portrait Archives

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Android Auto Will Show Weather Information in a Funny but Unusual Way

Google has introduced an animated raccoon named Jimothy in Android Auto version 17.6 to display weather information. Jimothy will present the current temperature in a playful manner, moving across the screen over the music card in the Coolwalk interface. The character's size has raised concerns about visibility and readability for drivers. Initially, weather information was only available on portrait screens, and Google plans to extend this functionality to landscape displays. Weather updates were previously shown in the status bar, and this new approach is still in the experimental phase.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

I spent time with the August Windows 11 Insider builds, and these 8 changes reveal Microsoft’s next phase for the OS

In early August, there were no new Windows 11 builds released for over 15 days in the Windows Insider Program. On August 17, Microsoft released five new preview builds, introducing several features and enhancements. Key updates include a fully customizable context menu, allowing users to tailor options directly from Settings under Personalization, and improvements to the desktop background experience with higher resolution previews and better slideshow transitions. The Camera Roll backup feature now automatically backs up photos and videos to OneDrive. The Magnifier tool received a visual refresh, and the Windows Recovery Environment was upgraded to reuse eligible Wi-Fi profiles automatically. Microsoft also removed the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool and the Drag Tray feature while maintaining access to WMI through PowerShell. File Explorer improvements include a faster launch for the "Home" page and touch scrolling support in the "Recommended" section. Minor visual adjustments were made to the Windows Security app, enhancing its alignment with the Windows 11 design language.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

These Are The Best Android Launchers You Must Try In 2026

Smart Launcher 6 automatically categorizes apps into groups such as games, messaging, and tools, has over 50 million downloads, and offers features like a customizable news reader and font changes. Niagara Launcher features a minimalist design with an alphabetical list of apps optimized for one-handed use, fluid animations, and extensive customization options without ads. Octopi Launcher uses tags for app organization, offers auto-scrolling widget stacks, and allows for tailored layouts for portrait and landscape orientations, with a one-time payment for additional functionalities. Lawnchair replicates the Google Pixel launcher experience, supports Material You theming, is open-source, free of ads, and actively maintained on GitHub. Kvaesitso focuses on search functionality for quick access to apps, contacts, and files, is ad-free, operates independently of Google Play services, and is designed for a streamlined, productivity-focused experience.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, particularly for Chrome Unboxed, which offers a membership for an ad-free experience and exclusive access to a private Discord. The author expresses frustration with the limitations of Android apps on ChromeOS, specifically citing issues with PUBG Mobile's performance on Chromebooks. The introduction of Googlebook, particularly the Lenovo Googlebook ‘Sapphire’ detachable tablet, is highlighted as a potential solution, featuring an architecture built on native Android, which promises improved app compatibility, native input mapping, direct hardware acceleration, and seamless Play Store integration. The author envisions an ideal tablet experience that combines the functionality of a desktop Chrome browser with robust Android applications.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

You Can Now Use Your Old Tablet As An Android Auto Head Unit – Here’s How

Repurposing an old Android tablet can enhance your driving experience by turning it into a DIY Android Auto head unit using the app Headunit Revived. This open-source application acts as an Android Auto receiver, allowing navigation with Google Maps and access to apps like Spotify, Facebook Messenger, and Google Calendar. Headunit Revived is compatible with Android devices updated to at least Android 4.1 and can be downloaded for a fee from the Play Store or for free via an APK from GitHub. It can also be used on older Amazon Fire tablets. To set up Headunit Revived on your tablet, grant necessary permissions, agree to terms, and follow the Quick Setup Wizard to select screen size and orientation. The app will optimize the Android Auto layout based on your tablet's specifications. You can modify settings for UI scaling, dark mode, and screen resolution. To connect your phone to the tablet, you can use a USB cable or a wireless connection. For a wired connection, connect the phone via USB, select the appropriate USB settings, and launch Headunit Revived. For a wireless connection, enable Wi-Fi Direct on both devices, set the connection strategy in the app, and use the Wi-Fi Helper app on your phone to connect. Once connected, Android Auto will load on the tablet, allowing access to navigation and music apps. You can switch between navigation apps and exit Android Auto by unplugging the phone or using the Wireless Helper app. Various mounting options are available for securing the tablet in your vehicle.

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects

Windows 11 includes a suite of audio and video recording applications: Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects. The Sound Recorder app allows audio capture using PC microphones, featuring a navigation pane, recording area, and playback controls. Users can customize audio input in the Settings app under System > Sound, selecting microphones and adjusting quality formats like “CD quality” or “Studio quality.” Within the Sound Recorder app, users can change the recording format (default is AAC) to MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV and set audio quality to Best, High, or Medium. To record audio, users click the red “Start recording” button, with options to stop, pause, or mark significant moments using keyboard shortcuts. Recordings can be played back, managed, shared, renamed, or deleted through the app's interface. Users can also import compatible audio files into Sound Recorder. The Camera app allows users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using the PC's webcam, with an interface similar to smartphone camera apps. Users can customize camera settings in the Settings app under Bluetooth > Cameras, adjusting brightness, contrast, and resolution. Photos are taken in Photo mode, while videos are recorded in Video mode, with options for pausing without creating new files. Windows Studio Effects offers AI-driven enhancements for audio and video calls, requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for some features. Enhancements include automatic framing, background effects, creative filters, eye contact simulation, portrait lighting adjustments, and voice focus. Compatibility can be checked in Quick settings or the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or supported applications.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

The most deranged videogame challenge run I’ve seen: A no-hit playthrough of the ‘Unfair’ difficulty in a 100-hour RPG

Davey Gunface, a YouTuber, achieved a no-hit playthrough on the Unfair difficulty setting of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. This game is known for its challenging nature, requiring skill and an understanding of build optimization. Gunface used a specific character build: Human Witch of the Veil 10 / Loremaster 9 / Rowdy Rogue 1, and employed strategies like sacrificing starter companions' builds to survive early levels. His journey includes notable characters like the Rowdy Rogue and Sabertooth Tiger pets. Gunface's full video documenting this achievement is three hours long and available on YouTube.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

Where to find Blackbeard’s Treasure in Black Flag Resynced

In the latest installment of Black Flag Resynced, players embark on a quest to find Blackbeard's Treasure, which becomes available after completing the main quest "Do Not Go Gently." The treasure map leads to Anotto Bay at coordinates 590,245, north of Kingston. Players must defeat rival pirate ships before docking the Jackdaw. They then dive into a sunken mineshaft, navigating underwater tunnels while avoiding sharks and sea anemones. Players must retrieve a gunpowder barrel to destroy rubble blocking their path, confront Blackbeard's former sailing master, and carry another barrel to clear a second rubble pile behind a waterfall. After overcoming these challenges, players uncover the treasure and must return to Great Inagua to complete the quest, earning Blackbeard's portrait as a reward.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Pixel users aren’t receiving calls, but the issue might be Google’s phone app

Pixel users are experiencing a "missing incoming call" bug that prevents notifications for incoming calls across various Pixel devices. This issue is linked to the Google Phone app and has persisted for several months, affecting users even after updates, including those on the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5. Reports indicate that some users have resolved the issue by disabling the Call Screen feature. Android Central has noted the problem and reached out to Google for clarification.

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.