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New Blood CEO Dave Oshry says he's 'always loved GOG' but 'they need enough people to give a s**t, or how long are they even going to be around'
AppWizard
February 23, 2026

New Blood CEO Dave Oshry says he’s ‘always loved GOG’ but ‘they need enough people to give a s**t, or how long are they even going to be around’

Steam is a dominant platform in digital gaming, known for its superior user experience and extensive library, including classic games. GOG offers a DRM-free storefront and focuses on preserving classic games with its GOG Galaxy launcher but struggles to match Steam's user numbers. Developers have noted that Steam's early integration of classic games significantly broadened its appeal. GOG's future depends on attracting a larger audience to sustain its operations while maintaining its preservation efforts.
Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption
Winsage
January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.
Microsoft Bets on Windows as AI Agent Hub to Revive Dominance
Winsage
January 5, 2026

Microsoft Bets on Windows as AI Agent Hub to Revive Dominance

Microsoft Corp. is redefining its Windows operating system as a central hub for artificial intelligence agents, aiming to create an ecosystem where AI can autonomously manage tasks and integrate into user workflows. This strategy, announced in 2025, seeks to attract developers by providing tools like Agent 365 for proactive task management. However, challenges related to privacy, security, and user trust persist, as AI agents require extensive access to personal data. Microsoft is embedding AI agents at the OS level, allowing third-party developers to deploy agents that interact with Windows features. The company’s ecosystem includes Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio, which support agent development. Despite having 1.4 billion devices, Microsoft faces competition from Apple and Google, and must navigate privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny. The success of this initiative depends on developer adoption and user acceptance, with potential risks of job displacement and over-reliance on automation.
Google Revamps Gemini AI App with Dynamic Floating Bar on Android
AppWizard
December 24, 2025

Google Revamps Gemini AI App with Dynamic Floating Bar on Android

Google is updating its Gemini app for Android to reduce visual clutter and enhance user engagement. An APK teardown indicates a redesign of the app’s input box from a static sheet to a dynamic, floating pill-shaped bar in version 16.51.52 beta. This floating bar expands when users start typing, improving one-handed operation on larger devices. The update also introduces a ‘Tools’ menu that consolidates options like image upload and voice input, streamlining workflows for power users. Additionally, hints of ‘Gemini Labs’ suggest an experimental section for users to test upcoming features. The redesign aims to make AI interactions feel more natural and accessible while addressing user feedback about previous designs. Mixed reactions to Gemini's automotive rollout indicate some praise for hands-free capabilities, though interface glitches remain a concern. User privacy is emphasized, with guides available for opting out of tracking. Feedback from beta testers suggests improved multitasking capabilities. The redesign aligns with Google’s broader AI strategy, emphasizing intuitive updates and competitive pressures in the AI market. Developers have noted similarities to past Google designs, and the potential rollout timeline is speculative, with expectations for a gesture-based interaction model. Overall, these changes position Gemini as a leading AI assistant, focusing on a decluttered interface and user-centric design.
Tajikistan government launches messaging app to rival WhatsApp, Telegram - The Times of India
AppWizard
November 12, 2025

Tajikistan government launches messaging app to rival WhatsApp, Telegram – The Times of India

Tajikistan has launched its own national messaging app, ORIZ, to compete with established platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app is aimed at enhancing connectivity for Tajik migrants in Russia, where access to popular messaging services is often restricted. ORIZ emphasizes data sovereignty, with the government ensuring that all user data is stored within the country, addressing security concerns associated with foreign networks. This initiative is part of a wider trend among post-Soviet nations to develop local digital solutions and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
Snag this gorgeous Greek mythology ARPG on sale before its price permanently goes up, and discover why it's won my heart
AppWizard
November 8, 2025

Snag this gorgeous Greek mythology ARPG on sale before its price permanently goes up, and discover why it’s won my heart

Path of Exile, PoE 2, and Diablo 4 are leading titles in the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre, with Last Epoch and Torchlight Infinite also gaining popularity. Titan Quest 2 entered early access in August and has released its second chapter, with plans for further updates until 2026. Recent updates include keyword tooltips for build crafting and an extensive character creator. The game’s price will increase soon, but it is currently available at a 10% discount on Steam until November 10, priced at .99 / £22.49. After this date, the price will rise to .99 (or regional equivalents). The game has received positive feedback, with 84% of Steam users rating it favorably.
China's ByteDance reportedly building a Steam competitor — 'GameTop' for overseas markets will distribute and publish games like any other store, while harboring a social space with AI-assisted creator tools
AppWizard
October 26, 2025

China’s ByteDance reportedly building a Steam competitor — ‘GameTop’ for overseas markets will distribute and publish games like any other store, while harboring a social space with AI-assisted creator tools

Steam's dominance in the PC gaming market is being challenged by new platforms, including the upcoming "GameTop," a gaming marketplace being developed by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. GameTop is aimed at overseas markets and is part of ByteDance's strategy to enhance its gaming division under new leadership. The initiative follows a shift from aggressive expansion to a focus on operational efficiency. There is an existing app named GameTop on the Google Play Store, which is unrelated to ByteDance. ByteDance has made progress in the Chinese gaming sector and is attempting to expand internationally, though it currently does not compete with Tencent, which has a significant stake in Epic Games.
Is Microsoft's first ever handheld Xbox console worth the wait?
AppWizard
October 16, 2025

Is Microsoft’s first ever handheld Xbox console worth the wait?

The ROG Xbox Ally is a handheld gaming console that integrates with Xbox's Game Pass subscription service, allowing access to a wide library of games. It operates as a portable computer running Windows, enabling users to play many digital PC games they already own, provided they do not require a keyboard and mouse. The device retails at £499, with a more powerful version available for £799. It features ergonomic controller grips, responsive thumbsticks, and functional face buttons, and it has a capable LCD display that delivers a rich visual experience. While it can run modern games well, users may face compatibility issues with some older titles. The device is designed primarily for Xbox's Game Pass, which includes classic and contemporary games, and offers cloud streaming capabilities. The ROG Xbox Ally competes in a market dominated by the Nintendo Switch and Sony's PlayStation Portal, arriving after the Valve Steam Deck. It runs on Windows 11, which may require users to navigate updates before gameplay.
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