road trip Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

3 Apps You Can Sideload On Android Auto

Transforming an old tablet into an Android Auto head unit involves activating developer mode and enabling "Unknown Sources" to sideload applications. Alternatively, third-party tools like Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) can be used to integrate unofficial apps. Sideloading carries risks, as these apps are not officially vetted and may malfunction after system updates. CarStream is a sideloaded app that allows users to access YouTube on their car display without rooting their phone, making it useful during parked moments. Fermata Auto is an open-source media player that plays local media files from a phone or hard drive, ideal for offline use. Screen2Auto mirrors a phone's display onto the car screen, allowing access to any app, but should be used with caution while driving.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

I’ve played over 50 hours of Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator this month, and it’s cured my gaming burnout

Alex Cope shared how a surprise game reignited his passion for gaming amidst the industry's burdensome state, characterized by fatigue from live service models and monetization strategies. He found enjoyment in American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2, appreciating their vast open worlds that allow for solo exploration and community engagement. The driving experience is central to his enjoyment, with no rigid campaign structure and the freedom to traverse any map from the start. The journey itself is meditative, with leveling up providing longer, rewarding drives rather than just monetary gains. The games feature a modding community that offers extensive customization options, and the multiplayer aspect allows players to join convoys and engage with others. Both games are compatible with handheld devices like the Steam Deck, which he prefers for gaming, and they continue to receive updates. While there are some performance limitations, the overall experience remains impressive, providing a soothing escape from daily gaming. The base versions of the games are affordably priced, with ample opportunities for exploration in the core maps.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

‘RV There Yet?’ Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass, And Here’s What The Reviews Are Saying

Xbox Game Pass has added the co-op adventure game RV There Yet?, which is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, and Cloud. The game received a "Very Positive" rating on Steam and an average score of 72 on Metacritic. It features gameplay centered around navigating a Recreational Vehicle (RV) and has been praised for its engaging nature and fun multiplayer experience. The game is available on Xbox Game Pass for Premium, Ultimate, and PC tiers, or can be purchased for £6.69. Crossplay between Xbox Game Pass and Steam players is not currently supported, but developers are working on this feature.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Game Pass Hits The Open Road With RV There Yet? On Xbox And PC

RV There Yet? is a game developed and published by Nuggets Entertainment, available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and part of Game Pass for Ultimate, PC, and Premium subscribers. The game is priced at £6.69 for those who wish to purchase it outright. Players navigate through challenges in Mabutts Valley while managing the RV and its occupants, emphasizing teamwork and communication. The gameplay involves driving, resource management, and problem-solving in a cooperative setting. The game is now available for download and supports Xbox Play Anywhere.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Arizona Sunshine third-person shooter remake announced for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Vertigo Games announced a remake of Arizona Sunshine, a third-person shooter set to launch in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC. The game features cooperative gameplay and a narrative centered on survival and the bond between a survivor named Sunny and his dog, Buddy. Players will face hordes of zombies using various weapons and can play as Buddy in cooperative mode. The game emphasizes both solo and two-player online or split-screen cooperative play, with customization options for characters. An announcement trailer and screenshots are available for viewing.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

4 Android Auto apps I highly recommend for your next road trip – beyond Maps and Spotify

Android Auto enhances road trips by integrating various apps that improve navigation and entertainment. Key apps include: - MyRadar: Provides real-time weather radar updates to help monitor storms. - Fuelio: Tracks fuel costs and mileage, locates nearby gas stations, and logs maintenance. - Scanner Radio: Connects to live local dispatch feeds for emergency services to help navigate traffic. - PlugShare: A directory of global charging stations for electric vehicles, allowing users to filter by plug type and read reviews. - A Better Routeplanner: Assists EV owners in planning routes based on charger availability. Bonus app: - iExit: Offers information about amenities at upcoming exits, useful for truckers, RVers, and families on road trips, although it is not compatible with Android Auto.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

6 Android Auto apps I wish I found sooner, because they make every drive easier

Android Auto offers various apps to enhance the driving experience. 1. Fuelio provides real-time information on nearby gas stations and their prices, allows users to log mileage and expenses, and offers insights into vehicle performance and maintenance costs. 2. Pocket Casts manages multiple podcast subscriptions, features silence-trimming, and has a user-friendly interface for an enjoyable listening experience while driving. 3. SpotHero helps locate available parking spots in real-time and provides essential reservation details, including navigation to the spot. 4. Weather & Radar displays forecasts and live radar imagery, allowing drivers to assess weather conditions and make informed route decisions, compatible with navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze. 5. GameSnacks offers simple games for families, serving as a distraction for kids during wait times in the car. 6. PlugShare assists electric vehicle owners in locating nearby charging stations, includes user reviews on reliability, and provides information on nearby amenities.

AppWizard

May 9, 2026

Minecraft Movie 2 Set Photos: Jack Black’s Steve Takes His Lava Chicken Ventures On The Road As Sequel Starts Filming

Jack Black's character, Steve, will return in the upcoming sequel to the Minecraft movie, which is currently in development following the success of the first film. The sequel features a new vehicle, an RV called "Steve's Lava Chicken," which includes a playful image of Steve and a chicken. The Lava Chicken concept, introduced in the original film, plays a significant role in the sequel's narrative, suggesting that the characters may go on a road trip. Familiar cast members, including Jason Momoa and Danielle Brooks, will return, and Kirsten Dunst will join as a new character, Alex. The sequel is set to be released on July 23, 2027, and may include the legendary Ender Dragon, hinting at an epic quest.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Steam’s Most-Wishlisted Games Forced Into Early Release As Subnautica 2 Pulls A Hollow Knight: Silksong

Developers are adjusting their release schedules due to the impending launch of major titles like GTA 6 and Hollow Knight: Silksong. The release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong in September 2025 has caused over eight games to delay their launches, with some moving to November and others, like Aeterna Lucis, postponing until 2026. The early access release of Subnautica 2, confirmed for May 14, has led other games, including Outbound, to change their release dates. Outbound, originally set for May 14, will now launch on May 11 for Steam and Xbox, while keeping May 14 for Epic Games Store and PlayStation.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

5 Clever Ways To Use Gemini On Android Auto

Google Gemini enhances the driving experience for Android Auto users with intuitive voice-activated features. Users can add stops, retrieve information, and manage tasks without taking their eyes off the road. To use Gemini, the app must be installed on the smartphone, and it can be activated by saying "Hey Google," tapping the microphone icon, or pressing the voice command button on the steering wheel. Gemini allows users to manage emails, check inboxes, create to-do lists, and summarize unread emails. It integrates with messaging applications, summarizing messages and sending replies in over 40 languages. Users can also inquire about the status of online orders and summarize group chats. The assistant can help find dining options along a route and provide regional information. It can also control music playback, allowing users to request specific songs or create playlists based on their preferences. Users can engage in conversations with Gemini for information or suggestions, making it a versatile tool for enhancing the driving experience.