builds Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Turn-Based Tactical RPG Critical Shift Announced For PC & Consoles

Indie game developer Rhinotales Studio has announced their new game, Critical Shift, a hardcore turn-based tactical RPG set in an Antarctic research station. Players lead a squad of elite agents to investigate a distress call from ICE-1 Station, where communications have ceased. The game features a tactical combat system that emphasizes positioning and weapon range, allowing players to adapt their strategies in real-time. It includes over 30 levels with unique challenges, a story-driven narrative crafted by writer Guilty Three, and will be available on PC via Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, though a release date has not been announced.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Games Inbox: Would you buy a PlayStation that was a PC?

The next-generation Xbox may resemble a standard PC, leading to speculation that Sony's PlayStation 6 or 7 could also adopt a 'PC in a box' design due to rising hardware development costs. This shift towards a PC-like architecture could allow Sony to focus more on game development rather than hardware. Players have expressed mixed feelings about recent titles, with some prioritizing gameplay over storytelling. The launch of the Sea Of Stars DLC has been positively received for its free availability, and there is interest in purchasing Hogwarts Legacy on the Switch 2 at a discount for existing owners. Anticipation is building for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, with fans hoping for new cities to explore. The pre-order situation for the Switch 2 appears more favorable compared to previous console launches, indicating better management of supply and demand by Nintendo.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Android 16’s desktop mode was right in front of me the whole time

Samsung's DeX feature allows users to transform their smartphones into a desktop experience by connecting to an external display. Since its introduction with the Galaxy S8, DeX has evolved, and Google is collaborating with Samsung to enhance it for Android 16's Native desktop mode. This mode aims to improve Android's desktop functionalities, which have previously been limited. Samsung's recent "New DeX" mode, introduced with One UI 6.0 and Android 14, allows for resizable app windows, but Google may choose to adopt a design inspired by the classic DeX experience instead. The future of desktop mode in Android remains uncertain, particularly regarding external display options.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

I’ve only spent a few hours with Android 16’s overhauled design, and I already love it

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta was available for download immediately after the Google I/O 2025 Keynote. The beta features a visually appealing font change and a revamped Wallpaper & Style settings interface. Users encountered bugs, including missing Home Screen layout options and issues with selecting wallpapers from Google Photos. Desktop Mode is not yet available, as connecting to an external monitor only allows screen mirroring. The app switcher now displays app labels with a context menu for split-screen mode and other functionalities. Gemini introduced new sharing options, and Quick Tiles in the Notification Shade can now be resized. The overall design emphasizes personalization, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive theme.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

Windows quietly tests AI power management and redesigned Widgets

Microsoft is experimenting with new features in its Windows Insider builds, including an automatic power-management feature that uses AI to optimize device performance based on user activity. This feature aims to enhance battery life while ensuring full performance is restored when work resumes. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing "Click To Do" functionalities in File Explorer, allowing users to access AI-driven options like Bing Visual Search and background editing directly through right-click commands. The company plans to integrate Microsoft 365 functionalities for summarizing files without opening them. Widgets are being redesigned with a new interface powered by Copilot, which suggests content based on user preferences. Other updates include a new shortcut for the Snipping Tool, options for image quality when sharing documents, improved taskbar search functionality, and enhanced accessibility settings.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

What’s driving growth in the Chinese video game industry?

The Chinese game industry has experienced significant growth, with popular titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong driving global interest. Black Myth: Wukong sold 10 million copies within a week of its August 2024 launch and won Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards. The single-player game market in China is becoming more sustainable, with a shift in focus due to the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. Developers are adapting their strategies, although challenges such as high production costs, competition, and issues related to work culture persist. Local governments are actively supporting game development through licensing, tax breaks, and grants, with initiatives aimed at integrating cultural themes into games. Despite layoffs in the industry, a robust social safety net exists to support affected employees.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft is putting AI actions into the Windows File Explorer

Microsoft is integrating AI shortcuts, called AI actions, into the File Explorer of Windows 11, allowing users to right-click on files for quick access to various AI features. Four image-related actions currently being tested include Bing visual search, background blurring, object erasure from the Photos app, and a remove background option in Paint. Microsoft plans to introduce AI actions for Office files, enabling document summarization and AI-driven list generation for Microsoft 365 commercial subscribers with a Copilot license. An "Ask Copilot" option will also be added to the right-click menu. Additionally, Microsoft is experimenting with visual updates to the widgets feature and has introduced a new power management feature that reduces energy consumption on laptops and tablets after periods of inactivity.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Blades of Fire review

Blades of Fire is an action game featuring a hero named Aran, who possesses godlike powers and a tragic backstory. The game emphasizes exploration over combat and is set to be released on May 22, 2025. It is developed by MercurySteam and published by 505 Games, with a price point of £50. The game was reviewed on a system with an Intel i9-13900HX, RTX 4090, and 32GB RAM.

Tech Optimizer

May 20, 2025

How to Set Up PostgreSQL with NestJS and Docker for Fast Local Development: A Quick Guide

Launching a new project with PostgreSQL for NestJS development can be efficiently managed by running a local PostgreSQL instance in Docker. This setup includes a Dockerfile for the NestJS application, a docker-compose.yml file to connect Node and PostgreSQL, and an .env file for environment variables. The Dockerfile specifies a Node environment, while the docker-compose.yml file configures services for both the database and the API. The database service uses the PostgreSQL image, and the API service builds from the Dockerfile, ensuring that the database persists through reboots. An .env file is created to store configuration details such as database user, password, and database name. Additionally, package.json scripts are enhanced for quick access to the database and application containers. In the NestJS application, the main startup file initializes the app, and a TypeORM configuration file is provided for database connection settings. Common development commands include starting the services, viewing logs, tearing down containers, and accessing the database and application shells.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This marks the transition from Build 22635.5305, the last update for version 23H2. All Beta Channel Insiders will be automatically upgraded to the latest version. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to perform tasks like editing images or summarizing documents directly from the context menu. Currently supported image actions are Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, with support for .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. New AI actions for Microsoft 365 files, such as Summarize and Create an FAQ, will be introduced soon, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription and enrollment in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Advanced settings have been redesigned and are now accessible via Settings > System > Advanced, including options for enabling long paths, managing virtual workspaces, and displaying Git information in File Explorer. Changes and improvements include added text descriptions for assistive technologies in the Accessibility flyout, notifications for incomplete search results in the Windows search box, and a new visual experience for the widgets board. User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management has been introduced to reduce power consumption during inactivity. Fixes include resolving issues with core Windows surfaces in safe mode, maximizing File Explorer, and loading Bluetooth information in Settings. Known issues involve incorrect build version display post-PC reset, bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers, and ongoing investigations into various features. Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will be based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may not be widely released as they are subject to testing and feedback.