curation Archives

Winsage

February 20, 2025

5 new Windows 11 features should hit your PC soon

Microsoft has released Build 26100.3321 to the Release Preview Channel for Windows 11, introducing several new features: - A color-coded battery icon with a percentage indicator has been added to the Taskbar to help users manage battery life. - Users can now turn off or snooze backup reminders in File Explorer. - Windows Spotlight has improved visibility for the "Learn more about this picture" icon and includes a "Like" button for content curation. - A taskbar sharing feature allows users to share files directly from applications using a right-click option. - The Narrator's updated scan mode includes new commands for more efficient text navigation. These features will be rolled out gradually, with some expected to reach the general public soon.

BetaBeacon

February 7, 2025

The Meta Quest saw Wii-like growth in 2024, but that spells trouble for some games

Nintendo's shift to a Blue Ocean strategy with the Wii led to higher sales than competitors, attracting new gamers. Meta's Meta Quest platform is seeing a demographic shift, with more young users and a decrease in interest in AAA games. The platform is focusing more on free-to-play titles and social apps, leading to challenges for developers of big-budget games. Indie games are becoming more prominent on the platform, signaling a shift away from big-name titles.

BetaBeacon

December 22, 2024

Android XR could be Google’s Daydream redemption, and VR games can help

Daydream had issues such as draining phone batteries and lack of smartphone support. Google abandoned Daydream just as Quest began to take off. Google could potentially regain ground in the XR market by focusing on gaming, offering a curated selection of apps, supporting hand-tracking and controllers, and utilizing powerful hardware like Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. The success of Android XR will depend on how well Google can differentiate itself from competitors like Meta and Apple.

AppWizard

December 12, 2024

Xbox PC app beefs up Steam-competing storefront with hundreds of new games

Microsoft is enhancing its Xbox PC app by adding nearly 400 new games to strengthen its position in the gaming market. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard highlights its commitment to expanding its digital presence. Xbox's content curation manager, Chris Charla, mentioned that the initiative aims to bring all PC games with Xbox features into the Xbox app, with popular titles like Shovel Knight Treasure Trove included. Over 100 of the new titles will support the Xbox Play Anywhere feature, allowing players to enjoy games across both Xbox console and PC. Plans to introduce Android games and microtransactions to the Xbox app have been delayed due to recent court rulings, but Microsoft continues to focus on expanding its offerings.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft adds 400 games to its Xbox app on Windows PC, along with this key feature I’ve wanted for years

Microsoft's Xbox app for Windows PC has been updated to include approximately 400 new games, enhancing the gaming library. The update features a redesigned Home menu for improved navigation and user engagement. Over 100 of the new games support the Xbox Play Anywhere feature, allowing progress transfer between Xbox consoles and PCs. The update also includes cross-play capabilities for many titles. The new Home experience, initially available to Xbox Insiders, is now accessible to all users. Microsoft plans to introduce casual games like Candy Crush Soda Saga and Angry Birds 2 in December. Despite improvements, some users report performance issues with the app.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft adds nearly 400 games to the Xbox app as it rolls out a ‘new Home experience’ to all users

Microsoft has released a major update for the Xbox app on PC, improving user experience by streamlining game discovery and access. The update introduces a revamped "Home experience," previously exclusive to Xbox Insiders, which provides information on upcoming game releases, new events, Game Pass content, and sales. Key features include curated collections, personalized recommendations, exclusive deals, and a "Jump back in" feature for returning to gameplay. Additionally, the app's library has expanded by nearly 400 previously unavailable games, enhancing the options for users.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Microsoft wants to make the Xbox app the home of PC gaming

Microsoft is enhancing the Xbox app on Windows by introducing nearly 400 previously unavailable PC games and a revamped user experience. This update includes contributions from Japanese studios like Kemco and Kairosoft, as well as notable titles such as The Invincible by Double 11. Over 100 of these games are classified as Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing seamless play across Xbox consoles and PCs. Features like universal Xbox ownership, cloud saves, and cross-play capabilities are emphasized to improve the gaming experience. Microsoft has lowered its revenue share from 30 percent to 12 percent to attract game developers to its Windows-based store. Future updates regarding the Xbox app are expected at an upcoming game developers conference in March, which will also introduce a new home UI showcasing featured content and a “jump back in” section for quick access to recent gaming sessions.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Microsoft working to bring all PC games with Xbox features into Xbox app

Microsoft has made the new PC gaming Home experience available to all users through the Xbox app on Windows, after testing it with Xbox Insiders. This update provides a centralized hub for players to stay informed about game releases, events, and exclusive Game Pass content. The new interface includes curated collections, personalized recommendations, and a "Jump back in" feature for quick gameplay resumption. Microsoft is also integrating nearly 400 PC games with Xbox functionalities into the app, including titles from developers like Kemco, Kairosoft, Yacht Club Games, and Double 11.

BetaBeacon

November 8, 2024

Interview: Terry Li discusses what Crunchyroll Game Vault has in store for us before the year ends

Crunchyroll aims to have more than 35 titles in their Game Vault by the end of the year.

AppWizard

October 12, 2024

With Throne and Liberty, can Amazon finally make Amazon Games happen?

Throne and Liberty is a free-to-play MMORPG developed by NCSoft and published by Amazon Games, available on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game features impressive graphics that stand out on higher settings, providing a vibrant and immersive fantasy world. The character creator offers extensive customization options, including preset faces and hairstyles, although the current lack of equipment variety in endgame content may limit character curation. The game's narrative follows a conventional "chosen one" arc with an underdeveloped storyline and lacks memorable characters. Throne and Liberty may appeal to players seeking a grind-heavy, guild-based PvP experience, but those looking for richer storytelling might consider alternatives. Amazon Games has a troubled history in game publishing, with previous titles like New World and Lost Ark experiencing varying levels of success. Throne and Liberty launched on October 1, 2024, achieving a peak of over 333,000 players. The game has modest hardware requirements, running on lower settings with an Intel Core i5-7700 and Nvidia GeForce GTX960, while optimal performance is suggested with an Intel Core i5-11600K and Nvidia GeForce GTX1660. Console players require only 40GB of available storage.