enthusiasts Archives

BetaBeacon

October 21, 2026

Hades II ported to Android – fan port released based on macOS version

- Enthusiasts in the gaming community have released an unofficial Android port of Hades II based on the macOS version. - The Android port supports touch controls and external gamepads, showing decent performance even on less powerful devices. - Users have reported positive feedback on performance, with some achieving 30-50 frames per second on budget devices. - Some players have encountered issues such as black screens and control problems, but developers are actively working to address these. - The latest update, version 1.1-beta, has resolved some issues and optimized the game for a variety of hardware configurations. - Players need to have their own files from the macOS version of the game to play the Android port.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 Brings 21 Fixes to Pixel Phones

Google has released Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2, addressing 21 issues, including eight significant crash-and-reboot bugs. The update is available for various Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6a to Pixel 11 series, the Pixel Tablet, and the Pixel Fold. Notable fixes include resolving crashes during usage, unexpected shutdowns during WhatsApp video calls, and connectivity issues with cellular data, MMS, and hotspot services. Interface adjustments include corrections to the Internet tile in Quick Settings and the alignment of a pin icon in the share sheet. A new lock-screen setting requires users to unlock their device before changing Quick Settings tiles for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode, or mobile data. The stable version is anticipated in March 2027.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Windows 98 SE users get a Thunderbolt 4 driver, thanks to AI assistance — vibe-coded xHCI98 driver works in Microsoft OSes up to Windows 7

Windows 98 SE now has experimental support for USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4 through the xHCI98 v3.0.0.0 driver developed by Yeo Kheng Meng. This driver enables the use of generic USB 3.x, USB4, and Thunderbolt host controllers on legacy operating systems like Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, and 7. It allows connections for USB storage devices, replaces native USB drivers, and supports USB 1.1, 2.0, SuperSpeed devices, UAS storage, and Thunderbolt docks and NVMe enclosures. Meng utilized AI tools for development and primarily tested the driver on Intel hardware, while advising users to be cautious of potential bugs. He also provides guidance on hardware compatibility, installation methods, and updates.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Microsoft To Block ReFS-Formatted USB Drives And External Storage On Windows Starting January 2027

Starting in January 2027, Windows will block ReFS-formatted USB drives and external storage devices by default as part of a security initiative. This change will affect Windows 11, supported Windows 10 installations, and Windows Server. The rollout will occur in two phases: 1. On October 13, 2026, an initial security update will introduce auditing for affected ReFS volumes, allowing them to mount but recording them in the Event Viewer. 2. In January 2027, Windows will prevent affected ReFS volumes from mounting unless overridden by an administrator. This change will not erase the contents of affected drives, but users may lose access to their files. Microsoft has stated that this move aims to reduce exposure associated with unsupported storage configurations. Most users are unlikely to notice immediate effects, as common USB drives use FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, which are not subject to this restriction. Users with ReFS-formatted external storage should consider transferring their files to a supported format before the deadline. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a registry and Group Policy setting, RefsRemovableDeviceMountPolicy, to allow for configurable restrictions.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, The Séance of Blake Manor, and More

- Sandustry (Game Preview) (PC) – October 21: Available with Game Pass Premium, Ultimate, and PC Game Pass. - Dodo Duckie (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 22: Accessible through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. - Scramble Knights Online (Game Preview) (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 26: Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass. - The Séance of Blake Manor (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 27: Included in Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. - Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 29: Part of Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. - Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted (Cloud, Console, and PC) – October 29: Available for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. - Terrible Lizards (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – October 29: Launching on day one with XBOX Game Pass. - Pit of Goblin (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – November 3: Included in Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. - The Elder Scrolls Online: Season 2 Update: Echoes of Skyrim – October 21: Includes new solo dungeons and gameplay enhancements. - The Finals: Welcome Pack – Available Now: Accessible to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential, and PC Game Pass subscribers. - World of Tanks Modern Armor: XP Stock – November 3: Available for Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential, and PC Game Pass. - Leaving October 31: Day of the Tentacle Remastered, Dead Static Drive, Deep Rock Galactic, Full Throttle Remastered, Grim Fandango Remastered, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Wartales, Wildgate. - Leaving November 10: Football Manager 26 (PC) and Football Manager 26 – Console Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC).

