design Archives

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

What was the first videogame song that you ever heard?

The author began their journey into video games with a Mega Drive controller given by their father, which sparked a lifelong passion for gaming and video game music. They highlight the influence of video game music on their identity, recalling their appreciation for the soundtrack of Killer Instinct Gold on the Nintendo 64 and the impact of Final Fantasy 10-2's "Real Emotion" during the mp3 era. The author expresses a desire to hear others' experiences with video game soundtracks.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Windows 10 grasps for life as Playstation drops discs, Sony takes away movies, and Microsoft ends two Surface PCs

Sony has ceased production of physical discs. Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 and retired the Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go, with no plans for restocking or successors. A leaked video revealed Microsoft's development of a Copilot operating system based on a streamlined Windows codebase. Xbox is considering canceling Marvel's Blade as part of a restructuring effort. Microsoft is contemplating a disc-to-digital program to allow users to convert physical game discs into digital licenses. The Dell XPS 13 and HP OmniBook Ultra 14 are currently available at significant discounts.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Windows 11 version 26H2 is packed with surprising upgrades, and these 7 features might change how you use your PC

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2 will be released in the latter half of 2026, transitioning to a streamlined servicing model with a small enablement package instead of a full installation. Key features expected in this update include: 1. A revamped Copilot that enhances search experiences with AI assistance. 2. Customization options for the Taskbar, allowing repositioning and size adjustments. 3. An option to disable web results in Windows Search for a more focused experience. 4. Improved control over Windows Update, including the ability to pause updates for up to 35 days. 5. An Administrator Protection feature that creates temporary accounts for administrative tasks to enhance security. 6. A modern design refresh for the Run dialog box, featuring rounded corners and a "recent commands" section.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Darktide’s new Skitarii class is its most unique yet, but it also advances our understanding of Warhammer 40k lore

Warhammer 40k features the Skitarii class, which is characterized as cyborg warriors devoted to a cult and communicates in binharic cant. They possess abilities such as delivering electric shocks, using a retractable claw arm for close combat, reviving allies, solving puzzles, and providing fire support through Servo-Skull minions. The Skitarii class emphasizes support and teamwork over individual prowess, offering a diverse skill tree and customization options that enhance the gameplay experience. Fatshark's introduction of this class in Darktide reflects a shift towards strategic collaboration rather than traditional aggressive playstyles.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

I switched to an open-source notes app for 2 weeks, and I wish I had done it sooner

The author initially used Simplenote and Obsidian for note-taking but sought a replacement for Simplenote due to its restrictive simplicity. They discovered Notesnook, which became their preferred app due to its end-to-end encryption, generous free plan, and offline functionality. Notesnook supports rich-media attachments, offers organizational features like notebooks and sub-notebooks, and provides superior text formatting options compared to Simplenote. However, the author noted some drawbacks, including slower speed, lack of full Markdown support without a paid plan, local revision history that doesn't sync across devices, and missing collaboration features. Despite these drawbacks, the author appreciates Notesnook's versatility but continues to use Obsidian for its strengths in managing databases and knowledge bases.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Clair Obscur is flawed on purpose, says director: ‘Games that try to be perfect, that try to fix all their flaws—they’re usually just really boring’

Guillaume Broche, the creative director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, discussed the game's inspiration and design philosophy in a conversation with the YouTube channel Konbini. He emphasized the importance of embracing imperfection in creativity, noting that flaws can enhance a game's character and depth. Broche referenced the charm of "eurojank," advocating for authenticity over perfection in game design. He acknowledged that while Clair Obscur may not be flawless, its imperfections contribute to its emotional impact and resonance with players, making it a memorable experience.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

How I think Microsoft’s campaign to fix Windows 11 is going so far — the verdict now we’re 3 months in

Microsoft is working to improve Windows 11, having started this initiative in late March 2026. Key changes include a customizable Start menu, a repositioned and adjustable taskbar, and a refined widgets board that removes the default MSN feed with ads. Windows search results have been optimized to reduce clutter, and new options allow Home users to delay updates indefinitely, along with bundling updates to minimize reboots. Performance enhancements include faster File Explorer launch speeds, a 'Low Latency Profile' for improved CPU performance, a 'turbo mode' for quicker installations, and a 'Driver Quality Initiative' to enhance OS drivers and reduce battery drain. A point-in-time restore feature has also been introduced. Microsoft is engaging with the Windows community for feedback and has established panels for user testing. However, bugs remain a concern, particularly with the Recycle Bin and storage issues, indicating a need for a stronger quality assurance process. Users have expressed interest in removing intrusive recommendations, installing Windows 11 with a local account, and disabling telemetry in the Home version.

BetaBeacon

July 5, 2026

Bleach Mirrors High mobile game now accepting beta test applications: Two new Soul Reapers

Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach, is heavily involved in the development of the upcoming game Bleach Mirrors High. He has created two new Soul Reapers for the game and has been actively engaged in various aspects of the project, including character designs, logo design, and audition participation. Familiar characters from the series were revealed in a recent teaser, and excitement is building among fans for the release of Bleach Mirrors High.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Google Play Store widgets will soon be available for individual Collections

Google Play Store has introduced a feature called Collections, allowing users to group apps by categories like Shop, Listen, and Food. The latest updates indicate that Google is developing new widgets for the Play Store that will enable users to select individual Collections instead of displaying multiple at once. In version 52.1.26-31 of the Play Store Android app, users currently have two widget options: a compact version with icons for individual Collections and a larger widget listing Collections. The upcoming update will allow users to choose from eight distinct widgets corresponding to categories: Food, Game, Listen, Read, Shop, Social, Travel, and Watch. These new widgets are still in development and not yet available for public use.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

This gorgeous Android launcher is basically dead — and it’s all Google’s fault

Stario Launcher, launched in 2024, is an aesthetically pleasing Android launcher that combines speed and functionality, featuring custom animations, widgets, and automatic app categorization. Its design is influenced by Google’s Material Expressive language, with a minimalist interface that emphasizes essential widgets. The launcher includes a search function similar to Pixel Launcher, supports alternative search engines, and has a dedicated Briefing page for personalized news feeds. It also offers a widget page for customization and a Low Spec mode for older devices. However, the developer plans to cease updates due to Google's tightening policies on third-party apps, which will complicate the installation of non-verified apps starting in September 2026. This situation reflects broader concerns about the future of third-party applications in the Android ecosystem.