balance Archives

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

‘The last time I liked everything about a game was probably Baldur’s Gate 3’: Raphael Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, talks us through the games installed on his PC

Raphaël Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, was inspired to enter the gaming industry after playing Ultima 7, which led him to co-found Arkane in 1999. The studio's first game was Arx Fatalis, and it has since produced titles like Dishonored and Prey, with their latest project being Weird West. Colantonio is currently playing Mewgenics, having previously completed Cyberpunk 2077 and enjoyed Baldur's Gate 3. He has revisited Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth for enjoyment and research. Colantonio has logged 649 hours in Wasteland 2 and expresses nostalgia for Thief, Fallout, and Deus Ex, noting their influence on his work. He uses DaVinci Resolve for video editing and DiskState for managing hard drive space. Colantonio maintains a tidy desktop with minimal icons and folders.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows uses persistent device identifier | Tap to know more

Microsoft has confirmed that each installation of Windows is assigned a persistent Global Device Identifier (GDID) that cannot be disabled through standard settings, raising privacy concerns. Investigators have used the GDID to track a cybercriminal, prompting discussions about the balance between security and privacy. Users have expressed concerns about their lack of control over the GDID, and advocates are calling for better mechanisms for managing device-level tracking. There is a demand for greater transparency and user empowerment regarding digital privacy.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

One excellent, unforgettable expansion has fixed Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages introduced a shield mechanic that altered the gameplay focus from speed and mobility to defensive maneuvers. While the shield allowed for blocking damage, parrying attacks, and functioning as a projectile, it compromised the game's inherent mobility and complexity. This shift in gameplay strategy changed the core identity of the Doom franchise, sparking discussions about balancing innovation with the preservation of beloved gameplay elements.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Sega like physical games too, says their president, but with the shift to digital they’re keeping the humble PC in mind

Sega's president, Shuji Utsumi, stated that the company recognizes the importance of digital titles in the gaming industry, particularly as more players are turning to PC gaming due to accessibility issues with consoles. He emphasized the need to strengthen digital products to develop this market, especially in regions like Japan where physical media remains popular. Utsumi also expressed that Sega still values its history with physical games while adapting to the digital landscape. The company's major releases are increasingly being made available on PC, indicating a strategic shift towards aligning with evolving gamer preferences.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

Microsoft finally found a Windows ad it doesn’t like

Users of LG monitors have reported frustration over unsolicited McAfee pop-up ads that automatically appear during the Windows Update process. This issue arises from the installation of the "LG Monitor App Installer," which includes promotional software alongside the standard monitor driver. Reports indicate that this software installs without user consent, even when only a video cable is connected. Following an investigation by Gamers Nexus, Microsoft announced that LG has agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up, although the LG Monitor App Installer will still be automatically downloaded via Windows Update.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Total War: Warhammer 40k shows off its first full battle live, providing its biggest info dump yet

The Alpha Strike livestream for Total War: Warhammer 40,000 revealed several gameplay features: - Units consist of multiple entities with unique stats and weaponry. - Heroes will have customizable bodyguards. - Units can strafe while firing, with a trade-off in accuracy. - Airstrikes and army abilities are available, with Regimental Orders benefiting nearby units. - The balance of power bar shows reinforcements waiting off the field. - Each entity can target different enemies based on line of sight. - All projectiles are simulated, and units have unlimited ammunition. - A new Sentry Mode allows marking enemy units for prioritization. - New unit abilities include grenades and psykers. - A morale system reflects damage sustained by units. - Players can deploy reserves strategically with options like drop pods. - Blood effects are included without additional cost. Positioning, cover, line of sight, and terrain will be crucial in battles, and unit loadouts will add strategic depth. Further livestreams are expected as the beta approaches.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Path of Exile’s total skill gem overhaul is the perfect moment for new players to jump in

Path of Exile 3.29, titled Curse of the Allflame, will be released on July 24 at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET / 9 PM BST / 10 PM CEST. The update introduces significant changes, including the removal of gem-specific socket colors, allowing for easier skill activation and integration of new loot. It features 12 new skills, including 'Pacts,' and over 150 existing skills have been rebalanced to enhance spellcasters. The update also includes a new league mechanic involving underwater expeditions, which offers a crafting system with multiple upgrade outcomes. Path of Exile 3.29 is available for free on Steam and the standalone launcher.

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2026

Microsoft steps in after LG monitors were found auto-installing apps with McAfee ads

McAfee's reputation has declined from being a trusted antivirus software during the MS-DOS era to facing user backlash against its advertising practices. The advertising partnership between LG and McAfee has ended following Microsoft's intervention, which prompted LG to remove McAfee promotions from its Windows Store app. This controversy arose when users reported that the "LG Monitor App Installer," automatically installed with new LG monitors, displayed McAfee promotions. Microsoft and LG aim to enhance the Windows ecosystem and improve customer software experiences. Several LG monitor models were identified as having inadvertently installed the app. The automatic installation feature used by LG is also employed by other companies, indicating a trend in the industry that raises concerns about user experience and promotional strategies.

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2026

Red Magic Astra 2 Android Tablet Runs Cyberpunk 2077 Without Cloud Streaming

The Red Magic Astra 2 tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, up to 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. It features a 9-inch 2.4K OLED display with a 185 Hz refresh rate and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. The tablet includes a liquid cooling system to manage heat buildup during intensive use. It can emulate PC games locally, supports external peripherals, and offers customization options for a complete gaming experience. The tablet excels in delivering high-performance gaming but may experience thermal throttling during extended sessions.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

LG kills McAfee pop-up after Windows boss steps in

LG has decided to stop the McAfee pop-up notifications in its Monitor App Installer following intervention from Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows at Microsoft. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, had previously highlighted the annoyance caused by these advertisements. The pop-ups appeared when certain LG devices, like the LG UltraGear, were connected to a Windows device for the first time. Windows allows hardware manufacturers to silently add software during external device installations, which can lead to advertising and mixed user experiences. LG is not exploiting vulnerabilities for software installation, and the automatic process is well-documented. This incident raises questions about review procedures and the implications of advertising within the Windows ecosystem.