Article Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Windows: MS Word now automatically saves to the cloud

Microsoft has introduced an automatic saving feature in Word for Windows that saves newly drafted content directly to OneDrive. Users can disable this autosave feature or choose a different cloud service in the settings. The option to save directly to a local computer or network drive remains available. When closing Word without saving, users will be prompted to either retain their work in the cloud or discard it. This feature is effective immediately for Word for Windows version 2509 (build 19221.20000) and will be extended to Excel and PowerPoint later this year. The automatic saving feature integrates with Microsoft's AI tool, Copilot, for document editing and evaluation. However, there are some bugs affecting the autosave functionality, such as issues when the start screen is disabled or when opening a second instance of Word.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft Azure Update Manager Streamlines Windows Updates for Enterprises

Microsoft is introducing a new feature to simplify the installation of Windows upgrades, utilizing Azure Update Manager to manage updates across hybrid environments without the need for on-premises servers or complex scripting. This update mechanism includes intelligent scheduling and rollback options, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of deployment failures. The enhancement is significant for enterprise security, ensuring timely application of critical upgrades to address cyber threats. It may also facilitate smoother transitions to newer Windows versions for businesses using older systems. Reactions from the IT community are positive, with expectations that similar efficiencies could extend to consumer updates in the future.

Tech Optimizer

August 27, 2025

AI Boosts Ransomware Attacks 70%, Fueling Cybersecurity Arms Race

Ransomware is being enhanced by artificial intelligence, with cybercriminals using generative AI tools to create sophisticated malware. A notable example is PromptLock, identified as the first fully AI-driven ransomware, discovered on August 27, 2025. It utilizes OpenAI’s gpt-oss-20b model to dynamically generate malicious code, complicating detection efforts. ESET's analysis indicates that PromptLock processes operations locally on the victim's device, minimizing external communications and reducing its digital footprint. The first half of 2025 saw a 70% increase in ransomware victims, largely due to AI-enhanced phishing campaigns. Akamai Technologies reported a 37% increase in ransomware incidents in 2024, fueled by generative AI. Governments are beginning to respond with regulations for quicker breach disclosures, and cybersecurity experts emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive defenses.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Is Steam down again? It may just be the regular Tuesday maintenance

Steam undergoes scheduled maintenance almost every Tuesday, typically occurring in the early morning or late afternoon Pacific Time to minimize disruptions during peak hours (noon to 11:00 PM PT). Users can track server status through Steam Charts and tools like SteamDB and Steamstat.us.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Windows 95 just turned 30 — and it’s still being used to sort farm eggs

Windows 95 is still in use on a farm near Düsseldorf, Germany, where it operates an egg sorting machine that processes 40,000 eggs daily. The machine, which measures approximately 40 by 40 meters, sorts eggs by size, weight, and origin, packing them into boxes for distribution. The software logs sorting results, and a compatible Brother printer handles printouts. The original programmer is no longer available, making updates impossible. Despite potential challenges, the farmer, Peter Huber, does not plan to purchase a new machine due to high costs and limited additional functionality. Windows 95 recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary on August 24th.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

This week in PC games: a MGS3 remake, new Blumhouse horror and some freshly peeled spaceships

The Maw has consumed another Monday, and a recent article about a "bank holiday" was a public relations strategy to prevent a stock market downturn. Mark has been on a theoretical holiday since last Wednesday but is actually marooned in the Cretaceous period. James is in a state of limbo, neither at Gamescom nor back at his desk. New PC game releases include: 1. NG Y' STOOD L' SAND OT GN'TH: A cosmic horror experience. 2. Pizza Bandit: A shooter combining culinary creativity with alien defense. 3. Watertight: A free horror adventure set in a troubled submarine exploring the Titanic wreck. 4. good: A minigame collection about a teenager avoiding education. 5. The Supper: New Blood: A point-and-click adventure with a dinner party theme. 6. Pixel Starships 2: An MMO for designing and managing spaceships. 7. Eyes Of Hellfire: A haunted house experience published by Blumhouse. 8. Neon Village: A hybrid game blending match-3, town-building, and roguelike elements. 9. Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance: A revival of a classic Sega side-scroller. The author plans to work on an interview-driven feature and a piece on liminality, while James is expected to handle impressions articles and interviews. Mark may return to regular updates and a review if he escapes his situation.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Inside the Chinese PC gaming industry as it gets ready to dominate the next decade: ‘We have to work harder, we have to make the games even better’

In 2019, China's PC gaming industry was the largest globally, surpassing the U.S. market, which generated .4 billion in revenue in 2018. The recognition of Chinese-made PC games was limited, with major hits like League of Legends and PUBG being imports. The global success of Black Myth: Wukong has changed perceptions, demonstrating that high-budget PC games from China can succeed internationally. By 2030, experts predict an influx of high-caliber games, as developers reinvest profits from mobile gaming into AAA projects. Major publishers like Tencent and NetEase are financially supporting these endeavors, while developers aim to improve the quality of their games. Emerging titles such as Phantom Blade Zero, Delta Force, Wuchang, The Bustling World, Blood Message, and Where Winds Meet are indicative of this evolving landscape.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

The OnePlus Pad 3: The OnePlus Laptop Hiding Inside A Tablet

The OnePlus Pad 3 features a sleek design with a 13.2-inch display and eight speakers, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It includes a full-sized keyboard and a wide kickstand, enhancing its usability for productivity tasks. Users can access Google Docs through the Chrome browser, which offers a more comprehensive experience compared to the Android app. While Android has improved support for tablet apps, some applications, like Reddit, still face compatibility issues. The Pad 3's larger screen encourages web usage and facilitates multitasking. Overall, it resembles a laptop in functionality and design, despite some ergonomic challenges.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Google wants to make sideloading Android apps safer by verifying developers’ identities

Google is implementing a new "developer verification requirement" for all Android apps distributed outside the Google Play Store to enhance user security and accountability. Only users with certified Android devices will be prevented from installing apps from unverified developers. Developers must authenticate their identities through a new Android Developer Console, providing their legal name, address, email, phone number, and, for organizations, a website and D-U-N-S number. A separate account type with fewer requirements will be created for hobbyist and student developers. The rollout will begin with an early access program in October 2025, full implementation in March 2026, and initial requirements taking effect in September 2026 for users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Windows 11 tests new feature for resuming Android apps on your PC

Microsoft has released a test version of Windows 11, known as version KB5064093 or Windows Insider Preview Build 26200.5761, which includes a feature that allows users to resume applications from their Android phones on their PCs, starting with Spotify. When a song or podcast is playing on Spotify on a smartphone, a notification appears on the PC's taskbar, enabling users to transfer playback to the Spotify app on Windows 11. If the Spotify app is not installed on the PC, it will be automatically downloaded from the Microsoft Store. To use this feature, both devices must be logged into the same Spotify account, Bluetooth must be enabled on the PC, and the Link to Windows app must be installed and running on the phone. This feature is currently in testing within the Dev and Beta channels of Windows 11, with no confirmed timeline for its rollout to the stable version or for additional apps to adopt similar capabilities.