Pixels – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:47:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.9 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Pixels – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Google finally lets you customize icon shapes on your Pixel’s home screen https://earlybirdsinvest.com/google-finally-lets-you-customize-icon-shapes-on-your-pixels-home-screen/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/google-finally-lets-you-customize-icon-shapes-on-your-pixels-home-screen/#respond Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:47:29 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/google-finally-lets-you-customize-icon-shapes-on-your-pixels-home-screen/
Photo of icon shape customization options on a Pixel phone

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

TL;DR

  • You can now customize icon shapes on your Pixel Launcher’s home screen.
  • Android will give you five options. Including the default circle, there’s square, four-sided cookie, seven-sided cookie, and arch.
  • These options are currently only available in the August 2025 Android Canary release, but we expect it won’t be long before they make their way into the QPR2 track.

Hot off the heels of the Pixel 10 launch, Google unveiled a new Android Canary release. The August 2025 Android Canary update rolled out today to users enrolled in the Canary program, and it finally brings a long-awaited personalization option: the ability to customize icon shapes on the home screen. While the new version doesn’t let you create your own icon shape, it does let you choose from five delightful presets, one of which will definitely suit your fancy.

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After installing the latest Canary release and opening the Wallpaper & Style app, developer Kieron Quinn noticed that the “Icons” menu had changed. Instead of only having a toggle to enable icon theming, the “Icons” menu now has several icon shape options. These include the default circle shape as well as new square, four-sided cookie, seven-sided cookie, and arch options.

Icon shapes for Pixels in August 2025 Android Canary release

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

Interestingly, the sixth “complex clover” shape that we spotted back in March is missing from this page. We’re not sure why that shape was removed, but perhaps it clashed too heavily with certain icons.

Another thing missing from this build is the new forced icon theming feature that Google added in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1. It’s not clear why, but we suspect this is merely a quirk of the build date and release structure of the latest Canary versus the latest QPR beta. The next Canary release may add the forced theming feature, while the next QPR2 beta is likely to gain these new icon shape options, though nothing is guaranteed. We’ll keep an eye out on both release tracks to see what happens with this feature as well as Google’s other upcoming icon customization options.

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]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/google-finally-lets-you-customize-icon-shapes-on-your-pixels-home-screen/feed/ 0 54299 Pixels and Sleepagotchi Brings $PIXEL Staking to Telegram https://earlybirdsinvest.com/pixels-and-sleepagotchi-brings-pixel-staking-to-telegram/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/pixels-and-sleepagotchi-brings-pixel-staking-to-telegram/#respond Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:24:10 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/pixels-and-sleepagotchi-brings-pixel-staking-to-telegram/

Popular web3 farming game Pixels is bringing its token staking system to Telegram-based game Sleepagotchi.

Launching on June 8, the integration will allow users to stake the $PIXEL token via the official Pixels staking platform and access new features within Sleepagotchi LITE.

Sleepagotchi LITE currently operates on Telegram, LINE, and web browsers, and the integration of $PIXEL brings new in-game functionality for its players.

Pixels and Sleepagotchi Brings $PIXEL Staking to Telegram
Source: Sleepagotchi

What is Sleepagotchi?

Sleepagotchi is a game designed to encourage structured routines, particularly around sleep.

The LITE version, currently available, does not include sleep tracking features but allows users to collect digital character cards, complete missions, join teams, and gather in-game resources. Points earned through gameplay will reportedly carry over to the full version of the app, which is scheduled for release in 2025 on iOS and Android.

The LITE version is accessible without requiring mobile downloads, operating through Telegram, LINE, and web browsers. Gameplay involves opening gacha-style packs to unlock characters, assigning them to missions, and upgrading team performance.

Pixels and Sleepagotchi Brings $PIXEL Staking to Telegram
Source: Sleepagotchi

What can we expect from this partnership?

Pixels reported over 88 million $PIXEL tokens staked by roughly 4,900 users in the first month of its staking programme. By extending functionality to Telegram-based games, the company is trialling the utility of its token in a more casual gaming environment.

According to details provided by both teams, the implementation will include:

  • Staking: Players will be able to stake $PIXEL through the Pixels staking site, going live on June 8
  • Earning: $PIXEL can be earned through in-game tasks such as collecting gold, unlocking constellations, and progressing through missions
  • Spending: Tokens can be used in a dedicated online store for items such as gacha packs and card bundles
  • Discounts: A 20% discount on select purchases will be available when using $PIXEL, though this feature is not yet live

The system builds on Pixels’ existing multi-game staking programme, which also supports games like Core Pixels and Forgotten Runiverse.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/pixels-and-sleepagotchi-brings-pixel-staking-to-telegram/feed/ 0 40359 How Pixels Staking Works: Support Featured Games and Earn $PIXEL https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-pixels-staking-works-support-featured-games-and-earn-pixel/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-pixels-staking-works-support-featured-games-and-earn-pixel/#respond Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:19:30 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-pixels-staking-works-support-featured-games-and-earn-pixel/

Web3 gaming is evolving fast—and with it, the way players and developers connect. Pixels Staking Rewards is part of that shift. Instead of just playing a game or holding a token, this program lets you support the games you care about and earn $PIXEL along the way. Whether you’re a daily player or just someone interested in the ecosystem, it’s a simple method to get involved and help shape what’s next.

