decision Archives

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Ubisoft is Providing Free PC Copies of 13 Games to Players Who Own Them on Xbox

Ubisoft and Xbox have partnered to allow Xbox players who own select Ubisoft titles on console to obtain free copies for their PC. This offer includes titles like Assassin’s Creed, The Crew 2, and Watch Dogs Legion, but is limited to digitally purchased games. Users must log into Ubisoft Connect with the same account linked to their Xbox to access the free PC games. The offer does not apply to PC players receiving Xbox versions of Ubisoft games. Players can access nearly all add-on content and expansions they owned on consoles, except consumable items and in-game currencies. The current selection includes titles such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Far Cry 6, among others. There is no time limit on the offer, and it is unclear if the partnership will expand to include more titles in the future.

Winsage

July 28, 2026

One year later, XBOX’s Adaptive Joystick has changed our accessible gaming life for the better — as Microsoft’s efforts slow down

A year ago, the author invested in the XBOX Adaptive Joystick for their fiancée, who has a connective tissue disorder that makes traditional gaming controls uncomfortable. The joystick was intended to help her play PC-exclusive games like World of Warcraft. Microsoft is undergoing significant restructuring, resulting in approximately 3,200 layoffs, including the elimination of the Gaming Accessibility Lead and accessibility testers. The XBOX Adaptive Joystick is priced at .99 in the U.S. and £24.99 in the U.K., but its future is uncertain due to these layoffs. The joystick is not wireless but features a long USB cable and lacks pressure-sensitive triggers, which limits analog input options. Despite its limitations, it is considered user-friendly and adaptable for various gaming experiences.

Winsage

July 28, 2026

Windows 11 ruined my old laptop, but this lightweight Linux distro brought it back to life

An early 2019 Acer Aspire laptop, previously slow and deemed obsolete after updating to Windows 11, was transformed by installing Zorin OS Lite. The laptop, equipped with 4GB of RAM and an Intel Core i3-8145U processor, experienced significant performance improvements, including faster boot times and quicker application launches. The user found the transition to Zorin OS Lite seamless, with familiar keyboard shortcuts and a smooth interface. Performance metrics showed a Speedometer score increase from 5.68 on Windows 11 to 12.0 on Zorin OS Lite, and the system utilized less RAM while idle. The laptop regained functionality, suitable for travel and quick tasks, and the user felt encouraged to explore more complex Linux distributions.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Cyan releases teaser for the first new Myst game in 20 years, then breaks the news that it’s not actually being made

Cyan Worlds, the developer of the iconic game Myst, laid off approximately half of its workforce in 2025 due to financial struggles. In the same year, they developed a prototype for a new Myst game, codenamed Project Anglerfish, but the project is not currently in development due to a lack of interest from publishers. A teaser for the game was released, generating mixed reactions from fans who expressed disappointment over its cancellation while also showing a strong desire for a continuation of the Myst legacy. Despite the challenges in the current gaming landscape, there remains a dedicated audience for a new Myst experience, and Cyan has previously found success with crowdfunding for other projects.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

EA is ‘a hedge fund with a videogame hobby,’ former Dragon Age boss says, and that’s why he reckons the series is probably dead and buried

Electronic Arts (EA) has decided to stop development of the Dragon Age RPG series due to the poor sales performance of the latest installment, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This decision puts BioWare in a difficult position, and former executive producer Mark Darrah believes it may signify the end of the series. Darrah described EA's approach to game development as challenging, likening it to a "hedge fund with a videogame hobby." EA is facing financial pressures, including a potential takeover by Saudi Arabia, which raises concerns about the future of its game titles. While Dragon Age's future is uncertain, a new Mass Effect installment is in development. Former BioWare writer David Gaider noted that EA has historically struggled to understand the Dragon Age series, often dismissing its successes.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Epic taps Blizzard’s Battle.net lead to fix the Epic Games Store as Steam dominates

Epic Games has appointed Martin Keely as the new Vice President and General Manager of the Epic Games Store, succeeding Steve Allison, who left the company in July. Keely previously worked as Senior Vice President overseeing the Battle.net launcher at Blizzard for seven years. His appointment aims to strengthen Epic's competitive position against Valve's Steam in the PC gaming market. Keely expressed enthusiasm for his new role and the opportunity to enhance player, creator, and developer experiences. Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, has acknowledged the challenges the company faces in gaining market share against Steam.

TrendTechie

July 27, 2026

Скачал запрещённый контент через торрент: в Николаеве осудили мужчину за хранение детской порнографии

The Ship District Court of Mykolaiv ruled against a local resident guilty of purchasing and possessing child pornography. The defendant admitted guilt and cooperated with the investigation. Between November 2024 and September 2025, he downloaded prohibited files from the Internet using "qBitTorrent" and a flash drive. A search in February 2026 confirmed the materials as child pornography. The court imposed a 1-year probationary supervision, restricted his ability to work with children for 1 year, ordered the confiscation of seized devices, and required him to pay over 21,800 hryvnias for judicial examination costs. The verdict can be appealed within 30 days. During probation, he must register with the probation authority and cannot leave Ukraine without approval, facing potential punishment if he evades the terms.

Tech Optimizer

July 27, 2026

What to look for in antivirus software without the jargon

Shopping for antivirus software can be overwhelming due to technical jargon and extensive feature lists. Key considerations for effective antivirus software include: - Real-time protection: The software should continuously monitor activities and provide automatic protection against threats. - Malware and ransomware blocking: It should defend against various online threats, including malware, spyware, and ransomware. - Firewall protection: A firewall should monitor and block suspicious connections to enhance security. - Performance: The software should operate quietly in the background without interrupting daily tasks. - Frequent updates: Regular updates are essential to combat evolving online threats. - Scam protection: The software should flag suspicious links and messages to prevent cyberattacks before they reach the device. When choosing antivirus software, prioritize these features to ensure effective protection without complicating your life.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

Microsoft moves to end pirated Windows activations

Microsoft is introducing the KMS Hardware Secured system to enhance Windows licensing security by making unauthorized activation methods more difficult. This system will use TPM-based attestation to authenticate the server managing activation requests, ensuring only legitimate devices are recognized. Readiness notifications for Windows Server 2025 will begin in August 2026, allowing administrators to prepare for the transition to TPM-based attestation, which is expected to become a requirement for KMS activation in a future Windows Server release. This initiative targets corporate clients using Windows volume licensing to complicate unauthorized activation. Additionally, Microsoft plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 4,800 positions, or nearly 2.1% of its global staff, as part of a corporate transformation strategy.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

Hate the Copilot Key? Here’s How to Disable It Completely

In 2024, the introduction of the Copilot key on Windows PCs replaced the Right Control (Ctrl) key on many laptops, leading to user complaints about disrupted workflows and the loss of keyboard shortcuts. In response to the backlash, Microsoft is preparing to implement a "kill switch" for the Copilot key, allowing users to revert it back to its original function or disable it entirely. Users will soon be able to remap the key through Settings, and the option to disable it was not previously available. Microsoft acknowledged the challenges faced by users who relied on the Right Ctrl key and noted significant disruptions to workflows. While disabling the Copilot key may become straightforward, completely turning off Copilot is more complex, requiring users to avoid launching the Microsoft Copilot app for 28 days. Microsoft has also indicated a need to remove Copilot from applications where it does not perform well, following the removal of Copilot from several ineffective Windows 11 applications.