Energy Archives

Winsage

September 6, 2026

These are the best power settings for your Windows or Mac system

Windows and macOS offer various power management features to optimize energy consumption for both laptop and desktop users. In Windows, users can access power options through Settings > System > Power (for desktops) or System > Power & battery (for laptops). Key features include: - Power Mode options: Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, and Best Performance. - Configurable screen, sleep, and hibernate time-outs to reduce energy use. - Energy Saver mode, which minimizes background activity and dims the display. - Customization of the Power & sleep button controls. In macOS, users can find power settings under System Settings via the Apple menu. Key features include: - Low Power Mode for laptops, which reduces background activity and dims the screen. - Energy Mode options for Macs with Apple Silicon: Low Power, Automatic, and High Power. - Options to prevent automatic sleep and optimize video streaming performance. - Screen time-out settings under Lock Screen to adjust display delay when idle.

Winsage

September 6, 2026

These are the best power settings for your Windows or Mac system

Power management options in Windows and macOS can help extend battery life for laptops and reduce energy consumption for desktops. In Windows 11, users can access power options via Settings > System > Power (for desktops) or System > Power & battery (for laptops). Key settings include Power Mode (Best Power Efficiency, Balanced, Best Performance), screen and sleep time-outs, Energy Saver mode, and Power & sleep button controls. In macOS 27 Golden Gate, users find power settings under System Settings > Energy (for desktops) or Battery (for laptops). Key features include Low Power Mode, Energy Mode options (Low Power, Automatic, High Power) for Apple Silicon Macs, and additional settings under the Options button. Screen time-out settings are found under Lock Screen in System Settings. Adjusting these settings can significantly impact energy usage.

BetaBeacon

September 3, 2026

Building Tetris on Android With One Prompt and No Laptop

An AI coding agent called Gotcha can generate games and tools on Android phones by writing real code and running a local server. It can create games like Tetris and a 3D Angry Birds clone with features such as touch controls, score displays, and sound effects. Gotcha can also fix bugs in the game logic based on vague feedback. The autonomy and local capabilities of Gotcha make it a unique tool for developers, allowing for quick iteration and precise bug reporting.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Former id Software producer says the team faced the ‘worst crunch’ in the series’ history on Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations: ‘There were days where I didn’t see my son’

Following the launch of the expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations, Xbox eliminated 136 positions at id Software, affecting many who contributed to the expansion. Former producer Andrew Willis described the intense crunch leading up to the release, with the team dedicating countless hours, only to face layoffs the day before the launch. Sales figures showed that The Dark Ages did not perform as well as Doom Eternal, and there are questions about whether the rush to deliver the expansion was due to internal decisions or external pressures from Xbox. Hugo Martin from id Software reassured stakeholders about the studio's stability despite the layoffs.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

Google made Android 17’s best feature a Pixel 11-exclusive. This free app does it better

Android 17 features a Digital Wellbeing tool called Pause Point, which prompts users to reflect on their app usage but is only available on the Pixel 11 series. The Stroll app encourages users to earn screen time through physical activity, allowing them to accumulate time for using distracting applications by walking. It integrates step tracking from a phone’s counter or a smartwatch and allows manual input of steps via Google Health. Stroll restricts specific URLs and tracks usage streaks, promoting a healthier relationship with exercise and digital consumption. Unlike traditional app timers that warn users when time is running out, Stroll motivates users to engage in physical activity before accessing social media. The app also features a “time bank” for saving unused screen time. Users have reported reduced social media usage and a shift towards more enriching activities.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

I played just one hour of Total War: Warhammer 40,000 and it was the highlight of my year

Creative Assembly revealed new details about Total War: Warhammer 40,000 during Gamescom. The game features a dynamic gameplay experience, where the battlefield evolves and players must adapt their strategies. Positioning is crucial, with options for flanking, distractions, and breaching defenses. The game retains core Total War mechanics while introducing new features and emphasizing ranged combat. Players can enjoy the chaos of battle, even without a background in the Warhammer universe. The preview session provided an engaging experience that left players excited about the game's future.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Windows on Arm just hit 7,000 compatible apps. It’s still not enough

Windows on Arm offers energy-efficient performance with extended battery life, minimal heat generation, and quiet operation. However, compatibility issues arise as most applications are designed for x86/x64 systems, making it difficult for Arm-based systems to run them effectively. A significant resource, the "Works on Windows on Arm" website, lists over 7,000 apps and games that support Arm architecture, including popular applications like Adobe Photoshop and Firefox. Microsoft plans to launch Arm-based computers from major manufacturers, but the number of compatible apps is still a small fraction of those available for traditional Windows systems. For non-native Arm applications, Microsoft provides an emulation solution through Prism in Windows 11, though this does not perform as well as native support. Gamers face challenges with current Snapdragon laptops, which struggle to deliver a smooth gaming experience, and the existing app offerings do not meet the gaming community's needs.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Windows veteran’s vibe-coded Task Manager now also runs on Mac and Linux — downloadable app is the result of a 107-page spec fed to Claude Code

Dave W. Plummer has developed a new Task Manager called TMOG (Task Manager OG) from a 107-page specification. He is the original architect of the 80KB Task Manager for Windows NT 4.0, released in 1996. TMOG is compatible with Windows 11, macOS, and Linux. Plummer began working on TMOG while waiting at the hospital during his son's emergency appendectomy and completed a functional app by the time his son was discharged. He further enhanced TMOG during a subsequent hospital stay due to his son's internal bleeding. The app features 60 Hz animations and various customization options. Initial versions were created in four and a half hours and functioned well on the first attempt. User feedback on beta versions has been positive, although some minor issues remain.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Why did the Windows 95 CD have a Weezer music video on it?

Windows 95 included an installation CD featuring music videos such as Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” and “Good Times,” a cinematic trailer for Rob Roy, and animations by Bill Plympton. It also offered interactive content like the game Pinball and the hovercraft game Hover!. In February 2026, Raymond Chen wrote a blog post discussing the inclusion of the Weezer music video in the installation package, reflecting on the innovative efforts of Microsoft during that time.

AppWizard

August 24, 2026

Blood Dungeon review

Blood Dungeon, developed and published by Messhof, is set to release on August 26, 2026. It is a sidescrolling platformer in the 'bullet heaven' genre, where players navigate a scrolling arena, avoiding projectiles and battling enemies. Each level up offers randomized perks, and rounds typically last under ten minutes. The game features a distinctive 2D art style and a dungeon drum 'n' bass soundtrack. Players start as Gun Man and can unlock various characters and weapons, each with unique abilities. The maps have fixed layouts with randomized item locations, enhancing replayability. However, the game may become repetitive over time as the excitement of upgrades diminishes.