compatibility and performance Archives

Winsage

December 9, 2025

Windows PC gaming in 2025: Handheld innovation, Arm progress and DirectX advances

Windows has been a key platform for PC gaming, evolving significantly by 2025 with advancements in handheld gaming and performance. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors, were introduced, enhancing handheld gaming experiences. The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was launched for these devices, optimizing gaming interfaces. Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) was implemented, reducing load times by over 80% for some titles. System-level performance improvements included tuned power management and lower CPU overhead. Windows also focused on Arm devices, enabling local game installations through the Xbox PC app and expanding compatibility with the Prism emulator. Native anti-cheat support was introduced for Arm devices, enhancing competitive gaming. DirectX 12 advancements included features that improved ray tracing performance by up to 2.3×. Bluetooth LE Audio support was added to enhance audio quality for gamers. Upcoming innovations include expanding FSE to more Windows devices, further ASD support, and a preview of Auto Super Resolution for improved visuals in games.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

RIP Windows: Linux GPU Gaming Benchmarks on Bazzite

The shift from Windows to Linux, particularly with SteamOS, has increased interest in Linux testing among gamers. After three weeks of testing the Bazzite distribution, initial GPU results were obtained, revealing various issues such as crashes and lengthy shader compilation times. Bazzite was chosen for its popularity and developer engagement, offering two main versions: NVIDIA and non-NVIDIA, both with pre-installed drivers. The testing methodology was sensitive to change and not directly comparable to Windows due to different measurement tools. Benchmarking results showed that the RTX 5090 achieved an average of 176 FPS in Dragon’s Dogma 2 at 1080p, while performance disparities were noted in Black Myth: Wukong, where NVIDIA cards struggled with consistency. AMD GPUs often outperformed NVIDIA counterparts in several titles, indicating that while high-end NVIDIA hardware is capable, the Linux software environment may not fully utilize its potential. Ray tracing benchmarks in Cyberpunk 2077 also highlighted inconsistencies in performance. Overall, the Linux gaming environment is evolving, with expectations for improved compatibility and performance in the future.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Valve’s Steam Frame is an all-in one headset for VR, PC games, and streaming

Valve has introduced the Steam Frame, a standalone VR headset with PC-streaming capabilities, set to launch in early 2026 at a price lower than the Valve Index. Key features include dual LCDs with a resolution of 2160×2160 pixels per eye, refresh rates from 72 Hz to 120 Hz (experimental up to 144 Hz), inside-out tracking with four outward-facing cameras and two inward-facing eye-tracking cameras, a modular strap and rear-battery design, and a weight of approximately 440g. It is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and runs on SteamOS 3, supporting Proton/FEX compatibility for non-VR Steam titles. The Steam Frame aims to eliminate the need for a gaming PC, making PC VR more accessible to a wider audience and allowing existing Steam game owners to use their current library. Valve has yet to disclose specific game compatibility and performance details for the headset.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 version 26H1, but it’s not what you think

Microsoft has released the initial preview build of Windows 11 version 26H1 for Insiders in the Canary Channel, which is not a feature update for Windows 11 but is intended to support next-generation silicon, specifically Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA's N1X. Version 26H1 includes platform changes and does not require any action from customers. The focus for feature development will remain on version 25H2, with new features being rolled out first to Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. The advancements in version 26H1 are tailored for upcoming Arm silicon and do not impact existing Windows 11 PCs.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

KB5067115 Enhances Windows on Arm with Improved 64-bit App Emulation via Prism

Microsoft has updated its Prism emulator in the Windows 11 25H2 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115), enhancing support for 64-bit x86 CPU features on Arm devices. This update improves app compatibility and performance for devices like the Surface Pro X and Lenovo ThinkPad X13s. It introduces Emulation Settings in Properties for developers to adjust emulation behavior for 32-bit applications. Additionally, the update includes the Ask Copilot feature in the taskbar and a Full Screen Experience option for more handheld devices.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

Commodore needles Microsoft over end of Windows 10, tries to lure disgruntled users to its Linux-based OS Vision 3.0 — ‘Microsoft may be leaving you behind. We Won’t.’

Commodore has launched a free, Linux-based operating system called Commodore OS Vision 3.0 as an alternative to Windows 10, which will no longer receive updates or support after October 14, 2025. The OS features a unique interface that combines retro aesthetics with modern usability and includes a 35GB download with over 200 free Linux-compatible games, classic Commodore titles, and an enhanced BASIC interpreter supporting 3D graphics. Additionally, Commodore OS Central will serve as a hub for retro resources and plans to develop into a community-driven game store. Users can find installation guides and engage in discussions on the official forums.

BetaBeacon

October 6, 2025

Hollow Knight: Silksong unofficial Android port improves performance and control options

r/EmulationOnAndroid is a subreddit with over 100,000 members dedicated to discussing and sharing tips, tricks, and recommendations for running emulators on Android devices. The community provides guides on setting up and optimizing emulators for various gaming consoles, as well as troubleshooting common issues such as controller compatibility and performance optimization.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft Claims 90% of Windows-on-Arm Usage Happens on Native Apps

Microsoft reports that the Arm app ecosystem is thriving, with native Arm versions available for apps representing 90% of total user minutes. This indicates a shift towards native builds rather than relying on x86-to-Arm translation. As Windows 10 nears its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, Microsoft encourages users to transition to Arm-based Copilot+ AI PCs, highlighting various optimized applications for Windows 11 on Arm, including endpoint protection, VPN, endpoint management, productivity, and entertainment applications. Although the current selection of Windows-on-Arm laptops is limited, upcoming announcements from Qualcomm and NVIDIA are expected to increase the availability of Arm-based Windows PCs.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

The brilliant Windows 12 is everything Windows 11 isn’t – and the Microsoft OS we deserve

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as it approaches its end of life, but many users with older hardware are hesitant due to compatibility and performance concerns, leading to a decline in Windows 11's market share. Designer Abdi has created a concept for a future operating system called Brilliant Windows 12, which includes features such as Collectzone for grouping files, a Files Panel for recent and favorite files, a unified Control Panel and Settings, interactive Quick Settings, enhanced notifications, AI-integrated search, and customizable desktop widgets. A video showcasing Abdi's ideas is available for viewing.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Google Unveils Gemini Nano for On-Device AI in Android Apps

Google has updated the Gemini Nano APIs through the ML Kit, introducing new GenAI APIs that allow developers to perform on-device inference for generative AI capabilities in Android applications. These APIs enhance user privacy by executing all operations locally, eliminating cloud processing costs. Features include summarization of articles up to 3,000 words, proofreading for grammatical accuracy, rewriting text in various tones, and generating image descriptions. The GenAI APIs are optimized for Android devices using MediaTek Dimensity, Qualcomm Snapdragon, and Google Tensor platforms, including the Pixel 9 series and Samsung Galaxy S25. They operate without internet connectivity, ensuring rapid response times and improved performance for tasks like summarization and proofreading. The local processing also enhances privacy and security, protecting sensitive user information with safety protocols.