viewing experience Archives

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Official YouTube app or alternatives? Survey reveals surprising choice.

The YouTube app is widely used on Android devices, but many users are turning to alternatives like Morphe, which modifies the official app to add features. A survey with over 6,000 responses revealed that 60.59% of participants prefer alternatives to the official YouTube app. Alternatives like Morphe and Revanced provide features such as ad-free playback and background listening for free, along with additional functionalities like SponsorBlock integration and the ability to disable Shorts. Among those surveyed, 23.39% have not tried alternatives but are open to them, while 8.15% have tried them but prefer the official app, and 7.86% are satisfied with the official app. Concerns about the safety of using alternative apps, including the risk of getting a Google account banned, were also expressed by users.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium? Morphe picks up where Revanced left off.

Several developers and contributors have left the Revanced project, leading to the creation of the Morphe app, an open-source alternative for YouTube and YouTube Music. Morphe enhances user experience by unlocking features typically reserved for Premium subscribers. Key features include SponsorBlock integration to skip sponsored segments, YouTube Dislike support, Shorts content management, and thumbnail customization. Users can access these features through Settings > Morphe in the patched YouTube app. To use Morphe, users must download the original YouTube APK (version 20.37.48) and follow a straightforward setup process that includes installing microG. The patched version of YouTube coexists with the stock app and has its own icon. Users can rename the patched app for personalization. After signing in via microG, Morphe resembles the original YouTube app but omits the Shorts tab and plus icon, replacing them with a notifications tab and offering customization options in the settings menu. The future of Morphe is uncertain due to potential disfavor from Google regarding free access to Premium features. Further details and download options are available on the official Morphe website.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Windows 11’s “almost full-screen” Android apps mirroring now available for everyone via Phone Link app with supported phones

Users can utilize the "Expanded screen" feature in the Microsoft Phone Link app, allowing up to 90% of desktop screen space to be used when streaming Android applications to Windows 11. This feature is available to all users and may require updates from the Microsoft Store for those who do not see it yet. The Phone Link app previously had a compact view for Android app streaming, but now allows apps to stretch across the desktop. The feature prompts the phone to relaunch the app in a wider layout, which is then streamed to the PC, though not all apps are compatible with this expanded view. The feature is described as "almost-full-screen," leaving about 10% of the screen unused. The "Apps" section in Phone Link may be absent if the device is not supported; compatible devices include select models from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi. Microsoft has also introduced the ability to lock PCs directly from Android phones.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Asus’ leaked new gaming glasses let you carry a 171-inch, 240Hz display in your pocket

Asus is introducing the Asus ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses, which are the first-ever 240Hz gaming glasses, providing a viewing experience equivalent to a 171-inch screen from four meters away. They feature a vision-filling display, portable design, and a higher refresh rate with a distinctive ROG aesthetic. The glasses include "optical engines" for simultaneous real-world and projected display experiences, with outer lenses that use electrochromic technology to enhance contrast and image quality. Each arm has a Bose speaker system for audio without earbuds, and connectivity options include a USB cable, two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and two USB-C inputs. They have a 57-degree field of view, covering up to 95% of the focused viewing area, but the resolution is capped at 1080p. A now-removed webpage suggested a launch in the first half of 2026, with a price range similar to current Xreal glasses, which start at 9.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

How A Minecraft Movie Proved Minecraft is Bigger than Just a Game in 2025

Minecraft has become a cultural phenomenon over the past decade, culminating in the release of A Minecraft Movie in 2025, which broke box-office records. The film's success is attributed to the shared experiences of gamers across generations, highlighting the game's universal appeal. The movie features iconic moments, such as the Chicken Jockey, which resonated with audiences in theaters, creating a communal experience. Despite critiques of its artistic merit, the film attracted large audiences, showcasing the power of nostalgia and community. Minecraft, as one of the best-selling video games, has established a significant presence across platforms, and the film emphasizes its impact on creativity and collaboration within the gaming community. After viewing the movie, many children were inspired to recreate scenes in their own Minecraft worlds, demonstrating the game's influence beyond its original medium.

