wider audience Archives

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

First look: Google’s Phone app is getting a tasty Android 16 redesign (APK teardown)

Google's Phone app has undergone significant design enhancements in its version 177.0.763181107-publicbeta-pixel2024, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive design language. Key changes include larger contact names and caller images, a transition from circular to oval-shaped buttons, and an enlarged pill-shaped end call button. Additional modifications feature the removal of the “call from” text, immediate display of the phone number after answering, and a redesigned “more” menu. The app also introduces an animation for the incoming caller’s profile picture. Similar updates are being rolled out across other Google applications, and these redesigns will be supported on earlier versions of Android as well.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome are back on Steam after being delisted 4 months ago when 2K sold off Private Division

Roll7's skateboarding titles, Rollerdrome and OlliOlli World, returned to Steam four months after being removed in February, a move speculated to be linked to issues with Private Division, a Take-Two Interactive label. In November 2024, Take-Two confirmed the closure of Roll7 and Intercept Games, while Private Division was sold off, with neither game included in the sale, allowing them to become independent titles under a new publishing arrangement. OlliOlli World received an 87% review score, and Rollerdrome received a 94% score, both highlighting their quality and engaging gameplay.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Android is going to play nicer with video apps in the car soon

Google is enhancing the in-car experience for Android users with a new mode for vehicles equipped with Android Automotive, allowing for seamless transitions between video and audio-only formats based on whether the vehicle is parked or in motion. The company is also preparing to introduce video applications for traditional phone-based Android Auto, which may adapt to the vehicle's movement. Google might implement a digital toggle for users to switch from video to audio-only streams before driving, addressing potential limitations of smartphone accelerometers compared to integrated Android Automotive systems.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

What’s driving growth in the Chinese video game industry?

The Chinese game industry has experienced significant growth, with popular titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong driving global interest. Black Myth: Wukong sold 10 million copies within a week of its August 2024 launch and won Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards. The single-player game market in China is becoming more sustainable, with a shift in focus due to the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. Developers are adapting their strategies, although challenges such as high production costs, competition, and issues related to work culture persist. Local governments are actively supporting game development through licensing, tax breaks, and grants, with initiatives aimed at integrating cultural themes into games. Despite layoffs in the industry, a robust social safety net exists to support affected employees.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to edit images and summarize documents via right-click options. Four image actions are available: Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, supporting .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. Upcoming AI actions for Microsoft 365 files include generating document summaries and creating FAQs, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot. Advanced settings have been redesigned for easier access, introducing features like Enable long paths and Virtual workspaces. Improvements include updates to the taskbar, search functionality, and accessibility features. Known issues involve problems with Xbox Controllers and various features in File Explorer and Narrator.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

This is the best companion app for the Linux terminal on Android

Google's latest Pixel Drop update has introduced a Linux Terminal app that runs within a Debian-based virtual machine. The Linux Command Library is a companion app designed to assist users with the terminal experience, featuring three main tabs: Basics, Tips, and Commands. The Basics section offers an overview of essential commands, the Tips section provides curated commands for beginners, and the Commands tab serves as a master search tool for more experienced users. Users can copy and paste commands directly from the app into the terminal. Not all commands in the Linux Command Library are compatible with the default Android Terminal app, and some command-line games may not function as intended. The app aims to help users navigate the complexities of the Linux Terminal, making it a valuable resource for both newcomers and experienced users.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Minecraft Movie Hits Streaming With Star-Studded Cast

A Minecraft Movie, a live-action and animated hybrid inspired by the video game franchise, became available for purchase or rental on digital platforms starting May 13, following a successful box office run that grossed nearly a billion globally since its April debut. The film can be bought for .99 or rented for .99, with no Amazon Prime membership required, though a free Amazon account is necessary. The storyline features four heroes, played by Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen, who are trapped in the Minecraft realm and seek help from Jack Black's character, Steve. The cast includes Jennifer Coolidge, Rachel House, Jemaine Clement, Jared Hess, and Matt Berry. The film has gained popularity among Gen Z and Alpha audiences, leading to viral trends and internet memes.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft accelerates Control Panel’s inevitable demise as even more settings migrate

Microsoft is transitioning features from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11, with recent updates including the migration of certain language options to the Settings panel. This update is currently available only to users on the Dev or Beta builds, and they must manually enable it. The rollout is still being fine-tuned before a broader release. Many users find the revamped Settings app to be more modern and efficient compared to the Control Panel.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Stellar Blade gets PC release date thanks to leaked PlayStation trailer

Korean developer Shift Up has confirmed the release date of their action game, Stellar Blade, for Windows PC on June 11, 2025. The PC version will feature enhancements such as ultrawide monitor support, advanced graphics technologies including DLSS 4 and FSR 3, and higher-resolution textures. Preorders are expected but not yet available. Stellar Blade was originally released as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in April 2024, selling over a million copies and featuring crossover DLC with NieR: Automata. The PC version will also be published by PlayStation.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft is testing a new ‘Advanced Settings’ page in Windows

Microsoft is testing a revamped "Advanced Settings" page for its Windows Server operating system, which will replace the previous "For Developers" page. This new page aims to improve user accessibility by including features beneficial to a wider audience, such as the "End Task" option. It introduces a "long path" setting that removes the 260-character limitation on file paths, helping users avoid the "Path too long" error. The changes are currently exclusive to Windows Server but may extend to Windows 11 within the calendar year.