controls

Winsage
April 1, 2025
Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 to better support gaming handhelds by developing a dedicated interface for gamepad controls. Recent Windows 11 preview builds have revealed references to a "full screen experience" that users may set as their default home experience upon startup. Specific phrases such as "Boot into the Full screen experience at device startup" suggest users will have options for multiple game-focused interfaces. Microsoft is also rumored to be collaborating with ASUS on a gaming handheld called Project Kennan, which will be the first Windows-powered handheld under the Xbox ecosystem. An official announcement regarding this new Xbox ecosystem is anticipated, with the ASUS handheld expected to launch later this year.
AppWizard
March 31, 2025
ONLY WAY IS DOWN is a platforming game developed and published by Jilted Generation Productions, available on Steam. Players control a cat that must navigate down from a construction site, facing various challenges along the way. The game features nine lives for the cat and allows customization of its appearance, including coat color and accessories. Gameplay encourages careful movement with mechanics that can slow down the cat's actions. There are multiple levels with different pathways and a hint button to assist players. The game includes various difficulty modes, enhancing replayability. Visuals are paired with a soothing piano soundtrack, though some sound effects may be jarring. Players may experience display issues on the Steam Deck, which are expected to be fixed in future updates.
BetaBeacon
March 30, 2025
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is set to debut on Android and iOS devices on April 14. Players take on the role of Sargon, a warrior on a mission to rescue Prince Ghassan. The game features fast-paced combat, parkour moves, and puzzles, with time-manipulating abilities. Developed by Ubisoft Da Nang, the game runs at 60 frames per second and offers touch screen or external controller options. The mobile version includes features like auto-potion, auto-parry, and slow time options, as well as accessibility features that won an award. Pre-registration is now open on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
Winsage
March 29, 2025
Elite red team hackers have revealed a significant vulnerability in the Windows ecosystem, specifically a method to bypass Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), which is designed to restrict application execution to trusted software. Bobby Cooke from IBM X-Force Red confirmed that the Microsoft Teams application was successfully targeted to bypass WDAC, allowing the execution of a Command and Control payload. The techniques used included utilizing "Living Off The Land Binaries" (LOLBINS), side-loading a trusted application with an untrusted dynamic linked library, exploiting a custom exclusion rule from a client WDAC policy, and discovering a new execution chain within a trusted application. Microsoft acknowledged awareness of the WDAC bypass report and stated they would take action as needed to protect customers.
Winsage
March 29, 2025
The Open-Shell-Menu utility allows users to restore the classic Start menu in Windows 11, reminiscent of Windows 7. It is lightweight and free to use, but may trigger browser warnings during installation. To install, users can run the command winget install --id Open-Shell.Open-Shell-Menu in an elevated Command Prompt. After installation, users can configure the Start menu by accessing Open-Shell Menu Settings, where they can choose from different styles, including Classic, Classic with two columns, and Windows 7 style. Users can also customize the Start button and select a skin, with the Windows Aero option recommended for a cohesive desktop experience. The utility includes features for modifying the Start menu items and reintroduces the classic bar for File Explorer. Users can disable the Classic Explorer Bar if desired.
AppWizard
March 29, 2025
The Wear OS 5.1 update for Pixel Watch users enhances app visibility by adding a small circular app icon to the top of each tile. This update, part of the March feature drop and based on Android 15, was initially rolled out for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled Pixel Watches and later made available for LTE-capable devices, including Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3. It includes features like the FDA-approved Loss of Pulse safety function, menstrual cycle tracking, and improved step tracking. However, the update has caused issues such as delayed notifications and battery performance problems, prompting user frustrations and temporary solutions like restarting or factory resetting watches. Google has acknowledged these problems affecting a small subset of users.
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