enthusiasts Archives

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

GTA 6 Next-Gen Rival Coming From Rockstar’s Own Backyard

Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release on 19 November, with marketing efforts and a potential third trailer expected soon. The game will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and its price is anticipated to be around or more than . A mod called NaturalVision Enhanced has significantly upgraded the visuals of GTA V on PC, making it resemble GTA VI, and is available for free download, requiring a PC copy of GTA V. The mod includes enhancements to various shaders and weather effects, revitalizing the game’s aesthetic.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Subnautica 2 now has a firm early access launch date, and it’s really soon

Subnautica 2 is set to launch into early access on May 14. The game's development has faced turmoil between studio Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton, including a leadership change at Unknown Worlds and a delay of the early access release to 2026. Krafton previously suggested that releasing the game in 2025 could cause "irreversible harm to the entire franchise," a statement that was later retracted. Subnautica 2 is currently the most wishlisted game on Steam.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 30/04/2026

The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles from April 23, 2026, at 4 PM BST until April 30, 2026: Firestone - Idle Clicker Online RPG and Odsparks: An Automation Adventure. Firestone – Idle Clicker Online RPG is developed by Holyday Studios and allows players to collect heroes, enhance their gear and skills, engage in AFK battles, and participate in PVP encounters. Odsparks: An Automation Adventure, published by HandyGames and developed by Massive Miniteam, combines Automation with Real-Time Strategy, appealing to both experienced players and newcomers.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

PC Builder Proves You Can Game Without Touching the Usual Trio of Intel, NVIDIA and AMD

A gaming PC was built using components from lesser-known manufacturers instead of the typical Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD. The key components include a KaiXian KX-7000 processor from Zhaoxin with 8 cores, 8 threads, and a maximum clock speed of 3.6 GHz, paired with a Moore Threads MTT S80 graphics card featuring 16GB of GDDR6 memory and a clock speed of 1.8 GHz. The system booted into Windows 11 after resolving initial memory issues, utilizing a single 16GB Samsung workstation stick. The total investment in the CPU and motherboard was around 0. Performance benchmarks included a Geekbench single-core score of 789 and a multi-core score of 3,344, a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 570 and a multi-core score of 4,432, and 3DMark scores of 3,682 for graphics and 3,625 for the CPU.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows Weekly 981: Semi-Sophisticated

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed developments in the Windows Insider Program, Snapdragon X2 gaming, artificial intelligence, and Xbox. Two changes in the Insider Program were noted. Microsoft has open-sourced early MS-DOS source code. Intel reported a .7 billion loss, which Paul attributes to 'collusion.' Microsoft and OpenAI are revising their partnership, with Microsoft 365 Copilot gaining enhanced AI features in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and GitHub Copilot moving to a usage-based billing model starting June 1. OpenAI is reportedly entering the mobile phone market, while Adobe's Firefly AI Assistant is in preview, and Anthropic is increasing its creator space involvement. Microsoft Gaming has rebranded to Xbox, with new leadership focused on future plans, including a mobile game store pending changes in Apple's policies. Valve will release its Steam Controller next week. A listener inquired about purchasing Windows 11 on Arm for Mac virtualization, leading to suggestions for cost-saving options. PowerToys 0.99 introduces new utilities and improvements. This week’s episode of RunAs Radio compares M365 Copilot and Claude Cowork. Reifel Rye is recommended as the brown liquor of the week.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Xbox Mode Begins Rolling Out to Players on Windows 11 PCs Today

The rollout of Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs begins today in select markets, providing a console-inspired gaming experience for laptops, desktops, and tablets. This mode features a controller-optimized, full-screen interface that allows easy access to games and minimizes distractions. Players in select regions can download Xbox mode today, with plans for broader availability in the coming weeks. Xbox mode enables users to browse and launch games, switch between Xbox mode and the Windows desktop, and access a comprehensive game library, including Xbox Game Pass titles. Feedback from players has influenced the development of Xbox mode, which aims to create a consistent Xbox experience across devices. To access Xbox mode, users must ensure their Windows 11 PC is set to receive the latest updates.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users regarding its user experience and strict hardware requirements. Many users feel the OS is overloaded with features, including unwanted AI elements and pre-installed applications. In response, a customization community has emerged, with developers like Raditya Aryaputra proposing alternative designs, such as a "Refined" version of Windows 11 that focuses on a streamlined experience. Aryaputra's concept includes a compact Start menu without ads, a revamped Windows Search, and a simplified Widget panel. Microsoft is reportedly planning to reintroduce the movable and resizable project feature in its Windows K2 initiative, set for 2026. User options are limited as mainstream support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, although an Extended Security Updates program is available temporarily. Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu based on user feedback and is actively seeking input through Windows Insider meetups. Additionally, Microsoft has streamlined its AI strategy within Windows 11, removing Copilot from certain applications. A status tracker is available for users to follow changes related to the Windows K2 initiative.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

LofyStealer Targets Minecraft Players via Node.js Loader and Browser Injection

Minecraft players are being targeted by a deceptive hacking tool called “Slinky,” which is actually an infostealer known as LofyStealer linked to the Brazilian cybercrime group LofyGang. The malware uses a Node.js-based loader and a C++ payload to extract sensitive browser data, disguising itself as a Minecraft hack. It primarily targets younger players who may unknowingly execute it. The malware operates through a two-stage architecture, with a 53.5 MB loader binary that injects a smaller 1.4 MB payload into browser processes, bypassing detection methods. It collects sensitive information such as cookies, passwords, and credit card details, compressing and encoding the data for exfiltration. The command-and-control (C2) infrastructure is hosted in Brazil, and the malware's design reflects advanced compilation techniques. The campaign is attributed to LofyGang, which has evolved into a more professional entity, posing severe risks to players who download cheats and cracked tools. Indicators of compromise include a specific C2 IP address and associated endpoints.

Winsage

April 30, 2026

Microsoft should steal concepts from this Windows redesign project: Envisioning an ad‑free Windows 11 without AI clutter

Windows 11 has faced criticism from users regarding its hardware requirements and perceived overload of features. A customization community has emerged, with developers like Raditya Aryaputra proposing a "Refined" version of Windows 11 that focuses on essential features and a cleaner interface. This concept includes a compact Start menu without ads or forced recommendations and a more intuitive Windows Search. Microsoft is planning enhancements for Windows 11, internally referred to as Windows K2, set for a 2026 release, which may incorporate user feedback and ideas from Aryaputra's project. Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu but received feedback that it is too large and lacks customization. The company is reintroducing Windows Insider meetups for user feedback and reassessing its AI strategy within Windows 11. Mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pushing users towards Windows 11.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Subnautica 2 early access launch date finally confirmed, and it’s just weeks away

Subnautica 2 is set to enter early access on May 14, 2026. The development faced significant challenges due to legal disputes between publisher Krafton and developer Unknown Worlds, including the dismissal of CEO Ted Gill and other senior developers. A judge ruled in favor of reinstating Gill and extended the deadline for a sales target bonus. A newly released cinematic teaser showcases divers exploring the ocean, encountering threats, and features a revamped Seamoth.