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AppWizard

September 21, 2026

Wait, how did Lego beat Minecraft to making a city builder?

Lego has introduced Lego Skylines, which allows fans to build cityscapes with colorful bricks, reflecting a natural evolution of the brand. This has led to discussions about the lack of a city-building spinoff for Minecraft, a game known for its building mechanics. In Minecraft, there are already elements conducive to city-building, such as templated structures, player engagement with villagers, and a community interest in large-scale construction. Additionally, the first generation of Minecraft players is leaning towards more strategic gameplay, and various mods exist that cater to this interest. Despite the potential, there are questions about why Mojang has not developed a city-building spinoff, with possibilities including unfulfilled internal prototypes, the search for suitable partners, and mixed results from previous spinoffs. The idea of city-building in Minecraft is appealing due to the existing captivating villages and the possibility of larger-scale construction.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

7 Windows features I disabled after realizing nobody needs to use them

Windows 11 allows users to optimize their experience by disabling or uninstalling various features. 1. OneDrive: Users can unlink or uninstall OneDrive through File Explorer or the Settings app. 2. Copilot: Copilot can be uninstalled via the Settings app, and its keyboard shortcut can be customized. 3. Widgets: The Widgets board can be disabled or removed through the Settings app under Personalization. 4. Start Menu: Users can streamline the Start Menu by turning off pinned apps, recent items, and account notifications in the Settings app. 5. Phone Link: This feature can be minimized or uninstalled using the Settings app or Windows PowerShell. 6. Xbox Features: Xbox and Xbox Live can be uninstalled through the Settings app, and Game Mode can be toggled off. The Xbox Game Bar can be removed via PowerShell. 7. Search Results: To improve search efficiency, users can disable Bing and web results using Windows PowerShell.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

5 Ways To Use Android Auto Without Touching Your Phone

Gemini integration in Android Auto enhances hands-free functionality, allowing drivers to use natural voice commands for navigation, music, and phone features without touching their devices. Users can activate voice commands by saying "Hey Google" or using a dedicated steering wheel button, depending on the vehicle model. Navigation can be managed entirely through voice, enabling users to request routes, add stops, and report issues without screen interaction. Android Auto also supports hands-free control for calls and messages, allowing users to answer and respond without taking their hands off the wheel. Automations can be set up to start Android Auto and media playback automatically when the phone connects to the vehicle, streamlining the driving experience.

BetaBeacon

September 20, 2026

MuMu Player vs GameLoop vs KOPLAYER: Android 15 Gap

Android emulators for PC have become a crowded market with close to a dozen actively maintained clients. Tencent and NetEase have first-party products like GameLoop and MuMu Player to control the PC on-ramp to their mobile catalogs. Independent players like BlueStacks and LDPlayer focus on platform-agnostic performance and feature breadth. KOPLAYER appears to be abandoned in 2026 with no updates, functioning website, or active development. MuMu Player supports Android 15, offering newer features for mobile games. GameLoop is focused on Tencent's mobile titles with updated documentation. MuMu Player and GameLoop are free, while KOPLAYER is also historically free. MuMu Player and GameLoop have ongoing updates and security, while KOPLAYER's lack of updates poses a security risk.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

Hate Deleted Messages? This Hidden Android Setting Lets You Read Them First

Notification History on Android allows users to revisit alerts from the past 24 hours and manage notifications effectively. To enable it on Google Pixel and Motorola devices, users should go to Settings > Notifications > Manage > Notification history and toggle on Use notification history. For Samsung devices, the steps are Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Notification history, then toggle the switch. Other Android brands may have the option in the Notifications section or can be found using the settings search bar. Notification History retains alerts for only 24 hours, automatically clearing older notifications, and does not log muted chat messages. Lengthy messages may not display in full.

