watches Archives

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Signal blasts Microsoft over Recall privacy failings, as secure messaging app is forced to fudge a way of blocking the controversial Windows 11 feature

Signal has introduced a new feature in its Windows 11 application that blocks Microsoft's Recall functionality to enhance user privacy. This 'screen security' setting is activated by default for Windows 11 users and is part of Signal's efforts to protect shared content on its platform. Recall captures screenshots of user activity on Copilot+ PCs, which raised privacy concerns. While Microsoft has improved Recall, issues with its interaction with privacy-focused applications like Signal remain. The feature is specifically applicable to users with Copilot+ PCs equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Users can disable the screen security setting through Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security, with a warning about the privacy implications of doing so.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Wear OS 6 will bring Facer back onto Android smartwatches; we asked Facer what to expect

Wear OS 6 will support third-party watch face stores like Facer, which were restricted on Wear OS 5. Facer collaborated with Google to ensure watch faces feature "instant syncing" with Pixel Watches. Third-party faces must utilize the Watch Face Format (WFF), but many older animated and 3D watch faces will not sync. The rollout of Wear OS 6 is anticipated to begin in late summer or early fall 2025. Developers are encouraged to create watch face marketplaces using WFF, addressing previous challenges in promoting watch faces through the Play Store. Facer, TIMEFLIK, WatchMaker, Pujie, and Recreative will be among the first to offer their watch faces on Wear OS 6 devices. The WFF format uses cached sensor data to minimize battery consumption. Facer is preparing to unveil thousands of watch faces for Wear OS 6, available for free or through a premium subscription model. Some legacy faces will be adapted to the WFF standard, but not all previous favorites will be available. Facer aims to equip developers with tools for creating WFF-compliant watch faces and plans to introduce new features and partnerships this summer.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Obsidian vet Carrie Patel has joined Netflix

Carrie Patel, former director of Avowed, has joined Night School Studio, a subsidiary of Netflix, as game director. She previously worked at Obsidian Entertainment for nearly 12 years, contributing to titles like Pillars of Eternity, The Outer Worlds, and Avowed. Night School Studio was acquired by Netflix in 2021 and is known for the game Oxenfree. In February 2025, Netflix announced layoffs at Night School Studio amidst broader changes, including the closure of its Blue studio and leadership reshuffling.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Minecraft Franchise Pixelates on an International Scale

A Minecraft Movie made its theatrical debut last month, achieving a record-breaking release. The franchise has over 200 licensing partners worldwide, expanding its reach through various collaborations that enhance both the film and the gaming experience. Notable U.S. partnerships include Fossil, which launched a collection of luxury accessories; Woobles, offering crochet kits; Crocs, with Minecraft-licensed footwear and Jibbitz; and Home Chef, creating themed meal kits. Internationally, new tabletop games and pinball machines are set to launch in August 2025, along with pet and camping gear in Europe, bedding in Mexico, crafting supplies in Japan, and party essentials in Brazil. Bandai will debut its health and beauty line in Japan in September, with additional rollouts planned. Food and beverage initiatives include offerings from San Carlo in Italy, Marumiya in Japan, Finsbury Foods in the UK and France, and Norco in Australia and New Zealand, as well as new snacks and dairy products across Europe and Brazil. Dairy Farmers of America released Minecraft-inspired vanilla-flavored green milk in March.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Available Digitally May 13, on Disc June 24

The Minecraft Movie is in development, aiming to blend the game's pixelated world with cinematic storytelling. It will explore themes of adventure, friendship, and creativity, featuring familiar elements of crafting and exploration along with original characters. While casting details are not yet available, there is speculation about high-profile talent involved in the project. The production team is considering innovative marketing strategies to engage the Minecraft community, including interactive experiences and collaborations with content creators. The film has the potential to influence future video game adaptations in cinema.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

PlatinumGames vet Taura founds new studio Eel Game Studio

Takahisa Taura, a former designer at PlatinumGames, has founded Eel Game Studio after leaving PlatinumGames, where he had removed any affiliation from his social media. His departure follows the exit of founder Hideki Kamiya, who has returned to Capcom to lead a new studio named Clovers. Taura is known for his design work on titles such as Nier Automata and Astral Chain.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Controversial Series Being Removed From Steam

A video game series, Leisure Suit Larry, is set to be delisted from Steam soon, with seven specific titles no longer available for purchase. These titles include: - Leisure Suit Larry – Magna Cum Laude Uncut and Uncensored - Leisure Suit Larry 1 – In the Land of the Lounge Lizards - Leisure Suit Larry 2 – Looking For Love (In Several Wrong Places) - Leisure Suit Larry 3 – Passionate Patti in Pursuit of the Pulsating Pectorals - Leisure Suit Larry 5 – Passionate Patti Does a Little Undercover Work - Leisure Suit Larry 6 – Shape Up Or Slip Out - Leisure Suit Larry 7 – Love for Sail Users who have already purchased these games will retain access. The more recent titles, Leisure Suit Larry – Wet Dreams Don’t Dry and Leisure Suit Larry – Wet Dreams Dry Twice, will remain available on Steam. The Leisure Suit Larry series, known for its adult-themed comedy, began in 1987 and the delisted titles represent its classic era from 1987 to 2004.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

The Elder Scrolls Online celebrates its 10th anniversary a year late by selling off 2,000 pieces of its servers

Nightdive Studios announced a remaster of System Shock 2 to celebrate its 25th anniversary, despite the game originally launching 26 years ago. Bethesda is selling fragments of The Elder Scrolls Online servers for its 10th anniversary celebration, which occurred a year after the actual anniversary in April of the previous year. Bethesda's keepsake is intended for players commemorating over a decade of the game, although it is technically one year late. Additionally, a new storyline titled Seasons of the Worm Cult is set to be released, described as a sequel to the base game storyline.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Gemini will come to Wear OS as an app update [APK Insight]

Google's Gemini platform will replace Assistant on Wear OS devices through an app update. This transition was hinted at in January, with the latest Assistant app version (1.18.x) revealing strings related to Gemini. Users can activate Gemini by holding the side button or using the "Hey Google" hotword. Gemini's capabilities will be similar to Google Assistant, allowing users to set alarms, timers, and message contacts, though it's unclear if it will integrate with Gmail or Google Maps. Location and Voice Match settings will remain unchanged, and the Wear OS Tile feature will still be available. The launch may coincide with a new flagship watch.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Gemini on Wear OS should stick to the Assistant status quo, mostly

Google is set to introduce Gemini support to Wear OS smartwatches, replacing the existing Google Assistant. This transition follows Google's plan to fully transition to Gemini, starting with Android phones and expanding to tablets, Android Auto, headphones, Nest speakers, Google TV, and smartwatches. Insights from 9to5Google suggest that Gemini may be a straightforward app enhancement rather than a radical overhaul. The Pixel 9a features a Tensor G4 chip but has limited AI capabilities due to its 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel Watch 3 has 2GB of RAM and older Arm Cortex cores, which may hinder Gemini's performance compared to Assistant. There is potential for improved interaction with applications through Gemini extensions, but true Gemini Live-style conversations on smartwatches may not be feasible without significant battery drain. Future iterations of the Pixel Watch may showcase enhanced Gemini capabilities, especially with a new Wear OS chip expected from Qualcomm, but Google's current focus is on ensuring Gemini operates effectively on existing Android watches.