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Steam Machine: Hardly any cheaper gaming PCs, 8 GiByte is enough
AppWizard
June 24, 2026

Steam Machine: Hardly any cheaper gaming PCs, 8 GiByte is enough

PCGH and PC Games discussed the new Steam Machine with Valve's Lawrence Yang and Yazan Aldehayyat. The final cost of the Steam Machine exceeded initial expectations due to unforeseen supply chain challenges related to memory and storage. Aldehayyat expressed pride in the product's quality and performance, despite its higher price point potentially excluding some buyers. Yang mentioned that future price adjustments could be considered if market conditions allow. The SteamOS does not currently support dual booting, but users can set up dual boot systems using external media. Valve is collaborating with anti-cheat providers like Easy Anti-Cheat and BattlEye to implement solutions for Linux. The Steam Machine is equipped with 8 GB of VRAM, which Aldehayyat believes is sufficient for most games at 1080p resolution. A verification program for the Steam Machine will be implemented, similar to that of the Steam Deck, ensuring better performance for verified games.
Get 2 Years of Surfshark VPN and Antivirus for $2.79 Per Month This Prime Day
Tech Optimizer
June 24, 2026

Get 2 Years of Surfshark VPN and Antivirus for $2.79 Per Month This Prime Day

An advertiser has invested in editorial consideration for a deal that offers two years of Surfshark's VPN and antivirus service for less than .49 per month. Customers opting for the two-year Surfshark One plan receive an additional three months at no extra cost, totaling 27 months of coverage for .33, which breaks down to .49 per month. This offer coincides with Amazon Prime Day and is presented as a cost-effective subscription for long-term security solutions. Surfshark is recognized as the best-value VPN, offering three plans: Starter, One, and One Plus, with the One plan being the optimal choice for most users. It includes antivirus protection, data breach notifications, and a private search engine.
The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I’ve ever played
AppWizard
June 22, 2026

The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I’ve ever played

The Steam Machine retails starting at ,049 without a gamepad and ,128 bundled with one. Its performance does not significantly exceed that of the 5.5-year-old PS5, which offers sharper visuals in certain games. The Steam Machine operates more like a console than previous iterations, featuring a compact design and compatibility with modern gamepads. Valve claims to sell its components at cost, having negotiated with suppliers during a memory supply crisis. Users have reported technical issues, such as problems with the Steam Controller, sound output, and game downloads. The device requires manual adjustments for settings, lacks user-friendly configurations, and has questionable reliability with its sleep function. Valve plans to support AMD’s FSR 4 upscaling and is working on graphics driver updates. The Steam Machine is positioned as a versatile gaming and computing solution, but its limitations highlight the need for further refinement.
Steam Machine pricing starts at $1,049 for 512GB model
AppWizard
June 22, 2026

Steam Machine pricing starts at $1,049 for 512GB model

Valve's Steam Machine is now available for pre-order, with two versions priced at ,049 for the 512GB model and ,349 for the 2TB model, which includes a Steam Controller. The device runs on SteamOS and can play PC games, functioning as both a console and a desktop computer. Its compact design allows for easy integration into home environments. The pricing has been influenced by component shortages due to demand from AI sectors. Valve has stated that it does not follow the traditional console model of selling hardware at a loss, aiming instead for an open ecosystem. Insights suggest that the target price for the Steam Machine may have shifted significantly due to rising costs.
"Subscription-based gaming is the final boss of piracy": Why I think we're on track to own nothing and be happy we get to play at all
AppWizard
June 21, 2026

“Subscription-based gaming is the final boss of piracy”: Why I think we’re on track to own nothing and be happy we get to play at all

A study published in the Entertainment Computing journal analyzed 86 games released on Steam from 2014 to 2022, finding that games with cracked versions available within the first week of launch experienced a 20% drop in revenue. If DRM delayed cracks by at least six weeks, the revenue decline was only 5%, and if DRM withstood cracks for three months, there was no significant loss in revenue. Denuvo's defenses have been breached within hours of game releases, and the future of DRM may rely more on contractual agreements than technology. Subscription-based gaming models, like Xbox's PC Game Pass, are emerging, allowing players to access games without owning them, which raises concerns about game ownership and the potential for titles to be removed from libraries. The rise of cloud gaming is seen as a solution to affordability issues for gamers, but it also leads to questions about the future of game ownership and piracy.
Acoustic mapping app uses thousands of networked old Android phones to hunt Shahed drones — crowd-sourced microphone network spots small, low-RCS military targets
AppWizard
June 21, 2026

