compatibility and performance Archives

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.

BetaBeacon

June 3, 2025

Forget PS3, you can already emulate these PS4 games

The ShadPS4 emulator has expanded its compatibility list, allowing users to play popular titles such as Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition and Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2. The emulator is still in early stages, with potential graphical glitches and crashes, but marks a significant achievement in PS4 game emulation on Windows.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft promises to sort out USB shambles

Microsoft is updating its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) for Windows 11 to standardize USB-C port functionality across devices. The new guidelines will ensure that all USB-C ports on certified Windows 11 devices support data transfer, charging, and display output. This initiative aims to eliminate confusion for users regarding port capabilities. Additionally, USB 40Gbps ports will be compatible with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals, while USB 3.X ports may not match the performance of USB4. Microsoft will also require USB-IF certified silicon in PCs and will validate USB controllers with its own drivers to ensure seamless updates through Windows Update.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

REDMAGIC 10S Pro gaming phone supports PC games (thanks to emulation and an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite processor)

The REDMAGIC 10S Pro is a gaming phone available in China for 4,999 CNY, set to launch globally on June 5, 2025. It features a pre-installed PC emulator for playing select Windows games, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Leading Edition processor with speeds up to 4.47 GHz and a RedCore R3 Pro chip for enhanced haptic feedback and audio quality. The phone includes an ICE-X cooling system, RGB lighting, and various configurations ranging from 12GB of RAM with 256GB storage to 24GB of RAM with 1TB storage. It has a 6.85-inch display with a resolution of 2688 x 1216 pixels, an adaptive refresh rate of 44 Hz, and peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The device is equipped with a 7500 mAh battery supporting 120W rapid charging, stereo speakers, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. Specialized gaming features include a 2500 Hz touch sampling rate and shoulder triggers with a polling rate of 520 Hz. The camera setup consists of dual 50MP rear cameras and a 16MP front camera. There are two versions: the standard model with 12GB/256GB or 16GB/512GB and 80W charging, and the REDMAGIC 10S Pro+ with 120W charging, available in 16GB/512GB or 24GB/1TB configurations. Both models have dimensions of 163.4 x 76.1 x 8.9mm and weigh 229 grams.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

Microsoft finally open-sources (most of) Windows Subsystem for Linux

Microsoft has open-sourced its Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) code, announced during the Build 2025 developer conference. WSL allows users to run Linux distributions natively on Windows, facilitating integration between Linux tools and the Windows environment. Since its introduction in 2016, WSL has become essential for developers needing Linux utilities without leaving Windows. As of the 2024 StackOverflow developer survey, 16.8% of programmers use WSL, surpassing traditional Linux distributions. The initial version, WSL 1, had performance limitations, but WSL 2 introduced a full Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine, improving compatibility and performance. The majority of WSL's codebase is now available on GitHub under the MIT License, including key command-line tools and Linux-side daemons. Some components remain closed source, but the move reflects a significant shift in Microsoft's open-source collaboration approach. Users can access various Linux distributions on WSL, including Fedora, Debian, openSUSE, and Ubuntu.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 11 Update Finally Lets You Install on Older PCs

Microsoft has relaxed its hardware requirements for Windows 11, allowing older PCs that were previously excluded to install the operating system. This change comes as Windows 10 approaches its end of life in 2025 and aims to provide users with access to the latest security updates and features. Older processors that were once deemed incompatible are now eligible to run Windows 11, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive approach by Microsoft. Users with previously incompatible PCs may now upgrade to enjoy new features like a redesigned Start Menu and improved multitasking capabilities, although they should verify their system's compatibility and performance.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

27 more classic PC games have joined the GOG Preservation Program, including Silent Hill 4

GOG has expanded its Preservation Program by adding 27 classic PC games, ensuring they remain playable on modern PCs. Notable new titles include Silent Hill 4: The Room, F.E.A.R. Platinum, and three Tomb Raider installments. The complete list of newly added games includes: - Alien Breed + Tower Assault - Alone in the Dark: The Trilogy 1+2+3 - Cannon Fodder - Cannon Fodder 2 - Deus Ex – Game of the Year Edition - Fallout 2 - F.E.A.R. Platinum - Jagged Alliance 2 - Port Royale 3 Gold - Privateer 2: The Darkening - Silent Hill 4: The Room - Tomb Raider Anniversary - Tomb Raider Legend - Tomb Raider Underworld - Ultima 1+2+3 - Ultima 4+5+6 - Ultima 8 Gold Edition - Vampire: The Masquerade – Redemption - Wing Commander 1+2 Each game is marked with a special stamp on the GOG store, and GOG provides a Preservation Log detailing updates for compatibility and performance. Silent Hill has been updated for Windows 10 and 11 with modern controller support, while Tomb Raider Underworld has improved DirectX compatibility and cloud save support. The total number of titles in the Preservation Program is now 141, with plans to expand to 500 games by the end of 2025.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google Play Games on PC is opening the floodgates of app support

Google Play Games on PC will expand to make all Android titles accessible by default as it nears the end of its beta phase. Previously, the selection was limited, but now all games in the Play Store can be played on PCs, although developers can opt out to keep their games mobile-exclusive. A badge system will be introduced to indicate compatibility and performance: "optimized" for the best experience, "playable" for minimum standards with potential control remapping, and "untested" for variable experiences. This aims to enhance transparency and guide users in their gaming choices.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

CrossOver 25 improves DirectX 11 support, works with Epic Games Store

CodeWeavers has released CrossOver 25, enhancing the gaming experience for Mac users by expanding support for games from digital storefronts like GOG Galaxy and the Epic Games Store. The update includes Wine 10.0, Wine Mono 9.4.0, vkd3d 1.14, MoltenVK 1.2.10, and D3DMetal 2.1, improving compatibility and performance. D3DMetal 2.1 enhances performance for major titles such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and adds support for The Last of Us: Part 1, along with other DirectX 11 games. The introduction of DXMT allows for running DirectX 11 titles on macOS, with reported performance improvements for lower-spec Macs. CrossOver 25 launches Steam faster and simplifies the setup process, featuring a new configuration system that optimizes graphics settings automatically. It can also enable AVX for titles requiring specific settings to run on Apple Silicon. CrossOver 25 is available for purchase, including a 12-month support option, while CrossOver Life offers a long-term solution for gamers.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5552 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5552 (KB5052077) has been released to the Release Preview Channel for Insiders using Windows 10, version 22H2. Key updates include: - Adjustments for Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Paraguay. - Fixes for the Chinese Input Method Editor (IME), including responsiveness issues and improved color contrast in the search suggestion panel. - Resolution of a recurring issue with the desktop window manager (dwm.exe) that caused it to stop responding. - Refresh of Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles for select mobile operators. - Improvements to the Narrator, addressing issues with announcing quick action buttons and control types in the Chinese IME candidate window. - Resolution of a service startup failure for Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH), requiring users to manually run the sshd.exe process.