decision Archives

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Microsoft is using TPM chips to crack down on pirated Windows activations

Microsoft has mandated the inclusion of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as a standard feature in all new motherboards and CPUs to enhance the Windows activation process. The company has introduced an enhancement to its Key Management Service (KMS) that leverages TPM's security capabilities to authenticate the legitimacy of KMS servers. This new "TPM-based attestation" aims to mitigate exploitation risks associated with KMS by validating the cryptographic integrity of KMS servers. Starting in August 2026, TPM-based attestation will be required for KMS activation with the next release of Windows Server. Microsoft has also closed off the "KMS38" activation method in 2025, while traditional KMS activation remains functional. The Massgrave collective has developed an Online KMS method that may be impacted by the new TPM-based attestation.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

Today in Apple history: Windows scores big victory over Mac

On July 25, 1989, Apple faced a legal defeat against Microsoft in a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning the "look and feel" of the Macintosh and Windows operating system. Apple filed 189 counts of infringement related to Windows 2.0.3, but the judge dismissed 179 of these claims, allowing Windows to grow rapidly. The origins of the conflict began when Microsoft proposed a licensing agreement to Apple in 1985, which was rejected. Following this, Microsoft launched Windows 1.0 in November 1985, leading to tensions as Windows 2.0 more closely resembled the Macintosh interface. Apple filed a lawsuit on March 17, 1988, claiming copyright violations. The judge ruled that the existing licensing agreement covered many elements of Windows, contributing to a long-standing rivalry between the two companies and establishing a legal foundation for Windows' dominance in the 1990s.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

There’s only one Jedi Operator in Star Wars Zero Company, and reckless players may end up with none at all: ‘Be careful that nothing unfortunate happens to her!’

The upcoming tactical game, Star Wars Zero Company, will feature only one Jedi Operator, Tel-Rea, highlighting the rarity of Jedi in the game's narrative. The game includes a permadeath mechanic, meaning players could permanently lose Tel-Rea if they are not careful. While permadeath is a key feature, players can choose to disable it on certain difficulty levels. The decision to include permadeath was debated internally at Bit Reactor, with narrative lead Aaron Contreras noting its potential impact on the story. Star Wars Zero Company is set to launch next month.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

Microsoft finally found a Windows ad it doesn’t like

Users of LG monitors have reported frustration over unsolicited McAfee pop-up ads that automatically appear during the Windows Update process. This issue arises from the installation of the "LG Monitor App Installer," which includes promotional software alongside the standard monitor driver. Reports indicate that this software installs without user consent, even when only a video cable is connected. Following an investigation by Gamers Nexus, Microsoft announced that LG has agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up, although the LG Monitor App Installer will still be automatically downloaded via Windows Update.

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2026

Samsung is playing a dangerous game with the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s missing S Pen support

The absence of the S Pen in the Galaxy Z Fold series is becoming more glaring with the introduction of the Motorola Razr Fold, which offers a similar stylus experience. Samsung's decision to remove the S Pen to make its foldables thinner is being challenged by the technology used in the Motorola Razr Fold, which allows for stylus interaction without adding thickness to the device. Samsung's reluctance to evolve its S Pen technology is causing the company to fall behind in the foldable market as competitors embrace foldable styluses.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

EU hits Google with another $1B fine as Search and Play Store face fresh antitrust crackdown

The European Commission has fined Google €890 million under the Digital Markets Act, with €460 million for allegedly favoring its own services in search results and €430 million for restricting developers in the Google Play ecosystem. Google must revise its Search ranking algorithms and Play Store policies within 60 days to avoid further fines based on global revenue. The company is expected to appeal the decision and discuss compliance strategies with regulators.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Nothing launches Essential Apps for building apps right on your phone

Nothing has launched the Essential Apps application, allowing users to build, preview, and deploy apps directly from their devices. The app is available on the Google Play Store but is being rolled out in stages, initially accessible only to users who have previously used the Builder on the web. Users will receive an error message if they attempt to access the app without permission, and Nothing will notify users via email when access is granted. The company plans to eventually remove the waitlist for broader access. Additionally, Nothing has paused the publishing of new applications on its Playground platform to improve the user experience.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Playstrom and SayGames eye PC growth with Shipping Store Simulator 2037

Becoming a member of GB MAX provides access to exclusive insights and connections within the global B2B leadership community in gaming, entertainment, and technology, along with a VIP ticket to the GamesBeat Next event on November 2-3 in San Francisco. Playstrom, a Belarus-based game studio, has achieved over 1.5 billion downloads across more than 20 mobile titles and is transitioning into PC game development. In 2026, they will launch Shipping Store Simulator 2037, their first dedicated PC title. Playstrom has paused mobile game projects to focus on this PC title, which is part of a strategic exploration of their strengths in PC development. The studio's PC development arm was initially established for research and development, and they plan to create mobile adaptations of successful PC titles. The demo for Shipping Store Simulator 2037 received a Very Positive rating on Steam, and SayGames plans to invest in influencer campaigns and user acquisition strategies to promote the game.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft intervenes after LG gets caught installing McAfee adware onto Windows 11 PCs via their monitors

LG monitors were found to automatically install adware when connected to Windows PCs, leading to intrusive popups promoting applications like McAfee. In response to user backlash, Microsoft intervened and confirmed that LG has agreed to stop displaying McAfee ads in monitor popups. The adware was installed through a monitor app that downloaded automatically with the monitor connection, which previously included advertising popups. It is currently unclear if LG will permanently eliminate these ads.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Ultrahuman’s new ‘Emerald’ update is a massive overhaul of how the app works

Ultrahuman has released the "Emerald" update for its companion app, featuring a new design and enhanced user experience for Ultrahuman Ring PRO and other devices. The update introduces the "UltraSphere," a decision-making engine that provides personalized "Next Best Actions" based on factors like location, weather, and circadian rhythms. It utilizes health metrics such as heart rate variability, skin temperature, and movement patterns, and can incorporate blood glucose levels for users with Ultrahuman M1 or M2 Live devices. The update also includes new tabs for health insights, such as the "Sleep Screener," which consolidates sleep data, and the "Longevity Tab," which aggregates health markers related to lifespan. The "Windows" feature offers insights into time-sensitive data. Workout tracking has been improved with better automatic detection and heart rate algorithms, increasing VO2 Max accuracy by 21%. Users can connect third-party devices for seamless workout tracking. All health data processing now occurs on-device, allowing access to insights without network connectivity. The Emerald update is being rolled out globally and is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.