theme Archives

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Android 16 QPR1’s new recents screen makes split-screen easier to find

In the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 release, Google redesigned the recents screen to improve user experience by making the app context menu more accessible. The new interface includes a pill-shaped button displaying the app's name and a downward arrow for additional options. The redesign addresses discoverability issues by allowing users to easily identify apps corresponding to task previews. The context menu offers seven primary actions: “App info,” “Split screen,” “Pin,” “Pause app,” “Screenshot,” “Select,” and “Close,” with the “Save app pair” option appearing only for split-screen tasks. Aesthetic enhancements include pill-shaped containers for the “Screenshot” and “Select” buttons and a blurred background of the user's wallpaper, aligning with Google’s Material 3 Expressive theme.

BetaBeacon

May 20, 2025

These iOS & Android Apps Won’t be Free for Much Longer

There are free Android games available for a limited time, including "Monster Killer Pro," which is a top-down shooter game where the player shoots monsters.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Cozy Food Puzzler Game Umami Announced For PC

Indie game developer Mimmox is set to release a cozy food-themed puzzle game titled Umami for PC in 2025. Players will engage in culinary creation by assembling meals from various food items in a timer-free environment. The game features 15 hand-painted dioramas, whimsical characters like Chef Bumblebake and Chef Sushiba, and opportunities to uncover hidden treasures. Umami promotes exploration and enjoyment without penalties for mistakes, aiming to provide a relaxing gaming experience. A trailer showcasing the game's mechanics and visuals is available for players.

BetaBeacon

May 17, 2025

The 5 Best New Apps for Android and iPhone this Week

- EA SPORTS FC Tactical is a mobile game that offers a turn-based system for making strategic decisions during key moments of a football match. - The game combines realistic player models with stylized animations and a rock-paper-scissors-style attribute system to determine the outcome of encounters. - The game features a unique approach to traditional football elements and offers a cinematic experience with dynamic music and visual effects.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Pixelify Your Android Smartphone with This Wallpaper App

Doodle is a Java-based open-source wallpaper application developed by Patrick Zedler, featuring the original Doodle wallpaper collection from the Pixel 4 and unreleased Material You static wallpapers from the Pixel 6. The app allows users to explore wallpapers organized into three categories, select variants, add accent colors, set daily random wallpapers, and toggle night mode. Doodle includes three live wallpapers with interactive features like "Swipe" and "Tilt" effects. Users can customize live wallpaper animations and app color themes through various settings. During testing on a Samsung smartphone with Android 14, some features like the "Swipe" effect and Accent Colors were non-functional due to compatibility issues with the default launcher. The app's live wallpaper occasionally malfunctioned during the lock/unlock process, and transitioning between light and dark modes required relaunching the app. The source code is available on GitHub under GPLv3 licensing, and the app can be downloaded from F-Droid and the Play Store.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

How to get started with Semantic Indexing on Windows 11

Semantic Indexing is an AI-driven feature in Windows 11 that enhances search functionality using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to interpret the context and intent behind search queries. It allows users to search for files, settings, and content using conversational language rather than exact keywords. Semantic Indexing is integrated into various components of Windows 11, including File Explorer, the Start menu, and the Taskbar search box. It requires a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and is available on Copilot+ PCs starting with the May 2025 security update. Users can verify its activation by checking for specific AI components in the settings. The feature supports various file formats such as images and documents and is compatible with several languages, including English and Spanish. The rollout of these enhancements will occur gradually.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Google Calendar is getting closer to its Material 3 Expressive makeover (APK teardown)

Google is updating its Calendar app by integrating elements from the Material 3 Expressive design language, with a full rollout expected with Android 16. Recent changes in version 2025.19.0-757507108-release include: - Rounded corners for a softer interface. - Thicker lines separating days for better visibility. - The introduction of the Google Sans Flex font. - Full names of the days of the week instead of single-letter abbreviations. - A redesigned floating action button (FAB) that now includes 'Birthday' as an option and features text within the button itself. These updates aim to enhance the user experience across Android and Wear OS platforms.

BetaBeacon

May 15, 2025

Explore the Top 10 Mobile Games of 2025

The top popular mobile games of 2025 include Block Blast, Roblox, Free Fire x Naruto Shippuden, Ludo King, Pokémon Go, Candy Crush Saga, Mini Games: Calm & Relax, Balatro, Last War: Survival, and Call of Duty Mobile.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Chargers’ NFL schedule release Minecraft video dominates while Colts delete their own

The Los Angeles Chargers released a nearly five-minute-long schedule release video that playfully roasted their 2025 opponents using the game Minecraft, having secured permission from Microsoft. In contrast, the Indianapolis Colts deleted their schedule release video after it included an inappropriate clip and exceeded rights granted by Microsoft, leading to an apology to both Microsoft and Tyreek Hill.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Colts delete Minecraft-themed video over Microsoft rights, Tyreek joke

The Indianapolis Colts removed their recently released schedule video due to exceeding their rights with Microsoft and including an insensitive clip involving Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The video, which showcased the Colts' 2025 schedule in a Minecraft theme, included mockery of various NFL teams and players, leading to backlash. The Colts are set to host the Dolphins in their season opener this year. In contrast, the Los Angeles Chargers successfully released a Minecraft-themed video after obtaining permission from Microsoft, avoiding controversy.