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'Obviously we love the PC,' Gabe Newell told us 15 years ago, but his focus was on 'a responsibility to gamers and game developers'
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

‘Obviously we love the PC,’ Gabe Newell told us 15 years ago, but his focus was on ‘a responsibility to gamers and game developers’

Steam is the dominant platform in PC gaming, with Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, emphasizing a customer-centric approach focused on gamers and developers rather than a duty to represent the entire PC gaming ecosystem. He remains optimistic about PC gaming's vitality, citing 350 million PCs sold in the previous year. Valve has maintained its foundational principles despite the rise of cloud streaming, introducing features like Steam Greenlight and allowing any developer to publish games on the platform, though this has led to controversy over content moderation. Challenges to the value proposition of PC gaming include rising RAM demand and economic factors, while the Steam Machine initiative aims to bring PC gaming into living rooms despite concerns over pricing. Overall, high console prices reinforce the appeal of PC gaming in the current market.
Logitech's new gaming keyboard lets you hot swap analog and mechanical switches
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

Logitech’s new gaming keyboard lets you hot swap analog and mechanical switches

Logitech has introduced the G512 X gaming keyboard, which features the ability to switch between analog TMR switches and traditional mechanical switches. It has 39 swappable keyswitch locations, allowing for customization with various switch types. The keyboard supports analog input functions for enhanced gameplay, including dual-actuation points and tactile feedback. It is a wired keyboard with an 8kHz report rate and comes in two form factors: 75% (G512 X 75) and 98% (G512 X 98), with the latter including a numpad. The G512 X features a black and purple design, Lightsync RGB light bar, and backlit keys. It will launch on May 2, priced at 9.99 / £169.99 / €189.99 for the G512 X 75 and 9.99 / £199.99 / €219.99 for the G512 X 98.
This new Skyrim mod is unashamedly vibe-coded, but it lets you swing NPCs into each other with ragdoll physics, so we all win
AppWizard
April 26, 2026

This new Skyrim mod is unashamedly vibe-coded, but it lets you swing NPCs into each other with ragdoll physics, so we all win

The Drag and Drop mod for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Special Edition allows players to drag and drop non-playable characters (NPCs) as if they were objects. The mod was created by Gerkinfeltser, who utilized knowledge of Skyrim's Havok physics and SKSE hooks to guide AI in its development. The mod introduces chaotic gameplay, enabling players to swing NPCs around and crash them into each other, enhancing the humor associated with ragdoll physics. It also supports configurable sound effects for added customization. The mod is available on Nexus Mods, and Skyrim Special Edition can be purchased for .99, often on sale on Steam.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 23, 2026

File Explorer feels outdated again after this Files update

Windows 11’s File Explorer is being enhanced for speed and reliability but lacks a customizable toolbar, which many users find essential. In contrast, Files version 4.0.39 allows users to customize the toolbar by adding, removing, and reordering actions, which helps reduce visual clutter and speeds up access to tasks. Users can also display text labels alongside icons for better usability. Historically, File Explorer had tabbed browsing before the redesign in Windows 11. Files is available for purchase on the Microsoft Store or can be downloaded for free via GitHub, with an option to sponsor the developer.
The best Dota 2 options and settings
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

