affordable Archives

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Sony exec says killing discs won’t make the PlayStation 6 too much like a PC: ‘Going forward, we can coexist peacefully with PC games’

Sony announced its plan to transition to a fully digital gaming platform by 2028, ceasing production of game discs. This decision has raised concerns among gamers regarding ownership and accessibility, particularly the ability to trade in games and access libraries during service outages. CFO Lin Tao stated that Sony is committed to this digital shift, emphasizing the strength of curated content and the stability of the gaming environment. Tao also noted that physical discs are not a significant differentiator for their products and expressed a vision of coexistence with PC games. Additionally, estimates suggest that the material costs for the upcoming PlayStation 6 could exceed 0, raising questions about pricing and competition in the market amid ongoing supply chain challenges.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Sony Says Game Discs Not a Big Factor of Differentiation Between PlayStation & PC; Can Coexist “Peacefully” With PC

Sony has confirmed its commitment to a disc-less gaming model for upcoming PlayStation consoles. CFO Lin Tao stated that the absence of discs will not significantly influence gamers' decisions to switch to PC gaming, highlighting the strengths of curated content, a stable game environment, and affordability compared to high-end gaming PCs. Sony is proceeding cautiously with phasing out physical game discs, noting that any backlash has not negatively impacted their business. Anticipation for the PS6 includes advancements in cloud streaming technology and a new horror game, along with a patent for innovative modular controller technology featuring a touchscreen interface.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Xbox Project Helix could be dead on arrival thanks to PlayStation PC cull

Xbox's upcoming console, Project Helix, has undergone significant modifications due to changes in the gaming industry influenced by PlayStation's strategic decisions. PlayStation plans to phase out physical disc production by 2028 and is reportedly stepping back from PC ports due to disappointing sales figures. This shift affects Xbox's strategy, as PlayStation is reluctant to share its gaming library with Xbox users, disrupting Project Helix's original model. The anticipated cost of Project Helix is expected to exceed that of Valve's Steam Machine, raising concerns about its pricing amid a market where fewer gamers are willing to invest heavily in consoles. Exclusive titles have historically been a major draw for consoles, but Xbox is still recovering from past strategic missteps. The gaming community is awaiting further details on Project Helix's PC capabilities and an official unveiling.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

PlayStation ditching physical games is “a bridge across the bad years” of high hardware costs, analyst says, but it means “casuals and youngsters will drift off to mobile, PC, and free-to-play even faster”

PlayStation announced its intention to cease physical game production by 2028. Analyst Rhys Elliott described this shift as a "stopgap" rather than a long-term strategy, suggesting it may be a temporary measure to address current economic challenges and high hardware manufacturing costs. He raised concerns that this decision could alienate younger and budget-conscious gamers who typically enter the console market through affordable pre-owned discs, potentially impacting their future engagement with the platform.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Your Android’s System Data Now Takes Up Cloud Storage Space – Here’s How To Disable It

Google has introduced granular backup settings for Android users, allowing them to manage data preservation more effectively. Users can disable cloud backups entirely and selectively choose which data sources or applications to back up. To adjust these settings, they can go to Settings > Google (or Google Services) > Other Device Data and toggle off the backup option. When cloud backups are disabled, app settings, call history, SMS messages, and media files will not be saved unless enabled individually. Backed-up data remains on Google's servers until manually deleted. If users exceed their cloud storage limit, they will face restrictions, such as being unable to send or receive emails in Gmail or back up photos to Google Photos. With cloud backups disabled, new devices will not automatically restore data from Google's cloud services. Users can expand their Google account storage by subscribing to Google One, with plans starting at .99 per month for 100GB. An active Google One subscription offers additional perks, including sharing benefits with family and access to enhanced Google Workspace features.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

