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Winsage

May 12, 2026

Windows 11’s File Explorer is finally fixing an annoying file size quirk

Microsoft is reinstating the ‘Refresh’ and ‘Print’ options to the right-click context menu in Windows 11’s File Explorer in response to user feedback. These features are currently being tested in the Windows 11 preview Build 26300.8376, with a broader rollout expected soon. Additionally, file sizes in File Explorer will be displayed in megabytes or gigabytes for larger files, while smaller files will remain in kilobytes. These updates aim to improve user experience and are anticipated to be available to users in the coming weeks.

Winsage

May 12, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows K2 overhaul is making File Explorer launch much faster

Microsoft is reassessing its strategy following criticism and a decline in user satisfaction related to its AI tool, Copilot. The company is unwinding some Copilot integrations and reallocating resources to address issues with Windows 11, particularly focusing on improving File Explorer. Windows K2 will enhance File Explorer's performance, utilizing the WinUI 3 framework, which aims to streamline operations. Recent benchmarks show significant reductions in resource consumption for File Explorer, including 41% fewer allocations, 63% fewer transient allocations, 45% fewer function calls, and a 25% reduction in time spent in WinUI code. Improvements are expected to be rolled out soon.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Android Auto is getting a massive Material 3 makeover with new widgets, video apps, and more

Google unveiled updates for Android Auto at the Android Show: I/O Edition 2026, including: - Material 3 Expressive: Introduces expressive fonts, fluid animations, and customizable wallpapers, enhancing the interface for various screen sizes. - Home screen widgets: Users can access essential information and actions directly from the car's display, including shortcuts to contacts and real-time weather updates. - Support for video apps: Android Auto will support video applications like YouTube, allowing Full HD playback at 60 fps in select vehicles while parked, with automatic transition to audio-only mode when driving. - Dolby Atmos: Introduces spatial sound in select vehicles, along with visual updates for media apps like YouTube Music and Spotify. - Gemini Intelligence: Enhances functionality by understanding user context and automating tasks through voice commands. - Features for cars with Google built-in: Vehicles equipped with Google built-in will receive these enhancements, including improved media applications and Immersive Navigation with live lane guidance. These features will gradually roll out throughout the year.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Pause Point on Android 17 will make sure you don’t waste time endlessly scrolling through apps

Google's Android 17 introduces a feature called Pause Point, which helps users avoid mindless scrolling through distracting apps. When users open a potentially distracting app, they have a 10-second window to reconsider their choice, during which they can engage in calming exercises or set reminders to exit the app. If users try to disable Pause Point, their device will require a restart, encouraging mindfulness. This feature aims to reduce time spent on social media by creating a barrier to impulsive app usage.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Android Auto is getting video apps, music updates, and more Gemini smarts

Google is enhancing the Android Auto experience throughout 2026 with updates that include the integration of video apps like YouTube, supporting 60fps and FHD playback in select vehicle models from brands such as BMW, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. An audio-only mode for video apps will activate automatically when the vehicle is in motion, allowing drivers to listen without distraction. Android Auto will also introduce Dolby Atmos support for audio, a design overhaul for media applications, and immersive navigation features in Google Maps, including live lane guidance for vehicles with "Google built-in." Additionally, a Zoom app for Android Auto is expected to launch, and a new feature called Gemini Intelligence will enhance user interaction by enabling context-aware tasks, such as sending addresses and placing orders via voice commands.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Subnautica 2 Global Release Times, Preload Details Confirmed

Subnautica 2 will be released in early access on May 14, 2026. The game is developed by Unknown Worlds and will allow players to explore underwater biomes, encounter marine life, and craft tools and bases. It will be available for preorder on Steam, Xbox Series X and S, and the Epic Games Store, and will launch on Game Pass. Players who wishlist the game will receive a Reaper Leviathan Statue blueprint. The global release times are as follows: PDT, CST, CDT, EDT at 12am on May 14; BST at 8am; CEST at 9am; CST (Beijing) at 3pm; JST at 12am on May 15; AEST at 1am; and NZST at 3am.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Intel’s Big Battlemage Arc Pro B70 GPU benchmarked in games, ends up bang-on Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB performance

