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Windows 11 is now five years old
Winsage
June 24, 2026

Windows 11 is now five years old

Windows 11 was unveiled by Microsoft on June 24, 2021, marking its fifth anniversary. The operating system features a modern interface, improvements to virtual desktops, support for Android apps, integration of Microsoft Teams into the taskbar, a refreshed Microsoft Store, and enhanced security measures. However, it faced criticism for removing certain taskbar functionalities and imposing strict hardware requirements, leading to increased sales of TPM chips. Microsoft has begun to address user feedback by redesigning the Start menu, reinstating missing taskbar features, and enhancing Windows Update. Recent updates suggest a commitment to improving Windows 11, which is expected to remain relevant in the operating system market.
14 indie games we saw at Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona that you've got to check out
AppWizard
June 24, 2026

14 indie games we saw at Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona that you’ve got to check out

The Very Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona 2026, sponsored by Xsolla, showcased indie game development through a speed-dating style competition where developers presented their games to industry experts for feedback. The event included both mobile and PC/console segments, featuring a variety of innovative projects. It served as a networking opportunity for developers and highlighted work-in-progress titles. The pitching sessions are a staple of PG Connects conferences, offering insights into regional development scenes and connecting indie developers with industry professionals.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
June 23, 2026

Grand Theft Auto 6 puts another body in the trunk: Lords of the Fallen 2 is delayed to early 2027

Lords of the Fallen 2 has been postponed from its original fall 2023 launch to early 2027. CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski stated that the delay provides the development team with additional time for integration, iteration, and polishing. The decision also avoids competition with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in November. Tyminski highlighted collaboration with the Gameplay Feedback Team to enhance the gaming experience. A specific release date has not been announced, but the game is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2027.
'Going to make myself stick with SteamOS instead of slithering back to Windows': gamers get ready to abandon Windows 11, as Valve focuses on boosting SteamOS on the desktop
Winsage
June 23, 2026

‘Going to make myself stick with SteamOS instead of slithering back to Windows’: gamers get ready to abandon Windows 11, as Valve focuses on boosting SteamOS on the desktop

Valve is enhancing SteamOS to improve compatibility with desktop hardware and collaborating with Nvidia for better GPU support. The recent release of SteamOS 3.8 includes enhancements for Intel CPUs and Nvidia GPUs, as well as improvements in video memory management for discrete graphics cards. The update features KDE Plasma version 6.4.3 with Wayland support, improving external display and variable refresh rate support. Discussions on platforms like Reddit show growing interest in switching from Windows 11 to SteamOS, with users reporting positive gaming experiences on the latter. Some gamers have noted better performance on Linux-based systems compared to Windows 11, indicating Valve's efforts to promote gaming on Linux. Despite SteamOS being a niche option, its advancements may make it a more appealing alternative for gamers, potentially influencing competition with Windows 11.
The arcade meets the hex grid in R-Type Tactics—an unlikely fusion that shines like a star on PC
AppWizard
June 22, 2026

The arcade meets the hex grid in R-Type Tactics—an unlikely fusion that shines like a star on PC

The R-Type series is transitioning from its traditional shmup format to a strategy format, introducing complexity with statistics and material costs. Originally released on the PSP with two Tactics games in the late 2010s, the series now offers over 100 missions across three unlockable campaigns on PC, including the new English debut of Operation Bitter Chocolate and additional content in the "Cosmos" missions. This shift aims to provide a unique experience for players amidst a competitive landscape of strategy games.
Valve Wants You To Know The Steam Machine Isn't A Video Game Console: 'We Think Of It As An Extension Of PC Gaming'
AppWizard
June 22, 2026

Valve Wants You To Know The Steam Machine Isn’t A Video Game Console: ‘We Think Of It As An Extension Of PC Gaming’

Valve's Steam Machine is positioned as an extension of the PC gaming experience rather than a traditional video game console. The device starts at ,050 for the 512GB model, contrasting with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which retail for around 0, and the PS5 Pro at 0 for a 2TB SSD. The maximum storage option for the Steam Machine is 1TB, priced at ,350. Valve emphasizes a more open gaming ecosystem, differing from the conventional model of selling hardware at a loss. The company collects a 30 percent platform fee on games sold through Steam but aims to remain outside the traditional hardware competition.
The Steam Machine is the start of an even more expensive future for game consoles
AppWizard
June 22, 2026

The Steam Machine is the start of an even more expensive future for game consoles

Valve's Steam Machine is priced at ,049 for the 512GB model and ,128 with a Steam Controller. The 2TB version costs ,349 or ,428 with the controller. In comparison, the 2TB Xbox Series X retails for 9.99, the PS5 Pro for 9.99, and the upcoming Switch 2 is expected to launch at 9.99. The Steam Machine offers access to Steam's extensive library of games and is positioned as a premium option in a market with rising hardware prices. Recent data shows a 46% decline in PS5 sales year-over-year, coinciding with a price increase to 9.99. Xbox is developing "Project Helix," a device between a console and a PC, but pricing concerns have led to a reevaluation of its vision.
The videogame market is as big as ever, with PC leading growth—global games revenue surpassed the $200 billion mark in 2025
AppWizard
June 20, 2026

The videogame market is as big as ever, with PC leading growth—global games revenue surpassed the $200 billion mark in 2025

The global games market closed 2025 at 1.6 billion, reflecting a growth of 9.1% year over year, marking the first time it has crossed the 0 billion threshold. This growth occurred despite underwhelming performances from key players like Nintendo and a modest growth trajectory in the console market. The industry is currently experiencing significant consolidation and layoffs, alongside rising hardware prices.
Microsoft’s AI strategy feels like a beta test — at the expense of Windows and Office
Winsage
June 20, 2026

Microsoft’s AI strategy feels like a beta test — at the expense of Windows and Office

Microsoft has shifted its focus towards generative AI, beginning with its investment in OpenAI in 2019. CEO Satya Nadella has indicated a departure from the company's traditional software-centric vision, emphasizing the need for transformation in light of the AI revolution. The adoption of Windows 11 has been slow, with a survey showing that 30% of HP PCs still run Windows 10, which will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. Organizations like The Restart Project are helping users transition to Windows 11, while critics argue that Microsoft's upgrade requirements lead to premature obsolescence of functional PCs. Microsoft has launched the Windows K2 program to address user feedback and is exploring an agentic AI operating system. In response to potential EU antitrust fines, Microsoft has unbundled Teams from Office 365, offering a lower-cost option without the collaboration tool. This move has led to a lawsuit from Salesforce, alleging anticompetitive practices. Alternatives like LibreOffice and Euro-Office are emerging, but experts believe they pose limited immediate threats. Additionally, the French government plans to shift from Windows to Linux and replace Microsoft Teams with a domestic platform by 2027. Microsoft's AI initiatives have faced challenges, including backlash over the automatic installation of the Copilot AI app, which was temporarily suspended due to user complaints. Shareholders have filed a class action lawsuit, claiming the company overstated Copilot's success and failed to disclose a revenue decline in Azure. Analysts warn that continued investment in AI without meeting expectations may lead to significant challenges for Microsoft. Reports suggest that Azure was rushed to market, resulting in talent loss and performance issues.
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