Winsage

September 20, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a new look as Microsoft’s design boss confirms more ancient dialogs are next

Microsoft is modernizing outdated dialogs in Windows 11, including the Voice packages dialog, which currently lacks the rounded corners characteristic of the operating system's design. March Rogers, Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, confirmed that this dialog is scheduled for redesign, along with other legacy interfaces from older Windows versions. Microsoft is using a dual strategy for modernization: some dialogs are receiving dark mode support, while others are being rebuilt using WinUI 3. The File Properties dialog has already been successfully updated with this framework. The new Run dialog, developed with C# and WinUI 3, features dark mode and improved performance, while the legacy version will still be available. Additionally, the AutoPlay feature and Print Management app are also being redesigned in WinUI 3. Outdated interfaces, such as the local-account switching flow and the Windows 8-style input switcher on the login screen, are also set for redesign. Microsoft is updating various pages in the Settings menu, but the Control Panel will remain part of the Windows ecosystem.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

Don’t buy a $500 dumbphone. These apps will make your Android phone calm

The growing interest in minimalist phones, or "dumbphones," is prompting users to seek ways to transform existing smartphones into more focused devices. Key strategies include managing notifications by turning off alerts for most apps and allowing only essential updates, utilizing app blockers like Switchly to limit distractions from social media, and employing BlockAds to eliminate intrusive ads. Users can also opt for minimalist, ad-free versions of apps, such as the Fossify suite for essential functions and Breezy Weather for weather updates. Customizing the home screen to reduce clutter, such as simplifying it to a single page and disabling unnecessary widgets, can further enhance focus. Additionally, customizing popular apps like Chrome, Gmail, and Google Maps by disabling features and notifications helps create a calmer experience. Overall, intentional choices and the right tools can lead to a more serene smartphone environment.

Tech Optimizer

September 20, 2026

How to Remove a Keylogger: 12 Steps, 60 Min [2026]

A keylogger captures every keystroke made on a device and sends that information to an external source. In 2025, infostealer malware, including keyloggers, resulted in the theft of 642.4 million credentials from 13.2 million infections globally. In Australia, approximately 30,000 banking passwords were compromised between 2021 and 2025 due to this malware. The Australian Cyber Security Centre reported over 42,500 calls related to credential theft in one year, a 16% increase. Four main malware families dominate the landscape, with LummaC2 accounting for nearly 60% of credentials linked to infostealers in 2026. Keyloggers can be detected through signs such as typing lag, unexpected antivirus notifications, new browser extensions, and unexplained spikes in outbound data usage. Detection and removal steps include checking running processes, auditing startup programs, reviewing installed programs, running antivirus scans, and resetting passwords from a clean device. Keyloggers can infiltrate systems via phishing emails, malicious attachments, or compromised software downloads. Mobile devices can also be targeted by keyloggers disguised as legitimate apps.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

Gemini’s rough patch with smart home controls has spread to Android Auto

Recent reports indicate that the Gemini smart home control feature in Android Auto has stopped functioning for many users, similar to issues previously experienced by Wear OS users. Despite Google announcing a fix for Wear OS, the cause of the Android Auto malfunction remains unclear. Users have reported that commands for smart home devices, such as turning on air conditioning, are not working, with Gemini providing a message that it "cannot control smart home devices through Google Maps while driving." Some users have reverted to Google Assistant for reliability, as commands still work within the Gemini app. The exact cause of the disruptions is under investigation, with speculation about a potential server-side bug or unannounced changes in functionality. Efforts to obtain a statement from Google are ongoing.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

The Ultimate APK Safety Checklist Every Android User Needs

Downloading an APK file allows Android users to access various applications, including those not available in official app stores. Users should consider the source, developer credibility, and requested permissions before installation. APK files are the format used by Android for app installation, and users may download them for reasons such as regional restrictions, needing older versions, or testing beta releases. APK files are not inherently unsafe; the risks arise from unknown sources, which may contain malware, tracking software, or other harmful elements. To ensure safety, users should verify the origin of the file, the developer's identity, and the permissions requested by the app. They should also scan APK files with security tools and be cautious of warning signs like unrealistic promises or missing developer information. A checklist before installation includes researching the app name, confirming the developer, reviewing permissions, checking security information, and monitoring the app after installation. Safe practices involve downloading from official sources, avoiding unknown websites, and keeping Android security updates current. Trusted information sources can help users make better decisions regarding APK files.