Acoustic mapping app uses thousands of networked old Android phones to hunt Shahed drones — crowd-sourced microphone network spots small, low-RCS military targets

A Lithuanian startup has developed an Android application that allows verified users to monitor for the acoustic signatures of Shahed-type drones used by Russia. The app detects these drones and enables users to report their locations, contributing to a collective defense mechanism. It uses an embedded algorithm to isolate drone sounds from environmental noise and relays detection information to a public map, improving situational awareness. The effectiveness of the system increases with more users running the app. Shahed-type drones are favored in military operations due to their cost-effectiveness. Other nations are also developing countermeasures against drone threats, including microwave drone swarm killers and anti-drone laser systems.
Forza Horizon 6 Dethroned as #1 Selling Steam Game
AppWizard
June 20, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 Dethroned as #1 Selling Steam Game

Forza Horizon 6 has lost its position as the top-selling game on Steam to Meccha Chameleon, a hide-and-seek game released on June 9, which has sold five million copies in ten days. Meccha Chameleon is priced affordably and has an 85% approval rating from over 6,000 user reviews. The top five best-selling games between June 9 and June 16 are Meccha Chameleon, Forza Horizon 6, Path of Exile 2, EA Sports FC 26, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. The rankings for positions six through ten include 007 First Light, Gothic Remake, Burglin’ Gnomes, Rust, and Voidling Bound. Titles in spots ten through twenty are Dead by Daylight, Resident Evil 4, Road to Empress II, Subnautica 2, Hearts of Iron IV, Paralives, Monster Hunter Wilds, Witchspire, Gamble With Your Friends, and Resident Evil Requiem.
MacBook Neo vs Windows Laptops for Cybersecurity Tasks
Winsage
June 19, 2026

MacBook Neo vs Windows Laptops for Cybersecurity Tasks

The laptop has evolved into a crucial tool for cybersecurity, serving as a workstation for malware analysis and daily operations. A debate exists between the merits of MacBook Neo and Windows-based models, with Windows offering flexibility and compatibility, while macOS is favored for stability and build quality. Popular penetration testing tools are available on both platforms, but Windows laptops have an advantage due to better integration with x86 environments and specialized drivers. Virtualization is essential in cybersecurity, and Windows laptops with higher RAM provide a better experience for running multiple virtual machines compared to the non-upgradable RAM of the MacBook Neo. Intensive tasks can strain systems, necessitating efficient resource management, especially on the MacBook Neo. Most malware is designed for Windows, making it crucial for analysts to be familiar with Windows-specific tools and features. The MacBook Neo is beneficial for tasks like working with event logs and writing automation scripts, while its battery life and mobility are advantageous for professionals on the go. Security considerations play a significant role in the choice of operating system, with Windows being a common target for attackers, whereas macOS has stricter access controls. Windows laptops offer more price flexibility and upgradeability, while the MacBook Neo focuses on simplicity and build quality but lacks upgrade options. Ultimately, Windows is optimal for tasks involving malware analysis and virtual labs, while the MacBook Neo suits those focused on development and network analysis.
"My jaw dropped": Dell just launched its new $599 XPS 13, and I don't think the Windows 11 laptop market will ever be the same
Winsage
June 16, 2026

“My jaw dropped”: Dell just launched its new $599 XPS 13, and I don’t think the Windows 11 laptop market will ever be the same

Dell's XPS 13 has been released with a starting price of 9 for students and ,199 for other customers. It features Intel Core Series 3 processors, a 13.4-inch display with 2.5K resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The laptop includes Dolby Atmos tuning, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and a 1080p webcam with an IR sensor. Upcoming models will have Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and an additional Storm color option. The XPS 13 allows RAM upgrades to 16GB or 32GB, unlike the MacBook Neo, which has a fixed 8GB limit. Initial reviews have been positive, highlighting its design and pricing.
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