NewApp Digest
search bot

AMD hardware

Hands on with Windows 11 26H1 and why this update is not meant for your PC
Winsage
February 20, 2026

Hands on with Windows 11 26H1 and why this update is not meant for your PC

Microsoft has announced Windows 11 26H1, a release intended exclusively for new ARM devices launching in 2026, specifically those powered by the Snapdragon X2 series. This version is not a feature update for existing PCs and will not appear in Windows Update notifications for users on Intel or AMD hardware. Windows 11 26H1 is based on a new internal core designed for ARM silicon, referred to as a "hardware-optimized release," and may carry the codename Bromine. The OS Build number for 26H1 is 28020.1611, distinguishing it from previous updates. Key enhancements include full integration of semantic natural-language search within Settings, an increase in the FAT32 format limit from 32 GB to 2 TB, and UI refinements. Notable omissions include the removal of .NET Framework 3.5 as an optional feature and a safeguard preventing the System Preparation Tool from running in Safe Mode. Windows 11 26H2 is expected later in 2026 for existing PCs.
"Windows 11 26H1" is a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs
Winsage
February 11, 2026

“Windows 11 26H1” is a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs

The recent developments in Windows versions present challenges for app developers and IT professionals, particularly with the introduction of a new Windows version designed exclusively for the latest Arm PCs. This shift highlights Microsoft's commitment to Arm processors, moving away from its historical focus on x86 versions. The 24H2 update for Windows 10 and 11 introduced significant enhancements for Arm PCs, including an optimized x86-to-Arm translation layer called Prism, improving compatibility and performance for applications not originally designed for Arm. This update coincided with the launch of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X-series processors, leading to more Arm-native Windows applications being released by third-party developers. Microsoft's hardware strategy has shifted, as the new Surface PCs launched in mid-2024 now exclusively use Qualcomm processors, moving away from Intel chips. Since the 24H2 update, development on Arm and x86 versions of Windows has progressed at different rates, with certain features available on Arm versions earlier than on x86 systems. Windows 11 24H2 was also available on Arm PCs in retail stores months before being released to the broader PC ecosystem. Microsoft has been contacted for details on the upcoming Windows 11 26H1 update and its potential enhancements.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 PC Performance Analysis
AppWizard
November 17, 2025

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 PC Performance Analysis

Activision has released Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, utilizing the IW Engine. Performance benchmarks were conducted using high-end hardware, including the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and various graphics cards such as the AMD Radeon RX 6900XT and NVIDIA RTX 4090, on a Windows 10 system. The game features over 300 customizable settings for PC gamers and supports Intel XeSS and AMD FSR 4.0. Ray Tracing is available in Multiplayer and Zombies modes but not in the Campaign. All tested GPUs achieved over 60 FPS at 1080p on maximum settings, with AMD hardware showing superior performance. At 1440p, most GPUs maintained smooth gameplay, except for the NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti. At Native 4K, the top five GPUs exceeded 60 FPS, with AMD GPUs performing well against NVIDIA counterparts. The game has visual appeal but suffers from pop-in issues and inconsistent texture quality. Gameplay is smooth with minimal stuttering and responsive controls. Overall, the game performs well across various PC configurations, though its visual quality may not meet franchise expectations.
Only two things are stopping me from moving to SteamOS on my desktop PC permanently – the moment they're addressed, I'll be saying 'adiós', Windows 11
Winsage
August 10, 2025

Only two things are stopping me from moving to SteamOS on my desktop PC permanently – the moment they’re addressed, I’ll be saying ‘adiós’, Windows 11

The author experimented with Bazzite, a SteamOS clone, on their Asus ROG Ally and is considering installing it on their primary desktop gaming PC due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Bazzite offers a console-like user interface and features tailored for gaming, particularly benefiting AMD hardware, while Nvidia users face limitations with beta support. Testing Discord on Bazzite yielded mixed results, with issues in streaming that are crucial for the author's gaming experience. The author appreciates the potential of Bazzite's Quick Resume feature and the appeal of a user interface similar to popular consoles. They express hope for improved Nvidia support and functionality to facilitate a transition away from Windows 11.
I tested a $7 app that boosts FPS and resolution in any PC game. It's amazing!
AppWizard
March 21, 2025

I tested a $7 app that boosts FPS and resolution in any PC game. It’s amazing!

Lossless Scaling is a standalone application that enhances gaming by providing upscaling and frame generation capabilities for various PC games, regardless of the graphics card. It was initially developed for integer scaling of older pixel graphics games but has evolved to include enhancements similar to DLSS and FSR. The application features built-in upscalers using algorithms like FSR, LS1, and Integer scaling, serving as alternatives for games without support for advanced technologies. A key feature is the LSFG algorithm for Frame Generation, which can potentially double, triple, or quadruple frame rates, though it may introduce increased latency and some "unreal" generated frames. Lossless Scaling significantly improves performance in space simulation games, boosting frame rates from around 90 FPS to 140 FPS and enhancing complex scenes. It also benefits console ports with frame rate caps, such as Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered, where activating 2x Frame Generation can raise the frame rate from 60 FPS to 120 FPS, improving visual fluidity despite some input lag.
Unrealcraft Is Minecraft in Unreal Engine 5, Free Demo Released
AppWizard
March 16, 2025

Unrealcraft Is Minecraft in Unreal Engine 5, Free Demo Released

Greg Coulthard has introduced UnrealCraft, a template for Unreal Engine 5.5 that allows users to create Voxel Worlds using blueprints. Key features include a procedural map generator, a block building system, NPC support with NavMesh, biome support, a liquid propagation system, and combinable noise functions. UnrealCraft features The Infinite World map, which offers a procedurally generated landscape similar to Minecraft. A demo version is available for free download, requiring an RTX-capable GPU and 16GB of RAM. A video showcasing UnrealCraft is also available. Greg Coulthard is known for his ports of Skyrim and Oblivion into Unreal Engine 5. Other free fan-made demos for Unreal Engine 5 include projects based on Superman, Halo 3: ODST, Spider-Man, STALKER, Blood, Halo: Combat Evolved, Attack on Titan, and a Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. Additional tech demos for high-end GPUs include a Witcher-like environment, a recreation of an Italian town, a demo of King’s Field 2, and various remakes of popular games.
Search