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SteamOS is so close to greatness — but can Valve finally crack anti‑cheat and remove the biggest barrier holding PC gamers back?
AppWizard
November 27, 2025

SteamOS is so close to greatness — but can Valve finally crack anti‑cheat and remove the biggest barrier holding PC gamers back?

SteamOS is a Linux-based operating system developed by Valve, designed for the Steam Deck and other compatible devices, offering features like cloud saves and cross-device connectivity. However, it faces challenges with compatibility for games that use kernel-level anti-cheat systems and require Trusted Platform Module 2.0 support. Notably, games like Rust and Apex Legends have dropped support for SteamOS and Linux due to concerns over cheating and low user bases. Valve is working on anti-cheat solutions for SteamOS, but the lack of support from developers remains a significant barrier. Valve's hardware roadmap includes the Steam Machine and Steam Deck, but the Steam Machine will not receive financial subsidies like the Steam Deck. The success of SteamOS may depend on its ability to attract a substantial user base and persuade developers to collaborate on integrating anti-cheat systems.
Google Play 2025 Awards: Focus Friend wins best app, Pokémon TCG Pocket best game
AppWizard
November 23, 2025

Google Play 2025 Awards: Focus Friend wins best app, Pokémon TCG Pocket best game

Google Play has announced its selections for the best Android applications and games of 2025. The Best App award went to Focus Friend, developed by Hank Green, recognized for its gamified productivity features. The Best Game award was given to Pokémon TCG Pocket, a mobile adaptation of the trading card game. Luminar won the multi-device Best App award, while Disney Speedstorm was named the multi-device Best Game. Additional winners included: - Best for Fun: Edits - Best for Personal Growth: Focus Friend - Best Everyday Essential: Wiser – 15 Minute Audio Books - Best Hidden Gem: Pingo AI Language Learning - Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game - Best for Watches: SleepisolBio - Best for Large Screens: Goodnotes - Best for Cars: SoundCloud - Best for XR Headsets: Calm - Best Multiplayer: Dunk City Dynasty - Best Pick Up and Play: Candy Crush Solitaire - Best Indie: Chants of Sennaar - Best Story: Disco Elysium - Best Ongoing: Wuthering Waves - Best on Play Pass: DREDGE - Best for Google Play Games on PC: Odin: Valhalla Rising
The Steam Machine feels like the TV gaming PC I’ve always wanted
AppWizard
November 16, 2025

The Steam Machine feels like the TV gaming PC I’ve always wanted

A conversation at The Verge focused on finding a compact, portable gaming PC that could transition between the living room and home office, similar to the Steam Deck. Two days later, they discovered the Steam Machine, a 6-inch cube hybrid gaming PC and console with an AMD GPU six times more powerful than the Steam Deck. It operates on SteamOS, features a customizable LED bar for monitoring downloads, supports Valve's Steam Controller, and accommodates up to four controllers. As a Linux-based PC, it allows for dual-booting with Windows to access games not available on Linux. The Steam Machine integrates with an existing library of Steam games and includes a microSD card slot for easy game transfers. Valve plans to launch the Steam Machine next year, with pricing details yet to be announced.
Windows 11's Phone Link is about to lose a handy feature
Winsage
November 8, 2025

Windows 11’s Phone Link is about to lose a handy feature

Microsoft is removing the Photos tab from the Phone Link app and redirecting users to access their photos through File Explorer in Windows 11. The File Explorer version offers better features, including multi-select, copy-paste, drag-and-drop, and video access. Users are being notified of this change and will need to enable mobile device access in File Explorer settings. The Phone Link app will be reduced from four tabs to three as a result of this transition. Users must enable the "Show mobile device in File Explorer" toggle in settings to ensure their Android phone appears in File Explorer.
Windows 11 Phone Link app is losing Photos feature, Android gallery moving to File Explorer
AppWizard
November 7, 2025

Windows 11 Phone Link app is losing Photos feature, Android gallery moving to File Explorer

The Microsoft Phone Link app will soon disable the ability to view photos directly from the phone’s gallery, consolidating photo access within File Explorer. Users will receive an alert when accessing the “Photos” section of the Phone Link app, indicating that photo viewing is transitioning to File Explorer, which offers enhanced photo management features such as multi-select, copy and paste, and drag-and-drop functionality. Unlike the Phone Link app, File Explorer allows access to the entire mobile storage, including videos. Users can enable mobile device visibility in File Explorer through the “Manage mobile devices” settings. Windows 11 integrates paired phones into File Explorer, allowing users to view all files on their mobile devices. The Phone Link app’s Photos section will redirect users to File Explorer, where the camera folder is displayed, but accessing other images requires navigating through directories. The transition may present a steeper learning curve for users accustomed to the Phone Link app’s streamlined photo access.
Readers Share Favorite Android Apps of 2025
AppWizard
October 28, 2025

