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I can't get the Pixel's Now Playing feature on my Android phone, but one of my long-time favorite apps gets the job done
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

I can’t get the Pixel’s Now Playing feature on my Android phone, but one of my long-time favorite apps gets the job done

The Now Playing feature on Google Pixel phones allows users to identify songs playing nearby, but Google has no plans to extend this feature to other Android devices. Shazam is a popular alternative for song identification, offering an Auto Shazam feature that works in the background on nearly all Android devices. This feature processes song identification on-device, conserving battery life and data usage. Shazam is often one of the first apps downloaded when setting up a new phone, making it a key tool for music discovery.
The World as a Sliding Puzzle: Puzzle-Platformer Lost Twins 2 Released on iOS and Android
BetaBeacon
August 2, 2026

The World as a Sliding Puzzle: Puzzle-Platformer Lost Twins 2 Released on iOS and Android

Lost Twins 2 is a puzzle-platformer game where players help twins Abi and Ben reunite and find their way home through a world of unique creatures. The game features an environment rearrangement mechanic where players can move and swap tiles to create new pathways and solve puzzles. Players will encounter increasingly complex challenges, including controlling both twins and coordinating their actions. Lost Twins 2 offers solo and local co-op modes, with a "try before you buy" model allowing players to download the game for free and unlock the full version with a one-time purchase.
Every household management app I tried came up short, so I built my own with Claude
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

Every household management app I tried came up short, so I built my own with Claude

The author sought to improve household management by creating a customized app after finding existing apps inadequate. They initially planned to develop a traditional Android app but switched to a progressive web app (PWA) for quicker prototyping. The PWA evolved to include features for tracking family spending, inventory, and chores, with integration of Google Calendar and Firebase for syncing. The author repurposed an old tablet as a family hub for easy access to the app. After multiple iterations, they are now working on a native Android version, appreciating the learning experience gained from developing the PWA.
Your Samsung phone already has something better than Android 17 App Bubbles — here’s how to use it
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

Your Samsung phone already has something better than Android 17 App Bubbles — here’s how to use it

Android 17 introduces App Bubbles, allowing users to create floating bubbles for apps on their screen for easier access while using other applications. Samsung Galaxy phones have a similar feature called Pop-Up View, which offers a more refined multitasking experience with resizable, floating windows. Pop-Up View allows users to interact with multiple apps simultaneously without disrupting the primary app, making it useful for tasks like watching videos while chatting. Users can access Pop-Up View through the Recents menu, a swipe gesture, or the Edge Panel. The swipe gesture is preferred for its speed, though it may require practice. Pop-Up View supports individual window resizing and maintains visibility of app contents in the background, unlike App Bubbles, which can obscure the screen.
Question time: What makes a 'good' grind in an MMO?
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

Question time: What makes a ‘good’ grind in an MMO?

Grinding in MMOs refers to the repetitive activities necessary to achieve specific objectives within the game. It is often debated among players, with some expressing aversion to it, while others find it an inherent part of the genre focused on progression and long-term goals. An example provided is the quest for relic weapons in Final Fantasy 14, where gathering 600 units of crystal paste from dungeons involves grinding low-level dungeons. The author reflects on their enjoyment of this grinding experience, suggesting that it may offer a sense of tranquility and could be beneficial within MMOs. The text invites readers to share their opinions on grinding, whether they find it enjoyable or frustrating.
Someone turned PostgreSQL into a city you can walk around in
Tech Optimizer
July 31, 2026

Someone turned PostgreSQL into a city you can walk around in

Nik Samokhvalov created PGSimCity, a visualizer for the open-source database PostgreSQL, inspired by the game SimCity. It allows users to navigate a city-like environment using gaming controls, where database transactions are represented as animations. The project originated from a prompt to Claude and involved 3.86 billion tokens of AI-assisted coding. PGSimCity is open source and has potential for adaptation to explain other complex technologies.
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