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AppWizard
April 4, 2026

Fortnite’s AI-generated brainrot characters are here, and I hate it

Fortnite has launched the Brainrot Bundle, featuring two new characters: Ballerina Cappuccina and Tung Tung Tung Sahur, each priced at 1,500 V-Bucks. The bundle includes additional themed items, totaling 2,400 V-Bucks for the complete collection. Concerns have arisen regarding the origins of these characters, as they are inspired by memes linked to generative AI. Epic Games recently raised V-Buck prices and laid off 1,000 employees due to a decline in player engagement since 2025. A post on the Fortnite subreddit expressing discontent over the layoffs and the new bundle has gained attention within the community.
MindsEye is a glitchy, incoherent mess I wouldn't recommend to anyone—and it might also be my favorite game of 2026
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

MindsEye is a glitchy, incoherent mess I wouldn’t recommend to anyone—and it might also be my favorite game of 2026

MindsEye is a game developed by Build a Rocket Boy that has improved since its launch last year, though it remains flawed. The gameplay experience is chaotic, allowing players to create havoc in Redrock City without law enforcement. The game features static character interactions and forgettable archetypes, with a narrative that occasionally entertains but ultimately falls flat. The story portrays billionaire tech moguls as heroes with questionable morals, while the government and military are depicted as self-serving. Despite numerous issues, including erratic enemy behavior and performance problems, the reviewer found the absurdity of the game engaging. The narrative includes elements like underground civilizations, love, loss, and alien communication, leading to a chaotic and disjointed finale. The game is described as a flawed product with an unjustified price tag, yet it captivated the reviewer with its unpredictability.
New Starfield achievements hint at unannounced secrets in its Terran Armada DLC
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

New Starfield achievements hint at unannounced secrets in its Terran Armada DLC

The upcoming Starfield DLC, Terran Armada, will be released on April 7, priced at .99, alongside the Free Lanes update available to all players. New insights include 20 Steam achievements that hint at gameplay enhancements. Achievements involve completing Incursions against the Terran Armada, engaging with a reprogrammed robot named Delta, and potentially facilitating an 'evil playthrough.' Other achievements suggest new gameplay mechanics, such as using a magnet to destroy a robot in a location called New Babylon, and a more interactive outpost system. The achievements also reference narrative elements and familiar encounters from the game.
Rust's Spring Clean update nerfs the shield meta and boosts early game energy
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

Rust’s Spring Clean update nerfs the shield meta and boosts early game energy

The Rust April update introduces several enhancements, including the new Water Wheel, a renewable energy source that generates up to 30 power when placed in a river. The update features a new craftable item, the Armored Ladder Hatch, which requires 60 Scrap, 35 High-Quality Metal, six Gears, and a Wooden Ladder. Adjustments to shield mechanics have been made, reducing the hitbox size when the shield is not actively held. A tech-tree unlock chaining feature allows players to unlock an entire research path at once if they have enough Scrap. A new radial menu for low-light solutions enables individual control of light sources. Fishing mechanics have been adjusted to prevent overfishing, with server admins able to modify this feature. Additional updates include new colored buttons, improved UI elements, and a transition to a new terrain rendering system for better CPU performance. The update coincides with an Easter Egg Hunt event running until April 16, featuring themed cosmetics.
Wine 11.6 is an exciting release to make modding Windows games on Linux simpler
Winsage
April 4, 2026

Wine 11.6 is an exciting release to make modding Windows games on Linux simpler

Wine version 11.6 enhances the experience of running Windows games on Linux through Proton, focusing on game modding capabilities. Key features include the revival of the Android driver, implementation of DLL load order heuristics for better mod support, improved compatibility with VBScript, and 28 bug fixes for application and game performance. The update allows Wine to prioritize DLLs provided with mods over its own versions, facilitating the use of a wider array of mods without additional tweaks. These changes are expected to be integrated into Proton for Steam users.
Windows 11’s April update packs 8 (mostly) meaningful improvements you won’t want to skip. Here's what you'll be getting.
Winsage
April 4, 2026

Windows 11’s April update packs 8 (mostly) meaningful improvements you won’t want to skip. Here’s what you’ll be getting.

