departure Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

Zelda meets Stardew Valley in gorgeous new 2025 game

In 2025, several highly anticipated video game releases are expected, including Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, Grand Theft Auto VI, Ghost of Yōtei, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Among these, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, a sequel to the 2018 game Moonlighter developed by Digital Sun, is set to launch in 2025. The game features a new 3D aesthetic and invites players to balance the roles of an adventurer and a merchant, exploring vibrant dimensions while managing a treasure shop. The gameplay includes battling enemies in roguelite-style arenas and collaborating with other business owners to upgrade equipment.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Fan-made PC port of Star Fox 64 is out now

A new PC port of Star Fox 64, called Starship, has been developed by a team known for their PC ports of Nintendo titles. This project does not include copyrighted assets, requiring users to provide their own data files from a legitimate copy of the game. The current build is for Windows users, with Linux and Mac versions in progress. The developers are seeking contributions from Linux and MacOS developers and have made the source code available on GitHub. Takaya Imamura, the designer of Star Fox, expressed mixed feelings about the project on social media, acknowledging potential issues with Nintendo while also expressing happiness about the initiative. Further details can be found on the project's GitHub page.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Google Keep might become an essential Android app

Google Keep may soon be classified as a core system app in the Android ecosystem, as indicated in the Android 16 Developer Preview 2. This change means that users upgrading to this version will find Google Keep integrated into their devices and it will become uninstallable without root access. Earlier this year, Google integrated Keep with its Tasks feature, streamlining note and reminder management. The promotion of Keep to a system app suggests a renewed commitment to its development and potential introduction of advanced features. Users can expect quicker updates, enhanced performance, and innovative features, but those who do not wish to use Google Keep will be unable to remove it without rooting their devices.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Destructoid’s award for Best PC game of 2024 goes to…

In 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio was named the best PC game of the year by Destructoid. The game is inspired by ATLUS' Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series but features a unique medieval setting where players rescue a prince and face various challenges. It incorporates familiar combat mechanics and introduces Archetypes for enhanced customization. The narrative addresses social and political issues, diverging from typical post-apocalyptic themes, while also including lighter moments for balance. The game appeals to both veteran fans and newcomers, showcasing a fresh soundtrack, distinctive art style, and innovative story progression. Future expansions may be possible, but are not guaranteed. Other nominees for Best PC Game of 2024 included Dragon’s Dogma 2, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Metal Slug Tactics, Satisfactory, Tiny Glade, and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is here with battery life and performance upgrades

Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, one month after the first, indicating a faster rollout with a stable version expected in Q2 2025. The update enhances app performance, battery life, and provides new tools for developers to diagnose issues like slow startups and app freezes. It includes a built-in photo picker for cloud images, Wi-Fi 6 integration for location-based functionalities, tools for monitoring activity intensity and managing health records, and custom animations for navigation. The first beta is anticipated in January 2025, and Google plans two major Android updates in 2025, with the first introducing significant changes and the second focusing on smaller improvements. Incremental updates will continue to be released quarterly.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

‘I’ve spent my entire career trying to recreate the feeling I had when I played D&D for the first time,’ says immersive sim godfather Warren Spector, with new game Thick as Thieves going multiplayer because ‘you don’t play D&D alone’

Warren Spector, co-founder of OtherSide Entertainment, discussed the studio's upcoming multiplayer title, Thick as Thieves, which shifts from traditional single-player immersive sims to a live service PvPvE multiplayer format. Spector has long envisioned multiplayer as the next logical step for immersive sims, aiming to capture collaborative storytelling akin to Dungeons & Dragons. He emphasized the importance of player agency and creativity in creating surprising narratives. Project lead Greg LoPiccolo noted the dynamic interactions that can occur in multiplayer settings. The game's success will depend on ongoing support and community engagement, distinguishing it from other titles like Anthem and Redfall. Players can wishlist Thick as Thieves on Steam or Epic, although a release date has not been announced.

AppWizard

December 15, 2024

Final Fantasy 7 Remake patch levels everyone up and lets you speed up cutscenes to help you replay it before Rebirth comes to PC

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will be released on PC on January 23, available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. The recent 1.004 update for Final Fantasy 7 Remake introduces a "head start" option for new playthroughs, elevating characters to level 45, providing max-level materia, gear, accessories, extra items, and 50,000 gil. The update also allows players to fast-forward through "event scenes" at 1.5x or 2.0x speed.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

Elden Ring: Nightreign ‘is not what we consider a live service game,’ says FromSoftware: ‘We wanted to have a game that felt like a complete package’

FromSoftware has announced Elden Ring: Nightreign, a multiplayer spin-off of their RPG Elden Ring, during The Game Awards. The game features gameplay mechanics similar to free-to-play live service titles, including a battle royale-style circle and unique hero characters. However, it is not a live service game; it is a co-op roguelike that follows a traditional purchase model. Director Junya Ishizaki stated that the game is designed to be a complete package at launch, with everything unlockable and contained within the purchase, contrasting with the trend of ongoing content updates and monetization in modern games.