competition Archives

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft made an exclusive 50th anniversary variant of Windows 11’s iconic wallpaper — here’s what it looks like and how you can download it

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary by distributing a limited-edition Surface Laptop 7, featuring a gold Microsoft logo and a retro logo from 1975. Each laptop includes unique firmware with a new boot logo and a special default Windows 11 wallpaper called "Bloom," designed by Six N. Five. The 50th anniversary Bloom wallpaper has a darker floral design with gold accents, making it exclusive to this device and not available for public sale.

BetaBeacon

August 5, 2025

Epic Games wins again against Google in court — Android could change dramatically

A US appeals court upheld a jury verdict in the Epic Games v. Google case, declaring Google Play and the company's payment system to be illegal monopolies.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft announces end of support for Windows 11 SE

Microsoft has announced that it will phase out Windows 11 SE, with support and updates ending in October 2026. Windows 11 SE was designed for educational environments and low-spec devices, featuring essential educational applications and Microsoft Office 365 (subscription required). The decision comes as Chromebooks gain popularity in the educational sector. Microsoft will not release any feature updates after version 24H2, and users are advised to transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11 for continued support and security. The operating system has been criticized for its reduced functionality and user experience compared to standard laptops.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

US court mandates Android app competition, loosens billing rules

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Google's dominance in Android app distribution is illegal, reinforcing a previous jury verdict in favor of Epic Games. Google is now subject to a three-year injunction from 2024 to 2027, requiring the inclusion of rival app stores and alternative billing systems in the Google Play Store. A technical compliance committee, appointed by Epic and Google, will oversee the implementation, ensuring competitors access Google’s app catalog while minimizing security risks. Developers will no longer be required to use Google’s billing system for in-app purchases. Market analysts predict that this could lead to a decline in Google’s app revenue by .5 billion annually. Google plans to appeal the decision and seek delays to prevent rapid changes. Advocates for the ruling, including Microsoft and regulators, view it as a significant step toward a more competitive mobile market.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

The Guild: Europa 1410 announced for PC

The Guild: Europa 1410 allows players to lead a dynasty, starting with a small business and expanding their family's influence while navigating a complex political landscape. Players can choose from various professions, such as blacksmith or alchemist, affecting their business success. The game includes options for engaging in crime, like theft and robbery, or upholding the law. Politics play a crucial role, with opportunities for blackmail to gain power, though such actions carry risks. The game features advanced graphics for an immersive experience, showcasing a realistic historical city that evolves based on player actions. Additionally, it offers multiplayer sessions for up to 12 players, allowing for competition and collaboration in various activities.

BetaBeacon

August 2, 2025

The Epic Games ‘total victory’ doesn’t mean as much as it wants you to think

Google lost its appeal against a 2023 verdict that found its app store and payments system to be illegal monopolies. The company must make changes such as allowing app developers to advertise other app distribution platforms and limit perks for installing its own apps. Epic Games' relationship with the Chinese state and Microsoft's potential foothold in the mobile world are also mentioned. The outcome of the case may result in changes to how apps are installed and the profits made by companies like Google and Epic Games. Appeals, injunctions, and new cases related to the issue are expected to continue.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

Weekend PC Game Deals: Evo fighters, Racing Fests, and QuakeCon specials

The Epic Games Store is offering two new free indie titles, Keylocker and Pilgrims, available until August 7. Pilgrims is a point-and-click adventure by Amanita Design, while Keylocker is a turn-based rhythm JRPG set in a cyberpunk universe. Humble has launched the Better With 4 Friends bundle, featuring co-op games like SpiderHeck and Moving Out. Steam is providing free trials for four games, including WWE 2K25 and Squad 44. Various gaming events are offering sales, including Evo and Steam's Racing Fest, while the GOG store has DRM-free games on sale. Availability and pricing may vary by region.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

Hyper Dragon Ball Z, the best free DBZ MUGEN game for PC, got its final update

The team behind Hyper Dragon Ball Z has released version 6.0 of the game, introducing new characters, stages, and finishing moves. This version is noted for its high production quality, comparable to commercial releases. It will be the last version built on the MUGEN engine, as the team plans to transition to IKEMEN for future development, which will address limitations and bugs of MUGEN. The game is available for download on various platforms, and a trailer showcasing the new features has been released.

BetaBeacon

August 2, 2025

Google loses appeal in antitrust battle with Fortnite maker

A federal appeals court has upheld a jury verdict condemning Google’s Android app store as an illegal monopoly, paving the way for a federal judge to enforce a potentially disruptive shakeup aimed at providing consumers with more choices.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Analyst says stumbles like Monster Hunter Wilds’ PC fiasco are only getting uglier with intense competition: “A prominent streamer or YouTuber can single-handedly, by showing one screenshot, really impact what the perception of a game is”

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot commented on the "highly competitive environment" in the gaming industry, noting that players are increasingly discerning about game quality and content. He mentioned the risk of "bashing" as a potential threat to game reception. The game Monster Hunter Wilds, despite being the top-selling game in the U.S. for the year with 10 million copies sold at launch, saw sales drop to 500,000 in three months due to backlash over performance issues and post-launch updates. This decline also affected Capcom's stock prices. Gaming analyst Piscatella pointed out that the multitude of communication channels can lead to mixed messages about a game's quality, influencing its perception. Additionally, recent best-selling titles on the PS5 have been from Microsoft, including Forza Horizon 5 and Oblivion Remastered, indicating a shift in player preferences and market dynamics.