theming Archives

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

New Theme Packs app suggests Google’s next big Pixel update isn’t far off

Google is introducing one-tap system theming support for its Pixel devices through a new Theme Packs app available on the Play Store. This feature allows users to easily personalize their devices by updating wallpapers, icons, and sounds with a single tap. The first theme, inspired by the musical Wicked: For Good!, includes three styles: For Good, Glinda, and Elphaba, each altering the wallpaper, system colors, and sounds. The Theme Packs are compatible with Pixel 6 and newer models and are expected to be fully functional after the November Feature Drop, which will also introduce new features like "Pixel VIPs" for special alerts. The app allows for selective application of individual elements and emphasizes ease of personalization.

Winsage

November 2, 2025

Windows Task Manager is fine, but this is the tool I actually use

Windows Task Manager has evolved to align with Windows 11's aesthetics while improving functionality, but some users find it frustrating when processes won't terminate. Process Explorer is an alternative that offers a clearer interface, real-time monitoring, and detailed statistics. It displays hardware graphs at the top and consolidates key metrics into a single view, including the total number of active processes. Users can hover over processes for quick information and access a comprehensive properties view by double-clicking. Process Explorer allows adding columns for process paths and related services, provides graphical views of resource usage, and enables the termination of stubborn processes. It also offers a refresh rate as low as 0.5 seconds and displays comprehensive graphical statistics since system boot-up. Additionally, it integrates with Virus Total to verify processes against a database, includes a tool for searching processes online, and features a lens tool for identifying process names. Process Explorer is considered a superior alternative for advanced users due to its rich features and security integration.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Five beloved Android apps we loved and then lost

This year, several essential Android applications have been abruptly retired, creating a significant void for users. Pocket, originally launched as Read It Later and acquired by Mozilla, was a popular tool for saving articles but has now shut down, leaving users without a true replacement. Omnivore, an open-source read-it-later tool favored by academics, lost its original vision after being acquired by ElevenLabs, which shifted its focus to AI-enhanced reading. Syncthing's official Android app was withdrawn due to non-compliance with app store policies, despite the technology's capabilities. Kiwi Browser, known for allowing desktop-style Chrome extensions on Android, was archived to develop an extension store for Microsoft Edge, losing its independent essence. Nova Launcher, a highly customizable home screen application, ceased updates after its acquisition by Branch, disappointing its dedicated user community. The losses of these applications highlight the challenges faced by smaller teams in maintaining their products amidst changing regulations and corporate acquisitions.

Winsage

October 5, 2025

3 Windows File Explorer add-ons that fix Microsoft’s biggest pain points

File Explorer has received updates, including tabs and refreshed icons, but still has a rigid layout and limited personalization options. Common tasks like batch renaming often require third-party solutions. PowerToys enhances File Explorer with features like PowerRename for advanced renaming and preview add-ons for various file types. OneCommander is an alternative to File Explorer that offers a dual-pane view, customizable themes, and additional organizational tools. The Files app provides a paid upgrade with themes, tabbed browsing, and color-coded tags for better file organization. Each tool addresses specific shortcomings of File Explorer, catering to different user needs.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Android 16 Revolutionizes App Icons with Material You Customization

Google's Android 16 update introduces innovative app icon customization features, allowing users to modify app icons with various shapes, styles, and thematic integrations. The QPR2 beta mandates monochrome filters for all applications, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic across the home screen. Users can choose from five distinct icon shapes, addressing feedback on rigid designs. The update also includes forced dark mode and auto-theming for legacy applications, enhancing the overall user experience. Customizable Quick Settings panels and live notifications improve efficiency for power users. Starting October 15, 2025, developers will be required to provide adaptive icons due to new mandatory theming rules. Privacy features, such as protections against SMS one-time password hijacking, are also included.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

Android will soon theme every app icon, and Google Play won’t let developers opt out

Google has mandated support for its Themed Icons feature across all applications on the Android platform to enhance user experience and address inconsistent aesthetics on home screens. With the upcoming release of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, the operating system will automatically generate themed icons for apps that lack a designated monochromatic version using a color filtering algorithm. Google has updated its Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) to include a clause that grants users a nonexclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license to modify the color and themes of app icons. This change will take effect immediately for new developer accounts and will be implemented for existing developers by October 15, 2025.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

It’s Windows 11, but actually Linux? Believe it.