Intel's Arc Pro B70 graphics card performs comparably to the Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti in traditional raster gaming scenarios but lags behind when ray tracing is enabled. It is not marketed as a gaming GPU but as a cost-effective solution for running local AI models, featuring 32 GB of VRAM at a price point of approximately ,000. The B70 measures 368 mm² and is produced using a TSMC N5-class node, making it larger and more expensive to manufacture than the RTX 5060 Ti, which is built on a 181 mm² chip. The B70 delivers RTX 5060 Ti-level performance but is less appealing in a price-sensitive market due to its size and cost. It has 32 Xe cores, making it faster than the previous generation G21, but still trails the RTX 5070 by 87% in gaming performance.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Mixtape is at the center of another tedious culture war discourse, and I think I know why

Harvey Randall recently reviewed the game Mixtape from Annapurna Interactive, rating it a 74. The game received mixed reviews, with IGN giving it a perfect 10, VGC a five-star rating, and GameSpot and Nintendo Life scoring it nine, while GamesRadar+ rated it four stars. Discussions have arisen regarding the game's ties to the Israeli Defense Forces, leading some to reconsider their support for Annapurna, although Randall finds claims of astroturfing unfounded. He argues that the developer, Beethoven & Dinosaur, is transparent about its partnership with a publisher. The game features themes of nostalgia and explores a fantastical version of '90s suburban America, with character dynamics that hint at deeper themes without overtly pushing social agendas. Randall describes Mixtape as a charming character drama that elicits laughter and warmth, despite differing personal experiences. He acknowledges the subjective nature of gaming experiences and the range of opinions surrounding the game.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Popular PlayStation emulator clamps down on AI submissions: ‘Leave behind something useful to humanity when you’re gone, instead of peddling slop’

The RPCS3 development team has publicly addressed the influx of AI-generated pull requests (PRs) in their project, urging contributors to stop submitting what they call "AI slop code" and warning that they will ban those who do not disclose AI contributions. They expressed concern over poorly constructed PRs, particularly affecting their macOS build, and emphasized the importance of understanding the code being contributed. The team clarified that their issue is not with the use of AI code itself, but with the lack of disclosure. They have established new guidelines for AI contributions, allowing the use of AI tools for research and reverse engineering, but requiring contributors to fully understand and take ownership of their code. All communication with the team must come from human contributors, not AI.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Dead Space 4 looks unlikely as “companies are looking for the next Fortnite,” series producer says

Visceral Games created the horror game series Dead Space, which has a dedicated fan base but has not seen a new installment due to disappointing sales figures despite critical acclaim. Chuck Beaver, a producer of the original games, noted that while horror games have passionate fans, this enthusiasm does not always lead to substantial sales, which are crucial for franchise viability. The sales expectations have risen due to increasing production costs, and Dead Space has struggled to meet these expectations. The 2023 remake of Dead Space received a high rating but did not meet EA's sales expectations, hindering plans for a new entry. Glen Schofield, the original creator, mentioned that attempts to produce Dead Space 4 were blocked by EA due to a lack of interest. Future iterations would need to achieve sales comparable to successful titles like Resident Evil Requiem, which sold over seven million units shortly after release, to gain EA's attention.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Samsung confirms Voice Recorder app bug on One UI 8.5, rolls out fix

Samsung's Voice Recorder app is experiencing a glitch on Galaxy devices, causing crashes when users attempt to summarize recordings that have been transcribed into text. This issue primarily affects devices running One UI 8.5 if the setting to “Process data only within the device” is activated. Samsung has acknowledged the problem and recommends users update the app to version v21.5.86.26 to restore functionality. Users can update the app through the Galaxy Store.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 leak not a “pre-load issue,” Playground Games claims as dev bans entire bloodlines for playing pirated copies

Forza Horizon 6 has leaked in its entirety on Steam, allowing unauthorized access due to a lack of encryption. Playground Games stated that the leak was not a preload issue but likely orchestrated by someone with early access, such as a reviewer. SteamDB confirmed that the leak was facilitated by an individual with privileged access and clarified that they did not distribute keys or facilitate downloads. In response, Playground Games issued bans against players using pirated copies, emphasizing the seriousness of the breach. The official launch of Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled for May 19.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

‘We want to start today by apologising’: Phasmophobia is fixing issues with its Player Character update after a slew of complaints

Phasmophobia's recent update, the Player Character Update, has caused significant dissatisfaction among players, leading developers to issue a public apology for not meeting expectations. Players reported issues like misaligned character animations and awkward leg movements, with some experiencing motion sickness due to stuttering when using video cameras. The update aimed to refresh the game before a collaboration with Alan Wake, but many players preferred the original characters. Developers recognized the need to rebuild trust with the community and promised to improve transparency regarding future updates as they work towards the game's 1.0 release. Although the latest patch fixed some issues, players remain wary due to a history of inadequate updates followed by quick fixes.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Marathon reconsiders bug abuse approach after player uses Cryo Archive exploit to butcher an entire team

