competitive Archives

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Marathon game director leaves Bungie just 4 months after launch: ‘I’ll be heading to something new, somewhere else’

Joe Ziegler, the game director of Marathon, has left Bungie and the game effective immediately, just four months after its release. Del Chafe III will take over Ziegler's role, working with creative director Julia Nardin. Ziegler expressed gratitude to fans in a message on X and hinted at new opportunities ahead. Marathon's player counts on Steam have not matched those of Destiny 2, and the game faces challenges in establishing itself in a competitive market. Ziegler joined Bungie in 2022 and became the leader of Marathon two years ago. His departure, along with that of Lars Bakken, former design lead for Marathon, raises concerns about Bungie's stability and future direction.

Winsage

July 17, 2026

This Surface is the only laptop that supports Windows 11’s best new feature

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 8 features Snapdragon X2 chips, enhancing battery life and graphics performance. It uniquely supports Windows 11's advanced haptics, providing tactile feedback through the touchpad, mouse, or stylus. This feature allows users to feel interactions, such as when hovering over Snap Layouts. The Surface Laptop 8 for Business, launched earlier, operates on an Intel processor but also supports advanced haptics. Both models enhance the Windows 11 experience, with popular software like Filmora and Affinity already integrating this feature. Additional devices, such as the Logitech MX Master 4 and Surface Slim Pen 2, can also utilize advanced haptics.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Google and Epic Abandon Settlement, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores

Google and Epic Games have withdrawn their joint motion to modify a court injunction that requires Google to support third-party app stores within the Google Play ecosystem. A permanent injunction issued in October 2024 mandates Google to facilitate alternative app stores on Android devices, with support set to begin on July 22. Google plans to implement a ,000 annual access fee for these alternative marketplaces, while apps downloaded through these stores will still use the Google Play system for transactions. The agreement between Google and Epic includes provisions for reduced fees and alternative payment methods, separate from the injunction. The legal situation regarding third-party app stores does not directly affect Apple, but it may influence Apple's ongoing legal challenges with Epic Games and regulatory developments. Apple is currently appealing a ruling that requires it to allow link-outs and alternative payment options, with oral arguments expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

PC RTS Game Game of Thrones: War for Westeros Slips to 2027 as PlaySide chases a Higher Quality Bar

PlaySide Studios has announced a delay in the release of Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, moving it from 2026 to early 2027 to maintain quality standards. Players will choose from four factions: House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, or the Night King's Army. Each faction will feature iconic heroes with unique abilities that influence combat. The game will focus on enhanced physical feedback and unit behavior, allowing players to command squads that react dynamically to orders. Skirmishes will take place across various locations in Westeros, including a new map called Ashemark, designed for competitive 1v1 battles. Players can add the game to their wishlist on Steam.

Winsage

July 17, 2026

The team behind Windows NT sent ‘black cardboard coffins’ and fake dog poop to their rivals back in the 90s, because nerds

Dave Plummer and Dave Cutler discussed a humorous incident from the late 1990s involving the rivalry between Microsoft and Sun Microsystems. Cutler recounted how they sent black cardboard coffins to Scott McNealy and Lee Reiswig as a playful gesture, accompanied by a birthday card that played the "Death March." They also included fake dog feces in the box as a response to Sun's advertising antics, where McNealy's dog urinated on a fire hydrant with the Microsoft logo. Cutler mentioned a third coffin intended for another tech figure, possibly Larry Ellison, which was never sent.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Google Play Opens the Door to Third-Party App Stores, Starting Next Week

Google will allow the installation of third-party applications directly from the Google Play Store starting July 22, following a court ruling in favor of Epic Games in a five-year antitrust lawsuit. The lawsuit accused Google of monopolistic practices regarding its Play Store. A US District Judge ruled that Google must open its Play Store to rival app stores. Google has launched a page for its Play Catalog Access Program, enabling third-party app stores to be featured on Google Play. Google's service fees will still apply, but app purchase commissions have been reduced from 30% to 10%. Developers can now offer alternative payment methods and distribute purchase links to their own websites.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Android Apps Every User Should Know About Android Apps Every User Should Know About