Key Takeaways

  • Players can earn $PIXEL by staking to eligible games, with rewards tied to engagement and game success.

  • Staking is accessible both in-game (for active players) and via an on-chain dashboard (for all holders).

  • Farm Land NFT owners receive a 10% reward boost per NFT held.

  • Sleepagotchi, the first Telegram game in the program, expands staking access to mobile and casual audiences.

  • The phased rollout supports developer onboarding and future token integrations. For now, only $PIXEL earns rewards.

What Are Pixels Staking Rewards?

Pixels Staking Rewards is a community-driven program that lets players stake their $PIXEL tokens to specific games within the Pixels ecosystem. This action directly influences a game’s visibility and potential success. Rewards are distributed based on each game’s performance and how actively its community engages.

This model reflects a broader Web3 principle—shifting power from centralized platforms to users. It gives communities the ability to guide which games succeed, while promoting transparency and aligning incentives.

Source: Pixels

How to Participate: A Practical Walkthrough

The staking system offers two distinct paths:

  • In-Game Staking: Available to active players with at least 100 $PIXEL. This path encourages gameplay while rewarding participation.

  • On-Chain Dashboard Staking: Open to any $PIXEL holder, regardless of gameplay activity. This broadens access and encourages passive participation.

Rewards distribution is influenced by:

  • The total amount of $PIXEL staked

  • Game-specific engagement metrics

  • Farm Land NFT ownership, which grants a 10% reward bonus per NFT

  • Player reputation, which affects the “Farmer Fee” charged on withdrawals

Fees collected from withdrawals are redistributed to the staking community, creating a circular value system.

Where You Can Stake: Games and Platforms

Pixels is actively expanding its ecosystem, starting with a core lineup and moving into broader platform integration. Below are the games currently eligible for staking:

  • Pixels (Web – Ronin): Flagship farming MMO that anchors the Pixels ecosystem.

  • Pixel Dungeons (Web – Ronin): A classic dungeon crawler offering fast-paced action.

  • Forgotten Runiverse (Web – Ronin): An immersive fantasy MMORPG with community-driven lore.

  • Sleepagotchi LITE (Telegram, LINE, Web): The first Telegram-based staking game focused on wellness and casual gameplay.

The inclusion of Sleepagotchi is particularly notable, as it opens the door to Telegram’s extensive audience—making staking accessible beyond traditional Web3 platforms.

Why This Matters: Impact and Innovation

Pixels Staking Rewards isn’t just about earning tokens—it’s also a way for the community to have a real say in which games get supported. When players stake their $PIXEL, they’re showing which games they believe are worth paying attention to.

To help guide this process, the platform uses a metric called Return-On-Reward-Spend (RORS). It looks at how well games turn those rewards into actual engagement—things like active players and meaningful interaction.

This metric plays a key role as the ecosystem transitions through multiple rollout phases.

The rollout includes four phases:

  • Phase 1: A beta stage with fixed monthly rewards for hand-picked games.

  • Phase 2: Rewards scale dynamically based on how much $PIXEL is staked to each game.

  • Phase 3: Open access—any game that meets a minimum activity threshold becomes eligible.

  • Phase 4: Additional tokens like USDC may be introduced for specific use cases, though $PIXEL remains required for earning staking rewards.

What is $vPIXEL?

Alongside staking, Pixels is also launching a spend-only token called $vPIXEL. This token can be used for in-game purchases and other ecosystem utilities, but unlike $PIXEL, it can’t be withdrawn or sold.

One key benefit of $vPIXEL is that it lets players spend without incurring “Farmer Fees,” which typically apply during $PIXEL withdrawals.

For example, if you’re transferring tokens to spend in Pixel Dungeons, using $vPIXEL allows you to bypass the fee entirely.

Conclusion

Pixels Staking Rewards puts players and community members at the center of how the ecosystem grows and evolves. By staking your tokens, you’re not only earning rewards—you’re signalling which games deserve attention and investment. As the ecosystem grows, this kind of active support could help decide which projects rise to the top. It’s a small action that could make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this topic:

How much $PIXEL do I need to start staking?

In-game staking requires at least 100 $PIXEL. On-chain staking has no minimum, making it accessible to all holders.