The best Dota 2 options and settings

In Dota 2, optimal settings are crucial for enhancing gameplay and performance. Key settings to prioritize include: - Hotkeys: - Quickcast Abilities for instant ability use. - Direct Key Bindings for customized control over abilities. - Unit Orders: - Auto Attack set to 'Standard' for automatic targeting. - Right-Click Allies to enable attacking friendly units. - Channels for managing teleport or channeled abilities. - Double-Tap to Self Cast for automatic self-use of abilities. - Disable Auto Attack When Stop is Held to prevent unintended movements. - Minimap: - Icons set to 'Hero with Arrow' for visibility. - Adjusted map position to reduce misclicks. - Use Extra Large Minimap for better visibility. - Minimap Hero Size between 100% and 130%. - Increased Minimap Misclick Protection Time. - Camera: - Center Camera on Hero on Respawn can be disabled. - Disable Camera Zoom to avoid accidental zooming. - Enable Screen Shake can be turned off if distracting. - Interface: - Show Ability Rangefinder While Casting for strategic planning. - Holding Alt Shows Neutral Spawnboxes and Tower Attack Range for quick checks. - Healthbars: - Visualize Damage/Healing can be turned off if distracting. - Display Names Over Healthbar switched to 'Hero Names' for easier tracking. - Miscellaneous: - Strict Solo Role Queue Matchmaking for solo players. - Network Quality set to Low for smoother gameplay. - Enable Console for expanded control. To set Dota 2 Launch Options, right-click the game in Steam, select 'properties,' and enter options in the text field. Recommended launch options include: - -autoconfig: Resets graphics settings. - -console: Enables console functionality. - -fullscreen: Forces fullscreen mode. - -high: Assigns high CPU priority. - -map dota: Loads the map in the background. - -noborder: Runs in borderless windowed mode. - -noprewarm: Disables resource loading at startup. - -novid: Skips the introductory video. - -safe_mode: Restores default rendering settings. - -useforcedmparms -noforcemaccel -noforcemspd: Adheres to Windows mouse settings. - -windowed: Runs in windowed mode. Players are encouraged to explore and experiment with these settings to optimize their individual playstyle.
Xbox Game Pass report claims you'll be able to pick which features you pay for
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Xbox Game Pass report claims you’ll be able to pick which features you pay for

Xbox is exploring a new Game Pass subscription model that allows users to customize their experience by selecting specific features and content packages, potentially lowering their monthly fees. Subscribers could exclude certain elements, like Fortnite Crew or Xbox Cloud Gaming, to reduce costs. The model may also introduce alternative subscriptions and perks, such as Minecraft Realm or World of Warcraft, with pricing adjustments based on user modifications. Gamers might select genres of interest, focusing on specific packages. Microsoft insiders suggest this personalized approach is part of a long-term goal to attract a broader audience. Recently, Microsoft announced price reductions for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, while noting that Call of Duty will no longer be available on the service from day one. An internal memo indicated that Game Pass had become too expensive for players, prompting a reevaluation. Despite the absence of Call of Duty at launch, major titles like Forza Horizon 6, Fable 4, and Subnautica 2 are expected to be released in 2026.
Meta's Threads is going live with chats for big moments, like the NBA Finals
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Meta’s Threads is going live with chats for big moments, like the NBA Finals

The NBA Playoffs are currently ongoing, and Threads is introducing Live Chats for its NBA Community, allowing users to engage in real-time discussions. Initially, this feature will be available to select creators within the NBAThreads Community, with plans for wider access in the future. Users will see a red ring around their profile icon when participating in Live Chats. This feature is being launched during the playoffs and the Finals, following a previous update that allowed users to customize their feeds through the "Dear Algo" feature, which lets them tailor content preferences.
Hate the Windows 11 Taskbar? Here’s the ultimate way to bring back a classic look from Windows 95 to Windows Vista
Winsage
April 22, 2026

Hate the Windows 11 Taskbar? Here’s the ultimate way to bring back a classic look from Windows 95 to Windows Vista

Windows 11 has received criticism for its restrictive Taskbar, with users wanting the ability to reposition it to the top of the screen. RetroBar is a free application that restores functionalities from earlier Windows versions, allowing users to customize the Taskbar's position and appearance, including nostalgic themes from Windows XP, Longhorn, and Vista. RetroBar supports custom designs, is compatible with multi-monitor setups, and can be easily installed from GitHub. Users can revert to the standard Windows 11 Taskbar with a simple exit command. The application offers various themes and can be set to launch at startup. RetroBar's code is available on GitHub, including a native ARM64 build for Snapdragon devices.
Google’s most basic app has turned my dad into a Pixel super-fan
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Google’s most basic app has turned my dad into a Pixel super-fan

The author's family recently transitioned to Google Pixel phones, which has particularly pleased the author's father due to the Pixel Weather app. The switch was motivated by the need for easier remote troubleshooting and a consistent user experience. The father's fondness for the app stems from its clarity, straightforward design, and absence of ads, making it more enjoyable to use. The app provides accurate weather forecasts for their hometown in Lebanon and features a large, readable font that caters to the father's visual needs. The family has a longstanding interest in weather information, and the app's customization options have enhanced the father's smartphone experience.
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