builds Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

The companions in Owlcat’s new Mass Effect-inspired RPG stand ready to have heart-to-heart chats, drag you into their sidequests, and blow a lot of stuff up

Owlcat Games has gained recognition in modern isometric RPGs with titles like Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. The studio is now developing a third-person shooter RPG titled The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, marking a shift from its traditional isometric games. This new project aims to blend cinematic sci-fi adventure elements with RPG storytelling, challenging the studio to maintain narrative depth while adopting a more dynamic gameplay style.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Jack Black gives Minecraft Fan Surprise of a Lifetime from Kids Wish Network

Kids Wish Network facilitated a virtual meeting for 7-year-old David Henson from Xenia, Ohio, who has undergone 19 surgeries due to Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery (ARSA). David's dream was to meet Jack Black, the star of the Minecraft movie. The meeting took place on a Sunday afternoon, where David and Jack Black bonded over Minecraft, discussing game elements and sharing musical moments. Jack praised David's knowledge of the game and shared stories from the film, which inspired ideas for the upcoming Minecraft 2 movie. David's parents expressed gratitude for the experience, which provided their son with joy amidst his medical challenges. Tam Lai, Executive Director at Kids Wish Network, emphasized the importance of such moments for children facing difficulties.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Google Tests Unified Gemini Interface On Android

Google is experimenting with a streamlined interface for its Gemini assistant on Android devices, aiming to reduce clutter and enhance consistency. The redesigned sidebar includes a dedicated Settings & Help section, organizes key items like Scheduled Actions and Notebooks, and features collapsible sections for tidiness. The header has been compacted to create a more spacious typing area. The app now prominently displays the last-used extension, enhancing transparency about the tools utilized for user queries. The model switcher has been relocated to the app header, decluttering the input area and defaulting to the “Fast” model for most queries. These changes are part of a broader effort to unify the Gemini experience across app and web platforms, with the Google app version 17.11.54 beta indicating a phased rollout of these features.

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.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Microsoft is doubling down with monthly updates to ‘fix’ Windows 11

Microsoft is shifting its update approach for Windows 11 to a monthly schedule instead of the traditional annual overhaul, responding to user feedback. Starting this month, users can expect early fixes and enhancements, with testing already in progress through Windows Insider preview builds. Key areas of focus include enhanced flexibility for the taskbar, improvements in RAM efficiency, and increased reliability of Windows Update. Additionally, a redesigned Bluetooth experience is planned to improve device connections. The change aims to provide continuous refinements based on user feedback, moving away from significant changes bundled into a single annual update. User reactions have been cautious, reflecting skepticism from past experiences.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 coming to PC and consoles later this year

Mojang Studios has revealed a teaser trailer for Minecraft Dungeons 2, set to launch later this year on Steam PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. The original Minecraft Dungeons, released in 2020, is a hack-and-slash action game that integrates the Minecraft universe, featuring unique character progression without traditional class systems. It supports co-op multiplayer modes, including local and online play, and has received several DLC expansion packs post-launch. The original game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Switch, and Xbox, and holds an E10+ rating.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2, Minecraft World And More Announced During Minecraft LIVE 2026

Minecraft LIVE 2026 announced several developments in the Minecraft universe. 1. Minecraft Dungeons 2: The sequel to the action RPG series will expand the franchise with new locations, enemies, and encounters. It is scheduled for release in Fall 2026, available for wishlisting, and will be accessible through Xbox Game Pass on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. 2. Minecraft World: A theme park experience called Minecraft World will debut at Chessington World of Adventures in Greater London in 2027, featuring attractions inspired by the game’s biomes, mobs, and items. 3. Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail: An outdoor nighttime adventure launching in Buenos Aires, Argentina, will allow players to explore real-world forest trails, crafting gear, mining resources, and battling mobs. 4. New Drops: - Tiny Takeover Mob Drop: Scheduled for March 24, this drop will revamp baby mobs with unique designs and introduce new items like the Golden Dandelion and craftable nametags. - Chaos Cubed Drop: Expected later in 2026, this drop will feature new sulfur caves that induce a dizzying effect and introduce mechanics allowing mobs to absorb blocks and alter their attributes.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft Hints at End to Windows 11 Setup Account Requirement

Microsoft is exploring the removal of the requirement to sign in with a Microsoft account during the initial setup of Windows 11, a change that has been frequently requested by users. Currently, Windows 11 Home and most consumer Pro installations require a Microsoft account for setup, although local accounts are available but not easily accessible. This requirement has faced backlash, leading to the development of workarounds by users. Microsoft has defended the necessity of the cloud account for benefits like password recovery and settings synchronization. A potential change could introduce a clearly labeled option for setting up with a local account during the out-of-box experience, while still allowing the option to sign in with a Microsoft account. Windows 11 currently accounts for about one-third of active Windows PCs, trailing behind Windows 10. The proposed changes aim to enhance user satisfaction and address privacy concerns.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Confined: Leaving OKB-134 Is A Claustrophobia Inducing Horror Game Coming to PC VR

Confined: Leaving OKB-134 is an upcoming horror game set to launch on PC VR with flatscreen support later this year. It was first unveiled during UploadVR's 2025 Winter Showcase and showcased at the Spring 2026 VR Games Showcase. A VR-supported demo was released at February's Steam Next Fest, featuring a haunting atmosphere and meticulous sound design, though it has some technical issues. The game can be wishlisted on Steam, with a full release anticipated in 2026.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

There’s a new Payday game coming later this year, and it’s VR

Starbreeze is launching a virtual reality game titled Payday: Aces High, part of the Payday franchise, developed by Fast Travel Games. The game features co-op multiplayer for up to four players and allows for solo play. Players assume the roles of elite bank robbers in chaotic heists, maintaining the series' elements of planning and teamwork. Payday: Aces High is set to release in the third quarter of 2026, specifically between July 1 and September 30, and will be available exclusively for Meta Quest and SteamVR headsets. Starbreeze's CEO stated that this game is part of a strategy to expand the Payday franchise through new formats. The studio is currently facing challenges, including issues with Payday 3 and layoffs, while the success of Aces High remains uncertain amid a reevaluation of VR investments in the industry.