Do I need to play the games to earn rewards?

No. You can stake via the dashboard without actively playing. However, active players can access additional bonuses and benefits.

What are the Farmer Fees?

These are fees charged on $PIXEL withdrawals. Players with higher reputations pay less. All collected fees are redistributed to the staking community.

Can I stake to multiple games at once?

Yes. Spreading your stake across multiple games may help optimize your overall rewards.

Will other tokens be supported in the future?

Yes, but only $PIXEL will generate staking rewards. Other tokens may be added for user acquisition or incentivization purposes.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-pixels-staking-works-support-featured-games-and-earn-pixel/feed/ 0 40356 How to Participate and Earn With Pixels’ Rizz-to-Earn Dating Sim Event https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-to-participate-and-earn-with-pixels-rizz-to-earn-dating-sim-event/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-to-participate-and-earn-with-pixels-rizz-to-earn-dating-sim-event/#respond Mon, 19 May 2025 00:56:14 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-to-participate-and-earn-with-pixels-rizz-to-earn-dating-sim-event/

Pixels has introduced a rizz-to-earn event that challenges you to sweet-talk AI NPCs for token prizes. This article reveals how to join, score top ranks, and potentially earn PIXEL or future tokens before time runs out.

Key Takeaways

  • Players buy a key with PIXEL tokens to unlock the flirting challenge.

  • A minimum score of 80 qualifies you for leaderboard rankings.

  • The top 500 participants earn PIXEL token rewards based on placement.

  • A future airdrop of AIV tokens has been teased, though it remains speculative and unconfirmed.

  • The event concludes on May 22, 2025, making timing crucial.

This creative twist on play-to-earn draws players who want a more social experience. Instead of standard farming or questing, the event centers on charming AI avatars in a short, timed conversation.

How to Participate

Acquire PIXEL Tokens

  • Ensure you have enough PIXEL tokens to buy a key.

  • Check your crypto wallet for sufficient balance.

Purchase a Key

  • Enter Terra Villa in Pixels and find AiVeronica’s castle.

  • Buy a key for 100 PIXEL tokens (or 77 PIXEL via AiVeronica’s site, if available).

Start Flirting

  • Unlock the room to initiate the 10-minute flirting session.

  • Each AI NPC has unique interests, so adapt your conversation style accordingly.

Aim for 80+ Points

Leaderboard Rankings & Rewards

Track your rank among other participants to qualify for PIXEL token payouts:

  • Top 10: 1% each of the PIXEL token pool.

  • Ranks 11–100: 0.3% each.

  • Ranks 101–500: 0.2% each.

You can make multiple attempts, but each try will require a new key. Also, keep in mind that the event will end on May 22, 2025, at 5:00 UTC. Responses that align with the AI NPC’s stated interests and personality will earn you more points. Aim to exceed 80 points quickly to achieve a high ranking.

Future AIV Token Airdrop

The event’s creators have hinted at the potential release of AIV tokens. While not guaranteed, high-scoring players might be eligible for a future airdrop. AIV may serve as a utility or governance token for future in-game experiences, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Pick a Trustworthy Launchpad

Set Up and Fund Your Wallet

Stake Native Tokens

Investigate Projects Thoroughly

  • Check each project’s roadmap, community, and tokenomics.

Track Returns

This approach helps you determine whether a project has genuine long-term potential. Just remember that early-stage gaming ventures carry high volatility, so weigh possible returns against risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I boost my score quickly?

Listen to each AI NPC’s preferences. Steer the conversation towards their interests to get more points. Review each character’s intro dialogue for clues on what they like and dislike.

Q: Is the PIXEL reward guaranteed for all participants?

You must place within the top 500 on the leaderboard. The higher you rank, the bigger your share of the reward pool.

Q: Can I try multiple times?

Yes, but each attempt requires a new key. There’s also a daily limit on how many keys you can buy.

Q: Will there be more rizz-to-earn events after May 22, 2025?

Pixels hasn’t confirmed another event date. Future expansions may hinge on player feedback and AI developments.

Final Thoughts

Pixels’ rizz-to-earn dating sim event delivers a fresh spin on blockchain gaming by combining social strategy with token rewards. Players who successfully charm AI NPCs stand to claim PIXEL tokens and maybe a future AIV airdrop. Give it a shot before the event wraps up on May 22, 2025, and see whether you can secure a top leaderboard spot for a share of the prize pool.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-to-participate-and-earn-with-pixels-rizz-to-earn-dating-sim-event/feed/ 0 37011 These are the Nova Launcher features I want to see on Pixels https://earlybirdsinvest.com/these-are-the-nova-launcher-features-i-want-to-see-on-pixels/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/these-are-the-nova-launcher-features-i-want-to-see-on-pixels/#respond Sun, 16 Mar 2025 14:26:45 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/these-are-the-nova-launcher-features-i-want-to-see-on-pixels/
The Pixel 9 Pro with its display turned on.

