visual transformation Archives

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Google Gemini App Finally Goes True Black—With a Catch

Google is updating the Gemini application for Android users, introducing a new dark theme that features a true black color scheme on the homepage, which benefits users with OLED or AMOLED screens by reducing battery consumption and improving viewing comfort. The update also includes a new organizational feature called "My Stuff," located in the navigation drawer, allowing users to manage their generated media. The user interface has been streamlined, with suggestion chips arranged vertically for better navigation and some labels updated for clarity. Additionally, a "New Chat" button has replaced the previous account switcher, simplifying conversation management. The true black theme is currently limited to the homepage.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Windows’ iconic Blue Screen of Death gets a bold new look

Microsoft plans to transition the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to a Black Screen of Death, set to roll out in the summer of 2025. The new black BSOD will feature a streamlined user interface and a "Quick Machine Recovery" feature to assist in repairing computers that fail to boot up. This update will be included in a cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 or later, excluding Windows 11 23H2 users. Key changes include a black background, the absence of the frowning emoticon, and no QR code or detailed explanatory text. The black BSOD will display a brief message indicating a problem has occurred, prompting a restart, which may lead to user confusion.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Back in black: Microsoft Blue Screen of Death going dark

Microsoft will retire the Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in favor of a black screen as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI), with the change rolling out later this summer for Windows 11 version 24H2 devices. This update follows a security incident in July 2024 that affected approximately 8.5 million Windows machines. The WRI aims to enhance system resilience by reengineering Windows code and allowing security software to operate outside the Windows kernel, minimizing risks from vendor security code. A private preview of the new Windows endpoint security platform will be available to Microsoft Virus Initiative partners next month.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

‘Couldn’t afford a PC so I drew one’ says one Redditor after drawing a God-tier cel shaded case mod for his kids to play Minecraft on

Nathan, known as SuccessfulHost6375 on Reddit, transformed an unremarkable silver gaming PC case into a vibrant design reminiscent of Borderlands or a comic book for his children. He rebuilt an older Antec VSK 3000 Elite-U3 case for gaming, specifically for Minecraft. The transformation involved disassembling the case, applying a flat white base coat, and then two coats of flat red paint, followed by hand-drawn line work using black POSCA paint pens. The project took about 7 hours over 4 days. The PC build includes an Intel Core i5 10400, 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, and an Nvidia GTX 1070. Nathan is also painting the screen stand, keyboard, and mouse to match the PC's vibrant theme.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Here’s an early look at the Material 3 Expressive changes headed to Google Photos (APK teardown)

Google Photos is undergoing a visual transformation to align with the Material 3 Expressive design language. The latest update (version 7.30) allows users to manually enable the new interface, which features a streamlined homepage with the app's logo in the top left corner and a refreshed loading animation. The update also introduces revamped Memories cards. However, the floating bottom bar and rounded image previews hinted at in an earlier survey are not yet present, but may be introduced before the full rollout of the updated homepage, possibly alongside Android 16 QPR1 later this year.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Google Keep is getting a fresh coat of Material 3 Expressive (APK teardown)

Google is redesigning Google Keep using the Material 3 Expressive design language. An APK teardown of version 5.25.182.01.90 reveals a new search bar that is taller and narrower, with the account switcher and hamburger menu icons moved to the edges and a filter button added within the search bar. The placeholder text has changed from “Search your notes” to “Search Keep.” These updates are part of a broader strategy for visual enhancements across Google's Android ecosystem, although some features may not reach the final public release.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

4 Windows versions Windows 12 should shamelessly imitate

Windows 12 is speculated to potentially launch in two to three years, following the end of support for Windows 10. It may draw inspiration from previous successful versions like Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10, focusing on user customization, performance, and reducing bloatware. Windows 11, launched six years after Windows 10, introduced a new visual style and features but faced criticism over hardware requirements. Windows 12 is expected to build on Windows 11's foundation with incremental improvements and enhanced support for ARM processors.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Minecraft is getting a visual overhaul you probably don’t need because of all of those mods you’ve got installed

Mojang announced a significant update for Minecraft called Vibrant Visuals, which will enhance the game's lighting while maintaining its blocky aesthetic. The update will introduce volumetric lighting, allowing sunlight to interact more naturally with the environment, and will feature glowing mobs and items. It will initially be available for the Bedrock Edition, with plans to extend it to the Java Edition in the future, although no specific release date has been provided. Additionally, players will soon be able to fly on friendly ghasts, and a live event from March 25 to April 7 will feature mini-games with Jack Black's character, offering a unique cape as a reward for successful participants.

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

Messenger reverts to dark blue

Meta has updated its messaging platform, Messenger, transitioning from a vibrant gradient color scheme to a sophisticated dark blue design as it moves into 2025. This change aims for a cohesive user experience, enhancing compatibility with dark mode. The redesign may also reflect a broader branding strategy, aligning with co-founder Mark Zuckerberg's desire to return to a more 'original' Facebook aesthetic. The new appearance has sparked discussions about Meta's evolving image and its implications for the app's identity.