visual upgrade Archives

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Donkey Kong Land PC Fan Remake Available for Download

A fan-made remake of the Nintendo Game Boy title Donkey Kong Land has been created by YouTube user ‘kasquez’ and is now available for PC. This remake features over 30 full-sized levels, refined controls, and updated graphics and sound that closely resemble the SNES version. It does not require the original ROM file and includes assets from the original game. The project is at risk of being taken down due to copyright concerns from Nintendo. Other notable fan projects in the gaming community include remakes of titles like Superman, Halo 3: ODST, and Metal Gear Solid, as well as various tech demos and ports.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Google widely rolling out support for Live Updates for stopwatch and timer

The Google Clock app has introduced Live Updates for its stopwatch and timer features with the launch of version 9.0. This update allows users to see a real-time countdown in the status bar, providing immediate access to timers and stopwatches without leaving the current screen. Users can expand the notification to control the timers. Live Updates are also available on the lock screen and always-on display (AOD), allowing users to track time-sensitive tasks without unlocking their devices. The update is available for download via the Play Store, but the Live Updates feature is being rolled out server-side, meaning some users may need to wait for access.

BetaBeacon

July 29, 2026

Pokémon Red and Blue run natively on Windows and Android in new 3D voxel version

The latest version of Pokémon Red and Blue Edition has a new VoxelMod that changes the game's appearance without altering gameplay. Players can enjoy the classic Pokémon experience on modern platforms with enhanced visuals. The Gen1Recomp and DramaticShape VoxelMod are available for free on GitHub for download.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Your Google Maps App On Android Auto Is About To Look Different

Google has been enhancing Google Maps with features similar to Waze, including road hazard warnings and a visual upgrade called Immersive Navigation, which began rolling out in early 2026. This upgrade was launched for Android Auto users in July 2026, linked to Android Auto version 17.3, but its rollout may be server-side, causing delays for some beta users. Immersive Navigation features a three-dimensional interface with 3D buildings and animated trees, and aims to provide more intuitive directions using images from Google's Street View. Since March 2026, it has been gradually reaching users alongside the updated Ask Maps functionality, which uses AI through Gemini for enhanced navigation assistance. The update's distribution is uneven, with no method to expedite the process. Immersive Navigation utilizes real-time traffic data for better route context, positioning Google Maps favorably against Waze, although Waze still excels in live user feedback on road hazards. There is currently no information on whether Immersive Navigation will support offline maps.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

I played 3 hours of the Rayman Legends 3D remake—and while I miss the 2D artstyle, boy is it still pretty

Rayman Legends, originally released in 2013, has a score of 90 and is being remade into Rayman Legends Retold, which features a transition from 2D to 3D graphics and introduces new gameplay elements. Developed by Ubisoft Milan and Montpellier, the remake aims to create a cohesive narrative with voice acting, cutscenes, and interconnected overworld maps. It includes a new sixth world called The Land of the Livid Dead, with fresh platforming abilities and dragon riding segments. The health system involves the Teensies, where each hit results in a Teensie being lost, which may frustrate completionists. The game is scheduled for release on October 1.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

I played 3 hours of the Rayman Legends 3D remake—and while I miss the 2D artstyle, boy is it still pretty

Rayman Legends Retold is a complete remake of the original 2013 platformer Rayman Legends, transitioning from 2D graphics to 3D worlds and introducing new features. The development teams at Ubisoft Milan and Montpellier are creating a more cohesive narrative with voice acting, cutscenes, and overworld maps. The game will feature a new sixth world called The Land of the Livid Dead, a fresh platforming power, and reimagined musical levels. The health system involves the Teensies, where taking damage results in a Teensie being sent into the void. Rayman Legends Retold is set to launch on October 1.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

The Pixel Buds app is getting a new look — in more ways than one

Google's Pixel Buds app is receiving an update that includes a new minimalist icon and an enhanced landing page. The new icon features vibrant shapes forming the silhouette of the Pixel Buds in their case, aligning with Google's recent redesign of app icons. The landing page will offer a more personalized experience with accent colors matching the connected Pixel Buds. The updates are currently rolling out, but some users have not yet seen the changes.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is the game you remember, but it’s even better

Assassin's Creed Black Flag has been reimagined in a remake titled Resynced, featuring significant visual upgrades that enhance the tropical landscapes. The game includes three segments: an opening sequence, open-world exploration, and new content. It showcases improved graphics powered by Ubisoft's Anvil engine, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. The remake introduces four additional chapters and ten new quests focused on new officers joining Kenway's crew. The gameplay features enhanced ship combat with new weaponry and a revamped hand-to-hand combat system that emphasizes parries and combos. Improvements include manual crouch and jump buttons for better stealth control and the ability to dive into the ocean for exploration. The game offers a variety of activities, ensuring player engagement in a richly crafted world.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

GTA 6 Next-Gen Rival Coming From Rockstar’s Own Backyard

Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release on 19 November, with marketing efforts and a potential third trailer expected soon. The game will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and its price is anticipated to be around or more than . A mod called NaturalVision Enhanced has significantly upgraded the visuals of GTA V on PC, making it resemble GTA VI, and is available for free download, requiring a PC copy of GTA V. The mod includes enhancements to various shaders and weather effects, revitalizing the game’s aesthetic.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Gemini could finally catch up to other Google apps with this visual upgrade

Google is exploring the integration of wallpaper-based theming within its Gemini feature in the Google app, aiming to unify the visual experience across applications and phase out the white-and-blue color scheme. The experimentation is underway with version 17.12.51 of the Google app, where users have noticed changes in the Gemini overlay that adapts to the user's wallpaper. The overlay now features a subtly tinted bar and a darker button for Gemini Live, reflecting the system's theme. However, other elements like button shapes remain unchanged. The main Gemini app still displays its traditional colors, indicating that the rollout of the theming feature is in its early stages. Insights from an APK teardown suggest potential future features, but some may not reach public release.