discontinuation Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

In the nick of time, Helldivers 2 rolls out a “slim version” shrinking file sizes by a whopping 85% on PC: “It’s a low-risk way to save ~131GB of space on your drive”

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the file size of Helldivers 2 for PC by 85%, from 154GB to approximately 23GB. A public technical beta is currently underway, allowing select users to experience the new file size and provide feedback. Players can still matchmake with others and opt-out of the beta at any time. If successful, the slim version will become the standard, with plans to phase out the legacy version next year. The latest patch also includes balance changes and bug fixes, though some players are disappointed by the removal of the feature that allowed "Factory Striders" to be launched erratically.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Windows 10’s demise fuels Linux hype again — but will Bazzite finally break the “forever up‑and‑comer” curse? There’s a chance.

Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 10, leading to around 500 million PCs being eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, though many users remain on the unsupported platform. Zorin OS has gained approximately 780,000 users migrating from Windows within a month of this decision. Bazzite, a Linux-based gaming distribution, surpassed one petabyte of ISO downloads in a month, serving around 150,000 ISOs and attracting 730,000 visitors. Bazzite offers better hardware compatibility and pre-installed drivers for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, making it a strong alternative to SteamOS. The improved compatibility of Windows games on Linux, aided by Valve's Proton, is contributing to the trend of users exploring alternatives to Windows.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

The top 2 Linux distros Windows 10 users are fleeing to right now

On October 14, Windows 10 was discontinued, leading to user frustration due to hardware requirements for Windows 11. This has resulted in a resurgence of the Linux community, with Zorin OS and Bazzite attracting former Windows users. Zorin OS achieved one million downloads in two months, with 78% from Windows machines, while Bazzite recorded approximately 150,000 downloads in a month, totaling a petabyte of downloads. Zorin OS appeals to regular users with its productivity tools, while Bazzite caters to gamers with its gaming support and security features. This trend indicates a shift in user preferences towards Linux, with projections suggesting a rise in Linux's market share by 2026. The advantages of Linux include security, stability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Netflix quietly killed casting from phones to newer Chromecasts and Google TV Streamer

Netflix has announced the discontinuation of casting support from its mobile applications to most modern smart TVs and streaming devices, requiring users to navigate using their device's remote controls. This change affects all plans, including those without advertisements, and only older Chromecast models and TVs with native Google Cast support remain compatible with casting. Users on ad-supported plans will not be able to use the casting feature. Reports indicate that traditional Chromecast devices still function for casting, while newer models like Chromecast with Google TV and most integrated Google TV smart TVs are no longer supported for this feature.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Netflix is killing Chromecast support, with casting removed on many devices

Netflix has begun removing casting support on newer Google TV and Chromecast devices, requiring users to use the app instead. Many users have reported the disappearance of the Cast button in the Netflix app, which the company has officially confirmed. Netflix states that most TVs and streaming devices no longer support casting, except for older Chromecast models without remotes. This change affects all Netflix subscription tiers, including ad-supported and Premium plans, with the only exceptions being older Chromecast devices and select TVs.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Windows 11’s Notepad gets support for tables and bolstered AI powers – and not everyone’s happy

Microsoft is enhancing the Notepad application in Windows 11 with new features, including the ability to create tables and AI-driven text creation and rewriting capabilities. The latest preview is available to testers in the Canary and Dev Channels. The AI features allow real-time text generation but require devices with Copilot+ technology and a Microsoft account for access. There are concerns about Notepad becoming bloated and losing its minimalist design as it integrates more functionalities, especially following the planned discontinuation of WordPad in 2024, which may position Notepad as a more robust alternative for document creation.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Cybersecurity specialist says make Microsoft Windows change – or ‘be exposed’

Microsoft Windows users are urged to update their systems due to the discontinuation of support for Windows 10, which has reached its end-of-life stage. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 if their devices are compatible. Microsoft will cease providing security updates for Windows 10, increasing the risk of attacks. For those unable to upgrade, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, currently free for home users with a Microsoft account, providing security updates until October 13, 2026. Users of earlier Windows versions, such as 7, 8, and Vista, have been without support for a longer time, making them more vulnerable. After support ends on October 14, 2025, Microsoft recommends upgrading to a supported version of Windows. Transitioning to a new device that runs Windows 11 can improve user experience and security, with trade-in and recycling schemes available for old devices.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

“I’m not going to recoup what I put into this for a long time,” says returning Hytale owner, who previously said he’d offered Riot 10x what the dead Minecraft-inspired game is worth

Simon Collins-Laflamme has reacquired the rights to Hytale after its discontinuation by Riot Games. He is realistic about the financial implications, stating that recouping costs will take a long time. Collins-Laflamme aims to keep Hytale's base price low to make it accessible but faces challenges in pricing due to various costs. He prioritizes the development team over immediate financial gain, acknowledging that he won't see significant profits soon. Riot Games previously offered him ten times Hytale's "true market value" for the acquisition, but the terms were not generous. Collins-Laflamme believes Hytale could succeed in the gaming market, especially with the delay of GTA 6.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

YouTube tests bringing back direct messages, a ‘top feature request’

YouTube is testing a new direct messaging feature within its mobile app, allowing users aged 18 and older in Ireland and Poland to share videos and converse about them. This feature is a response to user demand and follows the discontinuation of a previous messaging feature in 2019. Users can share videos, send invites to start conversations, and have the ability to block or report messages. All messages will be reviewed for compliance with Community Guidelines. The timeline for a broader rollout is currently uncertain.