announcement Archives

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Microsoft quietly extends free Windows 10 ESU support to October 2027

Microsoft has extended the free coverage of its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, now lasting until October 12, 2027. This change was noted in updates to Microsoft's ESU documentation and a blog post. Previously, Windows 10 was set to reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, with initial ESU coverage expiring on October 12, 2026. Consumers can access the extended security updates through various methods, including payment, backing up settings to a Microsoft account, redeeming Microsoft reward points, or for users in the European Economic Area, by logging in with a Microsoft account. Each ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same account, and the program is only for personal devices, not those managed through Active Directory or MDM.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Microsoft Quietly Extends Windows 10 ESU For One More Year

Microsoft is expected to extend the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by an additional year, with the new end date set for October 12, 2027, instead of the previously stated October 2026. This change is reflected on the Microsoft website, which confirms the new timeline.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Riot Vanguard finally drops its controversial always-on requirement for anti-cheat — new on-demand mode requires a strict Windows 11 security stack

Riot Games has introduced a new feature for its Vanguard anti-cheat system called Vanguard On-Demand, which allows the kernel driver to load only when a Riot game is launched and unload upon exit. This change ends the previous practice of loading the driver at Windows start-up, which has been in place since 2020. The new mode is supported by Windows 11 25H2 and requires specific hardware configurations, including UEFI Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI), and IOMMU. Approximately 35% of players currently meet these hardware requirements, while around 3% are using incompatible systems. Riot has created a checklist called Vanguard Pre-Check to help players determine if their systems qualify. The percentage of fully secured machines is estimated to be around 34.33% and is increasing monthly. Players whose systems do not meet the criteria will need to make manual adjustments in their BIOS. Vanguard On-Demand mode will be available for players on Windows 11 starting later today. The feature is based on Microsoft’s Runtime Driver Attestation Report, which tracks driver activity since boot and helps ensure no vulnerable drivers have been loaded while Vanguard is inactive. Riot Games has required TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on Windows 11 since 2020 and has faced criticism for these requirements. Enabling VBS and HVCI may affect frame rates and could disable older peripheral drivers due to Microsoft's vulnerable driver blocklist.

BetaBeacon

June 25, 2026

These 20 premium Android games are now KES 15 or less on Google Play for a limited time

Google Play has launched a Mega Game Sale that discounts 20 popular premium Android games to prices as low as KES 10 in Kenya. The sale is available globally and runs until July 2, with some discounts extending until July 6. The discounted games cover various genres such as tower defense, racing, strategy, action, puzzle, and creativity. Some games may not show discounted prices for Google Play Pass subscribers. These prices are lower than what many people spend on mobile data in a day.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Hasbro Games Junior Collection announced for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PS4, Switch, and PC

Outright Games, in collaboration with Casual Brothers, will launch the Hasbro Games Junior Collection on November 6. This collection includes Monopoly Jr., Clue Jr., and The Game of Life Jr., and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam. The games support solo play or local multiplayer for up to four players on a single console, allowing players to create and customize avatars. The collection features kid-friendly rules for easy learning and fast-paced gameplay.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Rockstar Games Announces Pre-Orders for Grand Theft Auto VI

Rockstar Games has announced that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI will begin at midnight local time on June 25, 2026, ahead of the official launch on November 19, 2026. The game will retail for .99 and will be available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. An Ultimate Edition will be available for .99, featuring exclusive content. Pre-orders made before November 20, 2026, will include the Vintage Vice City Pack and digital pre-orders will come with a complimentary month of GTA+. Preloading for digital versions will start on November 12, 2026, and physical editions will also be released on that date, including a download code. The game will be available on the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Rockstar Games Store, and various global retailers.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

GTA 6 is a ‘singleplayer experience’, leaving me to question what’s going on with GTA Online

Rockstar Games has announced that GTA 6 will be released on November 19, 2026, focusing on a single-player experience. There is currently no integrated online feature with GTA 6, but speculation exists about the future of GTA Online, which may receive an update. Historically, Rockstar has launched online modes shortly after single-player games, as seen with GTA Online and Red Dead Online. Players who pre-order GTA 6 will receive a complimentary month of GTA+, indicating potential expansion of the subscription service.

BetaBeacon

June 25, 2026

Marie Android is a 3D action game in which the cute heroine can get absolutely shredded

Marie Android is a 3D action-adventure game developed by Jinbey Aoyama, set to be released this summer. Players control a small robot named Marie with unique powers, such as transforming into a tank or flattening herself. The game involves solving puzzles and combat, with each section of the map presenting different challenges that players must master to progress. Aoyama, who has been active as a VTuber since 2018 under the name Marie Android, is working on the game solo, with virtual singer Pochi Korone lending her voice talents to the project.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows 11 is now five years old

Windows 11 was unveiled by Microsoft on June 24, 2021, marking its fifth anniversary. The operating system features a modern interface, improvements to virtual desktops, support for Android apps, integration of Microsoft Teams into the taskbar, a refreshed Microsoft Store, and enhanced security measures. However, it faced criticism for removing certain taskbar functionalities and imposing strict hardware requirements, leading to increased sales of TPM chips. Microsoft has begun to address user feedback by redesigning the Start menu, reinstating missing taskbar features, and enhancing Windows Update. Recent updates suggest a commitment to improving Windows 11, which is expected to remain relevant in the operating system market.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Star Wars: Galactic Racer Fuses Episode 1: Racer and Burnout Into a Compelling Roguelite Racing Game

Disney has shifted its Star Wars video game strategy to allow a wider range of developers to create games, moving away from reliance on a limited internal team. The upcoming title, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, is developed by Fuse Games and features players as Shade, who participates in an underground racing circuit in the Outer Rim. The game includes various vehicles, a roguelite structure, and character customization. Players face challenges from AI competitors and can explore planets between races, upgrading vehicles and interacting with characters. The game also features an Arcade mode for podracing, emphasizing quick reflexes and control.