AppWizard
June 30, 2026
During a California State Senate hearing on the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921), Jennifer Gibbons, vice president of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), claimed that private servers for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty are illegal and constitute piracy. This statement has been challenged by gaming communities, as players can legally set up private servers by downloading a .jar file from the official Minecraft website. Advocates for the Protect Our Games Act plan to enhance their lobbying efforts by increasing funding, establishing an in-person presence, and forming a coalition of organizations and developers. Additionally, there are plans to introduce similar legislation in other states and potentially at the federal level.
AppWizard
June 30, 2026
Valve is set to launch the Steam Frame this summer, with the classic game Portal 2 receiving a compatibility rating of Playable. The Playable rating is due to the lack of support for the Steam Frame's native resolution, meaning while the game runs smoothly, it won't utilize the headset's full resolution capabilities. The Steam Frame features a resolution of 2,160 × 2,160 for each eye, an upgrade from the Valve Index's 1,440 × 1,600 resolution. It also offers standalone gaming capabilities, unlike the Index, which required a PC connection. Valve's compatibility rating system includes Unsupported, Playable, and Verified categories. A late August release for the Steam Frame is anticipated, following the timeline of previous product launches.
Winsage
June 30, 2026
Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, down from its regular price of 9. This limited-time promotion runs until July 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The upgrade includes features such as a modern user interface, improved multitasking, advanced security features, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, Azure AD integration, and Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, Copilot.
Winsage
June 30, 2026
Microsoft has rolled out updates for Windows 11, confirming the development of version 26H2, which has transitioned from version 25H2 in the Experimental channel. Key updates include enhancements to the Search page, a revamped Mobile Devices page, a new GIF provider (GIPHY), a smaller Taskbar size option, improved system sounds in dark mode, rebranding of the Gaming section to "XBOX mode," a new "Screen tint" feature for accessibility, enhanced Magnifier zoom controls, and improved personalization features for accent color selection.
AppWizard
June 30, 2026
Google is opposing the European Union's proposed amendments to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), warning that these changes could jeopardize user privacy and security. The DMA aims to reduce the dominance of major tech platforms by requiring gatekeepers like Google to share more data with competitors. Google is particularly concerned about the implications of sharing search data and granting third-party AI services access to sensitive Android features, fearing that this could lead to increased fraud and cyberattacks. The European Commission is pushing for Google to provide rival search engines with access to anonymized search data to enhance competition, but Google argues that once this data leaves its infrastructure, it becomes difficult to protect. DuckDuckGo and some researchers believe the Commission's proposals adequately address privacy risks, while others acknowledge the risks but suggest they should be balanced against technical protections. Additionally, EU regulators are advocating for deeper integration of competing AI assistants with Android, which Google warns could compromise existing security measures. Apple has shown support for some of Google's concerns regarding access to operating systems.
Winsage
June 30, 2026
A recent Microsoft update, KB5095093, enhances the user experience on Windows 11, particularly by significantly accelerating File Explorer. The update reorganizes the "Home" tab in File Explorer for improved performance, resulting in faster access and functionality. It also improves the reliability of the address bar with quicker suggestions and enhances responsiveness when mounting disk images and adjusting folder view case sensitivity. This update is part of June's optional Windows update and will become mandatory in July. Users can install it via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Winsage
June 30, 2026
Recent reports indicate that AMD's driver is disabling Smart Access Memory (SAM) on Windows 10 systems, resulting in reduced gaming performance. Users have experienced issues such as game crashes and improper recognition of Radeon graphics cards. Many have uninstalled the AMD driver using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) and performed a clean installation, but SAM remains disabled in the Adrenalin software despite BIOS settings being unchanged. Notifications from Windows 10 suggest a conflict between the AMD driver and the operating system. AMD is investigating the issue and has released a preview driver version 26.6.3 to address compatibility problems for RX 7000 series GPUs. Temporary workarounds have been suggested by users, including checking monitor refresh rates and rebooting systems.
