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AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Weekend PC Game Deals: Baldur’s Gate 3, Gears 5, Spider-Man, NFS and more

The Epic Games Store is offering two free games, OTXO and Sol Cesto, until August 6. OTXO is a top-down shooter with over 100 abilities and a bullet-dodging mechanic, while Sol Cesto features tactical gameplay in a randomly generated underground world. The Humble Store has launched the Rage Inducing Difficult Games collection, starting at a low tier, featuring titles like Getting Over It and Pogostuck. A complete bundle is also available for a higher price. Additionally, itch.io is offering over 100 DRM-free games to support the Game Industry Hardship Fund. The GOG store is celebrating Bethesda's 40th anniversary with discounts on classic titles and special bundles. Availability and pricing may vary by region.

TrendTechie

August 1, 2026

Первый день этапа F1H2O: Андерссон взял поул, Торренте победил во втором спринте » Новости Кыргызстана, Бишкека и Оша

On the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, the Formula 1 World Championship stage began with three-time world champion Jonas Andersson from Team Abu Dhabi securing pole position with a time of 48.778 seconds, ahead of reigning champion Shaun Torrente by 0.738 seconds. Andersson won the first sprint race, followed by teammate Eric Stark in second and two-time world champion Sami Selio in third. Rasti Wyatt from Sharjah Team, who replaced his engine, finished sixth but received a one-lap penalty, while teammate Grant Trask was disqualified due to boat damage. In the second sprint race, Shaun Torrente won, leading by over three seconds after the first lap, with Alex Vekstrom in second and Stefan Arand in third. Rashed Al-Kemzi lost his podium position due to a starting line penalty.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Google Keep is working on new UI that may screw up your muscle memory

Google is updating its Keep app, specifically focusing on the toolbar at the bottom. The Add button will become larger and permanently blue to reduce accidental taps. The Background options button will be replaced by a checkbox button for easier switching between note and list formats, while the Background options will still be accessible in the menu that appears when the Add button is tapped. Other features like Reminder, Labels, and Collaborator will also be included in the Add menu, indicating a more intuitive design for note-taking and list management. These changes are based on an APK teardown of version 5.26.301.00.90, and not all features may be included in the final release.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Some Android Phones Can No Longer Access Google Play

Smartphone users are now keeping their devices for an average of two and a half years before upgrading, an increase from 22 months in 2016. Android manufacturers, including Google and Samsung, are now providing seven years of operating system and security updates for their flagship models. Google has restricted access to the Play Store for devices running Android 6 Marshmallow, raising the minimum supported version to Android 7 Nougat, marking the end of support for Marshmallow after nearly 11 years. By December 2025, devices running Android 6 or earlier will account for only 0.4% of the Android install base accessing Play Store services. App developers must adhere to Google's version targeting protocols, which may result in many apps not functioning on older versions like Marshmallow. Users can download apps from alternative sources but must be cautious about compatibility.

Winsage

July 28, 2026

I’m worried that Windows 11 will slowly turn into a subscription-based OS, and AI agents will be to blame

Concerns about Microsoft's future monetization strategy for Windows suggest a potential shift from a one-time payment model to a subscription-based system. This aligns with a broader trend among tech companies favoring recurring revenue. Recent AI developments, such as the transition from the free Deep Research feature to the subscription-based Researcher, indicate a move towards monetizing AI functionalities. Additionally, features like Microsoft Whiteboard and Outlook's Meeting Insight now require paid subscriptions. Microsoft plans to introduce AI agents in Windows 11, which may also be gated behind paywalls, leading to a modular operating system with optional paid features. Speculation exists about a tiered subscription model, including a free version that could become ad-supported. However, uncertainties remain regarding user acceptance and the perceived value of AI features, which could impact the success of such a transition.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Gemini app’s latest UI change makes it easier to set up thinking levels, control notifications

