barriers Archives

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

‘Early on in the 2000s, we got enamored with consoles and I think certain games didn’t make the leap right:⁠’ Star Wars Zero Company’s director has a theory about why old school PC gaming genres are back with a vengeance

Greg Foertsch, the creative director of Star Wars Zero Company, discussed the revival of traditional PC gaming genres, particularly real-time strategy (RTS) and turn-based tactics, during a dialogue with PCG associate editor Ted Litchfield. He highlighted the challenges faced by fans of grand strategy, 4X, and CRPGs from the early 2000s to the 2010s, noting that players seeking these complex experiences were primarily limited to PC platforms. Foertsch mentioned the barriers such as InstallShield wizards and intimidating online communities that hindered newcomers. He also indicated that Zero Company aims to provide a rich gaming experience beyond just a combination of Star Wars and XCOM. A full preview of the game is available, along with a comprehensive guide article for readers to stay informed about its developments.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Project Helix will make things easier for game devs, says indie program lead, because “one Xbox build” is all you need

Chris Charla, with 16 years at Xbox and 13 years in the ID@Xbox program, discussed Project Helix, the next-generation Xbox system. It will allow users to play both PC and Xbox games, contrasting with competitors like Sony. At the Game Developers Conference, he highlighted the goal of simplifying game launches, enabling developers to create a single build for Xbox, PC, and cloud platforms. Project Helix will support easy PC and cloud gaming. Charla mentioned that developers currently working on Xbox and PC will benefit from Project Helix, with support for Xbox API, backend integration, and marketing. The system is expected to release in 2027 or 2028, and it may resemble a "gaming PC" running Windows 11.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

The Forza Horizon 6 system requirements are in and it’s good news for older PCs and handhelds

Forza Horizon 6 has manageable system requirements, targeting a stable 60 frames per second. The minimum specifications include 16 GB of RAM, and a GPU such as Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT, or Intel Arc A380 for 1080p resolution on low settings. Older CPUs like first-generation six-core AMD Ryzen or Intel's eighth-generation processors are adequate. Recommended specs for 1440p gaming at high settings include an Intel Core i5 12400F or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X with a GPU like Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT. Extreme settings require an Intel Core i7 12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X and a top-tier GPU such as Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT for 60+ fps at 4K resolution. The game supports ultrawide resolutions and maintains compatibility with racing wheels from Forza Horizon 5. Players can adjust render settings without restarting the game. The release date is May 19, with early access on May 15 for the Premium Edition.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Xbox Exec Explains How Project Helix Will Bridge the Xbox/PC Game Development Gap

Microsoft has unveiled the alpha version of its new console hardware for Project Helix at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Project Helix aims to eliminate the boundaries between console and PC gaming, allowing the new Xbox consoles to support both Xbox and PC games. Chris Carla, the general manager of portfolio and programs at Xbox, explained that developers will be able to create a single game build that works across multiple platforms, including PC, Project Helix, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. This approach resembles the previous universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which allowed cross-platform functionality. Carla advised developers to focus on creating Xbox console and PC versions to prepare for the next generation. He suggested that PC developers might find it more efficient to start with the PC build before optimizing for Project Helix. There are concerns about whether developers will be incentivized to create native Project Helix games if existing PC titles run well on the new console. Microsoft has not yet clarified its online multiplayer paywall policy for Project Helix games.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

From F-Droid to emulators, here’s who’s hit hardest by Android’s new verification rules

Android has implemented new sideloading rules that affect app installations outside the Play Store, complicating access for developers and users. F-Droid, a third-party app store, is particularly critical of the new verification requirements, which may force alternative stores to comply with Google's standards, potentially confusing users. Retro gaming emulators, often hosted on platforms like GitHub, may face barriers due to these rules, impacting user access to innovative tools. Smaller, privacy-focused encrypted messaging apps could struggle with the new verification process, complicating installation for users in high-risk environments. The modding community may see a decline in available tools as hobbyist developers resist compliance. Practical applications like Termux and Bromite may also face barriers, affecting user experience. While the changes may not be overly restrictive for average users, they introduce complexity that could deter power users and slow the adoption of non-Play Store applications.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google Adds 24-Hour Wait for Unverified App Sideloading to Reduce Malware and Scams

