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Google must pay €4.1bn fine for using Android to 'block' rivals
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

Google must pay €4.1bn fine for using Android to ‘block’ rivals

Europe's highest court has ordered Google to pay a fine of €4.1 billion (£3.5 billion) for practices related to the Android operating system that stifled competition. The European Commission initially imposed a €4.3 billion fine in 2018, later adjusted to €4.1 billion in 2022, which the court upheld after Google's appeal. This is the largest fine ever levied against Google by the Commission. Google expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating it does not recognize their investments in Android. The original fine was based on allegations of three illegal practices, although it was noted that Android allows users to download alternative web browsers and use other search engines. Additionally, the European Commission previously fined Google €2.4 billion in September 2024 for abusing market dominance and €2.95 billion in September 2025 for breaching competition laws in online advertising. A Russian court also fined Google two undecillion roubles in October 2024 for restricting Russian state media channels on YouTube.
'They refuse to offer a meaningful alternative': Game preservation leader agrees that piracy is the only preservation option for a discless future
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

‘They refuse to offer a meaningful alternative’: Game preservation leader agrees that piracy is the only preservation option for a discless future

Sony plans to discontinue the production of physical game discs for the PlayStation 5 by 2028, shifting towards a fully digital licensing model. Frank Cifaldi from the Video Game History Foundation has raised concerns about the preservation of video game history, stating that piracy may become the only means of safeguarding digital works. He criticized the Entertainment Software Association for resisting efforts to create a legal framework for preserving digital content. Cifaldi highlighted that museums and archives are preparing for this digital future, questioning the industry's expectations for cultural institutions as physical media is phased out. The transition to digital ownership has sparked discussions in the gaming community, particularly regarding the lack of backward compatibility in the PlayStation ecosystem and the challenges posed by the closure of digital stores for older consoles. The urgency for solutions to protect video game history is increasing as the industry moves towards a digital-only future.
Windows 11 just took its first major step toward version 26H2, and Insiders can already test 9 features shaping Microsoft’s next big update
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Windows 11 just took its first major step toward version 26H2, and Insiders can already test 9 features shaping Microsoft’s next big update

Microsoft has rolled out updates for Windows 11, confirming the development of version 26H2, which has transitioned from version 25H2 in the Experimental channel. Key updates include enhancements to the Search page, a revamped Mobile Devices page, a new GIF provider (GIPHY), a smaller Taskbar size option, improved system sounds in dark mode, rebranding of the Gaming section to "XBOX mode," a new "Screen tint" feature for accessibility, enhanced Magnifier zoom controls, and improved personalization features for accent color selection.
Windows Insider Preview improves taskbar
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Windows Insider Preview improves taskbar

Microsoft has released new preview versions in the Windows Insider channels, focusing on refining the taskbar in Windows 11. The latest Insider Preview versions include a new option called “Taskbar size” in the “Experimental” release channel (Build 26300.8758), with early screenshots indicating a default setting of “Small.” Users can also dock the taskbar on any side of the monitor. Improvements to system sounds in dark mode and more reliable thumbnail previews for cloud files in File Explorer's preview panel are also included in the Beta Preview (Build 26220.8754). Microsoft has restructured the Insider Preview Program, reducing it from four channels to two: Experimental and Beta, with the Release Preview channel remaining. Switching between Insider Preview channels has been simplified, allowing users to change channels more flexibly.
'Minecraft's' New Herschel Bag Collab Sees Items Disappearing From Inventory—Should You Get It?
AppWizard
June 30, 2026

‘Minecraft’s’ New Herschel Bag Collab Sees Items Disappearing From Inventory—Should You Get It?

Players are experiencing issues with item disappearance from their inventories when using the Herschel bag in Minecraft. A bug report has been submitted to Mojang, indicating that items stored in the bag vanish upon logging back into the game. The Herschel Backpack Trials add-on offers 16 pages of space, totaling 384 slots, and includes features like automatic sorting and a soul-bound characteristic. Despite the bug, the add-on has a 4.5-star rating on the Minecraft Marketplace, suggesting that most players are enjoying it without issues. Players are advised to empty the backpack before logging off to avoid losing valuable items.
PlayStation wants to win back PC users with PS6 handheld and exclusive games
AppWizard
June 29, 2026

PlayStation wants to win back PC users with PS6 handheld and exclusive games

SIE held a recent investor Q&A session, addressing various inquiries from stakeholders about its strategic vision and operational updates. Key points included: - Commitment to innovation in gaming technology, focusing on immersive experiences and user engagement. - Exploration of new markets and partnerships to enhance global presence. - Discussion on upcoming game releases and expansion of exclusive titles to maintain competitive advantage. - Dedication to fostering a vibrant gaming community and improving communication channels and support for developers. - Initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting diversity within the gaming industry.
Windows 11 just changed the name of Xbox mode (kind of)
Winsage
June 29, 2026

Windows 11 just changed the name of Xbox mode (kind of)

The May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 introduced "XBOX mode," replacing the previous "Xbox mode" as part of Microsoft's rebranding effort to align its gaming identity with the original console. This change was influenced by community feedback, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma noting user preference for the all-caps version. XBOX mode is designed to optimize gaming performance by prioritizing gaming processes and can free up to 2GB of memory on a PC. Future iterations of XBOX mode are expected in the next generation of Xbox, referred to as Project Helix. Microsoft is also working on enhancements to Windows 11 through its K2 initiative to improve the gaming experience.
Minecraft's new, free inventory-expanding backpack has been eating players' loot
AppWizard
June 28, 2026

Minecraft’s new, free inventory-expanding backpack has been eating players’ loot

Mojang has introduced the Herschel Backpack Trials add-on for Minecraft, which allows players to expand their inventory to 16 pages and 384 slots. The add-on is free and includes challenges to increase bag capacity, as well as features like automatic sorting and a soul-bound function. However, some players have reported that their backpacks become empty upon logging back into the game. Despite this issue, the add-on has a 4.5-star rating on the Minecraft Marketplace. A bug report regarding the disappearing items remains unresolved.
Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft Weekly: 5 years of Windows 11, more support for Windows 10, and expensive Xbox

Microsoft's Windows 11 celebrated its fifth anniversary on June 24, 2026, and is undergoing regular updates to improve user experience, particularly addressing search functionality. Microsoft has extended the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 for an additional year. A non-security update for Windows 11, KB5095093, was released, introducing enhancements such as point-in-time restore capabilities and accessibility improvements. In the Windows Insider Program, new builds were released across various channels, including accessibility features and improvements to File Explorer. Microsoft has discontinued the AI-powered browsing history search feature in Edge due to user feedback. PowerToys version 0.100.1 has been updated with improvements and bug fixes. In gaming, Microsoft announced a price increase for Xbox consoles effective August 1, 2026, with the Xbox Series X|S models seeing price hikes. The 2TB Xbox Series X will be discontinued, but new accessibility programs are being introduced. Valve's upcoming Steam Machine console is priced at ,049 for the 512GB configuration. Rockstar Games announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch at .99 for the base edition and .99 for the ultimate edition. NVIDIA announced new titles for its GeForce NOW streaming service, while Steam is hosting its annual Summer Sale until July 9, and the Epic Games Store is offering free games and deals.
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