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Windows 11 will run better because of the Apple effect, says IDC
Winsage
August 6, 2026

Windows 11 will run better because of the Apple effect, says IDC

Apple's launch of the MacBook Neo has prompted Microsoft to reassess and improve Windows 11 due to user complaints about the operating system's performance and resource demands. Global PC shipments are projected to decline by 11.3% in 2026, with a significant drop of 20% expected in the fourth quarter, attributed to a memory shortage. Microsoft announced plans to reduce RAM usage in Windows 11, targeting completion by the end of 2026, which will benefit PCs with 8GB and above. Following the MacBook Neo's release, a benchmark showed that Windows machines had more RAM and storage than Apple's model, but performance issues persist, with Microsoft Word launching slower on Windows 11 compared to MacBooks. Microsoft is addressing these performance issues by replacing legacy components with the WinUI framework to reduce memory usage and enhance overall performance.
How do PC player demographics change at 50 hours vs. 30 minutes?
AppWizard
August 1, 2026

How do PC player demographics change at 50 hours vs. 30 minutes?

GameDiscoverCo newsletter has reached 45,000 subscribers. The Video Game History Foundation launched a ‘history of E3’ collection, including an introductory video, vintage footage, and a podcast. Microsoft reported a decline in Xbox revenue for four consecutive quarters, with Content & Services revenue at approximately .75 billion (down 10% year-over-year) and hardware revenue around million (down 13% year-over-year). Asha Sharma noted over 200 million new players joined Xbox in FY2026, but the business did not grow. PlayStation's PS5 sales reached 95.3 million, with a 1.6 million increase for the quarter but a 36% year-over-year decline. Active PSN users rose to 125 million, and profit surged by 37%. Meta's Reality Labs reported a loss of .6 billion in Q2, despite million in revenue. Slotbound, a roguelike auto-battler game, achieved 50,000 wishlists and 2,900 peak demo concurrent users. Over 1,000 PC games now operate direct channels, saving developers an estimated billion in platform fees in 2025. GameDiscoverCo’s Steam Fan Snapshot data revealed that the average age of players is 31 for Clair Obscur and 25 for R.E.P.O. 37.5% of respondents find games through short-form video, while 27.9% use traditional media websites. Players of ARC Raiders show a strong preference for the Steam Deck, and as playtime increases, console playtime declines.
Sony Says Game Discs Not a Big Factor of Differentiation Between PlayStation & PC; Can Coexist "Peacefully" With PC
AppWizard
July 31, 2026

Sony Says Game Discs Not a Big Factor of Differentiation Between PlayStation & PC; Can Coexist “Peacefully” With PC

Sony has confirmed its commitment to a disc-less gaming model for upcoming PlayStation consoles. CFO Lin Tao stated that the absence of discs will not significantly influence gamers' decisions to switch to PC gaming, highlighting the strengths of curated content, a stable game environment, and affordability compared to high-end gaming PCs. Sony is proceeding cautiously with phasing out physical game discs, noting that any backlash has not negatively impacted their business. Anticipation for the PS6 includes advancements in cloud streaming technology and a new horror game, along with a patent for innovative modular controller technology featuring a touchscreen interface.
Three in ten HP customers still clinging to Windows 10
Winsage
May 28, 2026

Three in ten HP customers still clinging to Windows 10

HP estimates that approximately 30% of its PC customers are still using Windows 10, which exited standard support in October. Ketan Patel, HP's president of personal systems, noted that the slow transition to Windows 11 is providing a financial tailwind for the company. HP's CFO, Karen Parkhill, mentioned that the Windows 11 refresh in EMEA and APJ markets is now on par with North America. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 for business customers on October 14, 2025, but will offer security updates for those who pay for extended support. Gartner forecasts a modest 6.1% increase in device spending in 2026. Approximately 400 million systems cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. European campaigners have called for EU intervention regarding the Windows 11 upgrade, citing vendor-imposed software cutoffs. Microsoft is offering extended support for Windows 10 in the European Economic Area without conditions after the October deadline. HP's revenue grew by 9% year-on-year, reaching .41 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, and net profit increased to million from million the previous year.
Lidl respond to heavy customer criticism at app 'downgrade'
AppWizard
May 9, 2026

Lidl respond to heavy customer criticism at app ‘downgrade’

Lidl has introduced the Lidl Plus Points scheme, which has received backlash from customers who feel it has downgraded their shopping experience. Previously, customers needed to spend £10 to earn a free bakery item, but under the new system, they must spend £70. Many loyal shoppers have expressed their intention to switch to other supermarkets, citing dissatisfaction with the points system. In defense, a Lidl spokesperson stated that the company is investing more in the Lidl Plus app and personalized coupons. Customers can earn more than 1 point per £1 spent through various promotions and will receive 100 free Points upon the scheme's launch.
Lidl respond to heavy customer criticism over popular app
AppWizard
May 8, 2026

Lidl respond to heavy customer criticism over popular app

Lidl has launched the Lidl Plus Points scheme to enhance customer value, but it has faced backlash from loyal customers unhappy with the changes. Customers have expressed dissatisfaction, particularly about having to spend £70 to receive a free bakery item, compared to the previous requirement of £10. Some have indicated intentions to switch to competing retailers like Tesco. In response to the criticism, a Lidl spokesperson stated that the company does not view the new points system as a downgrade and highlighted a 60 percent increase in investment towards the Lidl Plus app for personalized coupons. The spokesperson explained that customers can redeem points at their discretion, with various initiatives allowing them to earn more than one point per £1 spent, and new customers will receive 100 free points.
Surprise: The studio making Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is full of former BioWare devs
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Surprise: The studio making Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is full of former BioWare devs

LucasFilm Games announced a new title, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, at The Game Awards 2025, described as a "spiritual successor" to the Knights of the Old Republic series. Casey Hudson, former project director of KotOR and Mass Effect, is the CEO and game director at Arcanaut Studios, which he co-founded after leaving BioWare. The development team includes former BioWare employees, such as Chris Bain, the CFO, and Ryan Hoyle, the CTO. The studio's team also features talent from companies like Microsoft, Epic, Remedy, The Coalition, and ZeniMax. The game's artistic direction includes sci-fi visuals that align with the Old Republic aesthetic. Fate of the Old Republic will introduce new characters and a fresh storyline, not serving as a direct sequel to previous games. Arcanaut Studios was established in 2025.
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