Google has introduced a new "advanced flow" for Android sideloading, which includes a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for users installing applications from unverified developers. This follows a developer verification mandate requiring all Android applications to be registered by verified developers to help identify malicious actors and reduce malware distribution. The new sideloading protocol aims to mitigate risks from cybercriminals who may deceive users into disabling Play Protect, Google's anti-malware feature. Over 50 app developers and marketplaces, including F-Droid and Brave, have expressed concerns about the registration requirements, arguing they could create barriers and raise privacy issues. Google has outlined a one-time process for sideloading apps, which includes enabling developer mode, confirming voluntary sideloading, restarting the device, waiting 24 hours, and using biometric authentication or a PIN to install apps. Google plans to introduce free "limited distribution accounts" for hobbyist developers and students to share apps with up to 20 devices without needing government-issued IDs or registration fees. This process will not apply to installations via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and is set to be available in August 2026, ahead of new developer verification requirements. This announcement comes as a new Android malware, Perseus, targets users in Turkey and Italy, with at least 17 distinct Android malware families identified in the past four months.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google adds 24-hour Android sideloading for unverified apps

Google is revising its approach to Android sideloading by allowing users to install applications from unverified developers while implementing a new 24-hour process to enhance security. Users must activate developer mode, confirm their decision, restart their devices, and re-authenticate before installation. A one-time 24-hour waiting period is also introduced to prevent scams. This change addresses concerns from developers and advocacy groups about the impact of stringent verification policies on smaller developers. Google is also offering limited-distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps without full verification. The updated process includes additional security measures to disrupt scams, while users are encouraged to use dedicated security solutions for better protection against mobile threats.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

Marathon review in progress – exquisite gunplay and striking aesthetics cover up some frustrating cracks

Three bags of loot are accompanied by the bio-synthetic remains of their former owners, with pools of blue blood marking the ground. The narrator has transitioned from collaborating with players in Arc Raiders to a more competitive spirit in Marathon. The game features a striking user interface and vibrant aesthetics, but some aspects, like item transitions and menu designs, can be clunky and confusing. The map layouts have engaging points of interest but also feature obstructive barriers. The gunplay is praised for its quality, with balanced gameplay and challenging PvE enemies. PvP encounters have a quick time-to-kill, and environmental dangers add intensity. However, faction quests often rely on repetitive tasks, which can be frustrating despite the compelling narrative elements. The narrator expresses surprise at their engagement with the game and suggests that improvements to the user experience and quest diversity could enhance its longevity.

AppWizard

March 15, 2026

Google Activates Desktop Windowing On Android Tablets

Google has introduced a desktop windowing mode as the default on tablets running the latest Android builds, starting with the Pixel Tablet. This feature includes freeform windows, a persistent taskbar, and the ability to create and switch between multiple desktops. Users can manipulate apps by floating, resizing, snapping to edges, and minimizing or maximizing them, similar to traditional PC or Mac interfaces. The taskbar displays all running apps across desktops, allowing for quick app switching. Users can snap two apps side by side and resize them simultaneously. Desktop windowing allows for rapid app transitions, enhancing efficiency when managing multiple applications. However, it consumes vertical space on the display, making full-screen and split-screen views more efficient for tasks requiring fewer apps. The feature builds on Android 12L's enhancements for large screens and aims to improve productivity on tablets. Despite its advantages, there are some limitations, such as unclear app movement between desktops and limited keyboard shortcuts. Users can mix modes, using desktops for multi-app workflows while reverting to full-screen or split-screen views when needed. This update signifies a shift in how users interact with tablets, making them more functional for productivity tasks.

TrendTechie

March 14, 2026

МТС начал взимать ежедневную плату за использование VPN

MTS, a major mobile operator in Russia, has reclassified virtual private networks (VPNs) as equivalent to torrent services, imposing a daily fee of up to 87 rubles for users who wish to engage in private browsing. Traffic routed through VPNs will no longer be included in standard service packages, leading to additional charges for accessing blocked resources or securing connections. The new tariff structure charges users based on their region and plan, with fees ranging from 80 to 87 rubles per day for a quota of five gigabytes of specialized traffic. Users can block this service to avoid charges, resulting in the complete unavailability of VPN connections. This policy is seen as a response to pressures for new monetization strategies and aligns with government efforts to limit internet circumvention. The potential for other major telecom operators to adopt similar practices could impact net neutrality in Russia.