prototype Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Adobe Firefly joins forces with Gemini Flash 2.5 for seamless content creation

Adobe Firefly has integrated Gemini's Flash 2.5 Image to enhance its AI content creation capabilities. Users can switch seamlessly between Adobe apps during their creative process. Premium members have unlimited access to Gemini's features until September 1st, while free tier users can generate up to 20 pieces of media for free. The integration allows for greater flexibility in exploring creative ideas and ensures that user-generated content will not be used to train generative AI models. The Gemini 2.5 Flash Image is available in Firefly’s Text to Image module, Firefly Boards (beta), and Adobe Express.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Check Out Unity Prototype of Minecraft-Style Planet Building Game

3D Artist Bowerbyte is developing a game prototype inspired by Minecraft using Unity and C#. The game features a spherical planet made from voxel blocks with procedurally generated cube-like settings, allowing for a unique player experience. The environment is fully destructible, enabling players to manipulate their surroundings by placing or removing over 20 types of blocks, including grass, leaves, water, and terrain. Bowerbyte is focused on minimizing block distortion to maintain visual integrity and enhance gameplay.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Lilbits: Desktop Linux apps on Android phones, Xbox PC gaming on ARM-based computers, and a cheaper Kindle color

Google has introduced an experimental Linux terminal application for Android users that allows the installation of Debian within a virtual machine, enabling command-line applications on Android devices. Users with Pixel 6 or later models running the latest canary builds of Android 16 can potentially enable graphical user interface (GUI) applications. An early preview of desktop Linux applications, including Chromium and GIMP, has been demonstrated on the Google Pixel 8 Pro using this new Terminal app. The Xbox PC app has added a feature for downloading games for local play on Windows 11 PCs with ARM-based processors, currently available to select members of the Windows Insider and Xbox Insider preview programs. HTC has launched Vive Eagle smart glasses in Taiwan, starting at 9, which include cameras, microphones, speakers, and AI features but lack a display. Amazon is reportedly developing a more affordable Kindle with a color display, featuring a 6-inch screen and improved color saturation.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

I finally played Duke Nukem Forever’s unfinished 2001 build, and while it probably would have been better than Gearbox’s fiasco, it still wouldn’t hold up today

Duke Nukem Forever was released in 2011 with outdated graphics and gameplay compared to its ambitious 2001 E3 trailer. A playable prototype of the 2001 version surfaced, revealing various levels and features, including the Ladykiller Casino and Hoover Dam, but it was unfinished and plagued by glitches. The prototype included navigational puzzles, scripted events, and innovative mechanics like vending machines for healing items. Combat mechanics showed potential, with satisfying weapon dynamics, but the overall experience felt disjointed and less cohesive as it progressed. The prototype demonstrated ambitious ideas but likely would not have stood the test of time alongside classics like Quake or Half-Life.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

This is Microsoft’s canceled Windows-based Surface Duo — the dual-screen Windows Phone from 2018 that we never got

Recent images reveal that the Surface Duo was initially conceived as a Windows Phone codenamed Andromeda, featuring a custom-built operating system designed for its dual-screen form factor. The project was shelved in 2018 due to challenges faced during development. Prototypes from 2017 and 2018 show that Andromeda included features such as a back camera system, integrated wireless charging for the Surface Slim Pen, and a premium metal frame, which were not present in the final Surface Duo. Andromeda also had smaller hinges, which were later enlarged in the Surface Duo for added stiffness. The operating system for Andromeda was based on Windows Core OS, featuring a universal shell for dual-screen use, a home screen designed for note-taking, and a lock screen that functioned as an inking canvas.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Gemini 2.5 Deep Think is finally heading to Google AI Ultra users

Google has rolled out an enhanced version of its Gemini 2.5 Deep Think model for subscribers of the Google AI Ultra plan. This upgraded model is designed to tackle complex challenges, including advanced mathematics and coding tasks, with improved speed and efficiency. It achieves a Bronze-level score in internal International Math Olympiad assessments and excels in benchmarks like LiveCodeBench V6 and Humanity’s Last Exam. The Google AI Ultra subscription, priced at per month, also includes early access to experimental video models, increased limits on tools, and 30TB of storage. An alternative, the Google AI Pro plan, is available at 0 annually.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

13 years ago, Mojang canceled its Lego Minecraft game amid frustrations with the toy company’s brand restrictions – now the original prototype has been found and preserved online

In 2012, Mojang began developing a Lego-themed spin-off of Minecraft called Brickcraft, which was ultimately canceled due to Lego's brand restrictions. Recently, a version of Brickcraft from June 28, 2012, was discovered and made available to players by Omniarchive. The project faced significant challenges, including disagreements over design elements, such as the inclusion of scratches on Lego bricks, which Lego opposed. Markus "Notch" Persson decided to halt the project due to frustrations with Lego's rules. Brickcraft was intended to feature expansive biomes and engaging gameplay similar to Minecraft, but it was never completed.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

LEAK: Android XR Companion App, ‘Martha’ Glasses

Google's Android XR platform is developing smart glasses named Martha, which will have a companion app similar to the Pixel Watch. A leaked image reveals the app will allow users to manage notifications, adjust settings, and use features like Record Your View and quick feedback options. The glasses are designed with robust arms to house battery and smart technology, equipped with speakers for interactions with Gemini, and include a dedicated button for function access. They resemble Ray-Ban’s Meta glasses and are likely still in the prototype phase. There is growing enthusiasm for Google's entry into augmented reality, although a launch date for Android XR has not been announced.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Google’s Android XR glasses are called ‘Martha’ in Pixel Watch-like companion app

Google has showcased prototype Android XR glasses, referred to internally as “Martha.” A companion app for the glasses resembles the Pixel Watch interface and includes features such as notifications, settings, recording views, giving feedback, and reporting problems. The glasses are still in the prototype phase and are expected to be the foundation for a pair of glasses that Samsung plans to launch next year.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

After 4 years of silence, one of the most disappointing games of 2020 gets a surprise expansion

Empire of Sin has released a new expansion titled "Hunt for Aurora," developed by Moonmana after Romero Games stepped aside. This expansion introduces a new boss, British mobster Robin Kray, and his partner Sylvia Taylor, along with a new gangster class called Vanguard, specializing in melee combat. It features the Dance Club racket, a new companion dog named Lucky, and several new weapons, including various firearms and melee options. The expansion includes a total of 14 new missions centered around the quest for the Aurora diamond. The game initially launched in 2020 with a 49% review score but has seen a revival after a period of stagnation.