AppWizard

December 23, 2025

My 18 favorite Android apps of 2025

Mishaal Rahman shared her favorite Android apps from 2025, which include: - Octopi Launcher: A launcher designed for foldable smartphones that allows users to create custom layouts for different screen orientations. - Nobook: A lightweight alternative to the official Facebook app, offering a simplified social media experience without ads. - Banana Browser: A browser that excels in video handling, featuring a built-in player and ad-blocking capabilities. - NotebookLM: A digital manual and note-taking app that helps users organize information effectively. - OSS Document Scanner: An open-source PDF scanner with automatic capture and OCR support. - whoBIRD: An app for identifying birds by their calls using real-time audio sampling. - Tomato: A minimalist Pomodoro timer that integrates focus and rest periods into productivity routines. - Stellarium: An app for exploring celestial bodies with detailed information about stars and planets. - Google Journal: A straightforward journaling app that stores entries locally and supports multimedia integration. - Next Player: A simple video player that supports various formats and offers organizational features. - Weather Master: A user-friendly weather app with customizable data sources and concise summaries. - Perplexity Comet: An AI browser that enhances news and information access. - LocalSend: A file-sharing app for quick and secure transfers across devices on the same network. - Super Display: An app that turns any Android device into a secondary monitor. - URLCheck: A link manager that scans for security threats and allows users to choose apps for opening links. - Samsung Food: A recipe management app that helps users curate digital cookbooks. - DeepSeek: An AI chatbot offering versatile capabilities and offline access. - Androidify: An app for creating personalized avatars and customizing devices with unique designs.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

You can finally cast your favorite Apple TV shows on Android

Apple TV's version 2.2 update introduces enhanced casting capabilities for Android users, allowing them to use the Google Cast feature to stream content to Android TVs or Google Chromecasts. A new casting button has been added to the app interface, and a miniplayer now appears during casting, providing playback information and navigation options. Popular titles available on Apple TV Plus include Murderbot, Presumed Innocent, and Disclaimer.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Apple TV app update brings Google Cast support on Android

The latest update of the Apple TV app for Android devices has introduced Google Cast support, allowing users to cast content. The Google Cast icon is now located to the left of the profile avatar in the top-right corner and can also be found within the fullscreen player. The update includes a miniplayer with playback information and controls, as well as a fullscreen portrait player with large buttons for navigation. The homescreen icon has been refined to be slightly smaller. Version 2.2 of the app is being distributed via the Play Store.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Google Drive update makes navigating PDFs and files effortless

Google Drive has upgraded its file viewer, introducing a new interface that improves the experience for accessing PDFs, images, and videos. The PDF viewer now features a sidebar with a table of contents and page thumbnails for easier navigation. Video files include a transcript search tool for locating specific spoken keywords. Google Drive also offers Gemini-powered audio summaries, allowing users to generate and listen to quick overviews. The new design includes a redesigned toolbar and intuitive file menu for a more organized environment. The rollout is in progress for users on Google’s Rapid Release track, with Scheduled Release domains expected to receive the update starting December 11, 2025. Both personal and Workspace users will benefit from these enhancements.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

I saw the future of Android XR smart glasses, and Google left me stunned at the progress

Last week, a demonstration of Android XR glasses took place at Google's Hudson River office, showcasing features such as visual assistance and gyroscopic navigation. These glasses are part of a developer kit for Android developers. Google aims to integrate these devices with Android phones and smartwatches by 2026. The strategy for AI glasses includes two types: one focusing on audio and camera features, and another incorporating a display for visual cues. Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK is set to launch soon, supporting a wide range of existing third-party Android apps. The glasses can display navigation routes and driver information for Uber rides. Gemini, the assistant, provides contextual information immediately upon wearing the glasses. The Samsung Galaxy XR headset has new features like PC Connect and travel mode, while Xreal's Project Aura glasses offer a 70-degree field of view and access to Android apps. The anticipated price for Project Aura could be around ,000, with a potential late next year launch.