Winsage
June 30, 2026
Microsoft has released new preview versions in the Windows Insider channels, focusing on refining the taskbar in Windows 11. The latest Insider Preview versions include a new option called “Taskbar size” in the “Experimental” release channel (Build 26300.8758), with early screenshots indicating a default setting of “Small.” Users can also dock the taskbar on any side of the monitor. Improvements to system sounds in dark mode and more reliable thumbnail previews for cloud files in File Explorer's preview panel are also included in the Beta Preview (Build 26220.8754). Microsoft has restructured the Insider Preview Program, reducing it from four channels to two: Experimental and Beta, with the Release Preview channel remaining. Switching between Insider Preview channels has been simplified, allowing users to change channels more flexibly.
AppWizard
June 30, 2026
Players are experiencing issues with item disappearance from their inventories when using the Herschel bag in Minecraft. A bug report has been submitted to Mojang, indicating that items stored in the bag vanish upon logging back into the game. The Herschel Backpack Trials add-on offers 16 pages of space, totaling 384 slots, and includes features like automatic sorting and a soul-bound characteristic. Despite the bug, the add-on has a 4.5-star rating on the Minecraft Marketplace, suggesting that most players are enjoying it without issues. Players are advised to empty the backpack before logging off to avoid losing valuable items.
AppWizard
June 30, 2026
The Dappled Forest biome in Minecraft is a new cold biome characterized by colorful Poplar trees, red shrubs, and shelf mushrooms, designed to evoke the essence of autumn with warm hues. It features Poplar trees in red, orange, or yellow, fallen Poplar trees, shelf mushrooms, red shrubs, leaf litter, brown mushrooms, and abandoned camps. Players can find this biome near colder areas like snowy tundras and taigas, and it includes various animal mobs such as sheep, cold chickens, cold cows, cold pigs, rabbits, and foxes.
Winsage
June 30, 2026
Removing a USB drive from a port without using the “safely remove” option is generally acceptable on many Windows computers, depending on the policy for the external device. Microsoft provides two main options for removable drives: quick removal and better performance. Under the quick removal policy, users can disconnect the device without the “Safely Remove Hardware” process, although this may reduce system performance. Since Windows 10 version 1809, quick removal has been the default policy for external devices. However, users must ensure that all operations, such as copying or formatting, are completed before removal. The better performance policy requires users to use the safe removal option to prevent data loss, as it allows write caching. Failing to do so increases the risk of data loss if the drive is disconnected while Windows is still processing writes. The highest risk of data loss occurs when the drive is removed while Windows or an application is engaged in file operations. The safe removal icon serves as a confirmation that the drive is not in use, helping to prevent accidental ejection during active processes. Users can check the flash drive policy by accessing the device properties in Disk Management. The chosen setting may persist upon reconnection to the same computer port, leading to different experiences for users with similar drives. To minimize data loss, it is recommended to wait for operations to finish and use safe removal when uncertain about the drive's status.
Winsage
June 30, 2026
Best Buy is offering discounts on all-in-one (AIO) PCs, including models with Intel's Core 300-series processors. Notable deals include: - HP OmniStudio 27-inch FHD Touchscreen AIO PC with Ryzen AI 7 445, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage for ,219.99 (Reg. ,620) - HP OmniStudio X 27-inch QHD AIO with Core Ultra 7 356H, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage for ,520 (Reg. ,920) - HP OmniStudio X 27-inch 4K UHD AIO with Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD for ,300 (Reg. ,550) - Dell 27-inch 2K IPS touchscreen AIO with Core Ultra 7 3 355, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage for ,450 (Reg. ,660) - Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 27-inch 2K IPS LCD touchscreen with Core Ultra 7 355, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage for ,460 (Reg. ,700) - HP OmniStudio X 27-inch QHD AIO with Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB for ,100 (Reg. ,390) The HP OmniStudio AIO PC is available for ,219.99, down from ,620, featuring a 27-inch Full HD touchscreen, AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage. It includes Copilot+ support and AMD Radeon 840M integrated graphics.
