vehicles Archives

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Car Icons Are Disappearing From Google Maps in Android Auto (but You Might Be Able to Fix It)

Android Auto users are experiencing an issue where car icons are disappearing from the navigation interface in Google Maps. This problem began six days ago, coinciding with the release of Android Auto version 16.1, although some users have reported similar issues with version 15.9. The bug tends to occur when users switch to another app in fullscreen mode and then return to Google Maps. A temporary fix involves force quitting Google Maps, but the issue recurs. Community-sourced solutions include updating or downgrading Android Auto, changing to the default car icon, and avoiding leaving the Google Maps app. If these solutions fail, users may consider alternative navigation apps like Waze, Sygic GPS, or TomTom, which do not exhibit this bug.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

If you’re struggling to play tactics sim Menace, it could be because your antivirus is randomly deleting files

Menace, a turn-based tactics game, has launched in early access with notable updates. Players are advised to whitelist the 'GameAssembly.dll' and 'Menace.exe' files due to some antivirus programs incorrectly classifying the former as malware. The first update introduces new adversaries, including pirate veteran scavengers and a pirate heavy machinegun truck. Enhancements include an optimized splash screen for ultra-wide monitors and significant balancing changes, such as a new heat mechanic for laser and plasma rifles and the addition of motion scanners to pirate EMP units.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Bolt Action PC First Look: How Slitherine is Reimagining the World’s Biggest WWII Tabletop Game

Slitherine and Frag Games are developing a digital adaptation of Warlord Games’ WWII tabletop miniatures game, Bolt Action, with a planned release in 2026. The game will faithfully recreate the “Six Orders” activation system, a suppression-based pinning system, and tactical armor facing. Key features include a comprehensive Army Painter for customization and a dynamic single-player campaign set in the Normandy theater. The game will maintain the original ruleset, including the tactical pillars of unit activation, the emphasis on suppression over health, vehicle positioning for damage, distinctions between direct and indirect fire, experience levels for squads, and extensive customization options for forces.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Trains are taking over the survival genre: there are a half-dozen survival base-builders on rails coming in 2026

A shift in survival gaming is occurring with the introduction of mobile bases on trains, with at least six or seven games set for release in 2026. Frostrail, developed by FakeFish, is a solo or co-op first-person shooter where players navigate a frozen world aboard a train, scavenging for resources and upgrading their engine for survival. EverRail allows up to four players to use drones for reconnaissance and engage in combat, featuring a respawn mechanic where players take on new characters after death. Enginefall is inspired by Snowpiercer, featuring a megatrain where players loot and battle through various train cars, transforming them into strategic bases. Frostliner combines city-building with survival as players manage a train filled with citizens, upgrading it and ensuring their safety while exploring with additional vehicles. Steel Artery: Train City Builder focuses on constructing a steampunk city on rails, requiring resource management and strategic planning for economic success. Railborn features a customizable train system for traversing different biomes, allowing players to scavenge and rebuild ecosystems while creating unique train cars.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Is Your Car Getting Rid Of Android Auto? 3 Alternatives Worth Trying

Many new vehicles are opting to forgo Android Auto while still providing essential features through Android Automotive OS, also known as Google Built-In, which is integrated into the vehicle and does not require a smartphone connection. This proprietary software may require additional subscriptions. Samsung DeX allows users with newer Samsung devices to connect to an external monitor or TV, creating a desktop-like experience in the car using AutoPro X, which connects wirelessly to the car's infotainment system. This setup enables access to streaming services when parked but emphasizes driver focus on the road. For vehicles lacking Android Auto support, users can mount their Android phone or tablet on the dashboard for navigation, calls, and music, while third-party applications can enhance the experience. Automakers may discontinue Android Auto to optimize data usage and restrict third-party app installations. Drivers can use their car's built-in browser to access features like phone mirroring or web-based versions of apps, such as Waze, as alternatives to Android Auto.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, and More

Resident Evil Village is now available on Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass. MIO: Memories in Orbit launches on day one with Game Pass. Death Stranding Director’s Cut will be available on January 21. RoadCraft will also launch on January 21. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is set for January 21 release. The Talos Principle 2 will be available on January 27. Anno: Mutationem launches on January 28. Drop Duchy is coming on January 28. MySims: Cozy Bundle will be available on January 29. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II is set for January 29. Indika will launch on February 2. Final Fantasy II will be available on February 3. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is playable now. The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle will be available on January 22. Grounded 2 Garden Update will be released on January 27. Dead by Daylight has a Stranger Things DLC.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Death Stranding Director’s Cut Launches on Xbox Game Pass for PC and Console

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now available on Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC, marking its first appearance on Microsoft's subscription service. This version, developed by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and published by 505 Games, is accessible to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Premium subscribers. The Director’s Cut includes new features such as a new story location called the Ruined Factory, new delivery tools like cargo catapults and support ramps, an expanded combat system with new melee moves and the Maser Gun, a firing range for weapon testing, and a racetrack mode for time-based challenges. The game has been optimized for performance on handheld devices. It is also available for purchase through the Xbox Games Store.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Digital.ai expands automated testing to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay apps

Digital.ai has enhanced its automotive testing capabilities by offering support for end-to-end automated testing of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay applications. This development allows enterprise teams to automate in-car application workflows, increasing coverage and validating real-world behavior without the need for physical vehicles or specialized lab setups. The solution addresses technical and regulatory challenges, including distracted driver safety guidelines and ASPICE compliance, enabling testing across AAOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay for consistent performance across various displays and driving conditions. This integration empowers automakers and app developers to validate driving experiences before vehicles are released, aiming to mitigate risks and enhance driver safety.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Dune: Awakening finally gets long-awaited character transfers

Version 1.2.40.0 of Dune: Awakening has been released, introducing character transfers that allow players to move their characters, inventory, bases, vehicles, and bank contents to new servers. Each player receives a transfer token that replenishes weekly, permitting one transfer per week. Transfers from private servers to official servers are not allowed, but transfers from official to private servers are permitted. If a character name already exists on the target server, a name change is required. Players must back up their bases and vehicles before transferring, and ensure their character is located in Hagga Basin to initiate the transfer.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

New Game Pass titles revealed, including Space Marine 2 and Death Stranding

Microsoft has announced new titles for Xbox Game Pass, including: - Death Stranding Director’s Cut (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available January 21 - RoadCraft (PC) - Available January 21 - Ninja Gaiden Ragebound (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available January 21 - The Talos Principle 2 (PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available January 27 - Anno: Mutationem (Cloud, PC, Console) - Available January 28 - Drop Duchy (Cloud, PC, Console) - Available January 28 - MySims: Cozy Bundle (PC) - Available January 29 - Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available January 29 - Indika (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available February 2 - Final Fantasy II (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) - Available February 3 Ultimate subscribers can access MIO: Memories in Orbit starting today, and Indika is set for release on February 2. Premium subscribers will receive a total of seven new titles, including Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, and The Talos Principle 2. PC Game Pass users will get Roadcraft this week and the MySims: Cozy Bundle on January 29.