challenges

Winsage
June 26, 2026
Microsoft has extended the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 personal computers until October 12, 2027. This extension was noted in a revised support document and aims to give users more time to transition to Windows 11 while still receiving security updates. The ESU program, launched in June 2025, was initially set to conclude in October 2026. Currently, Windows 10 powers approximately 26% of desktop Windows PCs globally, with around 1 billion PCs still running it, according to Dell COO Jeffrey Clarke.
AppWizard
June 26, 2026
Brian from iodé discussed the project's goal of creating a user-friendly, privacy-focused Android distribution. Key features include a tracker blocker that enhances user privacy and two app stores—F-Droid and Aurora Store—to address app compatibility concerns. Users can uninstall pre-installed apps and experience reduced notifications and ads. iodé promotes sustainability by encouraging the use of refurbished devices and aims to support a wider range of devices beyond just Google Pixels. The user base is estimated at over 10,000 individuals across various countries, with a focus on privacy and usability. iodé offers integrated privacy features and monthly security updates, supporting over 60 devices.
Winsage
June 26, 2026
Darren Oberst, co-founder of LLMWare.ai, highlighted the benefits of using local models on neural processing units (NPUs) for optimized AI performance and suggested that businesses can enhance efficiency by scheduling automated agent runs. Leonard Lee, principal analyst at Next Curve, emphasized the importance of safe deployment of agentic AI features being introduced by companies like Samsung and Lenovo. Jack Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates, noted that Microsoft is embedding AI into its Windows operating system, requiring support for multiple AI chip types to provide flexibility for enterprises.
Winsage
June 26, 2026
Companies are adapting to new challenges and opportunities in a dynamic market characterized by innovation and resilience. Investors are monitoring shifts in consumer behavior due to the acceleration of digital transformation, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and remote work. Businesses are focusing on enhancing customer experiences and optimizing supply chains. Technological advancements include the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics for decision-making and operational efficiency. There is an increasing emphasis on sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and promoting eco-friendly products. The shift to hybrid work models is changing talent acquisition and employee engagement strategies, fostering flexibility and inclusivity. The ability to pivot and innovate is essential for businesses to thrive in this evolving environment.
AppWizard
June 26, 2026
The Epic Games Store is offering free games for PC users until 4 PM BST on Thursday, July 2. This week's titles are RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition and Voidwright, both typically priced at .99. Voidwright is a 2D action-platformer developed by Powersnake, featuring exploration, combat against over 10 enemies and 11 bosses, and an average Metacritic score of 76. The game offers around eight hours for the main storyline and up to 16 hours for completionist runs. RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition is a remastered version of the 2004 classic, allowing players to manage amusement parks with a playtime ranging from 20 to 200 hours. It has an 88% 'Very Positive' rating on Steam and includes both the Soaked! and Wild! expansions.
