBL, an Android camera app designed for mobile photographers seeking a traditional camera experience rather than a computational filter. Founded in Tokyo in 2023 by Álvaro Nuevo.Tokyo and Mireia Gordi i Vila, VWFNDR aims to enhance photography hardware and user experience. The MBL app captures unprocessed Bayer RAW DNG data and JPEGs, offering manual controls for ISO, shutter speed, focus, and exposure compensation, along with customizable user interface options. It includes six built-in aspect ratios and avoids computational photography features, ensuring images reflect what the sensor captures. Each photo taken with MBL is embedded with Content Credentials, confirming image provenance. VWFNDR is the fourth company to achieve C2PA Level 2 conformance and the second to support Content Credentials for DNG files. Sample images have been captured on various Android models, including Google Pixel and Xiaomi devices. The app is currently available for free on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

Android’s Google Photos App Finally Has An Update Users Have Been Waiting For

Google Photos has introduced the ability to change video playback speed for Android users, a feature that has been highly requested. Users can access this feature by ensuring they have the latest version of the app, selecting a video, and tapping the three-dot icon on the playback screen to choose from five playback speed options: 0.25X, 0.5X, 1X, 1.5X, and 2X. This update began rolling out in early April 2026.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

GTA roleplayers built a secret Boiler Room rave beneath Los Santos, complete with DJs, club photographers, biker security, and a custom party drug

An underground rave event in GTA Online has been organized in collaboration with Roleplay.co.uk, featuring an interactive elevator leading to a hidden bunker transformed into a club. The event included a roleplayed custom drug smuggled from overseas and was secured by the Arms of Outcasts motorcycle club. The first event attracted 96 attendees, and the organizer expressed hopes for a larger crowd at future gatherings. Community engagement was highlighted through photography and discussions about the event's fictional elements.

BetaBeacon

May 15, 2026

Samsung could turn the Galaxy S27 Ultra into a true gaming beast

RedMagic has integrated touch-sensitive trigger buttons into their gaming smartphones, allowing users to map them to on-screen actions for a more immersive gaming experience. Samsung should consider bringing this feature to the Galaxy S27 Ultra to cater to the growing mobile gaming community and differentiate itself from competitors like Apple.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Meta faces court over Android tracking claims

Meta is facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly exploiting vulnerabilities in Android smartphones to track users' private information, linking browsing activity to Instagram and Facebook accounts. The lawsuit claims Meta unlawfully accessed and de-anonymized personal data of millions of Android users to enhance advertising profiling. A US District Court Judge ruled that most privacy-related claims in the lawsuit must proceed, stating that plaintiffs have plausibly alleged a significant intrusion upon their privacy. Meta is accused of exploiting an Android vulnerability to bypass security measures that isolate apps, allowing it to link browsing information to users' accounts. Although Meta has reportedly stopped using this tracking method, it successfully dismissed two claims related to unjust enrichment and the use of modified pixel code. Additionally, the lawsuit includes claims against Google for negligence, with one claim dismissed but another allowed to proceed. In response to regulatory pressures, Meta is introducing new features for parental supervision of teens on its platforms and plans to use AI to detect underage accounts.

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Your laptop has a hidden control panel Windows won’t show you

Your laptop's utility application provides various features that enhance productivity, often overlooked during setup. It typically appears on the desktop or taskbar and offers functionalities that extend beyond basic Windows Settings. Key features include: - A dashboard summarizing essential PC attributes such as battery status, memory availability, CPU performance, serial number, and warranty information. - Diagnostic tools for troubleshooting and a method to check for updates, including Windows Update, Microsoft Store, and the utility application itself. - Performance settings for adjusting fan speed, allowing for higher performance or quieter operation. - Options to adjust the color gamut for professionals in photography or design, with different color profiles available. - Charging mode adjustments to extend battery lifespan by limiting charging to around 80% during regular use. - Sound presets to enhance audio quality for music, movies, or gaming. - OLED management features to mitigate burn-in issues on OLED displays. - Presence detection technology that locks the device when the user is away and can utilize facial recognition or smartphone proximity for unlocking.

BetaBeacon

May 1, 2026

Survey reveals how Pixel fans truly feel about the Tensor G5’s lackluster gaming power

A majority of respondents in a reader poll feel that performance deficits in Google's Pixel devices are not enough to deter them from buying one. Many value the "Pixel experience" and cohesive software over raw horsepower. Some users prioritize better power efficiency and less overheating over raw performance. However, a third of readers are deterred by Google's inability to match the competition at flagship price points, fearing for the device's longevity and performance in the future.