casual games Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows wallpapers worth celebrating

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary by inviting fans to reminisce and has released a collection of exclusive products, including limited-edition Windows wallpapers designed by Microsoft designers and Windows enthusiasts. These wallpapers reimagine iconic moments in Windows history, featuring the four-square logo and inspired by nostalgic elements such as the Windows 95 startup screen and classic games like Mahjong and Solitaire. Designer You Zhang created wallpapers that merge retro and modern styles, while art director Yulia Makhmudova designed a wallpaper featuring Solitaire cards arranged in the shape of "50" and revisited the iconic Tulips motif from Windows XP, adding 50 yellow buds. More ways to celebrate the anniversary can be found on Microsoft Unlocked.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Google levels up Android graphics with Vulkan API in time for GDC 2025

Diablo Immortal is running on Vulkan, which helps optimize graphics for a smooth and engaging experience for players.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

We need a Snapdragon X-powered gaming handheld sooner rather than later — How Qualcomm can challenge the Steam Deck

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips show potential for handheld gaming devices due to their impressive performance and battery efficiency. Testing of the Snapdragon X Plus on games like 7 Days To Die, Kingdom Come Deliverance, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider revealed comparable performance to the Steam Deck, especially when using Auto SR, an AI-driven upscaling solution. However, Auto SR currently supports only 14 games and is limited to DX11 or DX12 titles. The installation of games from Xbox Game Pass and the Microsoft Store on Snapdragon devices is restricted, with the Xbox app lacking a Game Pass section. There is a significant opportunity for a Snapdragon-powered handheld device, similar to the impact of the Steam Deck, but the current market lacks urgency for such a product.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft adds 400 games to its Xbox app on Windows PC, along with this key feature I’ve wanted for years

Microsoft's Xbox app for Windows PC has been updated to include approximately 400 new games, enhancing the gaming library. The update features a redesigned Home menu for improved navigation and user engagement. Over 100 of the new games support the Xbox Play Anywhere feature, allowing progress transfer between Xbox consoles and PCs. The update also includes cross-play capabilities for many titles. The new Home experience, initially available to Xbox Insiders, is now accessible to all users. Microsoft plans to introduce casual games like Candy Crush Soda Saga and Angry Birds 2 in December. Despite improvements, some users report performance issues with the app.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2024

WITH Island brings stress-free casual games to iOS, coming soon to Android

WITH Island: Relaxing Games is a casual mobile game with idle minigames, collectathons, and a dreamlike atmosphere. It is available on iOS and will soon be released on Android. The game appeals to a niche audience who enjoy stress-free and calming gaming experiences.

AppWizard

October 28, 2024

How to update Android apps on your phone

The Android phone experience is enhanced by a vast ecosystem of applications available on the Google Play Store, which includes a wide range of apps from various publishers. Keeping apps updated is essential for addressing bugs and security vulnerabilities. Updating apps can be done manually or automatically. Users should periodically evaluate and uninstall apps that are no longer supported or seldom used to free up storage space. The Google Pixel 9 is noted for its ability to run the latest apps and has a seven-year update promise, making it one of the most secure Android phones.

BetaBeacon

October 25, 2024

Most Addictive Android Games You Need to Try

Android offers a wide variety of games, including puzzle, strategy, and casual games. Some popular puzzle games include Monument Valley 2 and Candy Crush Saga. Monument Valley 2 involves guiding characters through optical illusion-filled landscapes, while Candy Crush Saga is a match-3 puzzle game. In terms of strategy games, The Battle of Polytopia is a turn-based game where players control a tribe aiming for domination. Additionally, Android offers mobile casino apps like Hell Spin and 1Red for those interested in virtual gambling. Casual games like Crossy Road and Subway Surfers are also available for quick and easy entertainment.

Winsage

October 19, 2024

Windows 11 will let you cut Copilot key from your life, no knife or screwdriver required

Windows 11 is testing a feature in Build 27729 that allows users to configure the Copilot key to launch alternative applications, currently available to Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. This feature follows previous testing for Dev and Beta Channel Insiders. The Copilot key, found on Copilot+ PCs and many modern keyboards, has been underutilized, and users can soon remap it through the Windows 11 Settings app, but only for MSIX packaged and signed applications. Microsoft programmed the existing Copilot key to function using the combination of Left Shift + Windows key + F23. The latest update also resolves issues with crashes in certain games, a black screen during ALT + Tab, and BitLocker functionality for some Insiders.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27729 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27729 has been released to the Canary Channel, with no plans for SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. The update includes a new setting to configure the Copilot key to launch MSIX packaged apps, while the default function remains to launch the Copilot app. Fixes include resolving crashes in certain games, a temporary black screen issue with ALT + Tab, and a problem affecting BitLocker functionality. Known issues involve errors with Windows Hello PIN on Copilot+ PCs, rollback errors during installation, display freezing for users with older NVIDIA GPUs, and a PAGEFAULTINNONPAGEDAREA error. An update for the Snipping Tool introduces a "Copy as table" feature for easier data transfer into other applications. Users are reminded that Canary Channel builds are early development versions and may change significantly.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel build 27723 adds sharing local files in the search taskbar

Microsoft has released a new build of Windows 11, designated as 27723, for members of the Windows Insider Program on the Canary Channel. This update includes the ability to share local files directly from the taskbar's search results, enhancements to voice access for improved dictation and editing, and the introduction of a new simplified Chinese font, Simsun-ExtG, which supports 9,753 ideographs. The expiration date for Insider Preview builds on the Canary Channel has been updated to September 15, 2025. Additionally, the detach virtual hard disk button has been temporarily disabled, and known issues include problems with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics on Copilot+ PCs, crashes of certain games, and rollbacks when installing the latest builds. Microsoft is also addressing issues with the Emoji Panel and Clipboard History.