clarity Archives

Winsage

March 24, 2026

I’m seriously tempted to drop Microsoft Edge after the latest Firefox update

Mozilla Firefox has released version 149, which includes features such as Split View, a free VPN for public Wi-Fi, enhanced PDF performance, and improved security measures that block notifications and revoke permissions on malicious websites. Firefox allows users to easily disable all AI features with a single switch, while Microsoft Edge requires users to navigate through multiple settings. Firefox is available for download on its website and the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Indika forced me to confront some of life’s toughest questions, and I think it’s made me a better person

The author attended an all-girls Catholic high school where they observed a dissonance between the teachings of compassion and the actions of some devout Catholics who bullied peers. This experience led to a questioning of faith, which has diminished over time, although an appreciation for religious imagery remains. The author discusses the indie game Indika, developed by Odd Meter, which explores dark themes of faith and violence within an Eastern Orthodox convent. The gameplay combines puzzle-solving and parkour elements, with nostalgic pixelated segments. Indika's narrative is dark, lacking happy endings or divine intervention, prompting reflection on the nature of suffering and the absence of God in times of hardship. The game illustrates that even pious individuals can harbor darkness and encourages players to embody resilience and compassion in the face of evil.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

‘A firm announcement is dependent on this final stretch of work’: Fans are spinning out over extraction shooter Sand’s lack of a specific March release date

Sand: Raiders of Sophie is an upcoming PvPvE extraction shooter set to release in March 2026, according to Steam, though no specific date has been provided. The game's community is expressing concern and uncertainty regarding the release date, prompting community managers to reassure fans that updates will be shared when available. The development team is currently finalizing critical details before making a firm announcement about the release date.

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

Steam Machine hardware support appears in latest SteamOS build, along with loads of Steam deck tweaks

Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview, designed for Steam Decks and the upcoming Steam Machine. This update introduces new features and bug fixes, marking the start of support for Steam Machine hardware. The update includes over 80 lines of changes, with a focus on initial support for the Steam Machine, though details on this support remain unclear. Valve aims to launch the Steam Machine in 2026, likely in the Fall/Winter season, but pricing details are not confirmed. Notable enhancements in SteamOS 3.8.0 include a new graphics driver, improved VRR frame pacing, resolution of session crash issues for specific games, enhanced USB racing wheel support, and re-enabled Bluetooth Wake for Steam Deck LCD. The update is available for users in the Steam Deck Preview channel.

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Trust But Verify ⭐️

Pavan Davuluri has been appointed as the new leader of Windows development at Microsoft. The company has committed to enhancing the quality of Windows through 2026. Davuluri's recent blog post, primarily directed at Windows Insider Program participants, lacks an apology for past customer grievances and does not address several critical issues, including forced telemetry, bundled software, chaotic updates, forced Microsoft account sign-ins, and the mandatory use of Microsoft Edge. While he mentions plans to improve Windows Update and acknowledges the need for better reliability and transparency in the Windows Insider Program, many concerns remain unaddressed. The introduction of Copilot and its integration into Windows will continue, but users have expressed frustration over its implementation. Davuluri's approach to improving performance through the WinUI3 framework is met with skepticism.

Tech Optimizer

March 21, 2026

Avast VPN: An in-depth review of its speed, security and value

Avast launched its VPN service, Avast Secureline VPN, in 2017, focusing on encryption, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. The company operates outside the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances, which limits data-sharing with intelligence agencies. In January 2020, Avast faced criticism for collecting user data for its subsidiary, Jumpshot, but ceased this practice shortly after. The VPN offers dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, basic split tunneling, and a kill switch, but lacks comprehensive features compared to competitors. Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec, with encryption standards generally secure. Avast claims to operate 700 servers across 27 countries, with a limited selection of streaming-optimized servers. The app supports various platforms but lacks support for Linux or routers. Speed tests showed an average download speed of 275.69 Mbps, but performance in unblocking content was disappointing, with limited success on streaming services. Avast's privacy policy indicates extensive data collection, despite claims of addressing past issues. Customer support includes 24/7 access for paying customers. Pricing tiers include a 60-day free trial, with competitive rates but limited features. Pros include decent speeds and reasonable pricing, while cons highlight controversial data practices, limited information, poor streaming performance, and fewer features compared to competitors.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

