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Microsoft is reportedly testing Copilot+ AI features with discrete GPUs instead of NPUs — a feature available on Windows App SDK with a Windows Insider Experimental Channel build and Developer Mode turned on
Winsage
June 15, 2026

Microsoft is reportedly testing Copilot+ AI features with discrete GPUs instead of NPUs — a feature available on Windows App SDK with a Windows Insider Experimental Channel build and Developer Mode turned on

Copilot PCs were introduced by Microsoft in 2024 to integrate advanced AI capabilities into personal computing. An experimental Windows App SDK is now available on GitHub, allowing users to run Language Model APIs on supported Nvidia GeForce RTX 30-series GPUs with a minimum of 6GB of VRAM. This capability requires a Windows Insider Experimental Channel and Developer Mode activation, enabling local AI inferencing on devices without dedicated NPU hardware. Microsoft's shift from promoting Copilot+ PCs may be influenced by fluctuating RAM prices and aims to make AI functionalities more accessible to a broader user base. In 2024, a research firm noted that consumer interest in AI PCs was driven by the need to upgrade to available models, a trend continuing into 2026 due to a shortage of memory and storage chips, resulting in rising computer prices and declining sales of PCs and components. Projections indicate that entry-level laptops may disappear by 2028. The lack of consumer interest in NPU-equipped PCs could impede the adoption of Copilot+ features, prompting Microsoft to expand AI functionalities to non-Copilot+ devices to enhance its user base and differentiate Windows 11 from competitors like macOS and Linux.
Sony pulling back from PC also means it's pulling back from China
AppWizard
June 14, 2026

Sony pulling back from PC also means it’s pulling back from China

Sony has shifted away from porting singleplayer PlayStation titles to PC, raising concerns about competition with Valve. Alinea Insights reported that 42% of Death Stranding 2's PC sales came from China, its largest market on Steam. Approximately 39.48% of Steam users have their language set to English, while 21.85% prefer Simplified Chinese, representing over 30 million players. Shift Up, developer of Stellar Blade, announced they will not partner with Sony for the sequel, focusing on a global market strategy. Alinea's analysis shows that releasing games on PC does not harm PlayStation sales; Death Stranding 2 saw increased PS sales following its PC launch, and Stellar Blade also experienced a rise in PS5 sales despite not being discounted. Launching games on PC broadens the player base and enhances marketing opportunities.
Microsoft hides these secret Windows 11 performance boost settings available on every PC
Winsage
June 14, 2026

Microsoft hides these secret Windows 11 performance boost settings available on every PC

Windows enthusiasts aim to enhance system performance while managing heat and power consumption, especially in mobile PCs. Under-volting techniques are commonly used to optimize performance and reduce power consumption, with tools like AMD's Ryzen Master and Intel's XTU available for this purpose. Users can also adjust settings in the BIOS, such as Curve Optimizer for Ryzen processors. Processor Power Management operates through the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), which includes P-states for voltage-frequency scaling and C-states for CPU sleep states. Windows provides two default P-States: "Minimum Processor State" and "Maximum Processor State." A Registry modification can unlock additional options under a "Processor performance boost mode" dropdown, allowing for five distinct profiles: 1. Disabled: Disables processor boosting, reducing power consumption and heat but limiting performance. 2. Enabled: Allows boost functionality under normal conditions, balancing performance with power and thermal constraints. 3. Aggressive: Prioritizes performance, allowing higher boost states but increasing power draw and thermal output. 4. Efficient Enabled: Focuses on energy efficiency while allowing boosting. 5. Efficient Aggressive: Balances performance responsiveness with efficiency. To enable the Processor performance boost mode, users must access the Registry Editor, navigate to a specific path, and modify the value of Attributes from 1 to 2. This will reveal the new "Processor performance boost mode" dropdown with the five P-State options. The settings are summarized as follows: - Disabled: P-state behavior is disabled. - Enabled: P-state behavior is enabled with Efficient Enabled CPPC. - Aggressive: P-state behavior is enabled with Aggressive CPPC. - Efficient Enabled: Efficient P-state behavior with Efficient Enabled CPPC. - Efficient Aggressive: Efficient P-state behavior with Aggressive CPPC. - Aggressive At Guaranteed: Requests performance above the guaranteed level. - Efficient Aggressive At Guaranteed: Consistently requests the highest performance above the guaranteed level. Users should be cautious when modifying these settings, as issues may arise that require reverting to original settings.
Avast Free Antivirus: classic security staple for everyday PCs
Tech Optimizer
June 14, 2026