Winsage
June 30, 2026
The 'file in use' error in Windows indicates that a file is currently being accessed by a program, preventing deletion or renaming to avoid data corruption. This error can persist even after closing an application due to reasons such as antivirus software scanning the file, network references from other devices, or files loaded as Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) that remain in memory. To identify the process causing the error, Mark Russinovich developed the command-line tool Handle, which shows all open file handles, and Process Explorer, which provides a graphical interface to find and manage these handles. Microsoft is integrating Sysinternals tools into PowerToys for easier access, including the File Locksmith tool that allows users to unlock files directly. A recommended workaround for the error is to rename the file instead of deleting it, as Windows permits renaming even when a file is open.
AppWizard
June 30, 2026
Hideki Kamiya, a key figure in the gaming industry, was involved in the Resident Evil franchise as a designer for the original game and director for Resident Evil 2. Despite his contributions to horror gaming, he does not consider himself a fan of the genre and has expressed a desire for a "non-scary mode" in Resident Evil games. Kamiya envisions a game featuring a retired Leon Kennedy living a peaceful life in the countryside, engaging in activities like fishing, baking, and helping neighbors. He has communicated with Capcom about the demand for a less frightening version of Resident Evil, indicating a genuine interest in innovation within the franchise. Currently, he is working on a sequel to Okami at his new studio, Clovers.
AppWizard
June 30, 2026
Xbox is currently facing challenges under new CEO Asha Sharma, dealing with strategic misalignment, significant acquisitions, layoffs, and a financially burdensome games subscription service. The company has launched advertisements for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which include the disclaimer "NOT ON XBOX GAME PASS THIS YEAR," reflecting its current difficulties. These ads began running on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads on June 27. The decision to exclude Call of Duty from Game Pass at launch follows reports of a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a notable chapter of its recent history, Xbox finds itself navigating a turbulent landscape as it seeks to redefine its identity under the leadership of new CEO Asha Sharma. Despite ambitious aspirations, the gaming giant grapples with the repercussions of a strategic misalignment that has characterized its endeavors in the current decade. The company has made headlines primarily for its significant acquisitions within the gaming industry, only to face subsequent layoffs, alongside the launch of a games subscription service that has become a financial burden. This tumultuous journey has been further complicated by a brief insistence that all games should be synonymous with Xbox, a stance that inadvertently discouraged potential console ownership. Strategic Shifts and Marketing Challenges As the company braces for another potential wave of layoffs and studio closures, it has recently unveiled a series of advertisements for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. These ads, first spotted by a user on Resetera, encapsulate the ongoing challenges faced by the gaming division, prominently featuring the disclaimer: “NOT ON XBOX GAME PASS THIS YEAR.” This stark message serves as a reflection of the brand's current predicament. According to the Meta ad library, these advertisements commenced their run across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Threads on June 27. While the decision to exclude Call of Duty titles from Game Pass at launch may be seen as a pragmatic move—especially following reports of a 0 million loss attributed to the service's impact on sales of Black Ops 6—it underscores a broader narrative of confusion and inconsistency in Xbox's branding strategy. The removal of Call of Duty from Game Pass, coupled with adjustments to its pricing structure, appears to have yielded positive results in revenue growth for the service. However, the necessity of advertising that consumers must now pay for a title, rather than highlighting enticing features like “137 NEW WEAPON ATTACHMENTS,” signals a retreat from the previously bold marketing tactics. This shift raises questions about the clarity and coherence of Xbox's messaging, which has not shown significant improvement under the new leadership. As Xbox continues to navigate these complex waters, the industry watches closely, pondering whether the adjustments will ultimately lead to a revitalized brand or further entrench the challenges that have plagued its recent history." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million loss linked to the service's effect on sales of Black Ops 6. Although removing Call of Duty from Game Pass and adjusting pricing has led to revenue growth, the need to advertise that consumers must pay for titles instead of promoting features indicates a shift in marketing strategy. This situation raises concerns about the clarity and coherence of Xbox's messaging under the new leadership.
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