dedicated user base Archives

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Xbox admits its PC gaming presence is not strong enough

Microsoft is retiring the term "Microsoft Gaming," which was introduced in 2022, and will revert to using the Xbox brand as the primary identifier for all gaming-related endeavors. A memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty, released on April 23, acknowledges that the company's presence in the PC gaming market is lacking. The memo outlines a strategy focused on "flexible pricing," being "open to all creators," and increasing "daily active players," but lacks specific commitments or timelines. It highlights Windows as a crucial battleground for gaming, noting that it now represents more players and hours, amidst competition from platforms like Steam. The memo also reflects on Microsoft's historical challenges in executing a competitive PC gaming ecosystem and coincides with an announcement of an early-retirement buyout program for employees as the company reallocates resources toward AI initiatives.

BetaBeacon

April 19, 2026

Gala Games Releases Legends & Dragons on iOS and Android

Gala Games released Legends & Dragons, a popular match-3 RPG game, on iOS and Android on April 14. The game offers new features such as PvP battles and empire-building elements, aiming to enhance the overall gameplay. The game, previously known as Legends Reborn, has over 500,000 downloads on Google Play and has been rebranded to focus on delivering quality content and gameplay.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Top Android Apps You Won’t Find On Google Play Store

The Google Play Store does not include every app desired by users due to strict privacy, security, and content moderation policies, leading to the growth of third-party platforms and APK-based tools. Notable apps outside the Play Store include: - BombitUp: A prank app that allows users to send multiple SMS messages, popular among younger users, but excluded from the Play Store due to potential misuse. - 9Apps: An alternative app store developed by Alibaba Group, offering a variety of apps, games, and older versions of applications, particularly popular in regions lacking Play Store access. - Snaptube: A video downloader for platforms like YouTube and Facebook, absent from the Play Store due to policy violations but sought after for offline video access. - VidMate: A comprehensive video downloading app that also provides access to live TV, movies, and music, maintaining popularity despite not being available in official app stores. - Honista: A modified version of Instagram that enhances privacy and customization options, appealing to users wanting more control over their social media experience. - Lucky Patcher: A tool for advanced users that allows modifications to app permissions and ad removal, requiring technical knowledge and sometimes root access, leading to its exclusion from the Play Store. - APKPure: An alternative app store that focuses on providing safe and verified APK files, emphasizing security and access to region-locked apps or older versions. These applications cater to specific user needs that are often overlooked by mainstream platforms.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Microsoft sends Outlook Lite to the great inbox in the sky as memory costs skyrocket

Microsoft will retire Outlook Lite on May 25, 2026, after ceasing new installations in October 2025. Post-retirement, users can access the app, but mailbox access will be disabled. Microsoft encourages users to transition to Outlook Mobile, which is its primary mobile email experience. Outlook Lite was initially popular for its low resource requirements, achieving over 10 million downloads in 2024. The decision to retire it reflects a strategy to streamline offerings and adapt to evolving technology needs. No administrative action is required for organizations currently using Outlook Lite, aside from informing users about the changes.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Microsoft Abruptly Terminates VeraCrypt Account, Halting Windows Updates

Microsoft has terminated an account linked to VeraCrypt, an encryption software, raising concerns about the future of Windows updates for the software, as confirmed by its developer. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities in the supply chain of open-source software, which often relies on larger technology companies.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

New Blood CEO Dave Oshry says he’s ‘always loved GOG’ but ‘they need enough people to give a s**t, or how long are they even going to be around’

Steam is a dominant platform in digital gaming, known for its superior user experience and extensive library, including classic games. GOG offers a DRM-free storefront and focuses on preserving classic games with its GOG Galaxy launcher but struggles to match Steam's user numbers. Developers have noted that Steam's early integration of classic games significantly broadened its appeal. GOG's future depends on attracting a larger audience to sustain its operations while maintaining its preservation efforts.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Survey suggests Nova Launcher remains one of Android’s darling apps

Nova Launcher was sold by its original founders in 2022 and experienced a period of dormancy under new ownership. In January, a new developer acquired the app, leading to a resurgence. The introduction of ads in the free version and new trackers has raised user concerns. Recent polls show that 63.2% of respondents use Nova Launcher, with 35.8% expressing loyalty to the app. Nearly 60% of respondents believe Nova Launcher is still the best Android launcher, while 30.5% think it has maintained its premier status. Some users have switched to other launchers, and 5.4% believe Nova was never the best.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Epic Games Store quietly offers two PC free games ahead of usual gieaway schedule

The Epic Games Store has established itself as a strong competitor in digital distribution by securing exclusive deals with developers, enhancing its library with titles like Fortnite and Control. The platform engages users through regular giveaways of popular titles and seasonal events, fostering community interaction. It continues to grow its user base and library while investing in technology and user experience to maintain its market position.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Android app launcher Nova Launcher is back

Nova Launcher has been acquired by a Swedish company named Instabridge, which aims to maintain and improve the app while preserving its core identity. Instabridge has committed to keeping Nova stable, compatible with modern Android, and actively maintained. They plan to explore sustainable business models, including potential ad-based options for the free version, while ensuring that Nova Prime remains ad-free. Existing Prime users will continue to have access to their features, and the price of Nova Prime has been set to .99. Instabridge is also evaluating the possibility of making Nova open source and intends to keep data collection minimal and transparent.

Winsage

January 19, 2026

Why I’m holding a mirror up to Microsoft in this week’s Windows Wrap

A wave of enthusiasm for Windows 11 PCs was observed at CES, but Microsoft faced criticism due to user dissatisfaction. A tool to remove AI features from Windows 11 was highlighted, along with a migration of users to a specific Linux distribution and insights from Jeff Bezos predicting a shift towards cloud solutions. The sentiment expressed by a colleague noted that while PC hardware has improved, Windows has not kept pace. Users are frustrated not out of animosity but due to high expectations. A how-to guide for removing the Copilot app from Windows 11 was provided, and despite frustrations, Windows 11 PCs are still seen as valuable for productivity, gaming, and creativity, with several models currently discounted.