Winsage

October 20, 2026

How to optimize your Windows PC for excellent performance

Personal computers have improved in speed and performance due to advancements in hardware and software, but performance can still vary based on configurations and usage. The latest version of Windows may experience occasional lags even with high-end hardware. To optimize Windows PCs, users should ensure they have the latest updates installed, as these enhance performance and security. Regularly updating drivers and applications is also important. Freeing up disk space is crucial for optimal performance, as a cluttered hard drive can slow down the system. Users should monitor their disk space and delete unnecessary files. Malware can hinder performance, so running antivirus scans is essential if issues arise. Adjusting power settings to "Best Performance" can improve speed, particularly when the device is plugged in. Pausing OneDrive syncing can alleviate resource consumption during uploads. Upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly enhance performance, as SSDs offer faster boot times and application loading. Increasing RAM capacity allows for better handling of simultaneous processes. Disabling unnecessary startup programs can free up system resources, and adjusting Windows appearance settings can conserve RAM. Uninstalling unused applications can also improve performance. For gamers, enabling Game Mode prioritizes system resources for gaming. Regularly restarting the PC helps maintain optimal performance by closing background processes and refreshing memory.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

ReactOS reaches major milestone with NTFS install support

ReactOS has integrated the ability to install directly onto an NT File System (NTFS) drive partition, marking a significant advancement as it moves closer to its beta release. Previously, users had to maintain a FAT32 partition for installations. The ReactOS team aims for binary compatibility with Windows Server 2003, making NTFS support a crucial milestone. However, the new driver currently lacks essential features like caching, journaling, and robust security support, which could affect performance and security. Users are advised to be cautious and aware of potential bugs as they explore this new functionality.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Monday’s Android app deals and freebies: Troll Parkour, Good Snowman, Harvest Moon, more

Today's Google Play app and game deals include titles such as Troll Parkour, A Good Snowman, Dream Breach Survivor, and several Harvest Moon entries: Skytree Village, Home Sweet Home, and The Lost Valley. Discounts on devices include up to 0 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and over 0 off the Galaxy Tab S12 with eligible trades, along with a complimentary Amazon credit.

Winsage

October 19, 2026

It’s not Windows 12, but Microsoft just shared these wallpapers celebrating 12 years of Windows Insiders

Microsoft celebrated the 12th anniversary of the Windows Insider Program by releasing a collection of special wallpapers inspired by the Windows Bloom wallpaper from Windows 11. The wallpapers come in various colors, including blue, white, green, orange, and purple, with dark-theme options available. Insiders received a download link and an email from Microsoft containing these wallpapers. Microsoft expressed gratitude to Insiders with a message and noted that the program had been refreshed earlier this year, leading to an increase in the frequency of Insider builds. Additionally, Windows Insider meetups were reintroduced, with events held in cities like Seattle, New York City, Hyderabad, Taipei, San Francisco, and London. Microsoft has also improved the Xbox platform based on community feedback, highlighting the importance of maintaining engagement with Insiders for the benefit of all Windows users.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

No soundtrack does it like Hades 2

Darren Korb composed the soundtrack for Hades 2, which enhances gameplay and lingers after playing. Key tracks include "Edge of Erebus," "Spider Silk," and "The Song of Sirens," showcasing a blend of mythological themes and modern rock. The soundtrack features songs like "Coral Crown" and "I Am Gonna Claw (Out Your Eyes then Drown You to Death)," which weave a narrative and include humor. "The Titan of Time" is notable for its use of a ticking clock as percussion, while "The Sightless Shepherd" includes a saxophone solo and has sparked community discussions. "Olympus Aflame" captures the chaos of a boss fight with orchestral elements. Korb's work in Hades 2 is considered a high point in his discography, with the soundtrack remaining impactful even after completing the game.