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Don't worry, Valve: I've got your next Deadlock character concepts sorted
AppWizard
October 9, 2026

Don’t worry, Valve: I’ve got your next Deadlock character concepts sorted

Deadlock features a range of character concepts that could enhance its gameplay and narrative. Notable ideas include: - The Summer Mummy, characterized by floral board shorts and sunglasses, representing summer fun. - A professional baseball-playing Minotaur with a Scottish accent and a backstory involving the Bermuda Triangle. - Three gnomes disguised in a trench coat, part of a whimsical mafia called the Cosa Gnomestra. - A haunted suit of armor that acts as a boxer, engaging in combat while wearing boxing shorts and gloves. - A large, charismatic spider capable of traversing walls and wielding eight weapons. - A reimagined Humpty Dumpty as a tragic antihero who rolls into battle. - The remaining part of the monkey from the tale of the monkey's paw, potentially a sorcerer with magical abilities. - A North Pole elf advocating for labor rights, creating a narrative around social issues. - A deer transformed into a sapient being by a cursed amulet, navigating urban life with humor and relatability.
Android YouTube App Testing Automatic Shorts Playback on Startup
AppWizard
October 9, 2026

Android YouTube App Testing Automatic Shorts Playback on Startup

Google is experimenting with the Android version of its YouTube app by introducing an autoplay feature for "YouTube Shorts," which begins playing automatically upon launching the app. This behavior has been observed on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, where the autoplay persists even after the app is force-stopped. There is currently no setting available to disable this feature, leading to user frustration. Not all Android users are experiencing this issue, as it has not been universally confirmed across all devices.
Don’t buy a $500 dumbphone. These apps will make your Android phone calm
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.
I spent a month with YouTube Premium Lite, and I'm already canceling my subscription
AppWizard
September 3, 2026

I spent a month with YouTube Premium Lite, and I’m already canceling my subscription

YouTube Premium Lite was launched in South Africa as a budget-friendly option at R49.99 per month, approximately 39% cheaper than the full YouTube Premium subscription. Users were disappointed to find that ads still appeared in various areas of the app, including recommended feeds and search results, despite the promise of an ad-free experience. The service lacks features such as offline video downloads, leading to a perception that users are not getting their money's worth. A survey indicated that many users opt out of YouTube Premium, often using ad blockers or tolerating ads instead. The demand for a more affordable ad-free experience remains unmet, and users feel that their subscriptions do not adequately support creators, especially as Alphabet reports record profits.
Epic Mickey creator Warren Spector is 'a little bitter' that his studio isn't getting props for sparking Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's big comeback
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

Epic Mickey creator Warren Spector is ‘a little bitter’ that his studio isn’t getting props for sparking Oswald the Lucky Rabbit’s big comeback

Warren Spector expressed his anticipation for Disney's upcoming miniseries featuring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, which was announced by Jon Favreau at the D23 event. Spector highlighted the character's origins in the 1920s and the loss of rights by Walt Disney, leading to Oswald being overshadowed by Mickey Mouse. He noted that Oswald was largely forgotten until Disney regained the rights in 2006, after which the character made sporadic appearances. Spector emphasized the significance of the game Epic Mickey, originally released as a Nintendo Wii exclusive, which has been appreciated anew with the 2024 Rebrushed Edition. Despite the sequel, Epic Mickey 2, selling fewer copies, Spector praised Junction Point for redefining Oswald and adding depth to the character. The Oswald miniseries is set to debut in 2027, with hopes that Disney will recognize Junction Point's contributions to Oswald's legacy.
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.
6 hidden Google apps you aren't using, but should be
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

6 hidden Google apps you aren’t using, but should be

YouTube Create is a free mobile video editor that offers features for creating videos for platforms like Instagram Reels, including filters, effects, and AI capabilities for editing. Snapseed is a free photo editing app with professional-grade features and a user-friendly interface, recently updated to include a camera mode. Google Opinion Rewards allows users to earn Play Store credit by completing short surveys. Action Blocks enables users to create customizable buttons for specific smartphone actions, aiding those who struggle with traditional navigation. Gallery is a minimalist photo management app that focuses on viewing images and videos without distractions. Google Lens is a versatile tool that identifies objects, extracts text, translates in real-time, and engages users in conversations about their surroundings.
We asked the voice of Eisenhorn, Gaunt, and Garro in Warhammer 40k who his favorite character to play is
AppWizard
August 6, 2026

We asked the voice of Eisenhorn, Gaunt, and Garro in Warhammer 40k who his favorite character to play is

Toby Longworth is a prominent voice actor in Warhammer 40k, known for his work on Black Library novels, particularly those by Dan Abnett, including the Eisenhorn and Gaunt's Ghosts series. He has also voiced Nathaniel Garro in Horus Heresy novels. Currently, he is involved in Dawn of War 4, voicing various Space Marines. Additional content about his career and collaboration with Alex Jordan will be available on the PC Gamer YouTube channel.
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