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Civ 7 is getting 'by far the most-requested addition' later this month, but I'm more interested in whether it'll finally feel fully baked
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

Civ 7 is getting ‘by far the most-requested addition’ later this month, but I’m more interested in whether it’ll finally feel fully baked

Firaxis announced that Civilization VII will introduce a feature allowing players to engage with a single civilization throughout an entire campaign. The upcoming Test of Time update, launching on May 19, will be a comprehensive, free overhaul based on player feedback. Key features include the introduction of "time-tested Civs," allowing players to maintain their civilization across ages, a revamped victory system with dynamic conditions, optional side objectives for various playstyles, updated map generation techniques, user interface improvements, balance changes, and a complimentary leader for all players.
How I found the Android launcher that finally rivals the Google Pixel experience
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

How I found the Android launcher that finally rivals the Google Pixel experience

The Pixel Launcher is built on three foundational features: visual consistency through Material You, simplicity with a minimalistic interface, and fluidity with smooth animations. However, it has limited customization options compared to other launchers. Lawnchair is an open-source project that enhances the Pixel experience by restoring customization options removed by Google, such as hiding widgets, supporting icon packs, and allowing user-defined grid layouts. Lawnchair maintains a clean interface while offering extensive control over app visibility and layout, effectively addressing the limitations of the Pixel Launcher. Lawnchair 15 provides a refined version of the Pixel experience, making it accessible to users of non-Pixel devices.
Review: Pragmata PC Review: Path Tracing Is A Game Changer
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

Review: Pragmata PC Review: Path Tracing Is A Game Changer

Path tracing scalability is maximized on the RTX 5090 with 4K DLSS quality mode, while the RTX 5070 can achieve a commendable experience using optimized settings at 1440p DLSS balanced mode. The RTX 5070 is the most prevalent Blackwell GPU according to the Steam Hardware Survey, indicating that path tracing is becoming mainstream. Optimal performance in Pragmata on an 8GB GPU requires selecting the lowest texture quality setting due to bugs and potential stuttering with medium settings. Higher mesh quality settings may reduce geometry on 8GB cards. Optimized settings for Pragmata include various configurations for ray tracing, texture quality, and shadow quality, closely mirroring developer settings for current-generation consoles. Enabling the shadow cache option significantly improves frame rates by reusing existing shadow data.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Recent Arc Raiders Steam reviews hit ‘mixed’ for the first time since launch, and I can see why

Arc Raiders received over 41,000 positive reviews on Steam between October 30 and November 6 of last year, indicating early success and player enthusiasm. However, as of May 2026, the game has shifted to a mixed reception, particularly following the Riven Tides update, which failed to meet player expectations. Concerns include unsatisfactory game balance and accelerated weapon degradation, making gameplay frustrating. The development team is considering balancing adjustments in response to player feedback.
Microsoft is finally ditching the junk MSN feed in Windows widgets
Winsage
May 5, 2026

Microsoft is finally ditching the junk MSN feed in Windows widgets

Microsoft will eliminate the MSN news feed from the widgets panel in Windows 11, shifting to a "quiet by default" experience. This change includes disabling the automatic opening of the widgets panel when hovering over its taskbar icon and turning off distracting taskbar badges by default. Users will now see a more personalized set of information in the widgets panel instead of notifications related to stocks, weather, or news. These updates aim to create a less distracting interface and improve the overall user experience in Windows 11, with further enhancements expected throughout 2026.
PlayStation 5 Linux Tested: Steam PC vs Native PS5 Games
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

PlayStation 5 Linux Tested: Steam PC vs Native PS5 Games

Linux has been successfully implemented on the PlayStation 5, allowing users to run an open operating system on the console. This implementation, led by security researcher Andy Nguyen (TheFlow), utilizes an exploit for PS5 consoles with system software versions up to 4.5. Users can boot Linux from a USB or SSD, with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS providing around 15GB of usable memory. The PS5's hardware, including its Zen 2 processor and GPU, is fully accessible, with CPU speeds reaching up to 3.5GHz and GPU speeds up to 2.23GHz when boost mode is activated. However, running Linux on the PS5 presents challenges, such as sourcing a unit with the required firmware and limitations in resolution, as users cannot exceed 1080p. Performance tests showed that Linux can match the PS5's performance in some titles, but issues with memory management were noted, leading to stuttering and crashes in certain games. For example, reducing texture quality improved performance in games like Pragmata, while rendering issues were observed in Crimson Desert. The implementation allows for a unique gaming experience, but it also highlights the complexities and limitations of running Linux on a gaming console.
Android phone slow? I changed 2 developer settings for an instant speed boost
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Android phone slow? I changed 2 developer settings for an instant speed boost

The Pixel 9 Pro provides smooth performance, but users may experience lag with other phones. Caution is advised when using "optimizer" apps from the Google Play Store, as they may offer little benefit and could introduce malware. Built-in settings on Android phones can enhance performance without third-party apps. To access these features, enable Developer Options by tapping the Build Number seven times in the About Phone section of Settings. Adjustments to improve performance include: 1. Modifying animation settings: - Window animation scale: Controls speed of pop-up windows and menus. - Transition animation scale: Manages animation speed when switching screens. - Animator duration scale: Affects duration of internal UI animations. Setting these to 0.5x or turning them off can improve speed. 2. Reducing background processes: - Limit background processes to "At most 4 processes" for better performance, especially on devices with 4GB RAM or less. These adjustments can lead to a smoother and more responsive user experience.
Microsoft continues the good work on Windows 11, with tweaks to 'quiet' ads — and that big taskbar change is 'coming soon'
Winsage
May 4, 2026

Microsoft continues the good work on Windows 11, with tweaks to ‘quiet’ ads — and that big taskbar change is ‘coming soon’

Microsoft has reduced the prominence of advertisements in the widgets panel of Windows 11 to enhance user experience. In a recent preview build, default settings were introduced to make the widgets board less intrusive, aiming to minimize distractions and unexpected alerts. These changes are part of a broader update that includes improvements in File Explorer speed and overall system performance, with a significant update to the taskbar also planned.
Microsoft Debloats Windows 11 Widgets In Preview Builds, UI Significantly Improved
Winsage
May 4, 2026

Microsoft Debloats Windows 11 Widgets In Preview Builds, UI Significantly Improved

Windows 11 is undergoing enhancements under the initiative "Windows K2" in response to user criticism. The latest Preview Build 26300.8346 features a revamped widgets panel, introducing a new subsection titled “Widgets is quiet by default” to minimize distractions. Key changes include disabling open-on-hover for the widgets panel, turning off taskbar badging, limiting the widgets experience to the first launch, and minimizing taskbar alerts. These adjustments aim to create a more coherent presentation of information and address critiques of Windows 11’s user interface. Microsoft is facing competition from macOS and Linux, and concerns over reliability and performance have affected Windows 11’s reputation.
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