Many users are exploring alternatives to Windows 10 as it approaches its end-of-life, particularly those hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11. One notable option is WINUX, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. WINUX closely mimics the aesthetics and functionality of Windows 11, featuring a familiar interface with a taskbar, Windows logo, and application icons that resemble their Windows counterparts. It uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment and includes stock wallpapers and themes from Windows 11, making the transition smoother for users. WINUX replaces familiar Windows applications with KDE equivalents that maintain a similar appearance, such as a terminal icon resembling Windows Terminal and Dolphin as the file explorer. The distribution allows for easy app installations and system management through a graphical user interface, making it less intimidating for new Linux users. Although Microsoft Office is not available, WINUX provides shortcuts to web versions in the Start Menu and sets Microsoft Edge as the default browser, with Google Chrome also available. For gamers, WINUX includes pre-installed access to Steam and Heroic Game Launcher, facilitating gaming on AMD graphics, while NVIDIA or Intel Arc users may need to install drivers. Overall, WINUX offers a user-friendly experience that prioritizes familiarity for those considering a switch from Windows to Linux.

AppWizard

September 3, 2025

Top 15 Best Android Apps

As of September 2025, the Android ecosystem offers a variety of applications aimed at enhancing productivity, customization, entertainment, and more. Key apps include: Productivity Tools: - Photo to Calendar: Converts photos/screenshots of schedules into calendar entries automatically. - Compose PDF: Merges PDFs and images offline without watermarks or internet dependency. - Forstop Helper: Manages device performance by force-stopping apps with a single tap. Customization and Utility Apps: - Installer X Revive: Advanced APK installer with features like auto-permissions and batch installations. - Material Capsule: Turns camera cutouts into functional widgets for notifications and controls. - Tap Tap Lock: Locks the phone with a tap gesture using an invisible widget. - Nothing Glyphify: Enhances glyph light functionality for Nothing Phone users with customizable notification patterns. - Icon Theming Hack: Aligns home screen icons with Material You themes using third-party icon packs. Photo and Media Management: - Photo Swooper: Organizes photos in the gallery using swipe-based actions. - Convert It: Converts audio files across multiple formats. Entertainment and Lifestyle: - Awake: An interactive alarm clock requiring puzzle-solving to turn off. - Score Peak: Displays live sports scores on the always-on display. - Widgetify for Spotify: Customizes Spotify widgets for easy access to playlists and albums. Creative Tools: - Draw Anywhere: Allows annotation or drawing over any app or content on the screen. Smart Home Integration: - Edge Smart Things: Integrates smart home controls into the Samsung edge panel for easy access.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Android will finally fix your messy home screen by forcing apps to use themed icons

Google has introduced the first beta of Android 16 QPR2, featuring improved support for themed app icons, including the automatic generation of monochrome icons for apps that lack them. This update enhances the visual coherence of home screens by applying appropriate palette theming to the newly created icons. Additionally, the settings for controlling app icon themes have been revamped, offering users greater flexibility, although a new "Create" button is not yet functional. Speculation suggests it may be linked to future AI-powered tools for generating unique icon styles.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Update is Out — These Upgrades Might Surprise You

Google has announced the Pixel 10 range and the Pixel Watch 4, along with the release of the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 for Pixel users. The QPR2 beta introduces features such as lock screen widgets (Hub mode), an expanded dark theme for apps, auto-theming for app icons, improved haptic feedback, a new HDR brightness slider, native PDF editing capabilities, a personal audio switcher for Bluetooth LE devices, and enhanced security with a new Secure Lock Device mode. Users enrolled in the QPR1 beta can transition to the QPR2 beta, which is available for Pixel 6 through Pixel 9 series, the Pixel Tablet, and the upcoming Pixel 10. The stable release of Android 16 QPR1 is expected in September, with the public release of QPR2 anticipated in December.