Energy Archives

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft Opens Windows Update to 3rd-Party Apps

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows Update tool to manage updates for both its products and third-party applications, aiming to streamline the update process. A private preview for developers will be initiated, focusing on business applications but eventually accommodating a wider range of apps. The new "Windows Update orchestration platform" will allow developers to integrate their applications into a unified system that intelligently schedules updates based on factors like user activity and battery status. This platform will provide an API for updates through Windows Update, improving user experience by centralizing updates and allowing better control over the update process. The initiative addresses the fragmented experience IT administrators face and aims to create a cohesive update process. Critics note the delay in implementing a unified update framework, while the initiative also seeks to enhance security by consolidating updates and reducing the risks associated with ad-hoc update agents.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps

Microsoft is introducing a new orchestration platform for Windows Update that will allow developers to manage updates for applications and drivers more effectively. This platform will enable developers to enroll in a private preview and is designed to support updates for a wide range of applications, particularly business applications. Currently, Windows Update focuses on core operating system components and essential drivers. The new platform aims to streamline the update process by allowing developers to schedule updates based on user activity and other factors. Developers will also be able to connect their applications with Windows Update notifications, ensuring visibility in the update history. Microsoft plans to support MSIX, APPX, and certain custom Win32 applications within this framework. The initiative follows previous efforts to encourage developers to list applications in the Microsoft Store, which has seen limited adoption for some proprietary applications. Additionally, the Windows Package Manager has been introduced to tackle app installation and update challenges, although its use has been mainly among power users and developers.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps

Microsoft is opening up Windows Update to third-party applications through a private preview of its new Windows Update orchestration platform. This platform aims to streamline the update process for any application or driver, focusing primarily on business applications while being accessible to a variety of apps and management tools. Traditionally, Windows Update has served to refresh core operating system components and essential drivers, but the new platform will allow developers to schedule updates based on user activity, battery status, and energy usage. Developers will also be able to connect with native Windows Update notifications, ensuring their applications appear in the update history. Microsoft will support MSIX and APPX packaged applications, as well as certain custom Win32 apps. Previous efforts to manage updates through the Microsoft Store and Windows Package Manager have seen limited adoption, raising questions about the future use of this new feature by businesses and major developers.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Minecraft Roll for Adventure: The Temple of the Charged Creeper Board Game Unveiled

A new board game titled “Minecraft: Roll for Adventure – The Temple of the Charged Creeper” is set to be released in August 2025, designed for 2 to 4 players. Players will take on the roles of Minecraft-inspired heroes, navigating a dynamic temple to stop the Charged Creeper. The game features modular board pieces, dice-rolling, cooperative gameplay, and elements of crafting and resource management. The game box will include 4 hero miniatures, Minecraft-themed dice, modular map tiles, monster tokens, and player boards. Pre-orders are expected to begin in July 2025.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

SHADE Protocol Announced For PC Release In 2026

Little Legendary is developing a 2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania game titled SHADE Protocol, set to launch on PC in 2026. Players will control Zura, a Replica with the ability to rewrite reality, in a world affected by Elythium, a sentient metal. The game features two modes, DAWN and SHADE, allowing for adaptable combat styles. Players will use musical weapons called Instruments, which have unique capabilities for combat and exploration. The UNISON System enables players to manipulate events and influence outcomes, while a dynamic combat system allows for precision melee combat and the restoration of Echo through parries and counters. The initial trailer highlights the game's artistic style and mechanics.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

The Finals’ latest update adds a limited-time mode that’s mostly just hitting each other with hammers

A new limited-time mode called "Heavy Hitters" has been introduced in The Finals, featuring a 5v5 melee brawl in a floating arena reminiscent of a construction site. Players use fixed loadouts as Heavy builds with melee weapons, and the gameplay includes jump pads, anti-gravity cubes, and goo grenades. Rewards can be earned through contracts sponsored by the fictional energy drink Ospuze. Update 6.9 also brings tiger-themed cosmetics, balance adjustments to weapons, particularly improving the accuracy of the KS-23, and various bug fixes. Heavy Hitters is currently available, likely until the launch of Season 7 in June.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

The best deals and free Warhammer PC games in Skulls 2025

The annual Skulls event hosted by Games Workshop features previews of upcoming releases and discounts on Warhammer PC games. Notable discounts include 42% off Space Marine 2, 77% off Chaos Gate Daemonhunters, 60% off Rogue Trader – Voidfarer edition, 60% off Darktide, 69% off Total War Warhammer 3, and 84% off Vermintide 2. Additionally, three Warhammer games are available for free: Warhammer 40k Boltgun – Words of Vengeance on Steam, Warhammer 40k Gladius Relics of War on Steam, and Warhammer 40k: Rites of War on GOG.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

This Is The Best Crypto Mining App For Android In 2025

BlockDAG X1 is a mobile-first crypto mining app for Android that allows users to mine up to 20 BDAG coins daily using a Proof-of-Engagement (PoE) algorithm, which minimizes battery usage. The app has a size of 50 MB and is designed for easy download and use without requiring technical expertise. It has a community of over 200,000 active miners and a presale that has raised over 8 million. Key features include energy efficiency, rigorous security measures, ecosystem integration, and a user-friendly interface. BlockDAG X1 has received mixed reviews, with some users praising its community and growth potential while others express skepticism about its quality and presale model. As of 2025, the app has undergone significant updates, with over 19.3 billion coins sold and anticipated exchange listings. Users are advised to conduct thorough research and be cautious of market volatility and potential scams in cryptocurrency mining.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft is putting AI actions into the Windows File Explorer

Microsoft is integrating AI shortcuts, called AI actions, into the File Explorer of Windows 11, allowing users to right-click on files for quick access to various AI features. Four image-related actions currently being tested include Bing visual search, background blurring, object erasure from the Photos app, and a remove background option in Paint. Microsoft plans to introduce AI actions for Office files, enabling document summarization and AI-driven list generation for Microsoft 365 commercial subscribers with a Copilot license. An "Ask Copilot" option will also be added to the right-click menu. Additionally, Microsoft is experimenting with visual updates to the widgets feature and has introduced a new power management feature that reduces energy consumption on laptops and tablets after periods of inactivity.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488) is being released to the Dev Channel. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to edit images and summarize documents via right-click options. Four image actions are available: Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, supporting .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. Upcoming AI actions for Microsoft 365 files include generating document summaries and creating FAQs, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot. Advanced settings have been redesigned for easier access, introducing features like Enable long paths and Virtual workspaces. Improvements include updates to the taskbar, search functionality, and accessibility features. Known issues involve problems with Xbox Controllers and various features in File Explorer and Narrator.