Readers Share Favorite Android Apps of 2025

Users have been asked to identify the best Android app that has integrated into their daily lives in 2025, amidst a competitive landscape with hundreds of billions of global downloads. Key characteristics of standout apps include reliability, simplicity, and the ability to fill existing gaps without unnecessary complexities. Privacy is a major concern, with users encouraged to scrutinize app permissions and seek transparency in business models. Cross-device compatibility is increasingly important, especially with the rise of tablets and foldable devices. Notable apps mentioned include: - Octopi Launcher: Favored for its widget-rich interface and tag-based search. - LocalSend: Allows direct file transfers across local networks without accounts or cloud services. - Banana Browser: Known for its minimalist design and built-in media controls. - Niagara Launcher: Celebrated for its minimalist, one-handed design. - Organic Maps: Provides efficient offline navigation using OpenStreetMap. - RethinkDNS: Blocks trackers and enforces on-device firewall rules. - Obsidian: A note-taking app known for its vault-style organization and cross-device syncing. When choosing an app, users should assess transparency in the business model, data export options, and app permissions. Performance in real-world scenarios, such as offline functionality and multitasking, is also important. Users are encouraged to share their top app recommendations to help others enhance their Android experience.
Google Play Teases Android XR Apps And Games
AppWizard
October 18, 2025

Google Play Teases Android XR Apps And Games

Google has launched a new selection of apps and games in the Play Store tailored for Android XR, previously developed for Android VR or Daydream. This page features a variety of XR-ready apps, including notable titles like Asteroid, NFL Pro Era, Vacation Simulator, and Naver CHZZK XR. The inclusion of Virtual Desktop indicates support for wireless PCVR streaming. Android XR is a collaboration between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm, aiming to create a robust ecosystem for next-generation headsets. The initial app offerings focus on entertainment, gaming, and utility, with a dedicated shelf for easier discovery and installation. Android XR will utilize Android’s developer stack, integrating Play billing and XR-specific APIs. Analysts predict a resurgence in the AR and VR sectors, with Google competing against Meta’s Quest lineup. The Play Store is expected to expand rapidly as partners finalize builds and features.
Arattai App Statistics (2025) - Users, Downloads & Insights
AppWizard
October 8, 2025

Arattai App Statistics (2025) – Users, Downloads & Insights

Arattai, a messaging application developed by Zoho Corporation, was launched in January 2021 as an internal communication tool and has since grown significantly, with user sign-ups increasing from 3,000 to 350,000 in three days and monthly active users exceeding 1 million. In September 2025, app downloads rose from under 10,000 to 400,000. The app allows file sharing of up to 2 GB and supports group creation with 1,000 members. It remains ad-free and does not use AI integration or data tracking. Arattai is designed specifically for Indian users, supporting multiple regional languages and optimized for low-cost smartphones and slower internet connections, with all data stored in Indian data centers. Despite its growth, it faces competition from WhatsApp, which has 2.95 billion global monthly active users, including 535.8 million in India. Arattai's security features include end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, but text messages are unencrypted.
Windows 12 Expected Release Date and Latest Updates
Winsage
October 6, 2025

Windows 12 Expected Release Date and Latest Updates

Microsoft's Windows operating system has seen significant evolution through its major releases. Windows 12 is expected to be announced in June 2025, with an official release anticipated in October 2025. The Microsoft Insider Program will facilitate early access to Windows 12 builds, and public previews will help address bugs before the consumer launch. Rumored features for Windows 12 include a modernized user interface with Fluent Design 3.0, an integrated AI assistant called Windows Copilot, enhanced security measures like Hardware Root-of-Trust, and improved app compatibility for legacy and Android apps. The expected hardware requirements for Windows 12 will be higher than those for Windows 11, with a minimum processor speed of 1.5 GHz, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of recommended storage. Windows 12 will focus on enterprise and educational adoption, offering tools for deployment and management, while also emphasizing sustainability through energy-efficient practices. The projected adoption rates suggest that by 2027, Windows 12 could reach 600 million installs, representing 60% of Windows devices. Potential challenges include legacy support issues and a learning curve associated with new automation features.
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