AppWizard
June 26, 2026
The annual Steam Summer Sale is currently ongoing, offering discounts of up to 80% on various video games until July 9. Notable deals include: - The Witcher III: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Star Wars Jedi: Survivor: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Titanfall 2: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .49. - Burnout Paradise Remastered: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Risk of Rain 2: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .24. - Stardew Valley: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Hotline Miami: List Price: .99, Sale Price: [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: If you own a gaming PC, Steam Deck, or a new Steam Machine, you're in for a treat. The annual Steam Summer Sale has commenced, offering discounts of up to 80% on a plethora of beloved video games. Running from now until July 9, this sale presents an excellent opportunity to expand your gaming library without breaking the bank. For those who prefer not to sift through the extensive Steam catalog, I've curated a selection of ten standout deals that span various genres, each one a personal favorite of mine. The Witcher III: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition Geralt is a cool guy. Credit: CD Projekt Red/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 Chances are, you may already own The Witcher III, which has sold over 65 million copies since its 2015 release. If not, now is the perfect time to join the ranks of its fans. This RPG is widely regarded as one of the best ever made, featuring an open-world design that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The Complete Edition includes all expansion packs, with a third expansion set to release in 2027, making it a must-have for any gamer. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Cal Kestis is also a cool dude. Credit: Respawn/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 Among the many Star Wars titles available during this sale, Jedi: Survivor stands out as an exceptional deal. This sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order follows the charming protagonist Cal Kestis as he navigates the challenges posed by the Galactic Empire. With engaging combat mechanics and a compelling narrative, this game is a steal at just .99. Titanfall 2 One of the best shooter campaigns ever. Credit: Respawn/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .49 Titanfall 2 has consistently been one of the most affordable games on digital platforms, yet many have yet to experience its brilliance. This title features one of the most creative and exhilarating single-player campaigns in the first-person shooter genre. Set aside an afternoon to immerse yourself in its thrilling gameplay. Burnout Paradise Remastered Racing games don't get much better than this. Credit: Criterion/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 Burnout Paradise is often hailed as one of the finest games from the Xbox 360/PS3 era, and its remastered version retains all the charm of the original. With all online modes and DLC included, it redefined open-world racing long before others followed suit. It's an exhilarating experience, perfect for both short bursts and extended play sessions. Risk of Rain 2 One of the best co-op roguelikes out there. Credit: Hopoo/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .24 Risk of Rain 2 is a roguelike shooter best enjoyed with friends. Players select characters and traverse procedurally generated levels, battling enemies while collecting upgrades. The difficulty ramps up over time, making for a rewarding experience, especially when you manage to create an overpowered build. Stardew Valley Cozy. Credit: ConcernedApe/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 As one of the most successful indie games of the last decade, Stardew Valley remains a top choice in the farming/life simulation genre. With its charming characters, delightful music, and numerous activities to engage in, it's easy to lose hours in this enchanting world. The vibrant modding community adds even more replayability for PC players. Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter Some of the best RPG combat around. Credit: Falcom/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 This remake of the first game in the acclaimed Trails series is a fantastic entry point for newcomers. With a rich narrative and engaging combat, it sets the stage for a sprawling interconnected story that spans multiple titles. The game eases players into its world beautifully, making it an excellent choice for RPG enthusiasts. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana I can hear this screenshot. Credit: Falcom/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 This vibrant RPG is an inviting entry point for those new to the Ys series. With its colorful world, engaging combat, and a soundtrack that energizes the gameplay, it offers a satisfying experience that appeals to both veterans and newcomers alike. Hotline Miami I can also hear this screenshot. Credit: Dennaton/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Do you like Star Wars? We have good news.  