discussion Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Google improves camera playback in Home app, but some are still frustrated

Google has released an update to its Google Home app, version 3.33, which improves the experience of scrolling through video history on Nest cameras for Android devices, enhancing framerate and loading times. The update, dated May 28, introduces a general release of a limited-access member tier for sharing smart home setups while maintaining control over visibility and management. It also includes several bug fixes for stability, addressing crashes in areas like the Automations tab, Wi-Fi and Climate categories, and notification permissions, as well as issues with inviting household members and accessing service settings. User feedback has been mixed, with some expressing satisfaction and others noting ongoing performance issues.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

I hope this PowerToys redesign becomes a reality — it’s too easy to get lost in the app

PowerToys is evolving with new features for Windows 11 users, including a proposed redesign shared by software engineer Niels Laute on the PowerToys GitHub page. The new dashboard layout aims to enhance user experience by making essential tools more accessible and aligns with the aesthetics of Windows 11. Despite its versatility, many features of PowerToys are not well-known and require users to explore further. The envisioned dashboard seeks to highlight these lesser-known functionalities and simplify navigation. The concept is still in early development stages, indicating that significant changes may take time to implement.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

The Outer Worlds 2 director offers the most sympathetic answer I’ve yet heard for the $80 game question: ‘We don’t set the prices for our games,’ and ‘You’d have to honestly talk to the Xbox folks’

Brandon Adler, the director of The Outer Worlds 2, stated that game developers do not set the prices for their games, emphasizing that pricing decisions are made by corporate executives. He expressed a desire for broader accessibility to games but indicated that pricing inquiries should be directed to Xbox executives. The economic landscape has shifted, making home ownership difficult while consumer electronics have become more affordable. Gamers now have various options, including subscription services and budget-friendly hardware. The perceived normal price for games has shifted to the range of to , with being a stretch, particularly for highly anticipated titles. Pricing challenges reflect deeper issues in the gaming industry, including recent layoffs and rising development costs. Obsidian Entertainment has adopted a strategy of working on multiple smaller projects, resulting in more affordable pricing for some titles, while the upcoming Avowed is set at a full retail price. Concerns exist that The Outer Worlds 2’s price might hinder its success, especially given the unclear metrics Microsoft uses to evaluate sales performance.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

Sony quietly removes PC sale restrictions in dozens of countries for four huge PlayStation games

Sony has eased regional restrictions on several popular PC games, including God of War Ragnarök, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and Helldivers 2, as of June 13. The changes were noted on SteamDB, showing a reduction in the number of countries where these games are unavailable, with only the Russian Federation added to the list of restricted sales. This decision follows a backlash from a previous incident involving Helldivers 2, which was removed from sale in 177 countries due to a PSN requirement. Additionally, Sony's president, Hideaki Nishino, mentioned that the company is considering adjustments to the pricing of its PlayStation Plus service to maximize profitability through a dynamic pricing strategy.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: Xbox Ally is official, and Aero Glass is back?

This week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast features hosts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden discussing significant developments in Windows and Xbox, including the newly announced Xbox Ally, which will change gaming on handheld Windows devices. They also talk about Apple's WWDC announcements, particularly Liquid Glass, which they believe may not match the Aero Glass aesthetic from Windows Vista. Additionally, the podcast addresses updates to iPadOS and concerns about how these enhancements could impact the market for low- and mid-range Windows PCs.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

PlayStation is being ‘really thoughtful’ about picking which games to port to PC, says studios boss

Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation studios, stated that Sony takes a careful and strategic approach to porting games to PC, typically delaying non-live service titles by at least a year after their console release to maintain the value of the PlayStation 5. Despite indications of a potential shift towards a more aggressive strategy, Hulst confirmed the company will continue its conservative approach to protect the unique value of the PS5. Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, emphasized the importance of monitoring player patterns and behaviors while expressing confidence in Sony's current strategy amidst competition in the industry.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Xbox handheld rumoured to be ‘essentially cancelled’ but the new Asus Xbox Ally is actually a preview of all future Xbox consoles, not just handhelds

A recent report suggests that the anticipated Xbox handheld console may be "essentially canceled." The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, recently unveiled, are not true Xbox consoles but PC handhelds using existing PC chips and a new iteration of Windows optimized for gaming. Microsoft has rebranded its gaming division as 'Xbox PC' and acknowledged Steam as a competitor. None of these developments have been officially confirmed.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

PlayStation taking “measured” approach to bringing games to PC

Herman Hulst, head of PlayStation studios, stated that Sony is carefully strategizing the expansion of its gaming titles to the PC platform, emphasizing a "thoughtful" and "measured" approach. He highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards for single-player experiences, which are key to the PlayStation brand. Sony has already launched several first-party titles on PC, including God of War, The Last of Us series, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Days Gone.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Microsoft’s Copilot Vision can now see and analyze your entire PC screen – not just what’s in Edge

Microsoft has integrated its Copilot Vision AI into the Copilot Windows app, currently available in the United States for Windows 10 and 11, with plans for expansion to additional non-European countries. This feature allows users to interact with items on their screens, providing assistance with files, applications, and on-screen content. Users can request analyses, summaries, or guidance on specific software features. Copilot Vision can connect multiple applications or files, helping users manage tasks like scheduling events. To use it, users access the Copilot Windows app, select items to share, and can ask questions about the shared content. The AI respects user privacy by only analyzing explicitly shared content.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Adidas’ Minecraft Collab Added Five New Sneakers to Their Popular Collection — Where to Buy Before They Sell Out

Adidas has expanded its collaboration with Minecraft for Summer 2025, introducing five new shoe designs inspired by characters like Creepers, Endermen, Skeletons, and Spiders. The collection includes reimagined versions of popular Adidas styles such as the Sambas XLG, Campus 00s, and Superstar II. The Campus 00s feature elastic laces and Creeper colors, while the Handball Spezial has a retro design and rubber outsole. The Samba XLG is themed around spiders with pixelated details, and the Superstar II includes pixelated graphics and a Skeleton lace charm. The collection is available for purchase on the Adidas website and at Journeys, with some styles already selling out quickly.