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Windows K2 tracker: Keeping tabs on Microsoft's promises to fix Windows 11
Winsage
April 29, 2026

Windows K2 tracker: Keeping tabs on Microsoft’s promises to fix Windows 11

Microsoft has outlined a roadmap for Windows 11 as part of its Windows K2 initiative, focusing on enhancements to user experience by addressing longstanding issues and responding to user feedback. A table detailing Microsoft's commitments includes the following: - Taskbar Repositioning: Allow taskbar at top, left, and right - Status: Preview expected imminently. - Taskbar Customization: More personalization options including smaller taskbar - Status: Preview expected this year. - AI Integration: Reduce unnecessary Copilot entry points in various tools - Status: Copilot in Snipping Tool removed; Notepad Copilot button replaced with AI writing tools. - Windows Update Control: Skip updates during setup; restart/shutdown without forced updates; pause longer - Status: Rolling out now. - File Explorer: Faster launch, reduced flicker, smoother navigation - Status: Work in progress; faster launch times already in testing. - Widgets: Quieter defaults, more control, better personalization - Status: No preview yet. - Windows Insider Program: Simpler channels, clearer definitions, higher-quality builds - Status: Rolling out now. - Feedback Hub: Largest redesign yet - Status: Rolling out now. - System Performance: Reduced resource usage, improved responsiveness - Status: Work underway; some early improvements noted. - WinUI 3 Migration: Move more Windows experiences to WinUI 3 - Status: In progress; Start menu migration confirmed but not yet shipping. - File Explorer Fundamentals: Lower latency for search, navigation, context menus - Status: Committed, not yet being previewed. The Windows K2 initiative aims to improve performance, reliability, and craftsmanship in Windows 11, addressing user feedback to enhance competitiveness against macOS and Linux. The project seeks to reshape internal perspectives on product development to be more user-centric. Regular updates will reflect the latest progress.
Slay the Spire 2 devs weren't going to make a sequel, but then the publisher handling the first game's ports shut down and things got 'very murky'
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

Slay the Spire 2 devs weren’t going to make a sequel, but then the publisher handling the first game’s ports shut down and things got ‘very murky’

Slay the Spire 2 has captivated many gamers, with one player logging 118 hours in the game. The sequel introduces a balance shift, two new characters, and a co-op feature. Mega Crit co-founder Casey Yano initially expressed reluctance to create a sequel, preferring to update the original game. However, as game publishing evolved, the studio faced challenges in justifying updates for the PC version while supporting console and mobile players. This led to the decision to develop Slay the Spire 2, which has proven successful.
When is the next PUBG update?
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

When is the next PUBG update?

PUBG has a two-month update schedule, with the next significant update planned for June 2026. The recent 41.1 patch released in April 2026 introduced a new game mode called Xeno Point, two new attachments (Hybrid Scope and Tilted Grip), and a new Emergency Support Flare. The Jammer Pack received enhancements with level one and three variants, the latter available only in care packages. Players can exchange Enemy Blue Chips at Blue Chip Towers for supply drops, and destructible terrain has been added to Erangel. A crossover event with Stellar Blade has also been integrated into the game.
Why Windows updates keep getting bigger and more bloated
Winsage
April 29, 2026

Why Windows updates keep getting bigger and more bloated

Monthly updates for Windows 11 from Microsoft now range from 4 to 9 GB, compared to 300 to 500 MB updates two years ago. The increase in update sizes is attributed to the integration of advanced AI features, cumulative delivery of updates, and a fixed monthly update schedule. Cumulative updates bundle all previous updates, leading to larger file sizes, while the monthly frequency forces consolidation of changes into single releases. Users can check what their PC is downloading during an update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery optimization > Activity monitor.
Arc Raiders' Riven Tides update didn't fix the game's biggest problem: Cheaters
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