Microsoft will begin rolling out the April 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on April 14, 2026. This update includes significant changes such as: 1. Smart App Control (SAC) can now be managed without reinstalling the operating system, allowing users to toggle it on or off via Windows Security. 2. Windows Narrator has been enhanced to generate AI-based image descriptions, available to users on a Microsoft 365 Family plan. 3. The pen settings page will include an option to configure the "Same as Copilot key" feature. 4. File Explorer will receive updates including the ability to use Voice Typing for renaming files and fixes for various bugs. 5. The update supports display refresh rates of 1000Hz or higher, improves auto-rotation functionality, and enhances HDR performance for certain displays.
This Nightdive-remastered 3DO shooter shows why it took Halo to break PC gaming's FPS hegemony
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

This Nightdive-remastered 3DO shooter shows why it took Halo to break PC gaming’s FPS hegemony

In 1993, the 3DO Company released Escape from Monster Manor, a horror-themed FPS inspired by Wolfenstein 3D, which was overshadowed by the popularity of Doom. The 3DO Company later discovered a title in development called PO'ed. Nightdive Studios recently remastered PO'ed, making it available for PC gamers. The game features a chef protagonist on a spacecraft overrun by aliens, with a quirky arsenal including a frying pan and flamethrower. However, it suffers from uninspired environments, lack of in-game music, confusing level design, and imprecise controls. Despite its flaws, PO'ed is considered a notable artifact of early FPS gaming history.
Android's controversial sideloading changes pushed me to build my own app installer
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

Android’s controversial sideloading changes pushed me to build my own app installer

Using ADB via the command line can be cumbersome, prompting the desire to create a tailored application focused on the APK installation workflow, including wireless debugging pairing, file browsing, and bundle unpacking. A recent poll indicated that 48% of respondents use ADB fairly often, while 35% have used it once or twice. The author, a moderately skilled programmer, explored AI-assisted "vibe coding" to develop an app in Go, chosen for its simplicity and cross-platform capabilities. The project began with outlining its structure and creating a basic ADB wrapper in Go, which evolved into a functional terminal application within three days of part-time effort. The app, a compact 7MB executable, manages ADB sessions, allows pairing with Android devices over USB or Wi-Fi, includes a file explorer, and supports installing and unpacking various app bundles. Despite its usefulness, the author noted a limited understanding of Go due to reliance on AI for problem-solving. The app's source code is available on the Tiny APK Installer GitHub repository.
Microsoft to force updates to Windows 11 25H2 for PCs with older OS versions — 'intelligent' update system uses machine learning to determine when a device is ready
Winsage
April 4, 2026

Microsoft to force updates to Windows 11 25H2 for PCs with older OS versions — ‘intelligent’ update system uses machine learning to determine when a device is ready

Microsoft is updating devices running Windows 11 version 24H2 to version 25H2, as support for 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026. The automatic update targets Home and Pro editions, while organizational devices are exempt. An "intelligent" system using machine learning will determine device readiness for the update, though details on the criteria remain unclear. Additionally, Microsoft released an emergency update, KB5086672, to address issues from a previous faulty update, KB5079391, which caused installation failures.
AWS Engineer Reports PostgreSQL Performance Halved By Linux 7.0, But A Fix May Not Be Easy
Tech Optimizer
April 4, 2026

AWS Engineer Reports PostgreSQL Performance Halved By Linux 7.0, But A Fix May Not Be Easy

An engineer from Amazon/AWS reported a significant performance regression in PostgreSQL when running on the nearly finalized Linux 7.0 kernel, with throughput dropping to about half of previous kernel versions. The regression, observed on a Graviton4 server, is attributed to increased time spent in a user-space spinlock due to changes in preemption modes in Linux 7.0. A patch to revert to PREEMPT_NONE as the default preemption model has been submitted but may not be adopted. Peter Zijlstra suggested that PostgreSQL should adapt to utilize the Restartable Sequences (RSEQ) time slice extension to mitigate the performance drop. If this adaptation is accepted, the responsibility for the performance decline may shift to PostgreSQL, potentially affecting users until the database is updated. The stable release of Linux 7.0 is expected in about two weeks, coinciding with the launch of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.
If you've got a CMF Watch, the Nothing X app is taking over: this is what you need to know
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

If you’ve got a CMF Watch, the Nothing X app is taking over: this is what you need to know

Nothing will phase out the CMF Watch app, removing it from app stores on April 3, and users are encouraged to migrate to the Nothing X app. Full functionality of the Nothing X app is expected by July 19, 2026. Users must begin transferring their data now, which will deactivate their CMF Watch app accounts. The Watch 3 Pro, launched in July 2025, features a four-channel heart rate sensor, 131 sports modes, a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, and a battery life of 13 days. CMF Watches offer budget-friendly options and have received a million investment from Optiemus to enhance their capabilities. CMF operates independently from Nothing, headquartered in India, and has created around 1,800 jobs.
'Every Microsoft engineer got a stopwatch,' says Windows veteran reminiscing about company's past focus on speed — asserts that 'everything' was timed to ensure acceptable performance in the 1980s
Winsage
April 4, 2026

‘Every Microsoft engineer got a stopwatch,’ says Windows veteran reminiscing about company’s past focus on speed — asserts that ‘everything’ was timed to ensure acceptable performance in the 1980s

