buildings Archives

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

After 15 years, I’ve got Microsoft’s shunned Fable 3 port to work on PC – and it feels like a new RPG

The author reflects on their experience with Fable 3, suggesting it feels fresh despite being a 16-year-old RPG. They express concerns about the future of the Fable series, particularly Fable 4, in light of rising console prices and recent layoffs at Microsoft. The author highlights the visual appeal of Fable 3 when played on a modern PC setup, noting the game's charm and the enhanced graphics at 4K resolution. They emphasize the importance of preserving gaming experiences and worry that new players may not access the superior PC version of Fable 3. The author questions whether Microsoft might release an updated version of the game in the future.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Your Google Maps App On Android Auto Is About To Look Different

Google has been enhancing Google Maps with features similar to Waze, including road hazard warnings and a visual upgrade called Immersive Navigation, which began rolling out in early 2026. This upgrade was launched for Android Auto users in July 2026, linked to Android Auto version 17.3, but its rollout may be server-side, causing delays for some beta users. Immersive Navigation features a three-dimensional interface with 3D buildings and animated trees, and aims to provide more intuitive directions using images from Google's Street View. Since March 2026, it has been gradually reaching users alongside the updated Ask Maps functionality, which uses AI through Gemini for enhanced navigation assistance. The update's distribution is uneven, with no method to expedite the process. Immersive Navigation utilizes real-time traffic data for better route context, positioning Google Maps favorably against Waze, although Waze still excels in live user feedback on road hazards. There is currently no information on whether Immersive Navigation will support offline maps.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Pastor turns Minecraft into a mission field for the unchurched

A Reformed pastor in Switzerland, Florian Homberger, conducts weekly devotionals in Minecraft, attracting around 20 participants each session, nearly half of whom have no prior ties to the church. Homberger began using Minecraft after being inspired by the strong connections within an online gaming community. He created a virtual city named Convento and initiated the devotionals in summer 2025, with sessions lasting about 30 minutes. The format is interactive, involving in-game activities related to biblical themes, such as obstacle courses representing trust during challenges. Each session ends with participants launching virtual fireworks as a symbolic gesture of prayers. Homberger believes this virtual setting helps dismantle barriers to church attendance, providing a comfortable space for young people. He has also set up laptops in the parish hall for young people to log on together, viewing Minecraft as a legitimate social space.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Lullabies Made of Static is a quieter, slower, but still quite welcome addition to PC gaming’s brutalist walking sim canon

Lullabies Made of Static, released today, features a disconcerting atmosphere reminiscent of the walking simulator Fugue in Void. Players navigate a desolate city with towering walls and peculiar architecture, amplifying feelings of dread and isolation. The objective is to locate a hidden cassette tape, with the game prioritizing atmosphere over traditional quests. The soundscape is minimal, dominated by wind and footsteps, enhancing the labyrinthine exploration. The city has buildings scattered across a monotonous brown plain, and the sparse dialogue varies in quality. The demo is available on Steam.

BetaBeacon

July 1, 2026

5 of the best new Android apps you need to try this July

OpenClaw is an AI assistant that can control anything plugged into it and now has an official app for Android users.

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

Red Dead Redemption 2 Feels Like A Whole New Game With These 3 Free Expansions

Many gamers are reflecting on the charm of Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) as they await Grand Theft Auto VI. For PC players, three new mods are set to enhance the RDR2 experience: 1. The Random Events Mod by knoxien introduces new ambient encounters, including predator attacks, runaway wagons, public hangings, drunken townsfolk, and bounty hunter pursuits. 2. The Ultimate Free Climbing Overhaul by alejahH allows players to freely scale buildings, trees, and mountains, enhancing exploration similar to mechanics in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. 3. The Blackwater - Town Overhaul by Rixus724 transforms the town of Blackwater by restoring content from Red Dead Redemption 1, adding classic structures, expanded streets, and improved interiors, with two versions available for players. Grand Theft Auto VI is set to launch on 19 November, with pre-orders allowing players to pre-load the game starting 12 November.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

