cross-platform functionality Archives

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Props for the honesty: Tim Sweeney says the reason ‘people characterize the Epic Games launcher as clunky’ is—wait for it—’because the Epic Games launcher is clunky’

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, described the Epic Games Store launcher as "clunky" and acknowledged that many users find it slow and cumbersome compared to Steam. The Epic launcher received a score of 41% in a recent evaluation, ranking behind competitors like the Microsoft Store and EA, and significantly trailing Steam and GOG Galaxy. Performance issues vary based on a user's proximity to a content delivery network and the size of their game library, with slower internet connections exacerbating loading frustrations. Sweeney believes the Epic launcher should incorporate convenient features from Steam while maintaining its unique advantages. He emphasized the importance of connecting players across platforms and criticized Valve for not allowing cross-platform functionality with Steamworks. Sweeney also addressed negative backlash against developers using Epic Online Services, citing harassment related to crossplay features. Users seeking alternatives to the Epic launcher can consider GOG Galaxy or Heroic, which are noted for better functionality.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Gears of War: Reloaded Announced, Coming to PC This Summer

Microsoft has announced a remaster of the original Gears of War, titled Gears of War: Reloaded. This remaster features 4K assets, enhanced post-processing effects, improved shadows and reflections, HDR support, and Dolby Vision, along with 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos audio. The campaign mode runs at 60 FPS, while multiplayer aims for up to 120 FPS. The game supports cross-play between PC and consoles without requiring a Microsoft account for the Steam version, although signing in unlocks additional cross-platform features. The remaster will be available on Steam, and the developers have not yet confirmed the engine used or the official PC requirements.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

5 reasons you should use PowerShell even if you don’t use Windows

PowerShell is a command-line interface that operates across Windows, Linux, and macOS, designed for automation and system management. It utilizes the Common Language Runtime (CLR) from the .NET framework, allowing it to function on any OS with CLR support. PowerShell automates repetitive tasks, enhancing productivity in file management, data processing, and system administration. It provides a familiar interface for system administrators managing mixed environments, facilitating effective cross-platform network management. PowerShell is compatible with Microsoft services like Azure, AWS, VMware, Exchange, and Active Directory, and can execute certain Linux commands natively. Since becoming open-source under the MIT license, it has encouraged community contributions and adaptation for modern IT environments. PowerShell differs from Windows PowerShell by offering cross-platform functionality and regular updates, making it a versatile tool for managing systems and services across various operating systems.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Google to Integrate Gemini with Android 16 While Ditching Extensions

Google is enhancing its Gemini technology, primarily within its ecosystem, with plans for deeper integration in Android 16 through a new API. Gemini will be integrated with third-party and OEM applications, including Samsung's Reminder app. In Android 16, Gemini-powered features may be available in various applications without needing separate extensions, benefiting browsers, email and calendar apps, clock and note-taking apps, and media management in Google Photos. Additionally, Gemini may support Quick Share for device detection and file sharing. This development indicates that Google aims to streamline user experiences and extend Gemini's functionality to non-Google applications.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Windows 11 for Arm can run natively on specific Android smartphones — the test device heats up very fast, and battery life substantially decreases

User anh0l demonstrated running Windows 11 on Arm from a Xiaomi Poco X3 smartphone, which retains a split partition for Android and has a functioning UEFI. Users reported touchscreen control issues, particularly with inverted functionality on the right side, and temperature spikes reaching approximately 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) during testing. Other Android smartphones have also experienced similar temperature levels. The Xiaomi Poco X3 can run Valve's retired Source engine at 30 FPS but struggles with Source 2-based Counter-Strike 2. Compatibility is better with Snapdragon 800 Series or newer CPUs, while older models are less effective. The shared architecture between Snapdragon CPUs in Windows Arm laptops and Android devices allows for this crossover, though driver support is incomplete. Despite high temperatures, anh0l claims the experience "runs flawlessly," with web browsing and basic Blender animations functioning smoothly at 120 Hz, impacting battery life and device temperature.

