change Archives

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Samsung Messages is dying — here’s the open-source alternative I’m replacing it with

Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July 2026. The author switched from Samsung Messages to Google Messages but found it lacking in customization options and preferred a simpler experience. They discovered Fossify Messages, a free and open-source messaging app that offers essential features without distractions, and found it to be a suitable replacement. Fossify Messages allows selective text copying, offers security options like PIN or biometric authentication, and supports local backups. While the author appreciates Fossify Messages, they still recognize the strengths of Samsung Messages, such as chat organization and integration with Galaxy devices.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Goodbye, OTPs and magic links: Signing up for new Android apps just got a lot easier

Google has introduced a Verified Email feature for Android applications that simplifies the sign-up process by eliminating the need for magic links and one-time PINs (OTPs). This feature allows users to register for apps using a "cryptographically verified email credential" sourced from their Google account, which is securely stored on their device. It enhances security by enabling app developers to prompt users to create a passkey during registration. The Verified Email feature can also be used for account recovery and re-authentication for sensitive actions. However, it is currently limited to consumer Gmail accounts, and users with Workspace or managed accounts must still use traditional verification methods. Additionally, Google accounts created with non-Google email addresses may require extra verification steps from app developers. The feature is accessible on devices running Android 9 or newer and Google Play Services version 25.49.xx or later.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Tested: Windows 11 setup screen now finally lets you skip forced updates, and go directly to the desktop

Microsoft has enhanced the Windows 11 setup process by introducing an "Update Later" toggle, allowing users to bypass forced updates during device setup. This feature enables users to continue with the setup while updates are checked in the background, granting them access to their desktop without interruption. Users can manage updates at their convenience once on the desktop. Microsoft is also considering removing the mandatory Microsoft account requirement for Windows 11 Home users and reducing upsells in the out-of-box experience (OOBE). Additionally, the company has introduced web-based Copilot into the OOBE, though its widespread deployment is not yet planned.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

New CS2 update brings back CSGO’s silky smooth camera shake

Valve has released a mini-patch for Counter-Strike 2 that adjusts camera motion due to recoil to more closely match CS:GO, aiming to reduce camera shake during gameplay. This change is expected to enhance the experience for players familiar with both games. Demonstrations indicate a smoother gameplay experience, and Valve assures that bullet trajectories will remain consistent with CS2. The patch also includes fixes for various Animgraph 2 bugs, improvements to ladder movement mechanics, and a resolution for a crash issue during halftime transitions.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

All new prices for Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass in April 2026 revealed

Xbox Game Pass has reduced its subscription costs effective immediately: Game Pass Ultimate is now .99 per month, and PC Game Pass is .99, down from .49. The Premium and Essential tiers maintain their pricing from October 2025. Future releases of the Call of Duty franchise will no longer be available on Game Pass at launch, with new titles added nearly a year after their initial release, although existing titles will remain accessible.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Older Call of Duty games are coming to Game Pass in 2026

Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, announced that Game Pass subscribers will no longer receive new Call of Duty titles on launch day; instead, these games will be available a year later. This change is part of a strategy to reassess the availability of the franchise due to concerns about profitability. However, Activision plans to enhance the Game Pass library by adding more titles from the Call of Duty back catalog this year. Currently, only a few recent entries are available, with the oldest being Call of Duty: WW2 from 2017. Potential additions to Game Pass could include classic titles from the series, such as Call of Duty (2003), Call of Duty 2 (2005), Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007), and others, including the 2021 title Call of Duty: Vanguard, which has not been available on Game Pass.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Samsung just removed a big barrier between Galaxy phones and Windows PCs

Samsung's Galaxy Connect app is now available for non-Samsung Windows 11 devices, allowing features like copy-paste functionality, direct access to phone storage, and using the phone as a second screen. The app supports syncing web pages across devices and can be installed on various brands of laptops, including Lenovo, Asus, and Dell. However, it is only compatible with Intel and AMD x64 Windows 11 devices, excluding ARM-based PCs. The latest version of the app is 2.1.6.0, and installation requires logging into the Microsoft Store with the same Samsung account linked to the Galaxy phone.