OpenTTD asks people to please stop being mad at Atari for forcing the game off Steam: ‘OpenTTD as a project retains its full independence,’ and you can still get it for free

The OpenTTD team issued a cautionary note about changes to their open-source remake of Transport Tycoon Deluxe due to the revival of the original game by Atari as a commercial offering. As a result, OpenTTD was removed from Steam and GOG, leading to dissatisfaction within the gaming community. The new Transport Tycoon Deluxe currently has a "mostly negative" rating on Steam. A compromise was reached allowing OpenTTD to remain free on its official website while limiting its availability on storefronts to those who purchase the new game. Atari has agreed to contribute to the maintenance of OpenTTD’s server infrastructure. Community reactions are mixed, with some players expressing gratitude for the update and others criticizing the move as greedy. The original Transport Tycoon Deluxe is available for purchase on Steam or GOG, while OpenTTD can still be accessed for free at openttd.org.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google Adds 24-Hour Wait for Unverified App Sideloading to Reduce Malware and Scams

Google has introduced a new "advanced flow" for Android sideloading, which includes a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for users installing applications from unverified developers. This follows a developer verification mandate requiring all Android applications to be registered by verified developers to help identify malicious actors and reduce malware distribution. The new sideloading protocol aims to mitigate risks from cybercriminals who may deceive users into disabling Play Protect, Google's anti-malware feature. Over 50 app developers and marketplaces, including F-Droid and Brave, have expressed concerns about the registration requirements, arguing they could create barriers and raise privacy issues. Google has outlined a one-time process for sideloading apps, which includes enabling developer mode, confirming voluntary sideloading, restarting the device, waiting 24 hours, and using biometric authentication or a PIN to install apps. Google plans to introduce free "limited distribution accounts" for hobbyist developers and students to share apps with up to 20 devices without needing government-issued IDs or registration fees. This process will not apply to installations via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and is set to be available in August 2026, ahead of new developer verification requirements. This announcement comes as a new Android malware, Perseus, targets users in Turkey and Italy, with at least 17 distinct Android malware families identified in the past four months.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach PC impressions

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features themes of connection, grief, and the transient nature of existence, set in Australia and linked to the Chiral Network. The game is noted for its engaging gameplay and visual capabilities, with performance tests showing around 60 fps in demanding environments on high settings with an RTX 4070 Ti and Intel Core i9-12900K. Lowering settings can yield up to 94 fps, while enabling frame generation can surpass 126 fps. PICO upscaling combined with DLSS frame generation provides optimal visuals. The Steam Deck struggles with performance, achieving only 24 fps on the Portable preset. The game supports various controllers, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and DualSense, with a new difficulty mode called "to the wilder" that increases challenge through tougher enemies and resource management.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Google is quietly testing a Discover tab in Gemini, alongside a host of UI changes

The latest beta version of the Google app (17.10.54.sa.arm64) has introduced several updates to the Gemini user interface, including a new "Discover" tab in the sidebar that currently leads to an empty page. The sidebar may be redesigned for a more streamlined layout, featuring a settings shortcut at the bottom. Gemini's "Thinking" responses will now be presented in a bottom sheet format for improved clarity. The sidebar serves as a navigation tool, allowing users to switch between chats and access app sections, with some variations tested appearing unfinished. One version successfully loads chat history and includes minor UI adjustments that align with the web interface design. The Gemini overlay has also been refined to separate input and responses, adding a prominent close button and repositioning the voice output feature. Not all features from the APK teardown may be included in the public release.