Steven Sinofsky, a former president of Microsoft’s Windows Division, reflected on the coding practices at Microsoft during the 1980s, highlighting that every engineer received a stopwatch to promote efficiency. He noted that these stopwatches were used for tasks such as scroll speed, boot time, and resource management. Sinofsky stated that from 1980 to 2000, managing resource usage constituted half of software engineering. He shared a humorous anecdote about a colleague's request for a free stopwatch in 1993, which was deemed too expensive by Microsoft. In response to criticism regarding the performance of its Windows operating system, Microsoft has committed to improving performance, reducing overhead, and enhancing reliability across its services. The company aims to be more intentional about resource utilization and feature integration.
With Humble Choice at almost half price, you can now get 8 Steam Deck-friendly games for just $1 each
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

With Humble Choice at almost half price, you can now get 8 Steam Deck-friendly games for just $1 each

Humble Bundle is offering a promotion for its Humble Choice subscription, allowing subscribers to acquire eight games for a significantly reduced fee. The lineup includes titles such as Tempest Rising and Chants of Sennaar. Tempest Rising is noted for its real-time strategy gameplay reminiscent of Command & Conquer, receiving an 8/10 review score. The subscription is priced at a discounted rate, and subscribers will have indefinite access to the games. The promotional code MARCH26 can be used at checkout, and the offer expires on April 7th.
A fanmade Jak and Daxter 3 PC port is now in beta, finally making Naughty Dog's most underrated trilogy fully available on PC
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

A fanmade Jak and Daxter 3 PC port is now in beta, finally making Naughty Dog’s most underrated trilogy fully available on PC

All three titles of the Jak and Daxter series have been ported to PC, with Jak 3's recent beta release completing the trilogy's transition. Players can enjoy the series in a "feature complete and fully completable" format, although Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is not yet in beta. Jak 2 and Jak 3 have minor audio bugs and graphical inconsistencies. Enhancements include widescreen support, 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, and modding capabilities, but players need original copies of the games for installation.
The Entire Jak And Daxter Trilogy Now Have Native PC Ports, And They Are Great on Steam Deck
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

The Entire Jak And Daxter Trilogy Now Have Native PC Ports, And They Are Great on Steam Deck

The OpenGOAL initiative is working on native PC ports for the Jak and Daxter trilogy, with Jak 3 now available for public play. The project aims to recreate the original programming language of the games, offering features like support for various aspect ratios, high frame rates, and mod support. While Jak 2 and Jak 3 are in beta and may have minor issues, players can still enjoy the games. Testing on the Steam Deck shows that the games run smoothly at 60 FPS with low battery consumption, although there are minor drawbacks such as PlayStation controller icons and occasional battery drain spikes during intense gameplay.
7 Ways to Fix Limbus Company Not Launching on a Windows PC
Winsage
April 4, 2026

7 Ways to Fix Limbus Company Not Launching on a Windows PC

Limbus Company, an indie gacha game, is experiencing technical issues on Windows PCs, with players unable to launch the game. Troubleshooting steps include: 1. Running the game as an administrator by navigating to the installation folder and adjusting properties. 2. Verifying the integrity of game files through Steam. 3. Disconnecting unnecessary USB devices. 4. Performing a clean boot to disable conflicting startup applications. 5. Updating graphics card drivers for compatibility. 6. Disabling integrated Intel GPUs in Device Manager to ensure the use of dedicated graphics cards. 7. Reinstalling the game on a solid-state drive (SSD) for better performance. Players can also contact the game's support service for further assistance.
Windows Use Among Gamers Falls, Linux Tops 5% For the First Time
Winsage
April 4, 2026

Windows Use Among Gamers Falls, Linux Tops 5% For the First Time

The latest Steam Hardware survey indicates that Windows usage among gamers has fallen below 93% for the first time, while Linux has surpassed 5%, reaching 5.3%. Windows 10's market share dropped nearly 15% in March 2026, and Windows 11 only gained 10.6% during the same period. macOS increased by 1.2%, while Linux grew by over 3.1%. Among Linux users, SteamOS Holo 64-bit is the leading distribution with a 25% share, attributed to the Steam Deck. Other distributions like Arch and Mint hold 8.8% and 6.9% of the market, respectively. There are also unnamed distributions referred to as "0 64 bit" and "64 bit," which may be experimental versions of SteamOS.
‘Minecraft World’ theme park set to open in 2027
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

‘Minecraft World’ theme park set to open in 2027

Chessington World of Adventures Resort announced plans for a "Minecraft"-themed amusement park called Minecraft World, set to open in 2027 in Chessington, UK. The park will feature a "world first" roller coaster, block-built playscapes, and various "Minecraft"-themed retail and dining options. The project involves "iconic 'Minecraft' creators" to ensure authenticity. The announcement follows the success of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios, which has generated excitement among fans. The park aims to attract both amusement park enthusiasts and the video game community, coinciding with the 20-year anniversary of Minecraft's original release in 2009.
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