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Google Play Store's first experimental 'Labs' feature lets you 'expand everything'
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

Google Play Store’s first experimental ‘Labs’ feature lets you ‘expand everything’

Google is testing a new feature in its Play Store called “Expand everything,” which automatically expands search results to provide more information about apps without needing to manually expand each result. This feature, found in the “Play Labs” section, displays search results in an expanded format by default, changing the arrow icon from an expander to a collapsible tool. While it offers more detailed information, it occupies more screen space, resulting in fewer visible results. Users can enable or disable this feature by navigating to the “Play Labs” option in their profile settings. The rollout is gradual, with limited access for users currently, but it is expected to become more widely available soon.
YouTube is auto-launching Shorts, and users aren't happy
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

YouTube is auto-launching Shorts, and users aren’t happy

YouTube has started auto-launching its Shorts feature upon opening the app, causing confusion and frustration among users. Reports indicate that this behavior is inconsistent across accounts, with some users experiencing the app defaulting to Shorts even if they closed it on a different screen. Complaints about this issue have been ongoing for several months, suggesting it may be part of a limited test rather than a deliberate design choice. Users can remove Shorts from their home page by setting their daily time limit to zero or choosing the Ignore Limit option, though this may lead to frequent reminders.
Big Walk: So, what's the deal with that number puzzle?
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

Big Walk: So, what’s the deal with that number puzzle?

Players in Big Walk can find a prize called a nubbin inside a frosted glass container near the beach, marked by two four-digit numbers. The numbers 4166 and 1899 are coordinates (latitude and longitude) that lead to the button's location on the island. To solve the puzzle, players need to first place five nubbins atop the red tower to access a map room. The map indicates that the button is located east and south of the starter hub, with specific measurements derived from the numbers. A small button is hidden behind a rock, and one player must hold it down while another retrieves the nubbin. Players can also use a GPS device to assist in locating the button.
'I am a big roguelike guy, but also a fan of minimalism and elegance': Sam Barlow, creator of Her Story, guides us through the games in his Steam Library
AppWizard
August 9, 2026

‘I am a big roguelike guy, but also a fan of minimalism and elegance’: Sam Barlow, creator of Her Story, guides us through the games in his Steam Library

Sam Barlow is the director of Half Mermaid and a notable figure in interactive fiction, known for his work on games like Arrival, Ghost Rider, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, Her Story, Telling Lies, and Immortality. He has a fondness for the game D: The Game, appreciating its cinematography and atmosphere despite its design flaws. Barlow has dedicated over 500 hours to Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island, which he considers one of the greatest roguelikes. He also treasures Riven, keeping it installed at all times for its artistic value. On the non-gaming side, he relies on Fade In, a screenwriting software that he finds essential for his work. Barlow's desktop is chaotic, as he saves everything there, leading to a cluttered environment.
Google Photos users report handy drag-to-select feature has disappeared
AppWizard
August 8, 2026

Google Photos users report handy drag-to-select feature has disappeared

Many users of Google Photos have reported that the drag-to-select feature, which allowed for easy selection of multiple photos by dragging a finger across the screen, has seemingly vanished. Users can still initiate multi-select by tapping and holding a photo, but dragging now only scrolls the screen, requiring individual selection of images. This issue affects various devices, including Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus models, with some users noting that the feature still works on certain devices like the Pixel 6 Pro. The situation appears to be a bug rather than a deliberate change, and users are awaiting a resolution from Google.
I gave my Samsung phone superpowers with a $6 pack of NFC tags
AppWizard
August 8, 2026

I gave my Samsung phone superpowers with a $6 pack of NFC tags

NFC technology enhances daily life by allowing users to automate tasks through NFC tags. These tags are inexpensive, with a pack of ten costing around , and in the U.S., fifty tags can be purchased for just under . Users can create routines on Samsung phones by accessing Settings, selecting Modes and Routines, and scanning NFC tags to trigger automated actions. Practical routines include: - Morning Routine: Scanning an NFC tag turns off an alarm, adjusts phone settings, opens Google Calendar and Google Keep, and allows for news updates. - Work-from-Home Routine: Optimizes phone settings for productivity, including keeping the phone unlocked and using the Pomodoro technique with the Tomato app. - Pre-Outdoor Exercise Routine: Activates location services, adjusts Bluetooth settings, opens a podcast app, and reminds users to take essential items. - Android Auto Routine: Simplifies the connection process between the phone and Android Auto using two NFC tags for connecting and disconnecting. - Cooking Routine: Launches Samsung Food and Google Clock to set timers while cooking. - Bedtime Routine: Launches a white noise app, prompts a review of notes, and adjusts settings for better sleep. These routines illustrate the versatility of NFC tags in streamlining daily activities.
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