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This Android TV launcher gave me screen time controls, but I'm still not switching from Monet
AppWizard
October 11, 2026

This Android TV launcher gave me screen time controls, but I’m still not switching from Monet

PLUI, or Premium Launcher TV UI, is an Android TV launcher that offers a feature-rich experience without premium fees. It features a vibrant interface with an app list, colorful widgets, and a sidebar menu, but can appear cluttered and overwhelming. The performance on devices like the Chromecast with Google TV can be sluggish compared to lighter alternatives. PLUI provides extensive customization options, including over 80 weather-related widgets, photo slideshows, and security camera feeds. Users can select backgrounds from sources like Reddit and NASA, and apply a blur effect. It supports multiple user profiles, accommodating up to ten accounts, and includes parental controls such as screen time limits. However, its performance and user experience may not surpass lighter launchers like Monet, which offers similar features in a more streamlined manner.
Your old phone isn't useless: 4 smart ways to get more life out of it
AppWizard
October 2, 2026

Your old phone isn’t useless: 4 smart ways to get more life out of it

Phone upgrades often lead to replacing devices every couple of years, but old phones still hold value. Users typically choose to deal with their old phones in the following ways: 26% sell or trade it in, 26% hand it down to family or friends, 42% turn it into a dedicated gadget, and 5% let it sit in a drawer. Old phones can be kept as second devices for personal and work separation, used as an Android Auto display, or serve as a backup phone for emergencies. They can also be repurposed into gadgets like dash cams, security cameras, music players, e-readers, universal remotes, or PC companions. Additionally, they can replace webcams, act as second screens, or provide portable storage. If repurposing isn’t appealing, selling the phone is a practical option, with a strong market for used phones on platforms like SellCell, Swappa, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Trading it in may yield better benefits, especially with retailer promotions, and donating it to charity is another option.
Showing the Windows 10 desktop was the yeast they could do
Winsage
April 8, 2026

Showing the Windows 10 desktop was the yeast they could do

A bakery in Ontario, Canada, displayed three Windows 10 desktops in a humorous signage mishap. The bakery advertises itself as "Artisan, Fresh, and Healthy," and has a security camera aimed at preventing baguette theft. The presence of Windows 10, despite its criticisms, is seen as more favorable than its successor, Windows 11. The bakery lacks typical enticing imagery, featuring instead the default Windows 10 wallpaper.
'We are definitely not doing QTEs', said Dispatch's creative director before doing QTEs: 'We just needed it to not suck'
AppWizard
March 11, 2026

‘We are definitely not doing QTEs’, said Dispatch’s creative director before doing QTEs: ‘We just needed it to not suck’

Nick Herman and Dennis Lenart from AdHoc Studio discussed the development of the game Dispatch at GDC, focusing on its innovative gameplay mechanics. The team initially aimed to create engaging gameplay beyond traditional narrative-driven experiences, starting with light puzzle elements related to the protagonist's role. They moved away from a dispatching minigame concept and drew inspiration from the game This is the Police, leading to the creation of the Z Team, a group of ex-villains managed by players. The team considered incorporating quick time events (QTEs) but aimed to improve their execution. They established guiding principles to enhance player experience, such as avoiding jumpscares with prompts, not imposing unfair penalties for missed prompts, and limiting QTEs to two types: a timed prompt and a directional swipe. They found that players felt good about the experience if they hit 80% or more of the prompts and allowed button mashing without penalties for premature presses. To accommodate players who dislike QTEs, they made them optional. Ultimately, the team discovered that well-designed QTEs could be enjoyable, and the overall balance of Dispatch has been positively received by players.
6 crucial features the new Google Home app needs to win me back
AppWizard
September 28, 2025

6 crucial features the new Google Home app needs to win me back

Google is revamping its Home app by integrating Gemini, featuring a redesigned interface that consolidates favorites and devices into a Home tab. A new "Ask Home" text box allows users to interact with smart home systems, enabling inquiries about security camera activity and device statuses. Users desire customizable tiles and dashboards, an easier way to build routines, flexible device grouping beyond rigid room setups, broader camera brand support, improved visibility for scenes, and comprehensive logs of device activities.
How to turn your old Android phone into a security or pet camera
AppWizard
September 18, 2024

How to turn your old Android phone into a security or pet camera

Vacations can cause anxiety for pet owners concerned about the safety of their pets at home. To address this, an individual repurposed an old Android phone as a pet camera using the DroidCam app. The setup requires an Android phone (version 5.0 and up), a power cord, the DroidCam app, and a web browser on the same network. The app provides an IP address and port number to access the camera feed via a web browser. The free version offers video resolutions of 240p or 480p, while the pro version, DroidCamX, provides higher resolutions and additional features. The phone should remain plugged in to avoid battery depletion, and the app continues to stream even when the phone is locked or in sleep mode.
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