Joe Maring / Android Authority

I’m a big fan of the Pixel Launcher. So much so, that I actually ditched Nova Launcher when I switched from OnePlus to a Google phone. However, while I appreciate its clean, simple UI and great features, I think there’s definitely room for improvement.

Nova Launcher has a wealth of features, and there are several that I miss and would love to see on Pixel phones. I’ll guide you through the main ones.

Which Android launcher do you prefer?

14 votes

All things app-related

Many of the Nova Launcher features I like are app-related. For example, I’m very fond of the ability to create Drawer groups, which allows me to sort apps within the app drawer based on their purpose. I generally have a simple system set up, separating work-related apps from everything else.

I don’t have a ton of work-related apps, but I still need easy access to them. A dedicated Work tab in the app drawer is the perfect solution, allowing me to access all those apps in one place with just a tap or two — without manually searching through a list of all the apps I have installed on my phone. My home screen is generally filled with just the essential apps I need for personal use, as I don’t want any work-related ones cluttering it.

The option to customize the grid size on both the home screen and the app drawer is another feature I really like. My Pixel has this option, although only for the home screen and not the app drawer. However, the choices are limited, with the grid size of 5×5 being the most you can go for.

Nova Launcher displaying the home screen layout grid

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

With Nova Launcher, there are tons of possibilities. I can select how many apps I want vertically and horizontally, so I can customize my home screen — as well as the app drawer — exactly to my liking. I like the option of extending the vertical grid to seven apps, since my display is quite tall and can easily accommodate them without looking too cluttered. Packing more apps on one screen has a big benefit for me, as I need fewer home screens in total and can find apps in the app drawer faster.

Then there’s the dock on the home screen, which I really like and use to place my most important and used apps. Granted, the Pixel Launcher has a dock as well, but the customization options are slim to none. It’s a different story with Nova Launcher, as I can customize just about anything. For example, I can change the size of the icons, making them bigger than the other ones on the home screen so they stand out more. I can select to display or hide the app names, set the padding, and the number of apps I want the dock to hold. I can even change the color of the dock and the radius of the corners for a softer look. I generally keep it simple, but you can go crazy with it if you want. I can even remove the search bar from the dock, which can’t be done on my Pixel.

Back to the app drawer, Pixels only offer vertical scrolling, which I’m not a big fan of. I prefer horizontal scrolling. It always felt more natural to me, as I can flick between pages just like on my home screen. There are also all sorts of animations to choose from if that’s your thing. I have them turned of since they irritate me, but they are there if you need them.

Gestures

Nova Launcher with gesture navigation

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

Pixels also lack proper gestures. I love the ones offered by OnePlus, and it’s the biggest thing I missed when switching to a Pixel. With Nova Launcher, gestures become even more powerful. I can open an app, pull down notifications, and perform tasks like locking the screen with various gestures. These include swiping in various directions, tapping, pinching in and out, and more. You can even set up shortcuts. To give you an example, you can double-tap the screen to open your browser in incognito mode.

I have several gestures set up, but it took time to get used to them.

I have several gestures set up. The classics include swiping down to expand the notification menu and swiping up to open the app drawer, which are standard on Pixel phones anyway. A double tap turns off the screen for me, while swiping right opens up a new task in my task management app Todoist. To bring up the weather radar for my region to see if it will rain and when, I swipe down with two fingers.

It does take some time to learn all the gestures you set up, especially if there are many, but muscle memory takes over after a week or so.

I’d love to see Pixel implement a similar gesture system. It doesn’t have to be as robust as Nova Launcher’s, but at least give us something, Google.

Wait, there’s more

Nova Launcher with dynamic notification badges

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

There are a bunch of smaller customizations offered by Nova Launcher that I absolutely love. You can really make every part of the UI your own. I can change the corner radius of a folder, for example. Whether I want a perfect square or something with softer edges, Nova Launcher has me covered. I can also change the folder’s appearance, which includes the icon layout.

I can change the design of icons from round to square and everything in between. These small changes add up, and by implementing them, the UI can look completely different. It’s a breath of fresh air after using a phone for a long time. A new color scheme, new icon design, and other details make it feel like I have a brand-new phone. I can even choose the size of notification badges and icons. For a cleaner look, I can hide app names so I see only the icons.

These are the small things that would elevate the Pixel experience in my mind. I know Google is all about simplicity, which is why it avoids excessive customization options. But Pixel users are generally people who know and love their phones, and I think they — with me included — would benefit from these extra options.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/these-are-the-nova-launcher-features-i-want-to-see-on-pixels/feed/ 0 25482