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Enhancing Accessibility

The Xbox app is now available on Arm-based Windows PCs
Winsage
January 21, 2026

The Xbox app is now available on Arm-based Windows PCs

Microsoft has launched its Xbox app for Windows 11 PCs with Arm chips, specifically those using the Snapdragon X processor. Over 85% of games on Microsoft’s Game Pass are now compatible with Arm architecture. The app allows for native game execution on devices, moving beyond previous limitations of cloud streaming. Microsoft has improved its emulator, Prism, to support AVX and AVX2 instructions. Additionally, a new feature called Game Save Sync integrates save data across PC and handheld devices. Microsoft plans to expand the Xbox app to select Hisense and V HomeOS-powered smart TVs in 2026. Xbox Game Pass offers various subscription tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, with the Ultimate Tier providing access to both Xbox and PC Game Pass games, including day-one releases for first-party titles.
Hytale controller support explained
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Hytale controller support explained

Hytale currently does not support controllers in its existing build, as confirmed by Simon Collins-Laflamme, the founder of Hypixel Studios. Controller support is a priority on their roadmap, aimed at enhancing accessibility for gameplay on devices like the Steam Deck. Kevin 'Slikey' Carstens, the technical director, advised players to wait for official controller support before making a purchase. The current version of Hytale is based on an older build, with future updates promising cross-platform play and controller support. Players can use a controller by following a setup process through Steam, which involves adding the Hytale Launcher as a non-Steam game and adjusting controller settings, although navigating menus and crafting may be challenging without a mouse.
System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Edition is the absolute gold standard of remasters
AppWizard
December 25, 2025

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Edition is the absolute gold standard of remasters

The PC Gamer team highlighted System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Edition as a standout remaster in 2025. Nightdive Studios approached the remaster by removing outdated elements instead of adding modern graphics enhancements, allowing players to experience the game as originally intended. The remaster incorporates community-driven improvements from popular modding projects, honoring the game's legacy and maintaining its core elements. The experience retains the sense of dread and discovery, appealing to both new players and veterans. Nightdive's focus on preserving the original spirit while enhancing accessibility reflects their respect for the source material.
Google preps a fix for what's probably the Phone app's most annoying trait
AppWizard
December 19, 2025

Google preps a fix for what’s probably the Phone app’s most annoying trait

Google is testing a significant update for its Phone app on Android devices, which includes a new "Controls" toggle in Display settings to maintain portrait mode during calls. This feature addresses user complaints about the app's inconsistent adherence to auto-rotation preferences. The beta also introduces an option to mark calls as "urgent" and refreshes the user interface by removing the Favorites tab and consolidating frequently contacted individuals into a horizontal row in the "Recents" section. Additionally, the dedicated "Frequents" list has been removed, encouraging users to actively favorite their most-called contacts. Another feature, "Expressive Calling," allows users to select a "call reason" when dialing, enhancing communication awareness.
2025 – A year in recap
Winsage
December 3, 2025

2025 – A year in recap

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Windows Accessibility team emphasizes their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us.” They collaborate with advisory boards from the disability community to enhance product features. Fluid Dictation on Windows allows users to dictate text seamlessly, correcting grammar and punctuation in real time, and operates offline on Copilot+ PCs. Voice Access has been improved to accommodate diverse communication styles, with features like adjustable wait time, a custom word dictionary, flexible command recognition, enhanced speech pattern recognition, and support for Chinese and Japanese. Narrator and Magnifier now feature human-like voices developed with Azure AI, enhancing the user experience with natural conversation nuances. Recent updates to Narrator in Microsoft Word improve navigation and text drafting, with clearer announcements and concise feedback on spelling and grammar. Additional enhancements include a Screen Curtain for privacy, richer image descriptions, and tools for speech recap and live transcription. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to guide further development, and technical assistance is available through the Disability Answer Desk.
Just Cause 3 Unlimited Edition Is the Definitive Way to Play the Game on PC
AppWizard
December 3, 2025

Just Cause 3 Unlimited Edition Is the Definitive Way to Play the Game on PC

Modder 'Luke JC' has released the Just Cause 3 Unlimited Edition mod, which includes significant gameplay enhancements such as a 50% increase in grapple range, longer auto-align time for the wingsuit camera, a new spawn menu, reintroduced police mechanics, and Bavarium wingsuit rockets functioning like those in Just Cause 4. Rico's movement has improved, eliminating accidental grapple firing midair, allowing better vehicle balance, and enhancing wingsuit speed and control. All main characters can now appear outside missions, and the game world has expanded with Black Hand vehicles and accessible mission-exclusive areas during free roam. Visual enhancements include smoother location transitions, better-rendered trees, and improved performance by increasing the game’s model budget. The mod adds over 200 tweaks, 60 new vehicles, and 25 new weapons, making it a comprehensive update for Just Cause 3. The mod is available for download.
Microsoft prevents crash screens from staying visible on signage
Winsage
November 23, 2025

Microsoft prevents crash screens from staying visible on signage

Microsoft has introduced a Digital Signage mode in Windows 11 that automatically suppresses system error screens, including the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), after a fifteen-second display period. This feature aims to enhance user experience on public displays and is particularly useful for IT managers using Intune for device management. Additionally, Microsoft is previewing advanced text-generation tools for applications, including automated email summarization in Outlook and alternative text generation for images in Word, to improve productivity and accessibility.
Search Live in the Google app could soon let you stop cutting it off mid-conversation
AppWizard
October 29, 2025

Search Live in the Google app could soon let you stop cutting it off mid-conversation

In the latest beta version of the Google app (16.43.60.sa.arm64), several new features are being tested to improve user interaction with AI functionalities. 1. A new “Interrupt Live responses” toggle is being considered for Search Live settings, allowing users to control whether their interjections pause the AI's responses. 2. Live captions can be displayed at the bottom of the screen while Search Live is active, enhancing accessibility. 3. AI Mode may become a separate option in the main search bar, with a plus button (+) allowing users to attach images and activate AI Mode before searching. 4. Gemini’s image markup tools are being refined, including a new tooltip to guide users on how to sketch on images for AI transformation, and a new Text option in the markup toolbar that is still under development.
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