Avast Free Antivirus: classic security staple for everyday PCs

Avast Free Antivirus is a free antivirus solution for Windows PCs developed by Avast (Gen Digital). It provides essential malware protection, real-time scanning, and web safety features without requiring a paid subscription. Users in the U.S. can download it from the official Avast website and install it on compatible Windows systems. The software identifies and blocks viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other forms of malware using signature-based detection and cloud-assisted analytics. It includes features such as real-time protection, on-demand scanning, an email shield, a Wi-Fi inspector, and behavior shields. Avast Free Antivirus offers automatic updates to ensure current protection against emerging threats. It serves as a gateway product to Avast's paid tiers, which offer additional features. The software is primarily aimed at home users who need basic antivirus protection and is available for free personal use.
WhatsApp is eating 1.2GB RAM on Windows 11, even as Microsoft kills web app slop
Winsage
June 13, 2026

WhatsApp is eating 1.2GB RAM on Windows 11, even as Microsoft kills web app slop

WhatsApp for Windows, despite having a large user base of 3 billion globally and 1.6 billion on Windows, suffers from significant performance issues, including high RAM usage (400 MB before logging in and up to 1.2 GB while idling), slow message delivery, and a choppy scrolling experience. The app operates as a web wrapper using the WebView2 framework, which leads to inefficient resource consumption compared to native applications. Users across various hardware configurations report freezing, delayed messages, and instability. Microsoft’s Teams app also faces similar performance challenges due to its reliance on the same framework. There is a growing concern about the trend of developers opting for web applications over native ones, driven by a lack of trust in native frameworks. Despite Microsoft's push for native app development through WinUI, there is currently no native version of WhatsApp for Windows, while Meta has developed optimized versions for other platforms.
Dying Light 2 is a platform now, as the Breach update opens up Techland's zombie survival game 'even more to UGC content'
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

Dying Light 2 is a platform now, as the Breach update opens up Techland’s zombie survival game ‘even more to UGC content’

Techland has been enhancing Dying Light 2 since its launch in 2022, reworking the parkour system, introducing Volatiles, and improving combat mechanics. The game now features New Game+ and replayable bounties. The latest update, "The Breach," aims to enhance modding and user-generated content (UGC) capabilities, allowing players to create and share their own content. After completing the Prologue, players meet characters Tolga and Fatin, who provide tools for UGC experiences. Official mods include a third-person mode and a low-gravity mode, with community-created content like "The Atomborne" and "Dead Circuit." Dying Light 2 has a daily concurrent player count in the low thousands, which is respectable for a four-year-old single-player game but lower than other successful titles. The potential for a vibrant UGC community exists, especially as it may appeal to younger players compared to other platforms facing scrutiny.
As a longtime Android privacy nerd, here are 6 privacy apps I actually regret installing
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

As a longtime Android privacy nerd, here are 6 privacy apps I actually regret installing

The author shares experiences with six privacy applications that did not meet expectations. 1. Private Internet Access (PIA): A robust VPN service with a cluttered interface and concerns about its U.S. base; transitioned to NordVPN for a better user experience. 2. Brave Browser: Known for ad and tracker blocking, but had issues with Brave Search reliability, syncing, and battery drain; switched to Firefox with uBlock Origin. 3. LastPass: A former leading password manager that lost trust due to security breaches; moved to Bitwarden for its solid and secure platform. 4. KeePassDX: Impressive for local storage and clean UI, but lacked cloud syncing and required manual password management; eventually chose Bitwarden for convenience. 5. OpenBoard: A privacy-focused keyboard app that is no longer available on Google Play; basic features and installation hassles led to regret over its use; better alternatives exist. 6. OsmAnd: An open-source offline navigation app with extensive customization but a steep learning curve and rigid address searches; now prefers Organic Maps for ease of use.
Final Fantasy 11 is one of the greatest MMOs of our time
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

Final Fantasy 11 is one of the greatest MMOs of our time

Revisiting Final Fantasy 11 after nearly two decades evokes nostalgia but highlights a diminished community. The game approaches its 20th anniversary, and while familiar landscapes remain, the sense of belonging has faded. The introduction of NPC party members allows solo players to progress more quickly, altering the gameplay that once emphasized teamwork. This change raises concerns about the value of achievements earned without shared experiences, as the vibrant social dynamics have been replaced by messages from players selling items. The author grapples with the desire to reach max level while questioning the worth of solitary accomplishments.
YouTube Brings Back In-App Messaging Feature: Here's How To Use It
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

YouTube Brings Back In-App Messaging Feature: Here’s How To Use It

YouTube has reintroduced its messaging feature, allowing users to share videos and engage in conversations directly within the app. This feature is currently available in the United States and select other regions, with plans for a wider rollout, including India. Users must be at least 18 years old to access the feature, which includes an age verification process. To enable it, users can create an invite link within the app to chat with known contacts. The feature is accessible in various countries, including the UK, Germany, France, and others. Users can share any YouTube video, but messages are not end-to-end encrypted and are subject to YouTube's Community Guidelines.
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