Development

AppWizard
July 19, 2026
Alexander Dao, Vice President of Advertising and Sponsorship at Electronic Arts (EA), discussed the strategic integration of advertising in console and PC games, emphasizing that planning for advertising from the outset can enhance monetization potential. He noted that when advertising is integrated into game design from the beginning, it feels more organic and allows for greater flexibility with brands. Dao mentioned that the ease of embedding advertising varies by genre, with sports games being more conducive to it. He cited the partnership between The Sims 4 and Coach as a successful example of brand collaboration. Additionally, he highlighted EA's launch of EA Advertising, a platform aimed at facilitating brand advertising within its games.
AppWizard
July 19, 2026
The real-time strategy (RTS) genre, which thrived in the late 90s and early 2000s, experienced a decline from the late 2000s until around 2015 but is expected to make a comeback in 2026 and 2027. Anticipated titles include Stronghold 4, ZeroSpace, D.O.R.F., Dawn of War IV, and Total War: Warhammer 40,000. Bergfried, developed by Quid Pro Games, is a medieval strategy game that combines castle-building mechanics, town management, and real-time combat, with a unique grid reflecting European castle shapes. Panzer Strike, by ISAK Team, aims to recapture the essence of late 90s RTS games and is set for release in Q3 2026. Falling Frontier, a procedurally generated space RTS, is highly wishlisted on Steam and promises detailed ship combat. Chronicles: Medieval, releasing in 2026, offers a sandbox strategy experience during the Hundred Years’ War, blending free-roaming gameplay with large-scale battles. Dinolords, developed by Northplay, features a medieval world with armored dinosaurs and allows players to control dinosaur-riding Lords, presenting a unique twist on traditional RTS gameplay.
Winsage
July 18, 2026
A new clipboard manager for Windows 11 called Edge Drop is in early testing, developed by AdiArtist. It enhances the clipboard experience by sitting on the left side of the screen and can be accessed by hovering the mouse or using the Alt+C shortcut. Edge Drop handles text, images, and various file types, automatically integrating copied items. Users can download it from its official website or GitHub, currently at version 0.1.0. The app allows users to drag items into it and features stacking capabilities for grouping related content, although it does not support combining different content types in a single stack. Unlike Windows 11's built-in clipboard history, which supports item pinning and cross-device syncing, Edge Drop focuses on mouse interaction. The name "Edge Drop" may face challenges due to a similar feature in Microsoft's Edge browser, which is being phased out. Users should be aware of potential rebranding and instability as the app is still in development. Installation involves downloading from the official website or GitHub, and it is not available in the Microsoft Store. Edge Drop is designed for creative workflows but may not suit users who prefer keyboard navigation or require clipboard syncing across devices. Ongoing development may introduce new features and improvements.
AppWizard
July 18, 2026
Obsidian Entertainment, founded in 2004, is known for titles like Knights of the Old Republic 2, Fallout: New Vegas, and Pillars of Eternity. The studio was acquired by Microsoft in late 2018, leading to a cautious approach in its development, as seen in The Outer Worlds and the reimagined Avowed. Despite recent challenges, including layoffs, Obsidian has produced successful titles outside its traditional RPG genre, such as Grounded and Pentiment. The studio is currently working on New Vegas 2, generating optimism among fans and industry observers.
Winsage
July 18, 2026
Windows Server 2022 will end its mainstream support on October 13, 2026, transitioning to an extended support phase that will last until October 14, 2031, during which security updates will be provided at no additional cost. Windows Server 2022 was released in September 2021 and is part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) with a decade of support. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025, which became generally available in November 2024 and will have mainstream support until November 13, 2029, and extended support until November 14, 2034. A 180-day trial for Windows Server 2025 is available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center. Additionally, hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 will be extended until October 2027 for Datacenter: Azure Edition systems, and the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program has been extended by one year. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 11 24H2 will stop receiving updates three months after their end of support.
Winsage
July 18, 2026
Microsoft is developing a security tool called Project Perception, aimed at helping organizations identify and fix software vulnerabilities using artificial intelligence. Set to launch this month, it will utilize AI models from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic to offer extensive coverage while being cost-effective. The tool features a model router to select the best AI model for specific tasks, optimizing performance and reducing operational costs. Led by Hayete Gallot, Microsoft is shifting towards AI-focused products, recognizing the potential for substantial returns from enterprise investments in AI. Project Perception aims to compete in the AI-driven vulnerability detection market, although its availability may be limited due to concerns about misuse. Microsoft recently addressed around 570 vulnerabilities using an AI tool called MDASH, suggesting a growing role for AI in cybersecurity.
TrendTechie
July 18, 2026
More than 100 authors have filed a lawsuit against Anthropic, claiming over 0 million for the unauthorized use of their books in training AI systems. The complaint was submitted to the federal court for the Northern District of California on June 17, alleging that Anthropic unlawfully obtained and utilized over 500 pirated copies of their works. The lawsuit includes various literary works and notable plaintiffs, such as Nolan Bushnell and Donna Barba Igna, who are demanding 0,000 for each work used without permission. The authors claim Anthropic downloaded books via BitTorrent and used illegal libraries, integrating these works into its AI training systems. This lawsuit follows a previous class action against Anthropic that concluded with a .5 billion settlement. The current plaintiffs have opted out of that settlement and are pursuing individual claims, asserting that Anthropic not only used but also distributed pirated copies. The lawsuits estimate around seven million works may have been unlawfully utilized in AI development.
Search