discussion Archives

Winsage

June 7, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: Is Windows in trouble?

This week’s episode of the Windows Central Podcast features hosts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden discussing the performance of Windows 11 on gaming handhelds and the challenges Microsoft faces due to setbacks with Windows Core OS and Windows CorePC. They also examine the latest designs of the Windows 11 Start menu and discuss the capabilities of Bing Video Creator, highlighting the impact of artificial intelligence on content creation.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

This new Game of Thrones strategy game will let you change one of the final season’s biggest moments, and it’s coming next year

A new real-time strategy game set in the Game of Thrones universe, titled War for Westeros, was announced during the Summer Game Fest 2025, with a launch date planned for next year. This game allows players to command one of the Great Houses or the Night King, aiming to conquer the Seven Kingdoms through solo or multiplayer battles. It features a narrative twist that lets players alter the fates of iconic characters, such as Jon Snow potentially rising alongside the Night King. The game includes dramatic moments, like a dragon being taken down by a massive ballista, reflecting on Daenerys Targaryen's character arc.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

One of Linux’s big hitters declares your Windows 10 PC “is toast,” and one angle needs talking about MUCH more

The end of life for Windows 10 is prompting discussions about alternatives, particularly Linux, as users consider their options. KDE, a key player in the Linux ecosystem, encourages users with obsolete Windows 10 devices not to discard them but to consider repurposing them with Linux, which can extend the lifespan of older PCs and reduce electronic waste. Many functional PCs, even those over a decade old, can run alternative systems like Linux or Chrome OS Flex efficiently. KDE's initiative highlights that Linux can revitalize old machines, promoting sustainability in the face of potential e-waste accumulation from Microsoft's push for new hardware.

Tech Optimizer

June 2, 2025

Streamline code conversion and testing from Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle to PostgreSQL with Amazon Bedrock

Organizations are transitioning from legacy database systems like Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle to open-source alternatives such as PostgreSQL to reduce costs and enhance scalability. This migration process involves several steps, including schema conversion, business logic transformation, data migration, application changes, and performance tuning. Amazon Bedrock aids this process by automating schema and code conversion, data transformation, identifying code compatibility issues, and generating test cases for validation. The migration challenges include adapting database objects to PostgreSQL's syntax, converting stored procedures and functions, executing ETL processes for data accuracy, modifying application code, and optimizing performance. Amazon Bedrock utilizes generative AI to simplify these tasks, significantly reducing manual effort and errors. An example of code conversion from Microsoft SQL Server to PostgreSQL is provided, illustrating how to convert a stored procedure into a PostgreSQL function while generating corresponding test cases. The process involves using the Amazon Bedrock chat interface to submit prompts for conversion and validation. To support the migration, table creation scripts for the Employees and SalaryUpdateLog tables are included, along with test data that covers various employee scenarios. This data allows for comprehensive testing of the converted function, ensuring it correctly applies salary updates based on specified criteria.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Random: Xenoblade Chronicles X Pops Up On Microsoft PC Game Page

Monolith Soft's game, Xenoblade Chronicles X, has appeared on a Microsoft PC webpage for "enhanced games for Microsoft Edge Game Assist," alongside titles like World of Warcraft and Half-Life 2. The listing suggests that Microsoft Edge Game Assist will provide tips and guides for popular PC games. This unexpected appearance has led to speculation among fans about its validity, with some considering it a possible error. Monolith Soft is now owned by Nintendo, which recently released Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for the Switch. While it seems unlikely that major Nintendo titles will be available on Xbox, Microsoft has shown interest in bringing select first-party games to Nintendo platforms.

TrendTechie

May 30, 2025

Релиз Elden Ring Nightreign: высокий онлайн, много критики и появление на торрентах

FromSoftware has released Elden Ring Nightreign, a game featuring roguelike elements and cooperative action set in the universe of Elden Ring. Players explore the lands of Limvelda, engaging in battles against bosses and navigating procedurally generated environments. The game offers a solo mode and allows players to choose from eight unique characters. At launch, it achieved a peak of 313,593 concurrent players on Steam, but only 68% of players recommend it. Critics noted the absence of a two-player mode, excessive pace for solo players, lack of gameplay variety, and insufficient support for ultra-wide monitors. The game received a score of 80 on OpenCritic and a 78% recommendation rate. FromSoftware released patch 1.01 to address player concerns and Bandai Namco promoted the game with a trailer featuring a new character and a music video for Evanescence's "Bring Me to Life."

Tech Optimizer

May 30, 2025

Don’t get scammed! McAfee’s new AI tool sounds great, but you will need to pay for it

McAfee has integrated its Scam Detector feature into all core antivirus plans, achieving a 99% accuracy rate in identifying scams, including deepfakes on video platforms. The tool provides real-time scanning for text messages, emails, and video content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and extends protection to applications such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Gmail. On Android, it automatically scans SMS messages, while iPhone users can perform manual scans. The feature includes customizable sensitivity settings and an on-demand check option for users to analyze messages or screenshots. Access to the Scam Detector requires a paid McAfee antivirus subscription. In contrast, Bitdefender offers a free tool called Scamio, which scans links, texts, screenshots, and QR codes for scams but does not detect video deepfakes. Google has developed an AI-based scam detector for Pixel phones that scans audio from incoming calls for scam language. Norton has also integrated its Genie Scam Protection into its plans, focusing on identifying scam language and requiring a subscription for comprehensive coverage. McAfee's Scam Detector is less accessible than free alternatives like Scamio.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

I love that DOOM: The Dark Ages requires ray tracing, and I hope more games follow

DOOM: The Dark Ages requires a graphics card with ray tracing hardware, specifically at least an NVIDIA 20-series card, making older models like the GTX 1080 incompatible. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also necessitates ray tracing capabilities, raising concerns about performance on existing hardware. Billy Khan from id Software stated that ray tracing significantly reduces game development time, allowing for real-time adjustments. Ray tracing has been part of the graphics card landscape for over seven years, with all current consoles supporting it. NVIDIA's latest RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 cards have faced driver issues affecting gameplay, while alternatives from AMD and Intel, as well as NVIDIA’s 30 and 40-series cards, can still provide good performance. Other studios, like 4A Games, have begun incorporating ray tracing into their development processes.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

4 years after being delisted, Lost Planet 2 finally got a Steam update to remove Games for Windows Live—but it also removed online multiplayer and blew up everyone’s saves

Lost Planet 2, a sci-fi third-person shooter from Capcom, was removed from Steam in 2021 due to issues with the discontinued Games for Windows Live (GFWL). A recent update lifted GFWL but disrupted online multiplayer functionality and erased local save files. Initially launched in 2007, GFWL aimed to merge multiplayer services for PC but ultimately failed, leading to many games, including Lost Planet 2, being left in disrepair. Despite being delisted, players found ways to keep the game alive, though installation issues hindered the multiplayer experience. Guides have emerged to revert the game to its previous state to restore GFWL. There is speculation that Capcom may be working on a comprehensive Steamworks update, as the game has not reappeared in Steam listings.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft investigates nasty Windows 11 bug that leaves PCs unable to boot – here’s what you need to know

Both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 are experiencing a significant issue that could make a PC inoperable after the May cumulative update. Microsoft is investigating a recovery error, specifically the message ‘0xc0000098 in ACPI.sys’, which primarily affects virtual machines. While Windows 11 Home users are considered less likely to be impacted, there is still a possibility of encountering the issue. Reports of similar errors have been noted, although not definitively linked to the May update. Users are advised to consider postponing the upgrade until Microsoft resolves the issues. Windows 11 users can pause updates for over a month and must apply deferred patches within 35 days.