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Steam Machine: Hardly any cheaper gaming PCs, 8 GiByte is enough
AppWizard
June 24, 2026

Steam Machine: Hardly any cheaper gaming PCs, 8 GiByte is enough

PCGH and PC Games discussed the new Steam Machine with Valve's Lawrence Yang and Yazan Aldehayyat. The final cost of the Steam Machine exceeded initial expectations due to unforeseen supply chain challenges related to memory and storage. Aldehayyat expressed pride in the product's quality and performance, despite its higher price point potentially excluding some buyers. Yang mentioned that future price adjustments could be considered if market conditions allow. The SteamOS does not currently support dual booting, but users can set up dual boot systems using external media. Valve is collaborating with anti-cheat providers like Easy Anti-Cheat and BattlEye to implement solutions for Linux. The Steam Machine is equipped with 8 GB of VRAM, which Aldehayyat believes is sufficient for most games at 1080p resolution. A verification program for the Steam Machine will be implemented, similar to that of the Steam Deck, ensuring better performance for verified games.
Windows 11 is now five years old
Winsage
June 24, 2026

Windows 11 is now five years old

Windows 11 was unveiled by Microsoft on June 24, 2021, marking its fifth anniversary. The operating system features a modern interface, improvements to virtual desktops, support for Android apps, integration of Microsoft Teams into the taskbar, a refreshed Microsoft Store, and enhanced security measures. However, it faced criticism for removing certain taskbar functionalities and imposing strict hardware requirements, leading to increased sales of TPM chips. Microsoft has begun to address user feedback by redesigning the Start menu, reinstating missing taskbar features, and enhancing Windows Update. Recent updates suggest a commitment to improving Windows 11, which is expected to remain relevant in the operating system market.
The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I’ve ever played
AppWizard
June 22, 2026

The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I’ve ever played

The Steam Machine retails starting at ,049 without a gamepad and ,128 bundled with one. Its performance does not significantly exceed that of the 5.5-year-old PS5, which offers sharper visuals in certain games. The Steam Machine operates more like a console than previous iterations, featuring a compact design and compatibility with modern gamepads. Valve claims to sell its components at cost, having negotiated with suppliers during a memory supply crisis. Users have reported technical issues, such as problems with the Steam Controller, sound output, and game downloads. The device requires manual adjustments for settings, lacks user-friendly configurations, and has questionable reliability with its sleep function. Valve plans to support AMD’s FSR 4 upscaling and is working on graphics driver updates. The Steam Machine is positioned as a versatile gaming and computing solution, but its limitations highlight the need for further refinement.
Windows Platform Security and the Race to Secure AI Agents
Winsage
June 19, 2026

Windows Platform Security and the Race to Secure AI Agents

Microsoft has introduced the Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) SDK to establish Windows as a reliable operating system for autonomous agents, focusing on containment, identity, and manageability. The MXC framework serves as a policy-driven execution layer for agents on Windows and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing developers to set access permissions using JSON or TypeScript. It employs process and session isolation for agent containment and identity. Future enhancements will include micro-VM support for high-risk tasks and integration with Windows 365 for cloud PC workloads. IT teams can manage MXC policies through Entra ID and Intune, while Defender and Purview provide protection and observability. The MXC framework is built on Microsoft's security initiatives, including Secure Boot and passwordless sign-in, allowing agents to inherit a secure foundation. However, early commentary expresses caution regarding MXC's perception as a comprehensive security solution, noting issues with overly permissive policies and the lack of outbound network filtering. Other platforms, such as Linux, are also enhancing security for agents with kernel-level isolation and secure environments like NVIDIA's OpenShell runtime. Various projects are focusing on agent sandboxes within Kubernetes, employing technologies like gVisor and Kata Containers for isolation. Overall, no singular dominant platform security model for AI agents has emerged, with Windows' MXC still considered nascent compared to existing solutions in Linux and Kubernetes ecosystems.
Google releases Android 17 update with foldable improvements, app bubbles, and more
AppWizard
June 17, 2026

Google releases Android 17 update with foldable improvements, app bubbles, and more

Google has released the stable version of Android 17 for all supported Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Key features include: - App Bubbles for multitasking, allowing users to launch apps in floating windows. - Enhanced Picture-in-Picture mode for full interactivity in desktop environments. - Encouragement for developers to optimize apps for various screen orientations and sizes. - Implementation of app memory limits to improve performance and battery life. - A 50:50 split-screen mode for gaming on foldable phones and native controller remapping. - The Continue On feature for seamless task transitions between devices. - Improved privacy features, including temporary access to location data and a Mark As Lost feature. - Support for Eclipsa Video HDR format and enhanced audio quality through the Extended HE-AAC encoder. - Introduction of the RAW14 image format for better camera capabilities. - Enhanced support for Bluetooth Low Energy Audio, particularly for hearing aids.
There are too many Windows laptops, and I can't blame Microsoft for confusing choices — but there are ways it could help us all
Winsage
June 15, 2026