The Android ecosystem offers a wide range of applications designed for various needs, including productivity, photo and video editing, entertainment, utility, education, gaming, and security. Google Play is the main platform for downloading these apps, but users often rely on review sites and rankings to find the best options. Productivity apps help users manage tasks and stay organized, featuring tools for task management, note-taking, document editing, calendar planning, and cloud synchronization. Photo and video editing apps allow users to create high-quality content with features like image and video editing, filters, background editing, and AI editing. Entertainment apps focus on video, music, and podcasts, offering personalized suggestions, download options, buffer-free streaming, device synchronization, and content discovery tools. Utility apps improve device efficiency with features for file management, PDF management, QR code scanning, device cleaning, and backup solutions. Educational apps support mobile learning through language learning, course enrollment, skill acquisition, access to reading materials, and quizzes. Mobile games cater to both competitive and casual players, with users considering features, reviews, and compatibility when selecting games. Security apps are essential for protecting personal data, offering functionalities like threat detection, data protection, file security, privacy control, and app permission management. When choosing Android apps, users should consider device compatibility, update recency, user ratings, required permissions, storage space, and developer reputation to enhance their experience.

Winsage

July 16, 2026

Firefox vs Edge: fresh shots fired in browser wars as Mozilla report accuses Microsoft of using ‘harmful design’ to undermine choice in Windows 11

Mozilla's report raises concerns about Microsoft's practices regarding browser choice in Windows 11, alleging that Microsoft uses harmful design tactics to promote its Edge browser. Key strategies identified include trick wording, obstruction, visual interference, preselection, nagging, and forced action, affecting users at various stages of their experience. For example, users trying to download Chrome encounter pop-up banners encouraging them to use Edge, which is also pre-pinned to the Windows taskbar. Migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 resets Edge as the default browser, ignoring user preferences. The report also highlights that Microsoft's AI, Copilot, opens links in Edge instead of the user's default browser, and minor consent requests may compromise user privacy by funneling data into Microsoft's advertising systems. Users in Germany face fewer issues due to stricter regulations. The report indicates that while Microsoft's promotion of Edge hasn't significantly impacted Chrome's dominance, it may have affected smaller competitors like Firefox. Mozilla calls for Microsoft to change its approach and urges regulators to take action to ensure fair competition in the browser market.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Free Play Days – GTA Online, Crisol: Theater of Idols, Planet Zoo, Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2

This week, the Free Play Days lineup includes Crisol: Theater of Idols, Planet Zoo, and Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members from July 16 to July 19. Grand Theft Auto Online and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 are available for all XBOX members from July 14 to July 21 without a Game Pass subscription. After the Free Play Days, players can purchase the games at a limited-time discount while retaining their Gamerscore and achievements. Crisol: Theater of Idols offers a survival horror experience optimized for XBOX Series X|S. Planet Zoo: Console Edition allows players to create and manage their own zoos. Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports features classic sports in a chaotic 4-player local co-op format. Grand Theft Auto Online allows up to 30 players to collaborate or compete in a dynamic universe, while Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 lets players train with iconic characters and tackle raid missions online.

Winsage

July 16, 2026

Windows Netlogon Flaw CVE-2026-41089: CVSS 9.8 [2026]

CVE-2026-41089 is a critical vulnerability in the Windows Netlogon service, rated 9.8 on the CVSS scale, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges on domain controllers. It affects all supported versions of Windows Server configured as domain controllers, from Windows Server 2012 R2 to the latest release. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability on May 12, 2026, during a broader update that included 138 fixes, but it went largely unnoticed until early June when active exploitation was confirmed. The vulnerability is characterized as a stack-based buffer overflow and is considered "wormable" due to its ability to self-propagate across systems without user intervention. Organizations are advised to patch all domain controllers and audit network access to mitigate exposure.