engine Archives

Tech Optimizer

September 19, 2025

Surfshark boosts its antivirus offering with a revamped interface and full ARM support

Surfshark has updated its antivirus software with a new interface that improves user experience and compatibility with ARM hardware. The update aims to enhance accessibility and transparency in its cybersecurity suite, Surfshark One, which combines VPN, antivirus, private search engine, and data breach monitoring services. Key features of the revamped antivirus include a detailed protection history, easy access to additional features, and an improved repair function. Core functionalities like webcam protection and customizable security settings remain unchanged, and the antivirus uses the Avira SDK as its engine. The update addresses previous limitations for Windows ARM users, responding to increased demand for ARM support.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

Best EA Sports FC 26 settings for optimized PC performance

Finding the best settings for EA Sports FC 26 on PC is easy for users with modern gaming rigs. A mid-range graphics card like the Nvidia RTX 4070 can achieve smooth performance at 4K with ultra settings. The system requirements are low, and older PCs may need adjustments for optimal performance. Recommended settings include Ultra rendering quality, high grass and crowd quality, and motion blur enabled. Testing on an RTX 4070 showed an average frame rate of 153fps at 1080p, 132fps at 1440p, and 92fps at 4K. EA Sports FC 26 features four graphics presets: Low, Medium, High, and Ultra, with subtle differences in gameplay. An accessibility menu includes options for subtitles, colorblind settings, controller remapping, and enlarged UI elements. The game does not require an SSD, with a download size just under 70GB. Performance monitoring can be done using Nvidia or AMD overlays or third-party software like CapFrameX.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

Microsoft celebrates Windows 11 on Arm progress as users now spend the majority of their time in natively compiled apps — compatibility is no longer a concern

Microsoft has reported that 90% of user engagement on Arm-based PCs is now with natively compiled applications for Windows 11 on Arm. The Arm app ecosystem is expanding, with native Arm versions available for apps representing 90% of total user minutes. Collaboration with Qualcomm, particularly through the Snapdragon X series of PC chips, has been crucial in this development. Major OEMs have adopted this technology, leading to new Arm-based PCs that compete with Apple Silicon. Adobe has released flagship applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro in native formats. Notable applications now natively compiled for Windows on Arm include 7 Zip, Google Drive, Dropbox, Trello, Todoist, Libre Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, Paint.NET, Djay Pro, CapCut, Figma, Apple TV, Apple Music, Google Chrome, Telegram, WhatsApp, Spotify, Davinci Resolve, Blender, and Luminar Neo. The current generation of Snapdragon X processors supports applications still reliant on emulation, with robust performance. Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon PC chips, likely named Snapdragon X2, are expected to enhance performance and efficiency further.

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

It’s time you played my favorite new Warhammer 40k game before its map editor arrives for Orktober

The Orks in the Warhammer universe serve as both formidable adversaries and engaging protagonists, particularly highlighted in games like Space Marine 2 and Shootas, Blood and Teef. The tabletop hobby of assembling looted Deff Dreads is noted for its creativity and enjoyment. The recently released Warhammer 40k Speed Freeks, a Mad Max-inspired racing game, captures Ork culture with chaotic racing experiences. Developer Caged Element Inc. has announced a significant update for the game, set to coincide with Warhammer Day in late October, which will include new maps, a new vehicle, creation tools for custom levels and races, and an online workshop for sharing creations. The community is encouraged to engage in discussions about map design on their Discord server.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Battlefield 6 dev says your “rose-tinted glasses” make it “difficult” to remaster classic maps

The development team at DICE is remastering the iconic map Operation Firestorm from Battlefield 3 for Battlefield 6. Product owner Shashank Uchil highlights the challenges of meeting player expectations and balancing nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics. Producer Jeremy Chubb notes that the foundation from previous Battlefield titles allows for innovation, but emphasizes the importance of evolving the map while maintaining its essence to satisfy both old fans and new players. The team aims to incorporate advanced physics and extensive destruction mechanics into the remaster. A preview of Battlefield 6 is available, and further insights will be shared in the coming week.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Here’s How To Improve Borderlands 4’s Performance On PC

Borderlands 4 for PC has faced performance and stability issues since its launch, prompting a response from Gearbox Software president Randy Pitchford. The game, built on Unreal Engine 5, has been challenging for players to run satisfactorily, despite being designed for high-end hardware. Performance can be improved by lowering lighting settings, which reduces the impact of ray-traced lighting, and players can see performance gains exceeding 25% by switching from Very High to Medium settings. Other settings like shadow quality and volumetric cloud quality can also enhance performance, potentially yielding over 50% improvement in average frame rates. Gearbox may address issues by improving shader compilation processes and fine-tuning engine settings. GameSpot rated Borderlands 4 7/10, highlighting its loot and chaotic gameplay but noting it struggles with humor.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

‘My Advice to Users Is to Accept Reality and Tune, or to Not Play’ — Randy Pitchford Is at the ‘Get a Refund From Steam’ Stage of the Borderlands 4 PC Performance Backlash

Randy Pitchford addressed concerns about the PC version of Borderlands 4 on social media, suggesting dissatisfied players seek refunds through Steam. The game has received mixed reviews, with many complaints about performance issues, including significant stuttering on PC. Digital Foundry advised against using the 'Badass' graphics setting. Pitchford encouraged players to utilize graphics technologies like DLSS for improved performance and suggested they wait for a price drop or upgrade their hardware if unhappy. He emphasized that while updates will be made, radical changes are unlikely, and he compared gaming hardware to vehicles to illustrate the importance of matching hardware capabilities with game performance. Gearbox is focused on improving Borderlands 4's performance on PC and has released an Nvidia Optimization guide on Steam, though users have reported mixed results. Players are also cautioned about shader recompilation when changing graphics settings.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

New fan-made Fallout New Vegas remaster is the game I wish Bethesda would make

Dragon Age: Origins is a classic BioWare fantasy role-playing game that could benefit from a remaster to attract new players. Fallout New Vegas, known for its rich atmosphere and gameplay, lacks an official remaster from Obsidian or Bethesda, but the gaming community has developed a mod that enhances its graphics. This mod, called the FNV Texture Upscale Project, improves the game's textures to 4K resolution while also offering a 2K alternative for better performance on the original engine. The mod highlights limitations of the original models but allows for collaborative enhancements. The original mod creator has retired, leaving future updates to the community. The Fallout New Vegas 4K remaster mod is available on Nexus Mods.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Google’s new Windows desktop app brings a Spotlight-like search bar to PC

Google is piloting a search application for Windows users that allows seamless searching of local files, Google Drive content, and the web using the Alt + Space shortcut. The app requires users to sign in for a personalized experience and integrates Google Lens for image selection and text translation. It offers various result toggles, including AI Mode, Images, Shopping, and Videos, and features customizable dark and light modes. The app places a search bar on the desktop that can be resized and minimized with the shortcut. It is currently available in English for users in the United States with Windows 10 or later. Users can activate the experiment in Google’s Search Labs.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

Clash Royale codes September 2025

Clash Royale has introduced redeemable codes that allow players to acquire premium content for free. To unlock these rewards, players must create a Supercell account. Currently active codes include "BLOWTHEMAWAY" for the Dragon emote and "ANGRYFURNACE" for the Angry Furnace emote. Expired codes are "FIREFIREFIRE," "SHARETHEGOLD," and "ONEMAGICGIFT." To redeem codes, players should search for 'Supercell Store,' select Clash Royale, log in with their Supercell ID, enter a valid code, and submit it. Rewards appear instantly in-game or upon the next login. New codes are released periodically through the game's social media channels. The last code was shared on September 11, 2025.