7 Retro-Themed PC Gaming Gadgets Inspired By Iconic Consoles

Retro gaming enthusiasts can enhance their gaming experiences with modern gadgets that merge nostalgia with contemporary technology. The 8BitDo Retro R8 mouse, priced at .99, is designed to resemble the Nintendo Entertainment System and offers Bluetooth, RF Wireless, or wired USB connectivity with a polling rate of 8,000 hertz and a maximum sensor resolution of 26,000 DPI. It comes in three designs: NES, Commodore 64, and original Xbox, and includes a charging dock. The PromoType KeyBoy Advance keyboard, priced at , replicates the Game Boy Advance and requires DIY assembly. It features L and R buttons that are configurable extras and includes a power indicator and speaker grille. The 8BitDo M30 controller, priced at .99, is designed for the Sega Genesis with a six-button layout and compatibility with various devices including PC and Nintendo Switch. The Retro-Bit V2 Wireless Tribute 64 controller, retailing at .99, is optimized for Nintendo 64 games and features improved latency and a classic button layout, compatible with multiple platforms including the Nintendo Switch. The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, available for .99, features a design reminiscent of the NES, customizable A and B buttons, and supports both wired and wireless connectivity with key remapping options. The Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM02, priced at 9, is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7840HS processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD, suitable for retro and contemporary gaming, ideally paired with a CRT display. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick, priced at .99, features a design inspired by the NES, customizable macro options, and supports USB-C wired and wireless connections, allowing easy switching between PC and Nintendo Switch.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

BackupChain Expands Hyper-V Backup for Windows Server 2025 as a Veeam Alternative

BackupChain has released an update to its backup and disaster recovery platform for Windows Server and Windows 11 users, introducing features such as faster compression, improved Hyper-V protection, expedited restores, and comprehensive backup validation. The update includes a redesigned deduplication engine that accelerates backup speeds and reduces storage usage. It also features advanced Hyper-V change tracking for efficient incremental backups and is compatible with Windows Server 2016 and later, as well as Windows 10 and 11. Restoration processes have been simplified with single-pass restores, minimizing downtime. Additionally, Deep Verification for VM backups allows for ongoing verification of the backup chain without needing to restore the virtual machine. BackupChain aims to provide robust backup technology tailored for SMBs and IT professionals, positioning itself as an alternative to larger enterprise platforms like Veeam. The latest version is now available.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

EU hits Google with another $1B fine as Search and Play Store face fresh antitrust crackdown

The European Commission has fined Google €890 million under the Digital Markets Act, with €460 million for allegedly favoring its own services in search results and €430 million for restricting developers in the Google Play ecosystem. Google must revise its Search ranking algorithms and Play Store policies within 60 days to avoid further fines based on global revenue. The company is expected to appeal the decision and discuss compliance strategies with regulators.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

This $10 Windows upgrade could save you from buying a new laptop

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, valid until July 26. It is designed to enhance older PCs with features like a user-friendly interface, advanced search capabilities, innovative snap layouts for multitasking, and integration of Microsoft's AI-powered assistant, Copilot. The operating system also provides seamless access to Microsoft Teams and enhanced security measures, including biometric logins and encrypted authentication.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Minecraft Summer Sale Features 300+ Marketplace Items at Up to 33% Off

Minecraft is hosting its annual Summer Sale, offering over 300 Marketplace items at discounts of up to 33%, running until July 28 at 10 a.m. PT. The sale features various add-ons and packs, including: - Fainting Goats Add-On: 328 Minecoins (was 490) - HorrorCraft Add-On 1.1: 807 Minecoins (was 1340) - 3D Weapons Texture Pack: 442 Minecoins (was 660) - Dinosaur Biomes: 663 Minecoins (was 990) - Craftable Mob Houses Add-On: 442 Minecoins (was 660) - Black X Shadow Megapack: 207 Minecoins (was 310) - Fur Craft Add-On 3.0: 663 Minecoins (was 990) - Backpack Add-On: 442 Minecoins (was 660) - Ultimate Trading Add-On: 556 Minecoins (was 830) - Planes Pro 2.0 Add-On: 783 Minecoins (was 1170)