Plex Archives

Winsage

July 23, 2025

5 Ways to Repurpose your Windows 10 System — Virtualization Review

As Windows 11 support ends, many Windows 10 PCs and laptops lacking compatibility with the new operating system are expected to enter the resale market or be given away. This situation creates opportunities to repurpose these devices for various uses, including: 1. Installing a Linux distribution to cater to business and personal needs, with options like Ubuntu, Fedora, and MX Linux for older hardware. 2. Running ChromeOS Flex for a lightweight experience focused on web browsing and cloud applications. 3. Installing a thin-client OS to access virtual desktops, maximizing existing hardware for businesses transitioning to virtual environments. 4. Converting the device into a media server using software like Plex or Jellyfin for centralized media storage and streaming. 5. Recycling the device responsibly through manufacturer or retailer e-waste programs, ensuring safe processing and potential donation of usable parts. Before recycling, it is important to securely wipe or destroy personal data on the hard drive.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

After dominating the box office, A Minecraft Movie is dominating streaming charts

A Minecraft Movie is the second-highest-grossing film of 2025, earning 4 million at the box office but has not yet reached the billion mark. It is currently the most-watched movie on HBO Max as of June 28, 2025. The film features a group of four misfits who team up with the expert crafter Steve, voiced by Jack Black, to confront the piglin ruler Malgosha. It has a 48% approval rating from critics and an 85% rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie is available for streaming on HBO Max, Prime Video, and Hulu, and can also be rented on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Plex.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

I switched to indie apps for privacy, and now my workflow is a mess

The attempt to send a file from an Android device to a Windows 11 PC highlighted the challenges of using independent applications instead of major tech tools. The user replaced several Google services with alternatives, including Sync for cloud storage, Obsidian for note-taking, ToDoist for task management, Elemental for chat, Kobo for ebooks, VLC for music, Firefox for browsing, Ecosia for search, and Fastmail for email. Fastmail was noted for its efficiency and privacy, while Sync was criticized for its reliability. The user found the experience of using multiple independent apps to be fragmented and cumbersome, leading to higher costs than anticipated. Despite ethical concerns about Big Tech, the integration and convenience they offer were acknowledged as significant advantages. Ultimately, Fastmail and ToDoist were retained, while the user returned to Google for some services, illustrating the difficulties of maintaining a fully independent digital life.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

7 things you can do with your old Windows 10 PC instead of trading it in

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and suggests trading in old PCs that cannot be upgraded. However, trading in may not provide significant discounts, and there are various ways to repurpose old hardware. 1. Install Linux: Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Pop! OS can extend the life of older PCs due to their low system requirements and long-term support. 2. Make it a retro gaming machine: Using Emulation Station, an old PC can be transformed into a retro gaming machine, allowing access to thousands of classic games. 3. Make it a media server: Old PCs can be converted into home media servers using platforms like Plex and Jellyfin, enabling offline viewing of shows and movies. 4. Use it as a game server: An old PC can host game servers for titles like Minecraft, allowing for a unique gaming experience with friends. 5. Power your smart home: Turning an old PC into a Home Assistant server can help manage smart home devices from a single interface. 6. Turn it into a NAS: An old PC can be transformed into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution for centralized data backup across multiple devices. 7. Kickstart your home lab: Setting up a home lab using dedicated operating systems or platforms like Docker can turn an old PC into a multifunctional server for various services.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Buckle up: Android Automotive has 70 new apps to keep you entertained (in the parking lot)

Google will soon introduce nearly 70 new applications for Android Automotive, increasing the total number of available apps to nearly 300. The new apps include popular streaming and gaming titles like Farm Heroes Saga, Paramount Plus, Plex, F1 TV, Red Bull TV, and NBC News. These apps will only function when the vehicle is parked to ensure safety. Android Automotive is an embedded operating system in vehicles, distinct from Android Auto, which connects a phone to a vehicle. Currently, around 100 vehicle models feature Android Automotive, including the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, 2023 Honda Accord, 2025 Ford Explorer, and 2024 Nissan Rogue. The rollout of the new apps will initially target select Volvo and Polestar models, with broader availability expected soon. Google is working with various vehicle manufacturers to enhance the app ecosystem for automotive screens.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Your Android Automotive dashboard just got a lot more fun with these new apps