Arc Raiders’ Riven Tides update didn’t fix the game’s biggest problem: Cheaters

The Riven Tides update for Arc Raiders introduced a new map and the Turbine threat but did not resolve ongoing cheating issues, leading to player dissatisfaction, including Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins' departure from the game. Since its launch in October 2025, player engagement has declined, with the average player count dropping from 241,000 in January 2026 to 76,000 in April 2026. Cheating has become widespread, affecting many players and compromising gameplay integrity. Embark Studios has acknowledged the problem and is working on solutions, but community frustration is growing, with many players leaving the game.
Microsoft engineer says native apps are back, and it could finally revive Windows 11’s fight against web apps
Winsage
April 29, 2026

Microsoft engineer says native apps are back, and it could finally revive Windows 11’s fight against web apps

A distinguished Engineer at Microsoft has suggested that native apps are making a comeback, aligning with the company's initiatives to revitalize Windows 11. The Windows Store, currently dominated by web apps, has improved significantly in performance and offers a diverse array of applications. Microsoft expanded options for developers to create apps using preferred methods, attracting notable applications like Netflix and WhatsApp to transition to WebView2-based Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). However, this shift has led to high resource consumption issues, with WhatsApp consuming up to 600MB of RAM and Electron-based applications like Discord using as much as 4GB of RAM. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with PWAs lacking essential functionalities compared to native apps. In response to feedback, Microsoft plans to develop 100% native apps for Windows 11, with Rudy Huyn confirming this intention. David Fowler declared, “Native apps are back,” indicating a focus on restoring native applications. The Start menu is transitioning from React-based elements to WinUI to enhance performance. The recently launched .NET 10 introduces Native AOT compilation, which aims to decrease app startup times and optimize memory usage. Microsoft's web-based Copilot app has also faced criticism for high resource consumption. The company must persuade developers to prioritize native app creation and demonstrate the advantages of native apps by converting its own applications to be fully native on Windows 11.
"Lord of Hatred is the best Diablo 4 has ever been," Blizzard says
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

“Lord of Hatred is the best Diablo 4 has ever been,” Blizzard says

Diablo 4 has faced challenges in maintaining momentum due to competition from titles like Last Epoch and Path of Exile 2, which offer more compelling endgame experiences. The third expansion, Lord of Hatred, aims to shift this narrative by concluding the Mephisto saga and introducing enhancements such as the Talisman and Horadric Cube for player customization. The expansion received an 8/10 rating, which is lower than its predecessor, Vessel of Hatred, due to fewer groundbreaking features. Associate Game Designer Zaven Haroutunian and Associate Director of Game Design Colin Finer stated that they believe Lord of Hatred represents the peak of Diablo 4, describing it as the ultimate expression of the game. The expansion includes streamlined endgame experiences and features like a map overlay and loot filter for better navigation and item highlighting.
Windrose devs don't have any progress wipes planned for early access, but 'of course s**t happens'
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

Windrose devs don’t have any progress wipes planned for early access, but ‘of course s**t happens’

Kraken Express, the developer of the early access survival game Windrose, announced on their Discord channel that there are currently no plans for world wipes as they develop the game towards its 1.0 release. They assured players that future updates will preserve player progress, despite acknowledging the unpredictable nature of early access. The developers aim to implement major updates without disrupting players' worlds and progress, addressing common issues faced in similar games.
Routine is an intense Alien Isolation-style experience, and it is cheaper than ever
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

Routine is an intense Alien Isolation-style experience, and it is cheaper than ever

Routine is an indie horror game that has been in development since its announcement in 2012 and is now available. It features claustrophobic hallways and a lurking predator, creating a tense atmosphere similar to Alien Isolation. The game emphasizes stealth and has a tight level design that encourages a slow, deliberate approach. Players take on the role of a basic worker in a sci-fi universe, with environmental storytelling replacing a traditional narrative. Routine includes elements inspired by SOMA, such as terminals and puzzles, and features menacing foes like Type-05 security robots. Critics have praised the game, with a review rating of 9/10, and it has been included in Game of the Year 2025 lists. Routine is currently available for .74 at Fanatical, the lowest price to date.
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