Google is updating its Gemini app to improve user experience with a refined interface and new notification controls. The model picker dropdown now only includes the “Extended Thinking” option, removing the redundant “Standard” option. Users can manage notifications for categories such as Daily Brief, Scheduled actions, Responses, and Product updates and tips, with toggles enabled by default. Gemini Spark is also being redesigned with a top navigation bar for better task management and a search icon replacing the previous menu button. The rollout of these updates may vary by device.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

Hate the Copilot Key? Here’s How to Disable It Completely

In 2024, the introduction of the Copilot key on Windows PCs replaced the Right Control (Ctrl) key on many laptops, leading to user complaints about disrupted workflows and the loss of keyboard shortcuts. In response to the backlash, Microsoft is preparing to implement a "kill switch" for the Copilot key, allowing users to revert it back to its original function or disable it entirely. Users will soon be able to remap the key through Settings, and the option to disable it was not previously available. Microsoft acknowledged the challenges faced by users who relied on the Right Ctrl key and noted significant disruptions to workflows. While disabling the Copilot key may become straightforward, completely turning off Copilot is more complex, requiring users to avoid launching the Microsoft Copilot app for 28 days. Microsoft has also indicated a need to remove Copilot from applications where it does not perform well, following the removal of Copilot from several ineffective Windows 11 applications.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Videogame villains who sing at you are the best

The villain's monologue is a common trope in video games, often replaced by musical performances from antagonists in some titles. In Middle-earth: Shadow of War, The Singer is an orc who sings operatic verses about battles, enhancing the experience. In Hades 2, Scylla's performances are humorously interrupted by a witch, contrasting her siren songs with Melinoe's indifference. The Joker in the Arkham series incorporates musical interludes, including a haunting rendition of "Only You" during the credits of Arkham City. In Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Teh Earworm is a creature that plays catchy tunes, leaving players with memorable melodies. GLaDOS's song "Still Alive" from Portal has become a cultural touchstone, reflecting her personality and enhancing her character's narrative. Total Distortion features guitar warriors, where failure results in a memorable game-over song, integrating music into gameplay. Conroy Bumpus in Sam & Max: Hit the Road offers a satirical country song, critiquing the big-game hunter archetype. In Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell, Satan sings with Broadway flair, adding humor and depth to his character. Ursula in Kingdom Hearts 2 showcases her villainy through song, providing comedic relief with her playful references. I.M. Meen opens with a song that sets the tone for a game blending education and entertainment. In Cuphead, King Dice performs a jazzy number in "Die House," enhancing the stakes and his flamboyant personality.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

I replaced my old Android Auto sideloading method with this, and it’s so much easier

The process of sideloading apps for Android Auto can be complex due to varying permissions by device and app. Users often face issues with platforms like Android Auto Apps Download (AAAD), which may go offline. Some beneficial sideloaded apps include AABrowser for internet browsing and CarStream for watching YouTube. A new sideloading method allows users to bypass AAAD, ensuring app icons appear in the vehicle's infotainment system. This method was effective on a Pixel 10 Pro running Android 17 without being rooted, but results may vary on other devices. To enable this method, users must activate Developer Mode on their Android device and Android Auto. It is important to install apps from reputable sources, such as GitHub, as recent updates to Android Auto may remove sideloaded apps that circumvent restrictions. After enabling the Unknown Sources option in Android Auto's developer settings, users can install apps like AABrowser, which then appears in the Android Auto launcher and the vehicle's infotainment system.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved review

Microsoft will release a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved on July 28, 2026, priced at £40. The game is being developed by Halo Studios and will feature cooperative multiplayer for up to four players, but will not include player-versus-player options or a theater mode. It will offer the original campaign along with three bonus missions. The visual style has changed from the original, leading to mixed reactions regarding its aesthetics and audio updates. The remake has a file size of 70GB and may have performance issues on less powerful hardware. Comparatively, The Master Chief Collection offers more content for a lower price.