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Announcing new builds for 17 August 2026
Winsage
August 18, 2026

Announcing new builds for 17 August 2026

New Windows 11 Insider Preview builds have been released for the Beta and Experimental Channels. All new builds include renewed Windows Insider flight certificates, replacing those that expired on August 11, 2026, to ensure compatibility with software and future updates. There is an ongoing issue with the Feature Flags settings page appearing empty for Insiders in the Experimental channel, which is expected to be resolved in the next build. Notable new features include a redesigned Context Menu in File Explorer, aimed at improving speed and customization, and support for Emoji 17.0, which introduces new emojis and design adjustments for existing ones.
Here are the PC game settings you should always turn on, and the ones to switch off
AppWizard
August 17, 2026

Here are the PC game settings you should always turn on, and the ones to switch off

PC gaming allows customization of graphics settings to improve performance and visual experience. Certain settings can degrade image quality, while others enhance immersion. Settings to disable include: - Motion blur: Can create a blurry visual experience, especially during fast movements. - VSync: Synchronizes frame rate with monitor refresh rate but can introduce latency; alternatives like Adaptive Sync are more effective. - Depth of field: Can obscure details and consume resources, particularly in clarity-focused scenarios. - Chromatic aberration, bloom, lens flare, and film grain: These post-processing effects can detract from clarity and hinder performance, especially in competitive play. Settings to enable or tweak include: - ML-based upscaling (DLSS, FSR 4, XeSS): Enhances visual stability and boosts performance without sacrificing image quality. - Textures: Higher quality textures improve realism and detail, especially with sufficient VRAM. - View distance: A higher setting enhances immersion by rendering distant objects, reducing distracting pop-ins. - Shadows: Higher quality shadows add depth and realism, enhancing the overall visual experience despite potential performance costs.
Ark's most gorgeous expansion dates its final update, complete with a flaming wild hog
AppWizard
August 17, 2026

Ark’s most gorgeous expansion dates its final update, complete with a flaming wild hog

Astraeos, a DLC for Ark Survival Ascended inspired by Greek mythology, was initially a free mod created by modder 'Nekatus' and became a full DLC in collaboration with Studio Wildcard. It launched in February 2025 and will receive its final update in August 2026, introducing a new creature called the Boaratos, or 'the burning hog.' The Boaratos, designed by modder 'Dragonheart,' is characterized by its physical strength and fiery attacks, making it a formidable opponent. It also has the ability to burn trees, providing players with charcoal. The final update for Astraeos is scheduled for August 26, and the expansion is priced at .99 / £12.79, requiring a base copy of Ark Survival Evolved.
New Pixel Phone Update Brings Awesome Level of Color Customization
AppWizard
August 17, 2026

New Pixel Phone Update Brings Awesome Level of Color Customization

The Pixel line received an update with Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3, introducing enhanced color customization options in the "Wallpaper & style" settings. Users can now use a color slider to select their preferred hue for the system theme and choose from four styles: Neutral, Soft, Bright, and Bold. The update allows users to refine their color choices and personalize their device's aesthetic. The rollout began on Friday, and users can enroll in the Android Beta Program to access these features, with the stable version expected for non-beta testers in December 2026.
Iron Nest is the best 'Battleship' game I've played in years—and it doesn't even have boats
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Iron Nest is the best ‘Battleship’ game I’ve played in years—and it doesn’t even have boats

Iron Nest is a game set in an alternate-history version of 1920s Spain, where players operate a five-thousand-tonne artillery battery for the Kingdom of Castille. Players must triangulate degrees and distances to fire accurately, using a detailed map table and teleprinter messages to locate enemy positions. The gameplay involves calculating barrel elevation and managing resources to purchase recon plane flyovers and different shell types. The game features procedurally-generated objectives for enhanced replayability and allows players to earn medals for performance. It was developed by a single individual and is noted for its engaging mechanics and tactile tools.
Devs blame Windows for VLC media player bug that causes 33-second delay when playing MP3 files
Winsage
August 16, 2026

Devs blame Windows for VLC media player bug that causes 33-second delay when playing MP3 files

VLC, the open-source media player, is experiencing delays of up to 33 seconds when playing MP3 files on Windows 11, attributed to a recent update to Microsoft Defender that conflicts with VLC’s plugin cache. Developer Jonathan Blow criticized VLC for this issue, prompting the VLC team to clarify that the problem stems from Microsoft Defender quarantining the plugins.cache file. Users can resolve the issue by reinstalling VLC or regenerating the plugin cache, although this will reset personalized settings. Adding an exception for VLC in Microsoft Defender may prevent future issues. Microsoft has not yet commented on the situation.
Хакеры взломали ремейк Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
TrendTechie
August 16, 2026

Хакеры взломали ремейк Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

The remake of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced has been compromised by hackers, making it available for download on various torrent sites. This breach occurred a little over a month after the game's official release on July 9. The hacker, known as voice38, successfully bypassed Denuvo's anti-piracy measures and has previously hacked other titles. The game is available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect, as well as on PS5 and Xbox Series, featuring Russian subtitles and significant enhancements such as redesigned mission structures, revamped combat systems, improved parkour mechanics, enhanced graphics, and new narrative content. Additionally, Mafia: The Old Country has released an expansion titled “Man of Honor”.
Best Steam Deck-friendly games under $5 in Humble’s Summer Sale
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

Best Steam Deck-friendly games under $5 in Humble’s Summer Sale

Humble is celebrating its 15th Anniversary Summer Sale, featuring discounts across its game catalog. Many titles are available for under a certain price, including games like Dying Light and Mad Max. The sale includes a curated list of the best Steam Deck games priced under a specific amount, with each game coming with a Steam key. As of July 10th, 2026, the prices listed reflect current discounts. Games labeled as Verified are optimized for the Steam Deck, while Playable titles may need adjustments. Humble is also offering a Short Games Showcase bundle with 14 Steam Deck-compatible games valued at a higher price for a lower price, along with additional savings through the Fanatical’s Favorites bundle.
I used DeX to turn my Galaxy S25 Ultra into a lightweight gaming PC
AppWizard
August 16, 2026

I used DeX to turn my Galaxy S25 Ultra into a lightweight gaming PC

PC gaming on Android has significantly improved with the introduction of applications like Winlator and the emergence of GameNative, a refined PC emulator. The custom Turnip GPU drivers for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chips have enhanced gaming performance, expanding mobile gaming possibilities. Testing with a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, various PC games were explored using GameNative, which supports Steam. Lightweight 2D games ran smoothly, while 3D titles from the late 2000s to early 2010s, like Crysis and Deus Ex: Human Revolution, performed well, though some games encountered issues. The Witcher 3 was playable with frame rate adjustments, and Cyberpunk 2077 launched but was largely unplayable due to low frame rates and crashes. The DeX experience on the Galaxy S25 Ultra was mostly positive, with updates improving performance and resolving bugs. Overall, the device can serve as a lightweight gaming PC alternative, allowing for the enjoyment of older PC games on mobile.
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