classic Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Minecraft Education teaches kids the dangers of AI through a noir detective lens — encouraging artificial intelligence literacy

On September 16, 2025, Minecraft launched a program called Reed Smart: AI Detective aimed at players aged 8 to 18, focusing on enhancing information literacy in the context of artificial intelligence. The game consists of three acts: 1. The Deepest Fake - Players learn to discern authenticity in AI-generated videos. 2. An Ode to Deception - Players explore tools for detecting AI-generated content and the importance of human judgment. 3. Dine & Deceive - Players identify falsehoods created by AI and learn verification techniques. The game encourages players to engage in interviews, contextualize statements, and recognize AI misuse, fostering skills such as lateral reading and fact-checking. As players progress, the game's visual representation changes from monochrome to vibrant colors, symbolizing their growth in information literacy. Reed Smart: AI Detective is available for download on the Minecraft: Education Library and the Minecraft Marketplace, with additional resources provided by Microsoft for further learning about AI literacy.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

4 apps you should use instead of Google Docs

The author experienced file management issues with Google Docs due to its lack of a folder system, leading to a search for alternatives. 1. Notion: Offers seamless transition from Google Docs, with essential formatting tools, auto-save, user-friendly sharing, and offline access. It is highly customizable but has a steep learning curve compared to Google Docs. 2. Obsidian: Focuses on privacy with local file storage by default, allowing offline access without internet. It offers cloud synchronization for flexibility but is ideal for users who prefer keeping documents off the cloud. 3. Simplenote: A simple app for creating notes and to-do lists with easy sharing and document pinning. It lacks a folder organization system, which may limit its use for extensive document collections. 4. WPS Office: A robust alternative that supports document creation, presentations, and spreadsheets, with a built-in PDF reader. Its interface resembles Microsoft Word, but it is owned by a Chinese company, raising some privacy concerns despite end-to-end encryption. The author also mentions Evernote and Google Keep as other options, with Evernote's free plan becoming less appealing and Google Keep being simpler but limited for extensive document needs.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

My favorite Diablo-style roguelike just got a game-changing update, and it’s the cheapest it’s ever been

Ravenswatch is a dark fantasy action role-playing game developed by Passtech, offering a unique blend of skill combos and a fairytale-inspired cast. The recent Hourglass of Dreams update introduces significant changes, including an optional three minutes of overtime during which the Master Nightmare becomes more powerful, three new side quests inspired by classic tales, and the Leprechaun's Cauldron event that rewards players with Dream Shards. Players can earn Dream Shards by triggering the Master Nightmare before the initial 18-minute countdown ends. The update also includes balance adjustments for the characters Romeo and Juliet. Ravenswatch's Hourglass of Dreams update is available for free on Steam, with the game currently discounted by 50%, priced at .49 until September 24.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Notepad gets free AI features on Copilot+ PCs with Windows 11

Microsoft is enhancing Notepad for users with Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11 by integrating AI-powered text writing capabilities in Notepad version 11.2508.28.0, currently rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels. The new features include text summarization, rewriting, and generation, available exclusively for English content. Users with a Microsoft 365 subscription can switch between local and cloud AI models, while those without a subscription can still use the local model. The AI options can be disabled in settings or users can uninstall the updated Notepad to revert to the classic version. Since the redesign of Notepad in December 2021, Microsoft has added features like multiple tabs, a character counter, text formatting, spell-check, and autocorrect. Additionally, updates for the Paint app now support Photoshop-like project files and an opacity slider, while the Snipping Tool has introduced a "Quick markup" feature for faster screenshot annotations.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Valve invents new Counter-Strike 2 loot boxes that successfully dodge anti-gambling regulations

Valve introduced the Genesis Terminal system in Counter-Strike 2 on September 16, allowing players to receive one free loot box each week. Players have three days to select a skin from options presented one at a time, but they must decline the current cosmetic to move forward. Each skin must be purchased directly from Valve, with prices varying significantly, including some rare skins costing nearly ,600. This system complies with anti-gambling regulations in certain EU countries, as players can see the items before deciding to purchase them. Players can sell skins on the marketplace after a week, but there is no guarantee of recovering costs.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

EA “investigating” why FC 26 PC players can’t get in, as infamous Origin launcher returns from the dead

Players who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition of EA Sports FC 26 were promised up to seven days of early access starting September 19. However, many PC players are encountering a "DisplayName field missing from registry" error, which instructs them to activate the game on the now-defunct Origin.com, preventing them from accessing the game. EA is aware of the login issues affecting the EA Play and EA Play Pro trials on PC and is "actively investigating" the situation, but there is no timeline for a resolution. Players are expressing their frustration on social media and forums.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Windows 11 handheld mode leaks ahead of ROG Xbox Ally launch and you can try it yourself right now

The ROG Xbox Ally X will be the first handheld device to feature Microsoft's Windows 11 handheld mode, which has already been leaked for existing devices through the Windows 11 25H2 update. A Reddit user shared that this update can be accessed by installing an ISO file, despite being exclusive to the Insider Program. Testing of the new handheld mode shows improved usability and performance, with a reduction in RAM usage by approximately 40% and a significant increase in frame rates for games, such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which saw an improvement from 29fps to 38fps. The ROG Xbox Ally X is scheduled for retail release on October 16, 2025, and will be the first device to officially support this feature.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Battlefield 6 dev says your “rose-tinted glasses” make it “difficult” to remaster classic maps

The development team at DICE is remastering the iconic map Operation Firestorm from Battlefield 3 for Battlefield 6. Product owner Shashank Uchil highlights the challenges of meeting player expectations and balancing nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics. Producer Jeremy Chubb notes that the foundation from previous Battlefield titles allows for innovation, but emphasizes the importance of evolving the map while maintaining its essence to satisfy both old fans and new players. The team aims to incorporate advanced physics and extensive destruction mechanics into the remaster. A preview of Battlefield 6 is available, and further insights will be shared in the coming week.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Microsoft insists the new Outlook delivers a “native” experience — but I’m not convinced

Microsoft is encouraging users to adopt the new Outlook app, which has been the default email and calendar solution for Windows 11 since its launch. Users face challenges with the new Outlook, including advertisements unless they pay for a subscription and the absence of several features from the previous Mail & Calendar app. Many users still prefer the classic Mail & Calendar app and express a desire for its return. The new Outlook is categorized as a Progressive Web App (PWA), raising questions about its classification as a native application. Critics have pointed out issues with the app's performance, design, and feature set, with some stating it does not meet user expectations. Microsoft has disabled the Mail & Calendar app on Windows 10 to compel users to transition to the new Outlook.

Tech Optimizer

September 18, 2025

High-tech EDR solutions becoming new standard in cybersecurity

Traditional antivirus software is becoming inadequate due to evolving cyber threats, leading to a demand for more sophisticated cybersecurity solutions like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems. EDR technologies monitor and analyze unusual behavior on endpoint devices in real time, allowing for threat detection and response. Türkiye is experiencing a global surge in demand for EDR strategies, with the country being one of the most targeted for cyberattacks, ranking among the top globally. Ransomware attacks in Türkiye have decreased by 16%, but there are still 28,000 to 30,000 incidents, indicating a shift towards more targeted attacks. Ozar emphasizes that EDR solutions are essential for all organizations, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as vulnerabilities can arise from necessary external connections. The importance of cybersecurity training across all employee levels is also highlighted, as awareness varies by sector.