affordable Archives

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

The Outer Worlds 2 director offers the most sympathetic answer I’ve yet heard for the $80 game question: ‘We don’t set the prices for our games,’ and ‘You’d have to honestly talk to the Xbox folks’

Brandon Adler, the director of The Outer Worlds 2, stated that game developers do not set the prices for their games, emphasizing that pricing decisions are made by corporate executives. He expressed a desire for broader accessibility to games but indicated that pricing inquiries should be directed to Xbox executives. The economic landscape has shifted, making home ownership difficult while consumer electronics have become more affordable. Gamers now have various options, including subscription services and budget-friendly hardware. The perceived normal price for games has shifted to the range of to , with being a stretch, particularly for highly anticipated titles. Pricing challenges reflect deeper issues in the gaming industry, including recent layoffs and rising development costs. Obsidian Entertainment has adopted a strategy of working on multiple smaller projects, resulting in more affordable pricing for some titles, while the upcoming Avowed is set at a full retail price. Concerns exist that The Outer Worlds 2’s price might hinder its success, especially given the unclear metrics Microsoft uses to evaluate sales performance.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

LibreOffice backs campaign to help users move from Windows 10 to Linux – and ditch Office, too

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternatives like Linux. The End of 10 initiative aims to guide users toward affordable options, particularly Linux and LibreOffice, as many existing Windows 10 devices may not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements. The transition to Windows 11 may also lead to increased costs and reduced user autonomy due to its cloud-centric design. LibreOffice, an open-source productivity suite, offers essential tools without licensing fees and promotes open standards, though compatibility with Microsoft Office documents may vary. The Document Foundation suggests three steps for transitioning to Linux and LibreOffice: testing the new platform, assessing software compatibility, and providing training for users.

Winsage

June 11, 2025

macOS 26 Tahoe Is the End of the Road for Intel Macs

Apple announced that macOS 26, also known as macOS Tahoe 26, will be the last version to support Intel-based Macs. The final Mac with an Intel processor was the previous-generation Mac Pro, succeeded by the M2 Ultra-powered Mac Pro in 2023. The transition to Apple Silicon began with the M1 series in 2020 and continued with the M2, M3, and M4 series. Critical security updates for Intel-based Macs will continue for a limited time but will eventually cease. macOS 27 will only support Apple Silicon Macs with M1 and later processors. Not all Macs running the current version, Sequoia, will be eligible for the Tahoe update; only those with Intel's ninth-generation Coffee Lake and Cascade Lake-based Xeon-W processors can run Tahoe. This includes specific models like the Mac Pro (2019) and MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019). Many Intel Macs, including various 2018 and older models, will not be able to upgrade to Tahoe. Apple's transition from Intel began in 2005, moving from PowerPC processors.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Microsoft Employee Working On SteamVR Driver To Revive Windows MR Headsets

A Microsoft employee is developing a native SteamVR driver called "Oasis" to revive Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headsets, which lost functionality after the Windows 11 24H2 update eliminated support for these devices. The previous runtime that allowed Windows MR headsets to interface with SteamVR is now obsolete. Matthieu Bucchianeri, a software developer with experience at Sony and SpaceX, is leading this project, which involves deep reverse-engineering. The Oasis driver is currently compatible with Nvidia GPUs, and Bucchianeri is in talks with AMD for potential compatibility. He plans to release the driver for free in the fall.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Gamers, let’s not pretend PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass multiplayer subscriptions are okay – they’re exactly why PC gaming is arguably cheaper in the long term

Transitioning from console gaming to PC gaming involves challenges such as file management and technical adjustments, but it offers benefits like no multiplayer subscription fees. Console gamers often need to subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus for online play, with exceptions for free-to-play games. While gaming PC hardware is more expensive initially, the long-term costs of playing games are lower due to access to affordable titles and frequent discounts on platforms like the Epic Games Store and Steam. In contrast, PlayStation games often retain their retail prices longer, limiting discount availability. The basic PS Plus plan costs .99 annually, similar to the price of a new game, while the 'Premium' plan costs 9.99 and lacks day-one title access. Xbox Game Pass offers better value with new games available on release day. Overall, while the initial investment in a gaming PC is high, the savings on games and lack of subscription fees make it a worthwhile choice.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Citadel Launches Digital Signage Software, Android App