By  Alex Perry Alex Perry Tech Reporter Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social. Read Full Bio  on June 25, 2026 This game rules. Credit: CD Projekt Red/Steam If you have a gaming PC, a Steam Deck, or even a brand new Steam Machine, you can currently get a whole lot of great video games for almost no money right now.That's because the annual Steam Summer Sale kicked off on Thursday, with offers lasting until July 9. That means you have a couple of weeks to get as much as 80 percent off on some of the best games ever made. But if you don't feel like combing through the entire Steam interface to find deals, I've curated 10 of them that I think are definitely worth checking out. These range from mainstream hits to smaller indie games across a variety of genres, but one constant is that I've played and adore all of them. Recommended deals for you Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $279.00 (List Price $399.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB Unlocked Phone (Black) — $669.99 (List Price $899.99) Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $378.00 (List Price $459.99) 55" Amazon Ember 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart Fire TV (2025 Model) — $279.95 (List Price $459.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Meta Quest 3S 128GB With 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ — $296.79 (List Price $349.99) Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Here are 10 of the best deals in the Steam Summer Sale. You May Also Like SEE ALSO: 'Star Fox' for Nintendo Switch 2 is a magnificent Hollywood take on a classic The Witcher III: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition Geralt is a cool guy. Credit: CD Projekt Red/Steam List Price: $49.99Sale Price: $9.99There's a decent chance you already own The Witcher III, given that it's sold 65 million units since its launch in 2015. But if you don't, there really is no better time than now to hop on the bandwagon.This is, without sugarcoating it, one of the best RPGs ever made, and you can enjoy it just fine even if you never played its two predecessors or read any of the Polish fantasy novels on which the game series is based. It combines some of the best open-world quest design ever with an emotional, mature story that's more about being a good father than saving the world (though there's some of that, too). The Complete Edition comes with both existing expansion packs, which are 100 percent worth playing, and there's actually a third expansion coming out in 2027 to look forward to, as well. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Cal Kestis is also a cool dude. Credit: Respawn/Steam List Price: $69.99Sale Price: $13.99There is a litany of Star Wars games available in the Steam sale, but Jedi: Survivor is probably the best deal here, for my money. The sequel to 2019's Jedi: Fallen Order follows surprisingly endearing protagonist Cal Kestis and friends as they search for safe haven from the evil Galactic Empire. It's got great combat, compelling level design, and honestly one of the best stories in any Disney-era Star Wars production. For $13.99, this is a must-buy, as far as I'm concerned.Titanfall 2 One of the best shooter campaigns ever. Credit: Respawn/Steam List Price: $29.99Sale Price: $4.49Titanfall 2 has been one of the most perpetually dirt-cheap games on digital storefronts for the past decade, but somehow, there are still people who have never played it. Don't be one of them.Put simply, this is one of the greatest first-person shooter single-player campaigns ever made. Every moment of it oozes with creativity and excitement, making the best out of extremely fun shooting and traversal mechanics in every mission. You should seriously just block out an entire Saturday afternoon and play it in one sitting. Mashable Top Stories Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news. Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter Use this instead By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! Burnout Paradise Remastered Racing games don't get much better than this. Credit: Criterion/Steam List Price: $19.99Sale Price: $3.99Burnout Paradise has a real argument as being one of the four or five best games of the entire Xbox 360/PS3 era, and it's held up beautifully. The remastered version includes all online modes, as well as all of the DLC that was made for the original game. Paradise redefined what an open-world racing game could be, years before games like Forza Horizon carried the torch for the genre. It's simply a lot of fun and very easy to pick up and play in short bursts or long sessions.Risk of Rain 2 One of the best co-op roguelikes out there. Credit: Hopoo/Steam List Price: $24.99Sale Price: $8.24Risk of Rain 2 is a shooter roguelike that can be enjoyed solo, but is best played with up to three friends in co-op fashion. You choose from one of several characters and run around procedurally generated levels killing enemies and collecting a wide variety of stacking upgrades, all while contending with a mechanic that increases enemy difficulty the more time elapses. It can get extremely challenging, but also very rewarding, especially if you manage to make a super broken build that basically plays the game by itself.Stardew Valley Cozy. Credit: ConcernedApe/Steam List Price: $14.99Sale Price: $8.99One of the biggest breakout indie hits of the last decade, Stardew Valley is still maybe the very best farming/life sim game in a market full of them. Filled to the brim with charming characters, great music, and a large variety of ways to spend your precious time (be it in solo play or multiplayer), it's shockingly easy to lose dozens of hours to this game without even thinking about it. It's also got a vibrant mod scene on PC, if you're into that sort of thing.Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter Some of the best RPG combat around. Credit: Falcom/Steam List Price: $59.99Sale Price: $29.99Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter made it onto Mashable's best games of 2025 list because I made sure it did, and I'm going to evangelize it here, too, especially now that it's half off. It's a spiffy new remake of the first game in the long and storied Trails series of Japanese RPGs. There are 13 games in total, with more to come, and all of them are part of a big, sprawling, interconnected story with hundreds of characters spread across a huge, lore-rich continent. But you don't need to worry too much about that with this game, since it's the first one. It eases you into the setting beautifully and will leave you very excited for the remake of the second game in the series, due out this September. The combat is also incredibly fun. One word of warning, though: You need a healthy tolerance for anime to enjoy this series.Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana I can hear this screenshot. Credit: Falcom/Steam List Price: $39.99Sale Price: $19.99Ignore the roman numerals in title for this game. Yes, it's the eighth entry in the long-running Ys series, but it's also a perfect entry point for newcomers with minimal narrative connection to any other entries. Do you like running around a vibrant, colorful world while hitting monsters with a sword and listening to some of the most energetic, catchy music in video game history? Do you like RPGs where you don't spend a lot of time in menus and every system fits together cleanly to produce a super satisfying experience? Even if you don't think you like those things, this is really one of the most newcomer-friendly (and also best) RPGs ever made. Hotline Miami I can also hear this screenshot. Credit: Dennaton/Steam List Price: $9.99Sale Price: $0.99Once a pillar of trendy indie game success, Hotline Miami's zeitgeist nonetheless ended many years ago. Still, for less than a dollar, you really have no choice but to at least try it out, especially if you missed it in 2012. Hotline Miami is a super fast and twitchy top-down action game filled with pixelated hyper-violence and one of the best video game soundtracks ever. It's like playing through a drug-fueled murder haze, but, you know, a fun one. It's really good, I swear.American Truck Simulator Sometimes this country is beautiful. Credit: SCS Software/Steam List Price: $19.99Sale Price: $4.99American Truck Simulator is, indeed, an in-depth simulation of long-haul trucking in the United States. If you want to customize every part of your rig, you can do that. But if you just want to vibe out and listen to internet radio country music stations while driving across Kansas (do not drive across Kansas, it's so boring), you can also do that. It's best played on a racing wheel accessory, but a controller or even keyboard and mouse will do the job, too. As a bonus, developer SCS Software has developed literally dozens of expansions to add new states to the game over the years. You can get just the base game for $4.99, but if you want to spend as much as $43.85, you can get a bundle that includes everything. Topics Video Games Alex Perry Tech Reporter Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social. " temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99 Despite its past prominence in indie gaming, Hotline Miami remains a must-try title, especially at its current price point. This fast-paced action game combines pixelated violence with an unforgettable soundtrack, creating an experience that is both thrilling and unique. American Truck Simulator Sometimes this country is beautiful. Credit: SCS Software/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 Offering a detailed simulation of long-haul trucking across the United States, American Truck Simulator allows players to customize their rigs or simply enjoy the scenery while listening to music. With numerous expansions available, the base game is a great entry point at just .99, while a comprehensive bundle is also available for those looking to dive deeper." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99. - American Truck Simulator: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99.
AppWizard
June 26, 2026
Meccha Chameleon, a multiplayer hide-and-seek game launched on Steam, has sold seven million copies shortly after its release, achieving this milestone just two days after announcing five million sales. In comparison, Resident Evil Requiem took two months to reach the same figure. The game allows players to disguise themselves as objects in their environment, fostering quick thinking and creativity. It is priced at .99 and does not include microtransactions, offering a full experience reminiscent of earlier gaming eras. The success of Meccha Chameleon highlights a trend towards smaller, accessible games in a market increasingly dominated by larger titles.
Winsage
June 26, 2026
Microsoft has extended the security updates for Windows 10 users by an additional year, with the new end date for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program set for October 12, 2027. This extension applies automatically to existing ESU enrollees, and new users can sign up until the deadline. The change was confirmed by a Microsoft spokesperson in an editor's note added to a blog post. The extension does not apply to corporate Windows deployments, which require costly ESU subscriptions that extend support until October 2028.
Winsage
June 25, 2026
Microsoft is expected to extend the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by an additional year, with the new end date set for October 12, 2027, instead of the previously stated October 2026. This change is reflected on the Microsoft website, which confirms the new timeline.
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