themes Archives

AppWizard

September 16, 2026

Android 17 QPR1 Drops: Top New Features, Customization & UI Changes Explained

Google has begun the rollout of Android 17 QPR1, which includes user interface enhancements, multitasking capabilities, and digital wellbeing features. Key features include: - Pause Point: Introduces a delay before opening distracting apps, encouraging users to engage in calming activities. - Material 3 Blur Expansion: Adds background blur effects to various system surfaces, including the volume panel and power menu. - Multi-Screensaver Support: Allows users to select and switch between multiple screensavers. - Custom Ringtone Vibrations: Users can assign unique vibration patterns for individual ringtones. - Taskbar Recent Apps: Displays actual recent apps on large-screen devices. - HID Access: New APIs enable applications to interact with connected USB and Bluetooth peripherals. - Health Connect Tracking: Natively tracks distance and calories through a built-in step counter. - Media Player Tweaks: Enhancements to the media player carousel and screen recorder functionality. Android 17 QPR1 is initially available for eligible Google Pixel devices, with other manufacturers to follow based on their release schedules.

Winsage

September 15, 2026

This open-source Windows launcher does what Microsoft’s new Start menu should have done

Microsoft is set to introduce a significant overhaul of the Windows Start menu in its upcoming 26H2 update, responding to user feedback about limited customization options. Flow Launcher is a keyboard-centric app launcher that offers superior functionality compared to the traditional Start menu. The installation of Flow Launcher is straightforward, with options for portable versions and package managers. It features a sleek search bar and allows users to quickly search for apps and files, enhancing productivity. Flow Launcher is highly customizable, with settings for behavior and appearance, including nearly 20 themes and various visual options. Its plugin ecosystem expands its capabilities, allowing users to install and manage plugins for added functionality. Notable plugins include Speed Test and Google Translate. Flow Launcher provides a more customizable and efficient experience compared to Microsoft’s current offerings.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Upcoming vampire RPG Nighthawks has been removed from Steam search and delisted in certain countries as Valve classifies it Adults Only: ‘It’s very bad news for us’

Nighthawks, a vampire RPG from Wadjet Eye Games, has been classified as 'Adults Only' by Steam, resulting in its removal from search results and delisting in regions like Germany. Wadjet Eye's CEO, Dave Gilbert, criticized Steam's decision, arguing that the game’s content is not pornographic. The Adults Only label negatively impacts their launch strategy, especially in key markets, and the team is uncertain about the reasons for the classification. Valve's policies on adult content complicate the situation, as developers must navigate ambiguous guidelines. Richard Cobbett, the game's creator, expressed hope that Valve will reverse the decision before the planned launch on September 22.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Beneath a Steel Sky review (1994)

The review of "Beneath A Steel Sky" gives it an impressive score of 81%. The game is set in a dystopian future where corrupt corporations have taken control after the collapse of the world government. The protagonist, Robert Foster, is abducted and stranded in this chaotic environment. The gameplay features around 100 locations, numerous puzzles, and a robotic companion named Joey. Players must navigate the city to uncover a conspiracy while evading security forces. The game follows conventional adventure mechanics but is noted for its rich storytelling and design. However, it faces criticism for inconsistencies in tone, with some elements feeling out of place. Despite these issues, it is regarded as a solid entry in the adventure genre.

AppWizard

September 12, 2026

Wolverine review roundup: Frankly, we’re starting to feel a little better about the whole ‘PlayStation 5 exclusive’ thing

Insomniac's Wolverine has received mixed reviews, with GamesRadar rating it 3 out of 5, IGN giving it a score of 6 out of 10, Shacknews awarding it 8 out of 10, DualShockers rating it 8.5 out of 10, GameInformer also giving it 8.5 out of 10, TechRadar scoring it 4 out of 5, GameSpot rating it 6 out of 10, VGC giving it 3 out of 5, Eurogamer scoring it 3 out of 5, The Guardian rating it 3 out of 5, and Giant Bomb giving it a lower score of 2.5 out of 5. Critics praised the character of Wolverine and the voice acting but criticized the gameplay for being repetitive and lacking depth. The game is seen as falling short of expectations for a PlayStation 5 exclusive.

Winsage

September 9, 2026

Windows 11 is finally getting automatic theme switching

Windows 11 will introduce a feature for automatic switching between dark mode and light mode, as revealed by the Windows Insider program. This functionality will allow users to schedule transitions based on geographical location and specific times, with the mode changing only when the PC is idle to avoid disruptions during work or meetings. The feature aims to eliminate the need for third-party applications for theme management.

BetaBeacon

September 8, 2026

Wave Launcher Drops V1.0: A PS3-Style XMB Frontend for Android Retro Handhelds

Wave Launcher, an Android launcher inspired by the PlayStation-style XrossMediaBar design, has officially reached its V1.0 release. It prioritizes controller-first functionality, offers game management features, robust asset scraping capabilities, multimedia functionality, and extras such as FTP support and Discord Rich Presence integration. It is available for download on its official page and GitHub.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

GOG Makes PC Game Free for Everyone

GOG is offering the 2018 sci-fi adventure game State of Mind for free until September 9 at 8:30 ET, allowing users to permanently add it to their library. This is the first time the game has been available for free on GOG, and it does not support the Steam Deck. Developed by Daedalic Entertainment, State of Mind is set in a dystopian Berlin in 2048 and follows journalist Richard Nolan as he investigates the disappearance of his wife and son amidst societal collapse. The game has a 4/5 rating from reviewers, a Metacritic score of 69, and a 78% approval rating from over 1,500 Steam user reviews, while GOG users rated it 3.8 out of 5 based on 66 reviews. GOG has also introduced another free game from 2008 for players who may not be interested in State of Mind.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Persona 1 and 2 remakes are something Atlus will ‘probably eventually do’, which is great, but the PS2-era Shin Megami Tensei games are sitting right there

Kazuhisa Wada, the producer of the Persona series, hinted at the possibility of remakes for Persona 1 and 2, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation in gaming. Atlus recently remade Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, but fans are curious about the future of Digital Devil Saga and its sequel. Shin Megami Tensei 4 remains exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS, while Shin Megami Tensei 3 and 5 are available on PC. Fans are urging Atlus to prioritize remakes of Shin Megami Tensei 4, Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2, and Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

5 Reasons To Switch To Waze On Android Auto

Waze, owned by Google since 2013, is a navigation app focused on driving, offering a streamlined interface that prioritizes route efficiency. It excels in suggesting optimal routes using real-time data from users, including reports on road closures and accidents. Waze provides real-time insights about traffic conditions, speed cameras, and police sightings, fostering a community through user-submitted reports. The app features a simple, user-friendly interface that adapts to lighting conditions and is designed for driving. Waze includes car-specific features, such as locating gas stations based on fuel type and sorting them by price, as well as helping electric vehicle owners find charging stations. Users can customize their experience with themes, custom voices, and alerts, enhancing engagement and enjoyment.