Tech Optimizer

April 22, 2026

‘Defender covers everyday risk without requiring additional software’: Microsoft says its antivirus is all many Windows 11 users need — but is that right?

Microsoft has questioned the necessity of third-party antivirus software in 2026, suggesting that the built-in protection of Windows 11 may be sufficient for average users. Microsoft Defender has improved significantly, becoming a reliable option, although some free antivirus applications may still outperform it in certain scenarios. For users with complex security needs, such as families, a more comprehensive security suite may still be advisable.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Latest Fanatical bundle is offering 17 Steam Deck-friendly games worth $333 for only $42

The Fanatical Exodus bundle offers a customizable selection of 17 Steam Deck-compatible games at discounted prices. Users can choose their desired titles, with costs decreasing per game as more are selected: .75 for two games, .65 for three, .50 for four or more, and [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: For Steam Deck enthusiasts seeking to expand their gaming library without straining their wallets, the latest offering from Fanatical, known as the Exodus bundle, presents an enticing opportunity. This bundle features a diverse assortment of action, adventure, strategy, and arcade games, all available at remarkably low prices. Prices and savings are subject to change. Click through to get the current deal prices. What does the bundle offer? The standout feature of this bundle is its customizable nature, allowing gamers to tailor their purchases to their preferences. Instead of paying for a pre-selected package, users can choose only the titles they desire, which in turn affects the overall cost. For example, selecting two games will set you back .75 each. If you opt for three, the price drops to .65 per title. The savings continue to grow, with four or more games costing just .50 each. Should you decide to indulge in the entire collection of 17 Steam Deck-compatible games, the total comes to a mere .46, representing an impressive 87% discount from the original value of 2.83. Below is a comprehensive list of the games included in Fanatical’s Exodus bundle, along with their compatibility status for the Steam Deck: Game Steam Deck compatibility Original price Disco Elysium – The Final Cut Verified .99 Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express Playable .99 Asgard’s Fall – Viking Survivors Playable .99 Oblivion Override Playable .99 Beyond a Steel Sky Verified .99 Love is… Verified .99 Decline’s Drops Verified .99 Souldiers Verified .99 Death Relives Playable .99 King of Retail Playable .99 KitHack Model Club Playable .99 South of the Circle Verified .99 Charrua Soccer – Pro Edition Unsupported but reportedly runs fine out of the box .99 Heretic’s Fork Playable .99 Fight of Steel: Infinity Warrior Playable .99 Zombasite Playable .99 Fight School Simulator Playable .99 This collection is particularly noteworthy, featuring acclaimed titles such as Disco Elysium. For those looking for additional savings, the Humble Sharp Shooters bundle is also worth exploring, offering seven Steam Deck-friendly games valued at 5 for just ." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].46 for the entire collection, which represents an 87% discount from the original total of .83. The bundle includes games such as Disco Elysium – The Final Cut (Verified), Agatha Christie – Murder on the Orient Express (Playable), and Beyond a Steel Sky (Verified), among others. The original price for each game is .99. Additionally, there is a mention of the Humble Sharp Shooters bundle, which offers seven Steam Deck-friendly games valued at for a lower price.

BetaBeacon

April 22, 2026

Now You Can Run GameCube and Wii Games on Switch Without Android

- Tico v0.7.0 update includes an experimental Dolphin core for GameCube and Wii emulation on the Switch. - The Dolphin core runs on Horizon OS via custom firmware, eliminating the need for a second operating system like Android or Linux. - Tico allows for automatic game library management and a controller-first interface for better handheld use. - Custom firmware is required to run Tico on a Nintendo Switch, with different methods depending on the Switch model. - GameCube and Wii games have been tested on Tico v0.7.0, with some titles running well and others experiencing minor issues.