third-party launcher Archives

AppWizard

December 6, 2025

Amazon Prime members can get these 12 Steam Deck-compatible games for free for a limited time

Amazon Prime members currently have access to a selection of free Steam Deck-compatible games, which must be claimed through third-party launchers like Heroic Games Launcher or GOG. The available games include: - Gas Station Simulator (Playable, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on Jan 7, 2026) - New Tales from the Borderlands (Playable, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on Feb 4, 2026) - Lovecraft’s Untold Stories (Verified, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on December 10, 2025) - PlateUp! (Verified, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on December 24, 2025) - LEGO 2K Drive (Verified, Amazon Prime – For Epic Games, Offer ends on March 4, 2026) - Dream Tactics (Verified, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on December 24, 2025) - EMPTY SHELL (Verified, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on December 17, 2025) - XCOM 2 (Playable, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on January 7, 2026) - Fort Solis (Verified, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on January 14, 2026) - Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition (Verified, Amazon Prime – For GOG, Offer ends on December 17, 2025) - GYLT (Verified, Amazon Prime, Offer ends on Feb 4, 2026) - Dark City: Kyiv – CE (Playable, Amazon Prime, Offer ends on Jan 14, 2026) Additionally, Amazon is offering a six-month free trial of Prime membership for individuals aged 18 to 24 and students, allowing them to explore these gaming benefits without initial commitment.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Nova Launcher, one of the most popular Android home screen replacements, is basically dead

Nova Launcher, a popular third-party launcher for Android, was founded by Kevin Barry in 2011 and has received tens of millions of downloads. In 2022, it was acquired by Branch, a metrics company, but faced significant layoffs in 2024, leaving Barry as the only developer. Barry announced his departure from Branch and the end of active development on Nova Launcher, stating he had been the sole worker on it for the past year. He attempted to prepare Nova for an open-source release but was instructed to stop these efforts, leaving the future of the launcher uncertain. There has been no definitive statement from Branch about transferring Nova Launcher to another developer.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

6 PowerToys features I can’t believe don’t ship with Windows 11 by default

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several features that enhance productivity for Windows users, yet many of these tools have not been integrated into the Windows operating system. 1. Registry Preview: Allows users to view the contents of a registry file before importing it, enhancing safety and accessibility in modifying the Windows Registry. 2. Quick Accent: Simplifies the insertion of accented characters by displaying options when a user holds down a key, making it easier to type in multiple languages. 3. Find My Mouse: Dims the screen around the cursor to help users locate the mouse pointer more effectively than the basic highlighting feature in Windows. 4. Command Palette (or PowerToys Run): An efficient application launcher that allows for quick and reliable launching of applications, addressing a gap in Windows' functionality compared to other operating systems. 5. Peek: Enables users to quickly preview files without opening them, improving file management and accessibility. 6. FancyZones: A window management tool that allows for customizable window layouts, providing enhanced control over desktop environments. These features could significantly improve user experience if integrated into the core Windows operating system.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

I’m fed up with ads on my Google TV, so I got rid of them with this third-party launcher

The transition from Android TV to Google TV has led to mixed reactions from users, primarily due to the increase in sponsored content and ads, which can be frustrating for those who have invested in hardware. Unlike Apple TV 4K, which is ad-free, Google TV users can utilize a third-party launcher, such as Projectivy Launcher, to eliminate ads and enhance their viewing experience. Projectivy Launcher is customizable, allowing users to reorder apps, hide unused ones, and create personalized categories. It offers features like adjustable icon sizes, dynamic wallpapers, and the ability to sideload APKs. It also includes parental controls and is free to use, with some premium features available for a one-time payment. Google TV provides an "App-only" mode to reduce clutter, but Projectivy is considered a better option for a streamlined experience.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

How to change app icons on any Android phone

App icons on stock Android cannot be changed directly, requiring third-party tools and icon packs for customization. To change app icons on an Android phone, users need a shortcut maker app or a third-party app launcher, along with an icon pack. To change icons individually, users can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher. The process involves installing the icon pack, setting up the launcher, long-pressing the app icon, selecting the pencil icon, choosing the icon pack, and selecting the desired icon. To change all app icons with an icon pack, users can install Nova Launcher, long-press a blank area on the home screen, go to Settings, navigate to Look & feel, tap Icon style, select Icon theme, and choose the icon pack. Some icon packs allow direct application if compatible with the device or launcher. With Android 12's Material You, users can theme icons based on their wallpaper by enabling the Themed icons option in the Wallpapers and style section. Samsung users can acquire icon packs through the Samsung Galaxy Theme Store by selecting the Themes option, browsing for icon packs, and applying them. However, these packs may not theme every icon in the app drawer. Good Lock's Theme Park extension allows for more customization by creating personalized icon packs. Users can download Good Lock and Theme Park, select Create New in the Icon tab, choose icon shapes and colors, and apply the new icon pack. Certain applications, like Textra and Pulse SMS, allow users to change the app icon natively. While some tools enable renaming apps, system-wide renaming is not possible without root access.