4 posts

#apps

Everything we've written about apps.

Article

apps

Why Not CapCut? Exploring OpenCut: A Private, Open-Source Alternative

CapCut has taken the world of video editing by storm, especially for short-form content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. It's easy to use, packed with trendy effects, and widely available. However, for many creators, especially those who prioritize privacy, control, or advanced features without hidden costs, CapCut might not be the perfect fit. This is where OpenCut comes into play, positioning itself as a compelling, open-source alternative.

Nissi Vardhan

Jul 11, 2025

Article

Android

Pixel Phones Getting Battery Health with Android 16, But Only Some Will See It

Google is finally adding native battery health stats to Pixel phones with Android 16, but if you’re using an older Pixel, you might be left out. Here’s what’s changing and how to get similar insights if your device isn’t supported.

Danijel Markov

May 7, 2025

Guide

apps

How to Debloat Your Xiaomi Phone's China ROM

Xiaomi phones offer fantastic hardware at competitive prices, but if you've imported a device directly from China or flashed the China ROM for faster updates, you'll likely find it packed with pre-installed apps and services tailored for the mainland Chinese market. Many of these apps are unnecessary, consume resources, potentially raise privacy concerns for users outside China, and clutter the user experience. This process of removing unwanted pre-installed software is known as "debloating." This guide will walk you through the most common and relatively safe method to debloat your Xiaomi device running a China ROM (MIUI or HyperOS) using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), without requiring root access.

Nissi Vardhan

May 6, 2025

Article

Android

Understanding Android Wakelocks and How to Hunt Them Down Using Battery Guru

With Google's renewed focus on optimizing battery life on Android devices, many users are wondering: what exactly are wakelocks, and how do they affect my phone’s battery life? Let’s dive into what wakelocks are, how you can find out which apps are misbehaving, and how Battery Guru (Community Version) helps you uncover and manage them—even on devices with tighter restrictions like Xiaomi’s.

Nissi Vardhan

Apr 20, 2025