Google has introduced a significant expansion of applications for Android Automotive, enhancing the in-car experience for drivers and passengers in vehicles with Google built-in technology. This rollout includes dozens of new applications that can be accessed while the vehicle is parked, unlike Android Auto, which requires a smartphone connection. Android Automotive operates directly on the car's infotainment system, providing pre-installed access to services like Google Maps and Google Assistant. The new initiative, called the "car-ready mobile apps program," involves reviewing the Google Play Store for applications optimized for larger displays. If deemed safe for use in parked vehicles, these applications will be made available through the Play Store in cars running Android Automotive. Starting this week, drivers of select Volvo and Polestar models can download various new applications, including streaming services and light games. Confirmed car-compatible applications include: - Farm Heroes Saga - F1 TV - Roblox - Paramount Plus - Avatar World - Solitaire Grand Harvest - Plex - Fubo - Philo - 2 3 4 Player Mini Games - FOX Nation - NBC News - BritBox - Lifetime - Chess - FanDuel Sports Network - A&E - Dropout - HISTORY: Shows & Documentaries - sand:box

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Android Automotive set to gain over a dozen new streaming and gaming apps

Android Automotive is expanding its app ecosystem with a new initiative called the “car-ready mobile apps program,” which allows popular applications to transition from mobile devices to in-car dashboards. This expansion includes various games and streaming services designed for use when vehicles are stationary. New applications available include Plex, F1 TV, Red Bull TV, NBC News, Roblox, Farm Heroes Saga, and family-friendly games from Pazu Games. These applications will be accessible in supported vehicles from manufacturers like Volvo and Polestar. Users can install these apps via the Google Play Store in their vehicles or remotely through a dedicated storefront landing page. The app library for Android Automotive still has fewer options compared to the more established Android Auto platform.

Winsage

October 22, 2024

How I turned my old Windows PC into a streaming server with Plex

A recent transition from a Windows PC to an M3 MacBook Air has led to repurposing older Windows PCs into a Plex-powered streaming server for accessing a personal media library. To set up a Plex server, a Windows PC should have at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 5, 4GB of RAM, and Windows 10. Plex is compatible only with x86 or x86-64/x64 architectures. The setup involves downloading the Plex Media Server, which runs in the background, and configuring it through a web browser. Users should create a structured file system for their media and can easily add libraries for different media types. Plex automatically fetches metadata for content, and users can connect various devices to access the server. Sharing library access with others is also possible through the settings. Transforming an old PC into a Plex server is a practical and sustainable option, with alternatives like Jellyfin available.

AppWizard

September 23, 2024

Google TV Streamer shoved a silly ‘General Interest’ app folder on my home screen

Google TV's app icon row has been altered with the introduction of the new Google TV Streamer, adding a "General Interest" folder that includes unremovable shortcuts to local apps like Canal+ and Arte, which complicates user access to preferred content. Users cannot customize or remove these shortcuts, leading to frustration. Some have resorted to using the favorites icon on the remote as a workaround for easier access to frequently used apps.

AppWizard

July 29, 2024

Google Play Collections rolling out with these Android apps supported

The "Collections" widget is being rolled out more broadly across the United States for Google Play users. It includes two widget options: a smaller bar and a larger full-screen layout that provides quick access to categories such as Watch, Game, Read, Listen, Food, Shop, and Social. Tapping the widget leads to a fullscreen experience with card carousels and an app tray for navigation. The "App library" organizes apps into folders for Top Used and Recently Added. The Collections widget offers tailored content recommendations across various categories, including YouTube Music, Google TV, Play Books, and Google Maps. Users can customize their experience by disabling feeds or individual apps through the Collections settings. Supported apps include those from categories like Game, Food, Listen, Read, Shop, Social, and Watch.