shapes Archives

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft Ends FrontPage RPC in Secure 365 Update

Microsoft plans to block outdated protocols, including FrontPage Remote Procedure Call, as part of its "Secure by Default" initiative to enhance cybersecurity within its Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This decision aims to phase out legacy technologies that pose security risks, reflecting a broader industry trend toward prioritizing robust cybersecurity over maintaining older systems. The impact will be significant in enterprise environments, where legacy systems are often critical, requiring IT teams to identify dependencies on these protocols. While Microsoft provides guidance for migration, the responsibility lies with customers, which may strain relationships with long-time clients.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

10 years later, no one has replicated Rocket League’s mojo

Rocket League, launched on July 7, 2015, is approaching its 10th anniversary, prompting Psyonix to celebrate with a dedicated season. The game combines soccer with rocket-powered vehicles and has influenced the gaming landscape. While other titles like Hockey? and Slapshot offer similar physics-based mechanics, they do not capture the essence of Rocket League. A new game, Rematch, is in advanced access on Steam and allows players to control individual characters but lacks the defining elements of Rocket League, such as rockets and cars. The impact of Rocket League is evident in how it shapes perceptions of sports in gaming.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

How to change app icons on any Android phone

App icons on stock Android cannot be changed directly, requiring third-party tools and icon packs for customization. To change app icons on an Android phone, users need a shortcut maker app or a third-party app launcher, along with an icon pack. To change icons individually, users can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher. The process involves installing the icon pack, setting up the launcher, long-pressing the app icon, selecting the pencil icon, choosing the icon pack, and selecting the desired icon. To change all app icons with an icon pack, users can install Nova Launcher, long-press a blank area on the home screen, go to Settings, navigate to Look & feel, tap Icon style, select Icon theme, and choose the icon pack. Some icon packs allow direct application if compatible with the device or launcher. With Android 12's Material You, users can theme icons based on their wallpaper by enabling the Themed icons option in the Wallpapers and style section. Samsung users can acquire icon packs through the Samsung Galaxy Theme Store by selecting the Themes option, browsing for icon packs, and applying them. However, these packs may not theme every icon in the app drawer. Good Lock's Theme Park extension allows for more customization by creating personalized icon packs. Users can download Good Lock and Theme Park, select Create New in the Icon tab, choose icon shapes and colors, and apply the new icon pack. Certain applications, like Textra and Pulse SMS, allow users to change the app icon natively. While some tools enable renaming apps, system-wide renaming is not possible without root access.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Latest Google Messages beta brings its Expressive redesign to more users

A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 has reported the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages, which includes a reworked plus icon menu and a "connected button group" for emojis and GIFs. The beta update features a solid-color background for conversations, distinguishing texts from contact options. The redesign is not yet available in the stable version of Google Messages but is gradually being rolled out to beta users. The conversation field now has a rounded-corner container, separating it from calling and menu buttons. Not all beta users have received the update, indicating it is still being distributed. The Material 3 Expressive design philosophy aims to enhance the Android experience with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes. Similar updates have been noted in other Google applications, such as Gmail.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

OK Google, it’s time to support app icon packs on Pixel phones

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update introduces new features, including Material 3 Expressive and a "Themes" tab in the Wallpaper and Style app, indicating potential customization through unreleased "Pixel Customization Packs." While the full capabilities of Pixel themes are unclear, they may include new wallpapers, fonts, and app icon designs, addressing the current limitations of app icon customization on Pixel phones. Future updates promise customizable app icon shapes, but lack of support for third-party icon packs remains a significant drawback compared to competitors like OnePlus and Samsung. The introduction of Pixel themes raises hopes for enhanced personalization, particularly regarding icon pack support, which has been a long-standing request from Pixel users.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

This new Android launcher is my new must-have app for foldable phones

Foldable smartphones often face software limitations, particularly with launchers, leading users to choose between restrictive first-party options and inadequate third-party alternatives. Octopi Launcher has emerged as a promising solution, recently launching in beta on the Play Store. It offers unique configurations tailored to both the smaller cover screen and the larger display of foldable devices, allowing users to customize layouts for different orientations and purposes. Users can create up to four distinct layouts, with options for portrait and landscape modes, and can easily set up new layouts with intuitive prompts. Octopi excels in widget management, allowing independent sizing of widgets and app icons without compromising icon size. It supports overlapping and stacked widgets, enhancing visual appeal. The app drawer offers customizable options, including traditional icon shapes or tiles that display app names. While Octopi is impressive, it is still in development, with limitations in its gesture library and basic search functionality. It is best suited for foldable phones, although it can still benefit traditional devices. Overall, Octopi Launcher is tailored for heavy customizers and shows promise for future updates.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

Exclusive Memorial Day tech deals on Microsoft software for less than $10

Small business owners can take advantage of exclusive offers on Microsoft software, using the coupon code WINDOWS to purchase select products for just .97 until Tuesday, May 27. - Microsoft Windows 11 Home, normally priced at 139, is available for .97. - Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, originally 199, can be secured for .97. - Microsoft Project Professional 2021, typically 999.99, is offered for .97. - Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional, usually 999.99, is available for .97. Upon placing an order, customers will receive an instant redemption code and instructions via email to redeem their software purchase.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Pixel Phones Get a Taste of Material 3 Expressive in Android 16 Beta

Google I/O 2025 has concluded, and the Android 16 QPR1 Beta has been launched, introducing the Material 3 Expressive design language. This update is the first Quarterly Platform Release following the stable Android 16 Beta program and is primarily aimed at developers and testers. It enhances user experience with a fresh visual design, which will also extend to Wear OS 6. Key features of the update include a redesigned user interface with increased space for widgets and apps, new system icons in the status bar, a colorful quick settings panel, expanded customization options, and enhanced controls for home and lock screens. The beta is available for various Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series, as well as Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

5 Windhawk modules I couldn’t use Windows 11 without

Windhawk is a tool for customizing the Windows 11 interface, allowing users to make significant modifications to their operating system. It provides various mods, including: - Vertical Taskbar Mod: Restores the ability to reposition the taskbar and customize its width and jump list alignment. - Taskbar Labels Mod: Allows users to display labels for app icons, customize label text, combine apps, and adjust taskbar width, with options for increasing label font size. - Start Menu Syler Mod: Enables users to apply themes to the Start menu, including options that mimic the Windows 10 look. - Classic Explorer Navigation Bar Mod: Restores familiar items to the File Explorer navigation bar, enhancing user experience. - Classic Context Menu Mod: Reverts the context menu to a more familiar format, improving accessibility to options. Windhawk also offers a portable installation option and encourages users to create a restore point before installation to safeguard against potential issues. The platform features a marketplace for various modules, allowing users to customize their experience further.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

A Super Mario 64 ROM Hacker Is Recreating Minecraft Inside The N64 Classic

A modder named Arthurtilly has created a voxel engine similar to Minecraft within the Super Mario 64 engine, which operates on an authentic Nintendo 64 console. This project showcases modern modding techniques applied to vintage hardware. Arthurtilly, known for previous ROM hacks, collaborated with rovertronic to develop the Mario Builder 64 tool. His latest hack features an infinite world, multiple block types, diverse biomes, initial fluid dynamics support, and enhanced graphics. Future plans for the engine include a dynamic day/night cycle, flowing lava and water, world saving and loading functionality, integration of trees and vegetation, and an inventory system.