Winsage

November 25, 2024

3 of the biggest differences between Command Prompt and PowerShell

PowerShell has gained prominence over cmd.exe due to its deep integration with Windows and enhanced developer tools. It uses .NET framework syntax for automation, allowing for dynamic scripts, while cmd relies on batch scripts. PowerShell outputs .NET objects, improving interoperability but complicating output viewing. It is cross-platform, functioning on macOS and Linux since PowerShell Core 6, reflecting Microsoft's shift towards inclusivity. PowerShell is partly open-source, with development tracked on GitHub, allowing community contributions that enhance its reliability and user satisfaction.

AppWizard

November 18, 2024

Last chance: This 2-for-1 ‘Minecraft’ deal lets you create your own virtual wonderland

The digital download of Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition is available for £15.83, down from £23.77, until 21 November. The game includes both Java and Bedrock Editions, allowing players to switch between modes, explore updates, and use mods, texture packs, and mini-games. It features creative and survival modes, cross-platform functionality, and regular updates with new content.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2024 winners

Windows serves as an open platform for a diverse ecosystem of applications, with contributions from solo developers and large enterprises. The Microsoft Store is the primary destination for users to explore these applications. The winners of the 2024 Microsoft Store Awards are as follows: - AI category: djay Pro by Algoriddim - Lifestyle category: Diarium Journal & Diary by T. Parti - Personal Finance category: TradingView by TradingView, Inc. - Business category: Gamma by Gamma - Education category: Typing Land by higopage - Productivity category: Todoist: To-Do List & Planner by Doist Inc. - Music category: Apple Music by Apple Inc. - Health & Fitness category: F.lux by F.lux Software LLC - Medical category: Complete Anatomy 2024 by 3D4Medical - Developer Tools category: oh-my posh by jandedobbeleer - Social category: Pinterest by Pinterest Inc. - Creativity category: Adobe Express by Adobe - Game category: Asphalt Legends Unite by Gameloft - Rising Star category: Endel Music: Focus, Sleep, Relax by Endel Sound Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store. The list is subject to final confirmation by the winners.

Winsage

September 18, 2024

Microsoft may have revealed Windows 11 24H2 is coming this month

Microsoft is set to roll out Windows 11 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, on September 24, with a mandatory security update scheduled for October 8. The update will introduce features such as Voice Clarity, which enhances audio quality using AI, and "Sudo for Windows," allowing users to execute elevated commands. A new version of Microsoft Teams will support multiple accounts and improve functionality. The initial rollout will focus on flagship devices, and users can opt to receive updates sooner by enabling a specific setting in Windows Update. Windows 11 24H2 has been available on Copilot+ PCs since June and will soon extend to Intel and AMD hardware, although some advanced features will remain exclusive to Snapdragon X chip devices.

Winsage

August 16, 2024

These 12 features are disappearing from Windows — if they haven’t already

Since its launch in late 2021, Windows 11 has seen the removal and deprecation of several features: 1. The Mail and Calendar app will be replaced by the web-based Outlook app. 2. Tablet mode has been eliminated in Windows 11. 3. Windows Timeline did not transition to Windows 11 and is now only supported locally on Windows 10. 4. Windows Speech Recognition is being replaced by Voice Access. 5. Steps Recorder is set to be phased out in favor of video recording capabilities in the Snipping Tool. 6. Internet Explorer was officially retired in February 2023, and the original version of Microsoft Edge was replaced by a new Chromium-based version. 7. Windows Mixed Reality has been deprecated, with support until 2026. 8. Paint 3D has been officially deprecated, available for download until November 4th, 2024. 9. Chat with Microsoft Teams was removed in version 23H2, making Teams a standalone application. 10. WordPad is confirmed for removal in the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2. 11. Cortana is no longer operational as of October 2023. 12. The ability to run Android apps on Windows was discontinued in March 2024, with installed apps usable until March 2025.