app Archives

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Microsoft to eliminate shader wait times in PC games

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) technology to address lengthy shader compilation times for PC gamers. The ASD technology generates a Pre-compiled Shader Database (PSDB) from a Shader Object State Database (SODB), allowing for faster game startups by eliminating the need for local compilation. Since integrating ASD into its software development kit (SDK), Microsoft has achieved an 85% reduction in launch times for the game Avowed. NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm are also set to support ASD in their hardware. Additionally, Microsoft has updated its API to allow developers to upload pre-compiled shaders through the Xbox Partner Center, starting with the Xbox app on PC.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2026

Google confirms: Free-to-play demos are coming to Play Store games

- Google Play is enhancing its platform for gamers by introducing Game Trials for select titles. - Play is introducing "buy once, play anywhere" pricing for certain games, allowing players to access the game on both PC and mobile platforms. - Google is focusing on bringing more premium, paid games to Play, including indie games like Peaks, Sledding Game, and Low-Budget Repairs. - A dedicated tab for discovering new PC games has been added to the Play Store. - Google is expanding the Sidekick AI system for offering advice during games to select paid PC games. - Play's Community Posts forums are being expanded to support more games and discussions in additional languages.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for Canary Channel 29550.1000

Windows Insider Preview Build 29550.1000 has been released to the Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel. New features include: - Emoji 16.0 release with a curated set of new emojis. - Camera settings now allow control of pan and tilt for supported cameras. - Global power settings changes apply to all power plans. - Voice typing can be used when renaming files in File Explorer. - Improved performance and reliability in the Settings app and nearby sharing for larger files. Users are reminded that these builds can be unstable and may have limited documentation. Features may change or be removed and may not be released beyond Windows Insiders. A clean install is required to leave the Canary Channel.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Gemini screen automation for Android apps has free, AI Pro usage limits

Google has rolled out its Gemini screen automation feature on the Galaxy S26, allowing users to execute commands within a virtual window on the device. Free account users have a daily limit of 5 requests, while Google AI Plus subscribers can make 12 requests for .99, AI Pro members can make 20 requests for .99, and Google AI Ultra subscribers can make 120 requests for .99. The screen automation feature supports services like Lyft, Uber, GrubHub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Starbucks. It is currently available on the Galaxy S26 series in the US and Korea, with support for Pixel 10 devices coming soon.

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8062 (KB 5079458) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. 1. Policy-Based Removal of Preinstalled Microsoft Apps: IT administrators can now use a dynamic app removal list to remove MSIX/APPX apps by adding their package family names through Group Policy. The dynamic list is not yet available in Intune CSP. 2. Windows Setup Experience: Users can select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process, which must adhere to standard naming conventions. 3. Windows Driver Policy Update: A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default. The feature will initially operate in audit mode for at least 100 hours. 4. Point-in-Time Restore Updates: Local administrators will see a settings dialog to view or modify default restore settings, including a list of available restore points. Updated messaging has been added to the restore experience. 5. Drag Tray Rebranding: The Drag Tray has been rebranded as Drop Tray, with settings relocated to System > Multitasking. 6. Pen Settings: Refinements have been made to the Pen settings page, including an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the Copilot key. 7. File Explorer and Other Enhancements: Improvements have been made to the reliability of setting the preferred display language, and unexpected errors from the sfc/scannow command have been removed. Updates are gradually rolled out to Insiders who opt in via Settings > Windows Update, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - Enhanced policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps for Windows ENT/EDU, allowing IT administrators to use a dynamic app removal list via Group Policy. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. - A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default, initially operating in audit mode. - Point-in-time restore now includes a settings dialog for local administrators and displays available restore points. - Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade their plan directly from the Accounts page in Settings. - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded to Drop Tray, with settings relocated. - Updates to Pen settings include a new option for the pen tail button. - Enhanced reliability for preferred display language settings and removal of an unexpected error from sfc/scannow. Updates are gradually rolled out to users who opt in through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

F-Droid says Google’s Android developer verification plan is an ‘existential’ threat to alternative app stores

Developers distributing apps outside of Google's Play Store will be required to register with Google in certain countries starting in September, with plans for global expansion by 2027. This policy aims to enhance security by removing anonymity from developers but comes with a registration fee and the need for government identification. F-Droid, an open-source app repository, has raised concerns that this policy could threaten its existence by mandating a single signature for all apps. F-Droid initiated a public campaign against these changes, garnering support from various organizations. Despite some interest from regulators, progress is slow, and there are fears that Google's verification program may be implemented before any regulatory action occurs. F-Droid encourages developers to avoid signing up for the early access program and has launched a petition to voice concerns.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Friday’s best Android app deals and freebies: Rusted Emeth, Avalar, Undead City, Townopolis, more

Android game and app deals include titles such as Old Man’s Journey, Rusted Emeth, Avalar: Shadow War Premium, Burning Sky VIP, Undead City: Survivor Premium, AVARIS3, Townopolis, and Survival Island: Ark Craft Pro. Accessories on sale include the official Pixel Watch Gradient Stretch Band. Unlocked Pixel 10 Pro XL units are available with discounts up to 0 off, and the Pixel Watch 4 is at all-time low prices on Amazon.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Did a Steam Game Give Your PC Malware? The FBI Wants to Know

The FBI has launched an investigation into malware threats associated with PC games on Steam, particularly targeting users from May 2024 to January 2026. The games identified include BlockBlasters, Chemia, Dashverse/DashFPS, Lampy, Lunara, PirateFi, and Tokenova, all linked to malware incidents. For example, PirateFi was designed to steal browser cookies, Chemia updated itself with malicious software, and BlockBlasters was identified as a Trojan that siphoned cryptocurrency. The FBI's alert also mentions Lampy, which may harbor malware. Valve, the parent company of Steam, has not responded to inquiries but has warned users about the affected games. The investigation suggests a potential link to a single group or individual, with reports indicating that victims were lured through Telegram messages offering free game keys or job opportunities.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Lifetime Office 2021 And Windows 11 Pro Bundle Hits $50

A bundle is available that includes a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for approximately . This offer provides an estimated discount of 88% off the typical retail price, eliminating ongoing subscription costs. Office Professional 2021 includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, while Windows 11 Pro features security enhancements such as BitLocker and virtualization capabilities. The bundle is particularly appealing for users looking to upgrade from older versions of Office or Windows. Office 2021 is a perpetual license for a single Windows PC and will not receive new features, only security and bug fixes. Windows 11 Pro is also a perpetual license, requiring separate purchases for major future releases. Users must ensure their PC meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11, including a compatible 64-bit CPU and TPM 2.0. This deal is suited for solo professionals, students, and small teams, but may not be ideal for those who rely on cloud collaboration and frequent feature updates.