There are too many Windows laptops, and I can’t blame Microsoft for confusing choices — but there are ways it could help us all

The author has experience building Windows desktops but has recognized the practicality of Windows laptops due to frequent travel. They have a shortlist of preferred models, including the ASUS Zenbook A14 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, but acknowledge that many consumers opt for cheaper laptops available in stores. The introduction of entry-level models like the MacBook Neo has shifted the conversation around Windows laptops. There is confusion among consumers regarding specifications, such as RAM and battery longevity, which are often overwhelming. The author suggests that a certified 'Windows Pro' laptop could guarantee features like a 120Hz display and 32GB of RAM, while a budget-friendly 'Windows Core' option could focus on IPS screens with at least 16GB of memory. There are concerns about consumer perception of non-certified products and the need for better education in the market.
Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Montezuma 2, Majesty, Slaps And Beans 2, more
BetaBeacon
June 13, 2026

Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Montezuma 2, Majesty, Slaps And Beans 2, more

The Android app price drops include Slaps And Beans 2, Plancon: Space Conflict, Montezuma 2: Premium, Majesty: The Fantasy Kingdom, Strategy & Tactics:USSR vs USA, MiniChess by Kasparov, FootLOL: Crazy Soccer Premium, Yumsters! Premium, Stickman Warriors Dragon Hero, RPG Soul Historica, Stick Warrior SuperHero Dragon, Roll Player – The Board Game, Birds On A Wire Premium, Rusty Axe, RPG Ambition Record, Defense Zone HD, [Premium] RPG Fernz Gate, RPG Silver Nornir, Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD, Ash of Gods: Redemption, RPG Asdivine Hearts, RPG Alphadia Genesis, Premium- Marenian Tavern Story, Majesty－The Northern Expansion, Dungeon Shooter : Dark Temple, Farm Frenzy Premium, The Tiny Bang Story: Premium, Tempest: Pirate RPG Premium, King of Dragon Pass: Text RPG, Dungeon Maker, Espana – Icon Pack, EmeraLine – Icon Pack, Drop Dark – Icon Pack, Dropicon Cut – Icon Pack, Pixel Ring Drop – Icon Pack, Linea – Icon Pack, Cat Quest III, Cat Quest II, Cat Quest, Undead Slayer: Offline Premium, WINCH IT OUT, Cooking Quest VIP : Food Wagon, Football Referee Simulator, Hybrid Warrior VIP, 1941 Frozen Front Premium, SpongeBob – The Cosmic Shake, Swim Out, Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition, Don’t Starve: Shipwrecked, Human Fall Flat, Aporkalypse – Pigs of Doom, Guns’n’Glory WW2 Premium, Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee, Wall of insanity, Slaughter: The Lost Outpost, Falltopia Plus: Epic Space RPG, Warrior In Dungeon, I.F.O: Casual Retro Shooter, Favela Kick: The Final Goal, [VIP] Missile Dude RPG : idle, SkySafari 8 Pro, Cultist Simulator, Zombie Age 3 Premium: Survival, Space Rush, Through the Darkest of Times, Exolotl : Zian, Guns’n’Glory Heroes Premium, Is This Seat Taken?, Alien Shooter, Contact Edge side bar, OsmAnd+ — Maps & GPS Offline, Words Everywhere PRO, Bookmark Manager – URL manager, The Ramen Sensei, Demon Castle Story, Chloe Puzzle Game Pro, Hot Springs Story 2, Avalar: Raid of Shadow Premium, Shadow Hunter: Offline Premium, Legends of Heropolis DX, Game Dev Story, Pro Wrestler Story, Dungeon Village 2, Dream Town Island, Pocket Academy 3, Lines Square – White Icon Pack, Material You Square Icon Pack, Bubble – Icon Pack, Fledermaus – Square Icon Pack, Gems Icon Pack, Regularly 0 Google Nest Doorbell, The House of Da Vinci 3, Tag of Driving, Endurance: dead space Premium, Final Castle Defence:Idle RPG, AVARIS3, Romopolis, Over The Bridge PRO, Dungeon Squad, Mindcop, Universe Invader 2: Premium, Hero of the Kingdom: Tales 1, Roundguard, Evertale, Pixel Blade M VIP, Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia, Under Leaves, Blueberry – icon pack, Orange Citrus Icon Pack, Lines Square – Neon icon Pack, Square Clear White Icon Pack, Square Clear – Icon Pack, Dotted Lines – Snake, Eco inc. Save the Earth.
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