Crysis 2 had problems, but it got one thing right: destruction

Crysis 2 features a narrative centered around Alcatraz, a U.S. Marine caught in an alien invasion, guided by Prophet from the original Crysis. The game emphasizes destruction, transforming New York into a chaotic battleground, although it suffers from simplistic AI, a convoluted narrative, and clichéd characters. The nanosuit's functionality is reduced compared to its predecessor, limiting active abilities and creativity in gameplay. Players can use stealth and engage in direct combat, with standout moments during defensive missions where they assist civilians and demolish buildings to disrupt enemies. However, the final mission is anticlimactic, leaving players unsatisfied with the conclusion. Despite its limitations, Crysis 2 showcases moments of brilliance and potential for innovation in gaming.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

Introducing the next Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, built for performance and flexibility

Surface has evolved over 13 years through contributions from architects, developers, students, and engineers. In 2026, Surface will launch its most extensive Surface for Business lineup, including an integrated privacy screen and the Surface Laptop Ultra, designed for developers and creative professionals. The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box will cater to AI developers needing local compute power. The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, powered by Snapdragon X2 processors, will be available starting June 16, with business options launching on July 14. The Surface Pro 13-inch features up to 53% faster graphics performance, 15.5 hours of battery life, and a 1440p Quad HD camera, priced from 9. The Surface Laptop, starting at 9, offers up to 20 hours of battery life and 58% more graphics performance than previous models. Both devices include vibrant LCD screens and are available in multiple colors. Surface devices are designed for AI workloads, featuring dedicated NPU silicon and robust cloud connectivity. The new touchpad and Slim Pen provide haptic feedback for enhanced user experience. Surface devices prioritize sustainability, with enclosures made from 100% recycled aluminum and ENERGY STAR certification. A new Surface Repair Tool assists users with repairs. Exclusive offers are available for U.S. customers from June 16 to June 30, including complimentary accessories and trade-in savings.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Microsoft Teams will auto-detect when you’re at the office via Wi-Fi, roll out confirmed, but you can opt-out

Microsoft is rolling out a feature called "Workplace check-in" that allows organizations to track employee presence in the office through Wi-Fi connectivity, integrated with Microsoft Teams and configured via Microsoft Places. This feature, first noted in September 2025, will not be enabled by default. It logs an employee's location when they connect to the company’s Wi-Fi, such as when they arrive at the office. The rollout was delayed due to privacy concerns, but Microsoft is moving forward, ensuring users can control their participation. The feature does not provide real-time tracking like mapping services but indicates presence based on Wi-Fi connection. Users must grant location access through their operating system, and if they decline, IT policies cannot override this choice. Teams’ Workplace check-in is disabled by default and can be activated by IT administrators with two options: Inform mode, which notifies users of the feature and allows opting out, and Ask mode, which requests permission to share location data. Microsoft clarifies that the feature is not intended for surveillance and does not track movements over time. Employees can choose whether their presence is visible to others while on-site. The initial rollout is tied to organizations using the Microsoft Places directory, and as organizations set up the feature, more users will likely be affected. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Teams with improvements for speed and a new user interface for meetings.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Extraction shooter peak is finally returning and all you Arc Raiders players should definitely take note

DMZ is a mode in Call of Duty's Warzone that offers a player-versus-environment (PvE) experience, contrasting with the typical player-versus-player (PvP) focus of extraction shooters. The map Al Mazrah features locked buildings, loot rooms, and dynamic events, promoting exploration. DMZ 2.0 is set to launch alongside Modern Warfare 4, promising enhancements based on player feedback, including a revamped stealth system, dynamic weather effects, vehicle integration, and improved matchmaking for shared objectives. Story missions will become more engaging, and a new "star system" will increase difficulty by attracting tougher enemies as players engage in combat. The developers aim to maintain the core elements of the original DMZ while expanding its features, appealing to both PvE and PvP players. DMZ 2.0 is scheduled for release in October.