December Archives

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

PlayStation 5 Linux Tested: Steam PC vs Native PS5 Games

Linux has been successfully implemented on the PlayStation 5, allowing users to run an open operating system on the console. This implementation, led by security researcher Andy Nguyen (TheFlow), utilizes an exploit for PS5 consoles with system software versions up to 4.5. Users can boot Linux from a USB or SSD, with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS providing around 15GB of usable memory. The PS5's hardware, including its Zen 2 processor and GPU, is fully accessible, with CPU speeds reaching up to 3.5GHz and GPU speeds up to 2.23GHz when boost mode is activated. However, running Linux on the PS5 presents challenges, such as sourcing a unit with the required firmware and limitations in resolution, as users cannot exceed 1080p. Performance tests showed that Linux can match the PS5's performance in some titles, but issues with memory management were noted, leading to stuttering and crashes in certain games. For example, reducing texture quality improved performance in games like Pragmata, while rendering issues were observed in Crimson Desert. The implementation allows for a unique gaming experience, but it also highlights the complexities and limitations of running Linux on a gaming console.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Take-Two CEO Explains Why GTA 6 Isn’t Coming to PC on Day One

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026. PC gamers will have to wait longer for the game, as Rockstar Games prioritizes console releases first. Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, indicated that this strategy aims to serve the core audience. The game was initially announced in December 2023, delayed from Fall 2025 to May 2026, and then confirmed for its current release date. Zelnick's comments suggest a potential future PC release, following a pattern seen with previous titles like Grand Theft Auto V, which had its PC version released later. He also addressed concerns about the game's pricing but did not provide specific figures.

Tech Optimizer

May 4, 2026

Wiz ZeroDay.Cloud Event Reveals 20-Year-Old PostgreSQL Vulnerabilities

Cybersecurity researchers at Wiz’s ZeroDay.Cloud event in London exploited two significant vulnerabilities in PostgreSQL, tracked as CVE-2026-2005 and CVE-2026-2006, which were disclosed on May 4, 2026. The vulnerabilities were found in the pgcrypto extension, affecting public-key decryption and symmetric decryption functions. CVE-2026-2005 allows privilege escalation via a buffer overflow during public-key decryption, while CVE-2026-2006 enables attackers to corrupt memory through inadequate checks in symmetric decryption. PostgreSQL has released patches for these vulnerabilities across versions 14.21 to 18.2, and MariaDB addressed a related issue in versions 11.4.10 and 11.8.6. Database administrators are advised to apply updates and audit logs for suspicious activity.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Valve Says 67.74% of Steam Users Are Now on Windows 11

67.74% of Steam users have transitioned to Windows 11 as of April 2026, with a month-over-month increase of 0.89 points. Windows 10 holds 25.63% of the market share, creating a gap of over 40 percentage points between the two operating systems. Windows 11's adoption on Steam has grown from 41.95% in December 2023 to 70.83% in December 2025. A notable drop in Windows 11 usage occurred in February 2026, but the April statistics indicate a recovery. The shift to Windows 11 is influencing developer decisions regarding DirectX 12 and optimizations for the operating system.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Skyrim has been the most-played ‘Unsupported’ game on Steam Deck for 5 months

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, despite being labeled "Unsupported" by Valve for the Steam Deck, has remained one of the most-played games on the platform from December to April. The game was given this label due to significant compatibility issues, yet many players report enjoying it without major problems. Skyrim's status as the most-played game deemed unplayable highlights its enduring popularity and the commitment of its fanbase.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

You no longer have to pay for Gemini’s smartest organization tool

Gemini Notebooks are now available on mobile without a paywall, allowing users to organize chats and files in a centralized project hub. Existing NotebookLM notebooks sync to mobile, enabling direct saving of chats as sources. The feature is accessible to both free and paid users, with source limits varying by subscription plan: free users can add 50 sources, AI Plus users 100, Pro users 300, and Ultra users 600. The rollout is live for most users globally, with updates expected in Europe and other countries soon.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Google flips the script, reportedly considers putting ads in Gemini app

Philipp Schindler, Google's chief business officer, indicated during Alphabet's earnings call that the company is revisiting the possibility of integrating advertisements into the Gemini platform as it explores new advertising formats for its AI Mode. Discussions about incorporating ads into Gemini first emerged in late 2025 but were previously dismissed. While there are ongoing discussions about ad integration, Ginny Marvin, Google Ads product liaison, stated that there are currently no ads in the Gemini app and no plans to change that. Alphabet reported .9 billion in revenue, a 22% increase year-over-year, with the success of Gemini contributing to growth in Search, Cloud, and subscription services.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Hogwarts Legacy is free on Epic Games Store again, and tinfoil Sorting Hat on, I think it’s time for a sequel reveal

Hogwarts Legacy is available for free on the Epic Games Store until May 3. This is not the first time the game has been offered for free, as a similar promotion occurred in December 2025. The timing of the giveaway coincides with Harry Potter Day on May 2, leading to speculation about the intentions of Warner Bros. Games. Avalanche Games has a new Community Manager, which may indicate positive developments for the franchise. A potential release for Hogwarts Legacy 2 could be around 2028, although it might arrive sooner due to asset reuse.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More

Six months ago, ASUS and AMD launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in 45 countries, combining Xbox capabilities with Windows 11 in a portable format. Player feedback has led to continual updates, optimizing hundreds of games for handheld play and introducing features like Default Game Profiles and expanded Xbox mode. Recent updates include automatic gameplay transition to TV when docked, support for HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate on certain docks, a Display Widget for adjusting settings via the Game Bar, improved controller pairing, and the Gamepad Cursor feature for non-controller supported applications. Automatic Super Resolution is now in preview for Xbox Insiders on the ROG Xbox Ally X, enhancing visual quality. The Xbox Wireless Headset now supports Bluetooth LE Audio for reduced latency and improved battery life. The Xbox PC app has been revamped to consolidate games from various storefronts into one library. Over 1,000 PC games are now compatible with handheld play, and features like Default Game Profiles and Advanced Shader Delivery have been introduced. Popular games supporting these features include Ninja Gaiden 4, Grounded 2, and others, with more titles expected in the future.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Mass Effect devs have been practically radio silent for over 5 years because there’s ‘not a lot of time for tease’

The next installment in the Mass Effect series, referred to as "Mass Effect 5," was announced during The Game Awards in 2020, but updates have been limited over the past five years. Project director Mike Gamble confirmed that BioWare is currently focused exclusively on the game, despite concerns following EA's downsizing of the developer. He noted that the team is busy working on the project, which has resulted in a lack of teasers for fans. N7 Day on November 7 and The Game Awards 2026 on December 10 are potential opportunities for BioWare to share updates. Some fans express concern about the franchise's future and suggest that BioWare may need to explore new creative directions to regain its former success.