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Windows 11’s Game Bar gets a fresh coat of paint, plus a tweak to work better on handhelds – and I like the direction Microsoft’s heading in here
Winsage
March 28, 2025

Windows 11’s Game Bar gets a fresh coat of paint, plus a tweak to work better on handhelds – and I like the direction Microsoft’s heading in here

Microsoft has rolled out updates for Xbox consoles and Windows 11 users, particularly enhancing the Game Bar. The Game Bar has received a graphical overhaul, including redesigned widgets such as Capture, Performance, Resource widgets, and the Widget Store. Improvements have also been made to navigation within the Widget Store for controller users, especially in Compact Mode, which optimizes the display for gaming handhelds. The updates aim to create a cleaner and more organized user interface. There is anticipation for a potential 'handheld mode' for Windows 11, which has been rumored.
Florida’s Mike Waltz and Marco Rubio on text chain that included journalist. What we know
AppWizard
March 27, 2025

Florida’s Mike Waltz and Marco Rubio on text chain that included journalist. What we know

A Florida politician, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, was involved in a national security breach after inadvertently including a journalist in a group chat on the Signal messaging app. The chat contained sensitive discussions about U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed militants in Yemen, specifically targeting Houthi sites, with critical details shared by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just hours before the strikes on March 15. President Trump claimed no classified information was shared despite the seriousness of the situation. The National Security Council is investigating the breach, and Waltz has taken responsibility for the error. The incident raises questions about the use of Signal, an app designed for secure communications, for sensitive government discussions and potential violations of the Presidential Records Act.
Minecraft's never going free-to-play because as it stands it's 'the best deal in the world'
AppWizard
March 25, 2025

Minecraft’s never going free-to-play because as it stands it’s ‘the best deal in the world’

Mojang introduced new sophisticated shaders for Minecraft, set to enhance the visual experience in 2025. The standard "Java and Bedrock" edition of Minecraft is priced at £20, with various deluxe editions, skins, and texture packs available. Two optional subscriptions, Marketplace Pass and Realms Plus, offer additional customization and multiplayer experiences, but the base purchase provides a complete gaming experience. Mojang emphasizes accessibility and a commitment to maintaining the game's core experience without aggressive monetization. A parent noted that Minecraft became the sole game played on their child's Switch after purchasing it for £20. Mojang's representatives confirmed that there is no pressure from Microsoft to explore new monetization strategies. Game director Agnes Larsson highlighted the cultural significance and community ethos of Minecraft. The latest update, "Spring to Life," is available for free and introduces new ambient features, mob variants, and minigames inspired by an upcoming movie adaptation.
Google may soon give you more control over how your Calendar data is shared (APK teardown)
AppWizard
March 14, 2025

Google may soon give you more control over how your Calendar data is shared (APK teardown)

Android has long enforced permissions for applications accessing calendar data, and Google Calendar is enhancing user control over data sharing. A recent APK teardown indicates that Google is developing a new toggle in Calendar settings to allow users to control whether their Google Calendar data is shared with other applications. When this option is disabled, third-party calendar apps cannot access Google Calendar entries. Additionally, Google Calendar is experimenting with a new font called Google Sans Flex, which features heavier lines with rounded ends.
Overwatch 2 is launching another Le Sserafirm collab with 'more transformative' skin designs, guided by Blizzard Korea's keen eye for Korean trends and street style
AppWizard
March 10, 2025

Overwatch 2 is launching another Le Sserafirm collab with ‘more transformative’ skin designs, guided by Blizzard Korea’s keen eye for Korean trends and street style

In 2023, Overwatch collaborated with K-Pop group Le Sserafim, launching a debut song, five unique hero skins, and a new game mode. A new Le Sserafim event is set to debut next week. The Overwatch team, led by Aimee Dennett, is open to future collaborations, emphasizing innovation and creativity. The introduction of mythic skins, such as Reaper's Anubis and Widowmaker's Spellbinder, has enhanced the game's visual appeal and allowed for new creative exploration. Rogers from the design team highlighted a shift towards a more transformative approach in skin design, breaking away from previous limitations. Overwatch is known for its exceptional skins, with iconic examples like Ana's Wasteland skin, Genji's Oni skin, and D.Va's Shin-Ryeong skin, and continues to explore diverse styles for innovative designs.
'I think only the shotguns are the same,' says Doom: The Dark Ages director, otherwise the guns are brand-new or significantly transformed
AppWizard
March 9, 2025

‘I think only the shotguns are the same,’ says Doom: The Dark Ages director, otherwise the guns are brand-new or significantly transformed

Hugo Martin, the game director of Doom: The Dark Ages, and producer Marty Stratton revealed that most weapons in the game are new creations, with only shotguns remaining from previous titles. The game features a diverse lineup of weapons, including a familiar shotgun, a super shotgun with a new shield charge, a close-range weapon called the Skullcrusher, a Railspike that pins enemies to walls, a rocket launcher similar to its predecessor, and a new plasma-based SMG called the Accelerator. The game will also introduce new gameplay dynamics with a shield, three melee weapons, and vehicles, including a flying dragon for aerial combat and a mech named "the Atlan." Martin emphasized the importance of providing players with a new toolkit for a balanced experience, moving away from familiar weapons like Doom Eternal's Heavy Cannon. The release date is set for March 15.
I get to play with the world's most powerful gaming tablet, and it's totally awesome
Winsage
March 6, 2025

I get to play with the world’s most powerful gaming tablet, and it’s totally awesome

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is a 2-in-1 convertible device designed for gaming and creative tasks, featuring a Windows-powered tablet with a large touch-enabled display, an adjustable kickstand, and a keyboard that doubles as a protective cover. It includes the Ryzen AI MAX platform, which integrates a powerful CPU, NPU, and advanced integrated GPU, allowing for exceptional performance without additional components. The device starts at ,099.99, with configurations and pricing that can be complex, but broader availability is expected. The unboxing experience is premium, featuring a sleek design and a substantial 200W charger. The tablet has a 13.4-inch display, a solid kickstand, and a responsive keyboard cover. It is equipped with a Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 CPU, a Radeon 8060S GPU, 1TB of PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD storage, and can be configured with up to 128GB of RAM. Battery life is decent, with a 70Whr battery allowing several hours of use, even while gaming. The ROG Flow Z13 caters to a niche audience seeking innovative hardware in a portable form factor, though potential buyers may find traditional gaming laptops offer better value.
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