Bungie is reviewing its policies regarding player actions that exploit bugs in Marathon following a viral incident where a player used a flaw in the Cryo Archive map to eliminate another team. The company plans to compensate those affected by this incident and will address the bug before reintroducing the map. Bungie has historically not penalized players for going out of bounds but is considering stricter penalties for deliberate exploitation of bugs that negatively impact others. Since the launch of the Cryo Archive map, players have faced numerous issues, prompting ongoing patches and updates.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Whoop is putting a board-certified physician in its app to tell you why you’re tired

Whoop is introducing live in-app access to licensed medical professionals for real-time consultations, allowing users to share biometric data. The company is partnering with HealthEx to integrate wearable metrics with health records, enabling users to view diagnoses, medications, and medical history alongside their health data. Upcoming updates will enhance heart-rate accuracy, workout auto-detection, and strength training analytics. Users will be able to correlate medications and medical procedures with recovery scores and performance. Whoop is also developing AI features, including “My Memory” for managing personal information and “Proactive Check-Ins” for tailored suggestions. The Whoop Journal will allow users to log supplements and habits, with AI analyzing inputs for behavior trends. Upgrades to underlying technology are planned, but costs for clinician consultations remain undisclosed.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Why Minecraft Texture Packs Still Matter For Modern Players

Minecraft features customizable texture packs that allow players to personalize their gaming experience with various visual styles, ranging from hyper-realistic to cartoon-inspired aesthetics. These packs can transform the atmosphere of the game, enhancing the immersion of player-created worlds. Players have diverse preferences for texture packs, including minimalist designs, ultra-realistic textures, horror themes, and vibrant cartoon styles. Texture packs can improve performance and accessibility, catering to players with different hardware capabilities and visual sensitivities. The Minecraft texture pack community is active, continually releasing new designs inspired by various themes, and social media has helped promote these creations. Seasonal texture packs are popular, allowing players to switch visuals according to the time of year. Modding communities often combine texture packs with shaders, creating unique gameplay experiences.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

How to get the Sigil of Valor in Crimson Desert

The Sigil of Valor allows canine companions to participate in combat in Crimson Desert, enabling them to occasionally attack enemies. Players can acquire the Sigil by locating Lacey, the Secret Vendor, in Florindale after completing the Unreachable Village questline, which requires getting sleep darted three times. Completing the Unauthorized Access quest rewards players with the Sigil of Valor and the Sotdae of Bond for taming birds. To equip the Sigil, players must select their active dog in the pet menu and choose the item from their inventory. With the Sigil equipped, dogs may attack enemies during battles.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Nine Sols, one of our best-reviewed soulslikes, is just $12 on Steam this week

Nine Sols achieved a score of 92% in a review, qualifying it for a "compelling recommendation for most PC Gamers." It is currently available on Steam at a 60% discount until May 18, reducing the price to £10. The game offers approximately 20 hours of gameplay and is noted for its parry-based mechanics, appealing to fans of Hollow Knight and Silksong. It features an innovative mechanic called the Unbounded Counter, which requires precise timing to deflect attacks. The soundtrack enhances the gaming experience.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

‘Palworld Online’ has been trademarked, but there’s hints of potential AI use

Pocketpair submitted a trademark application for 'Palworld Online' on April 27, 2026, which is currently labeled as 'live' by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A similar trademark was filed in South Korea on April 24, 2026. The trademark pertains to "recorded computer game programs and recorded game software," and includes "toy design," suggesting potential new merchandise linked to the Palworld Trading Card Game (TCG). It also references "Artificial intelligence as a service (AIAAS) services featuring software using artificial intelligence (AI) for developing computer games." The 1.0 release of Palworld is projected for sometime in 2026, with speculation about the possibility of an MMO format.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

PUBG is removing several weapons from the game, and you could be due compensation

Players who owned QBU skins between 2020 and 2026 may be eligible for compensation as PUBG is set to remove several weapons, including the QBU and Mosin Nagant, from the game. The compensation will include in-game currencies such as BP, Credits, and G-Coins based on the skins possessed. For instance, the Seabeast Mosin Nagant skin will yield 200 G-Coins, while the Firestarter QBU skin will reward 1,490 G-Coins. The update also introduces a new Payday game mode and aims to streamline weapon offerings by removing underutilized guns.