enhancements Archives

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

13 years after it was first teased, and 2 months after committing to a 2025 release, Mewgenics is delayed into 2026

Mewgenics, an "endless cat breeding RPG," will now be released on February 10, 2026, instead of the originally planned 2025 launch. Creator Edmund McMillen cited strategic planning as the reason for the delay, aiming to avoid competition with holiday releases. The additional eight months will allow the team to complete significant development tasks, including the animation of the final boss, integration of hard path rewards and random generation items, creation of ten new cutscenes, commissioning of three new music tracks, implementation of alternative and shiny furniture, and the completion of a secret late-game system. McMillen plans to engage fans with live streams and previews starting in January.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Microsoft Issues New Prerelease 24H2 Builds to Dev and Beta Channels

A significant update for Windows 11 version 24H2 is available for participants in the Windows Insider Program’s Dev and Beta channels. The cumulative update KB5060824 is rolling out for the Dev channel, upgrading systems to build 26200.5641, while the Beta channel receives cumulative update KB5060820, upgrading to build 26120.4250. Key features of the update include: - A redesigned Start menu with in-place scrolling, two new views (Category and Grid), dynamic resizing for "Pinned" and "Recommended" sections, and improved customization options. - An optimized Phone companion pane that integrates with the Phone Link feature, featuring an expand/collapse button. - Customization options for the Lock screen, allowing users to select and order displayed widgets. - A new Screen Curtain feature in Narrator that blackens the display for privacy, along with a modernized onboarding experience. - Consolidation of all Windows Search settings into a single location within the Settings app under Privacy & security > Search. - Enhancements to the Windows Touch Keyboard, including a refined Gamepad layout, flyout menus, word suggestions, language switching, and a new PIN sign-in option for the Lock screen tailored for gaming controllers.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Google Docs on Android gets a powerful Gemini update for total convenience

Google is updating its Docs Workspace app on Android to integrate Gemini, allowing users to generate summaries and ask questions about their documents. This update is available for Google Workspace Business and Enterprise users, including Standard and Plus tiers, as well as Gemini Education and Education Premium subscribers. Features will be accessible to rapid release track users starting June 9 and to scheduled domain users from July 2. Additionally, Gemini's standalone app has introduced "Scheduled Actions" for Pro and Ultra subscribers, enabling automated tasks at specified times, such as delivering daily news roundups and sports scores. A new settings page for managing scheduled actions has also been added to the Gemini app.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Full-screen Xbox handheld UI is coming to all Windows PCs “starting next year”

Valve's Steam Deck and SteamOS primarily support Windows games compatible with the Proton compatibility layer and some native Linux titles. Microsoft and Asus have collaborated on the ROG Xbox Ally, which features a new Xbox-branded interface designed to improve compatibility for PC gamers while resembling SteamOS. This interface will debut on the ROG Xbox Ally and is planned for broader release on other handheld devices next year. Microsoft has been developing a handheld-optimized user interface for Windows since at least 2022, identified during an internal hackathon. The proposed "Windows Handheld Mode" includes a tile-based UI similar to the Xbox interface and aims to enhance touch screen usability. The ROG Xbox Ally's full-screen interface replaces the traditional Windows desktop, conserving RAM and optimizing energy consumption compared to standard Windows devices like the regular ROG Ally, which require additional software to function similarly to SteamOS.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Hands-On With the Xbox Ally X, the New Gaming Handheld from Asus and Microsoft

PC gaming handhelds, including the Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally, are designed for the Xbox platform through a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft. The Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, while the base Xbox Ally has a Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Both models have a 7.0-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and support VRR and FreeSync technology. The Xbox Ally X was tested with Gears of War: Reloaded at 1080p and 60 fps. The systems run a streamlined version of Windows with an optimized Xbox app that allows game imports from other platforms. The ergonomic design resembles a split Xbox controller, but its size may affect portability. Pricing details are not yet disclosed, but the Xbox Ally X is expected to be premium-priced.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft silently erases a key feature from Windows 7 as Windows 11 changes things up

Device Stage, a feature introduced with Windows 7 to streamline hardware compatibility and enhance user experience, has been deprecated as Windows 11 advances. Microsoft has removed all mentions of Device Stage from its support pages, indicating a shift away from legacy features. Originally announced in 2009, Device Stage provided a visual interface for device interactions and supported connections via USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, often eliminating the need for manual software installation. The updated support page now focuses on Windows 10 and 11 functionalities, marking the end of Device Stage's relevance.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

The First Xbox Handheld Has Been Revealed

Microsoft has announced its entry into the handheld gaming market with the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, developed in collaboration with Asus. The devices support native gaming and cloud streaming. Key features include a larger battery, ergonomic grips, a dedicated Xbox button, and an optimized operating system that reduces Windows 11's idle power consumption by about two-thirds, enhancing battery life and freeing up to 2GB of RAM for gaming performance. Exclusive Windows 11 features will initially be available only on these devices, with plans to extend them to standard ROG Allys by late 2025 and to other handheld gaming PCs in 2026. Specifications: - ROG Xbox Ally: AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD (upgradeable), 60Wh battery, 670g weight. - ROG Xbox Ally X: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 1080p 7” touchscreen, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD (upgradeable), 80Wh battery, 715g weight. Both devices can run Windows games from platforms like Xbox, Battle.net, GoG, Ubisoft Connect, and Steam. They are expected to launch during the Holiday season of 2025 in markets including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Rust’s recently added rainforest is so dense the developers changed how resources spawn because players couldn’t find them: ‘The jungle was a bit too good at being a jungle’

The latest update to Rust has introduced a new rainforest biome that features dense vegetation and presents unique gameplay challenges, including predators like crocodiles and tigers. Facepunch Studios has warned players about the dangers in the jungle, emphasizing the need for vigilance due to potential ambushes. Players have found resource gathering more difficult due to the jungle's density. This update is part of a series of enhancements, including real-time food cooking, craftable pies, bee grenades, and a primitive mode with pre-industrial tools.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft ‘Xbox PC’ branding surfaces in game dev publicity materials — Xbox App also sees big changes

Microsoft is working to unify its Windows and Xbox platforms, as indicated by the release of MIO: Memories In Orbit on both Steam and "Xbox PC." Gears of War: Reloaded will launch on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, and Steam this summer. The Xbox App has been enhanced to allow users to access Xbox console games directly on their PCs, suggesting a merger of Xbox and Windows stores. The Steam Deck, launched in 2022, has influenced the gaming market, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. Lenovo's Legion Go S operates on SteamOS and Windows 11, with initial reviews showing it may outperform Windows devices. Microsoft is reportedly developing a handheld console, Project Kennan, integrated with Xbox Game Pass, expected to debut in late 2025. The Xbox Series X|S has sold 33 million units, while the PlayStation 5 has sold over 75 million. Windows remains dominant in PC gaming, but the rise of SteamOS poses a competitive threat.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Leaf blowing simulation game Leaf Blower Co. announced for PC

Publisher Forklift Interactive and developer LifT Games are set to launch Leaf Blower Co., a leaf-blowing simulation game, on PC via Steam in 2025. A demo of the game is currently available. Players will engage in clearing leaves, building their business, acquiring tools, and unlocking upgrades. The game features a complete story mode, various seasonal challenges, optional bonus objectives, and a Free Play mode that allows customization of location, weather, and time of day.