Citadel Texas has launched an upgraded version of its Citadel Digital Signage software suite, featuring a new Android app and media player aimed at enhancing customer engagement through dynamic video content and real-time updates. Key features include enhanced engagement tools, effortless management, and accessibility at an affordable price. The software allows businesses to create impactful visuals, influence purchasing decisions, and transform displays into educational hubs. The Android app and media player offer features like integrated Google Reviews, live weather widgets, and reliable connectivity. The solution is particularly beneficial for healthcare settings, improving patient experiences during wait times. Pricing starts at a competitive rate, making it accessible for various businesses.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

New flagship smartphone makes PC gaming on mobile smoother than ever

RedMagic is set to launch its flagship gaming phone, the RedMagic 10S Pro, in global markets after its unveiling in China. The device features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Leading Version chipset and a dedicated RedCore R3 Pro gaming chip, allowing for enhanced gaming performance with up to 120FPS. It includes an advanced ICE-X cooling system with Liquid Metal 2.0 technology, which improves thermal management. The phone has a 6.85-inch BOE custom AMOLED 1.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, alongside a 7,050 mAh battery supporting 80W wired charging. The camera system consists of a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel camera, plus a 16-megapixel front camera. Pricing for the RedMagic 10S Pro starts at €649 for the 12/256GB model and goes up to €999 for the 24GB/1TB model. Pre-orders will be available from June 12 to 17, 2025, with general sales starting on June 18. The phone will be available in various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, GCC countries, Latin America, and the Middle East, with some countries receiving it at a later date.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

I tested Bitdefender and McAfee in an antivirus software showdown, and here’s what I found

Bitdefender and McAfee are two leading antivirus software options known for robust malware protection and additional security features. Bitdefender achieves 98% effectiveness in real-time threat detection, while McAfee uses machine learning for threat identification but may produce false positives. Bitdefender offers a basic firewall, not available for macOS, whereas McAfee provides a more advanced firewall with device monitoring. Bitdefender has a standalone Digital Identity Protection service, while McAfee offers comprehensive identity theft protections in its Premium subscription. Bitdefender includes a VPN with a 200MB daily data cap, while McAfee provides unlimited VPN access but with fewer countries and features. Both offer password managers, but Bitdefender lacks two-factor authentication, while McAfee's True Key includes multi-factor authentication. Bitdefender’s parental controls are basic, while McAfee’s Safe Family includes location tracking. Bitdefender is known for lightweight performance, but recent tests suggest McAfee may have better system optimization. Both have user-friendly interfaces, with Bitdefender organizing features into tabs and McAfee offering a simpler design. In terms of protection, Bitdefender has a 98.7% detection rate, while McAfee excels online with 99.6% but struggles offline. Bitdefender's pricing starts at .99 for the first year, while McAfee's Basic plan starts at .99. Overall, Bitdefender is more budget-friendly, while McAfee offers advanced identity theft protection.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Games Inbox: Will Nintendo games ever come to PC?

Nintendo is being speculated to potentially embrace PC gaming, partly due to an incident where an Xbox website mistakenly listed Xenoblade Chronicles X, leading to discussions about a possible collaboration with Microsoft. Historically, Microsoft has attempted to acquire Nintendo twice, which could influence Nintendo's decisions on PC support. This relationship might allow Nintendo to utilize Microsoft's server capabilities for game streaming or share development costs for new titles. Meanwhile, Sony appears to be losing influence in the gaming market despite strong PlayStation 5 sales. The gaming community has mixed feelings about recent releases, with some expressing disappointment over the quality of titles like Elden Ring Nightreign. Players are also finding enjoyment in games like Horizon Zero Dawn, and there is a growing trend for gamers to seek affordable physical copies of games through platforms like Vinted. The anticipation for the Switch 2's midnight launch reflects a nostalgic aspect of gaming culture, while consumers are navigating the balance between supporting brands like Nintendo and managing personal finances amidst rising costs.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

All the The Elder Scrolls games are up to 75% off in Bethesda’s weekend sale, with 20% off Oblivion Remastered

The Elder Scrolls series is currently experiencing heightened interest due to the release of Oblivion Remastered and updates from modding projects like Tamriel Rebuilt and Skyblivion. Bethesda has launched a sale on the entire Elder Scrolls catalog, with notable discounts including: - Oblivion Remastered at a 20% discount, now priced at £40, with the Deluxe version at £44. - The Elder Scrolls Online at £4, including the base game and Morrowind chapter. - Skyrim Special Edition and Anniversary Edition upgrade both priced at £8.74. - Skyrim VR at a 75% discount, now priced at £12.49. - The Elder Scrolls Redguard and An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire each at £1.95, reflecting a 60% discount. - Morrowind at a 60% discount, now priced at £5.19. The sale will be available throughout the weekend, concluding on Thursday, June 5.