Timed Silence is a Kotlin-based application for Android, created by Felix Nüsse, that manages smartphone volume settings, allowing users to mute, vibrate, or ring with sound. The app requires initial setup permissions and features an intuitive interface with a pause/play button. Users can create custom schedules, including pre-defined ones for "Night" and "Day." The app effectively activates Do Not Disturb (DND) at scheduled times, muting notifications while allowing calls and messages from specified contacts. Additional features include Calendar integration, Keywords for managing volume levels, Bluetooth compatibility, and a Sanity Check for priority contacts. The app is available on F-Droid, with source code and APKs on GitHub.
Samsung Electronics is preparing to introduce seamless software updates with its upcoming Galaxy S25 series. This feature will allow updates to be downloaded in the background and installed on an inactive partition, minimizing downtime during the update process. Users will only experience a brief interruption during reboot, contrasting with the longer downtimes of traditional updates. The Galaxy S25 series is expected to feature a larger display, potentially a more rounded back on the S25 Ultra for comfort, and will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It is rumored to launch in January 2025 with Android 15-based One UI 7 software. There is no official confirmation from Samsung regarding these features or specifications, as the information is based on leaks and rumors.
Icarus, a co-op survival game developed by RocketWerkz, has received 153 updates since its launch in December 2021. The latest update introduces a flamethrower and expands the game with new operations, missions, weapons, items, and a fishing system. Downloadable content has doubled the game map size. Players navigate a narrative involving corporate ambition and survival challenges on a planet with toxic air and unpredictable weather. The game allows for building homesteads and farming. To celebrate the update, Icarus is offering a 50% discount on the flamethrower and other editions for a week.
This afternoon, there are discounted and complimentary apps available on the Google Play Store, including Evoland 2, World Cruise Story, Convenience Stories, Hot Springs Story 2, and Human Fall Flat. Other notable mentions are SPHAZE, OctaRing, Octa Dark, Verticons, Survival Dungeon: Loot RPG Pro, Sudoku Premium, Fairy Knights, and Planet Craft: Mine Block Craft. The current deals include 3D EARTH PRO, Rectangles PRO, Crossword Quest Premium, High Sea Saga DX, Dungeon Village 2, Pocket Stables, Mega Mall Story, Candy Disaster TD: Premium, Hero of the Kingdom: Tales 2, Pencil Sketch HD, Random Adventure Roguelike II, Redsun RTS Premium, Endurance: Dead Space Premium, Water Reflection Pro, and Turn It On!. Evoland 2 offers an epic RPG adventure that spans over 20 hours, transitioning through various gaming genres.
The ASI Alliance has introduced AIRIS, an AI system that learns autonomously within Minecraft, representing a significant step towards artificial general intelligence (AGI). AIRIS, which stands for Autonomous Intelligent Reinforcement Inferred Symbolism, is designed to adapt independently in a virtual environment, showcasing dynamic learning capabilities. Developed in collaboration with partners like SingularityNET, Fetch.ai, and Ocean Data, AIRIS utilizes a robust infrastructure to efficiently store and process information. It features real-time environmental adaptation, allowing it to navigate complex terrains and develop its own rules based on observations. AIRIS also aims to cultivate advanced interaction skills, including construction and object creation, potentially enabling collaborative tasks with other agents. The ultimate goal is to apply AIRIS in real-world scenarios, such as autonomous robots and intelligent assistants, across various sectors requiring adaptive learning and problem-solving abilities.
In Minecraft, various animals can be tamed and bred to enhance gameplay.
To tame a cat, approach it in villages with raw cod or raw salmon, feed it the fish, and to breed, feed another tamed cat raw fish.
To tame a fox, locate two adult foxes in the Taiga biome, feed them sweet berries or glow berries to create a baby fox.
To tame a horse, repeatedly attempt to mount a wild horse until you succeed, then breed two tamed horses with a Golden Apple or Golden Carrot.
Axolotls cannot be tamed but can be bred by leading two adults together with tropical fish.
Villagers can be bred by ensuring two adults are near three beds and providing them with food.
To breed frogs, attract two frogs with slimeballs and they will lay spawn in water.
For turtles, feed two turtles seagrass to induce love mode, and one will lay eggs on sand.
Parrots can be tamed by feeding them seeds found in jungle biomes, with a 10% chance of success per attempt.
Pandas can be bred by feeding two adults bamboo and ensuring a bamboo block is nearby.
Bees can be bred by attracting them with flowers and feeding each a flower to initiate love mode.
To breed sheep, feed two adult sheep wheat, and they will produce a baby sheep.
Pigs can be bred by feeding two adult pigs a carrot, potato, or beetroot.
Rust, a popular open-world survival game, is coming to mobile. It is known for its realistic gameplay and intense clan warfare. The mobile version is expected to be released no earlier than late 2025.
Twelve malicious Android applications have been identified that can take control of devices to record audio and perform other harmful activities. These apps include:
1. Rafaqat
2. Privee Talk
3. MeetMe
4. Let’s Chat
5. Quick Chat
6. Chit Chat
7. YohooTalk
8. TikTalk
9. Hello Cha
10. Nidus
11. GlowChat
12. Wave Chat
The first six were available on the Google Play Store and were downloaded over 1,400 times before removal. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately and remain cautious about downloading unfamiliar applications or clicking on suspicious links.
PC Gamer provides an exclusive look at Path of Exile 2, an upcoming action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, after visiting their headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand. The magazine includes hands-on gameplay impressions and developer interviews, highlighting features set to debut in Early Access later this year. Additionally, the issue features a discussion with Gunfire Games about Remnant 2, marking its one-year anniversary, and includes previews of various games such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Reviews of new releases like Frostpunk 2 and Final Fantasy XVI are also included, along with a group test of gaming mini PCs and features on gaming mods and guides. Issue 403 is available in stores and on digital platforms.
