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Google just gave us our first look at what Samsung XR headset apps might look like
AppWizard
December 28, 2024

Google just gave us our first look at what Samsung XR headset apps might look like

Samsung's XR headset, known as Project Moohan, will debut within the next year and is powered by the Snapdragon XR Plus Gen 2 chip. The Android XR developer blog features a six-second video showing app windows layered over real-world environments. Android XR has two modes: Home Space, which allows multitasking with multiple app windows, and Full Space, which offers a single window experience against a virtual backdrop. Home Space is the default view, with a toggle to switch between modes. Samsung's app windows are expected to reflect the aesthetic of One UI. Android XR will support various input methods, including hand and eye tracking, voice commands, keyboard and mouse, and dedicated controllers. CES 2025, starting January 7, will provide more information about the headset's features and capabilities.
Windows 11's Camera Just Got Smarter: Check Out the Latest Additions
Winsage
December 28, 2024

Windows 11’s Camera Just Got Smarter: Check Out the Latest Additions

Microsoft has introduced new camera features for Windows 11 that enhance video quality and user experience. Users can now adjust camera brightness, contrast, resolution, and frame rate, allowing for better visibility in various lighting conditions and catering to different bandwidth needs. Additionally, users can utilize their camera in multiple applications simultaneously, enabling multitasking during video calls. However, these features may not be available on all devices immediately, as some older camera models may not support them, and the rollout will occur gradually. Users interested in trying these features early can join the Windows Insider Program and download version 26120.2702.
What a Minecraft Game Made in Unreal Engine 5 Could Look Like
AppWizard
December 28, 2024

What a Minecraft Game Made in Unreal Engine 5 Could Look Like

Digital Dreams has reimagined Minecraft using Unreal Engine 5, resulting in impressive visuals that surpass those of a movie featuring Jack Black and Jason Momoa. The hardware requirements for this version include a Gigabyte Aorus X670 AX motherboard, AMD Ryzen 9 7950x processor, Kingston Fury 6000MHz RAM, NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics card, and Samsung 970 EVO SSD. LEGO has released The Crafting Table building set to celebrate Minecraft's 15th anniversary, designed for adult fans. This set features 12 biomes, including Deep Dark and Lush Cave, and includes five mini builds and eight micro figures, such as Steve and Creeper.
Best PC Game of 2024 — Best New PC Games This Year
AppWizard
December 27, 2024

Best PC Game of 2024 — Best New PC Games This Year

PC gaming in 2024 featured a variety of innovative titles, with Hades 2 winning the Best PC Game of 2024. Hades 2, which entered early access in May, follows Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, as she attempts to thwart Chronos, the Titan of Time. The game introduces new mechanics, including a Magick Bar and a sprint ability, and offers multiple exploration paths. It can be completed in under 20 hours, but completionists may invest nearly 60 hours. Other notable nominations for Best PC Games of 2024 include: - I Am Your Beast: Released in September, this fast-paced action game features 25 levels designed for quick play sessions, appealing to speedrunners. - UFO 50: A collection of 50 distinct games that pays homage to retro console games, showcasing a variety of genres. - Frostpunk 2: A city-builder set three decades after the original, allowing players to manage complex societal issues and construct larger cities. It won the Best Gameplay award at the Gamescom Awards 2024.
Microsoft warns Windows 11 install media bug blocks future security updates
Winsage
December 27, 2024

Microsoft warns Windows 11 install media bug blocks future security updates

Microsoft has issued a caution regarding the installation of Windows 11 version 24H2 using physical media, specifically if the media contains security updates from October 8 to November 12, 2024. In such cases, the operating system may not accept future security updates. This issue does not affect systems receiving updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, nor does it impact installations using the December 2024 security update. Microsoft recommends creating new installation media that includes the December 2024 security update to ensure future updates can be received. Users who have already installed version 24H2 with the October or November updates should apply the December 2024 security update to restore their system's ability to accept future updates. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution to this issue. Users have also reported challenges with the Disk Cleanup tool and speaker volume spikes since the launch of version 24H2. Maintaining an updated version of Windows 11 is essential for security, stability, and performance, as updates address vulnerabilities and fix bugs.
Sophos report reveals growing misuse of trusted Windows tools
Winsage
December 27, 2024

Sophos report reveals growing misuse of trusted Windows tools

Sophos has reported a 51% increase in the exploitation of "living off the land" binaries (LOLBins) since 2021, with an 83% rise over the past three years. In an analysis of nearly 200 incident response cases in the first half of 2024, 187 distinct Microsoft LOLBins were identified, with remote desktop protocol (RDP) being the most targeted, appearing in 89% of incidents. Compromised credentials are the leading cause of cyberattacks, responsible for 39% of incidents, despite a decrease from 56% in 2023. The LockBit ransomware group remains the most prevalent threat, accounting for 21% of infections. Additionally, 21% of compromised Active Directory servers were found to be operating beyond Microsoft’s mainstream support, making them more vulnerable. Sophos emphasizes the importance of proactive monitoring and regular system updates to mitigate these risks.
Mythbusters: Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm
Winsage
December 27, 2024

Mythbusters: Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm

Advantech's infographic addresses myths about Microsoft Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, distinguishing it from Windows Home or Professional editions. Myths about the operating system include: 1. Windows on Arm consumes significant power and resources, leading to poor performance. 2. The image size of Windows on Arm is greater than or equal to that of Windows on x86. 3. Desktop mode is unavailable on Windows on Arm. 4. Windows on Arm is a stripped-down version of Windows. 5. Arm architecture may face limitations with complex tasks. 6. All Windows devices are power-hungry, and switching to Arm offers no improvement. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC typically occupies about 6GB of storage, with a minimum requirement of 16GB. - Desktop mode is available on Windows on Arm. - Windows on Arm retains core functionalities, though some hardware drivers may have compatibility issues. - Arm processors are generally more efficient than x86 counterparts. Myths regarding applications and workload include: 7. Windows on Arm exclusively supports Arm64 applications. 8. Multimedia applications perform poorly on Windows on Arm devices. 9. Windows Copilot can be extended to all versions of Windows running on Arm. Key facts include: - An emulation system allows x86 applications to run on Arm hardware. - Multimedia performance depends on hardware acceleration, which is supported by major SoC manufacturers. - Cloud-based services like Windows Copilot operate effectively on Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, but on-device Copilot+ requires specific hardware capabilities. Myths about licensing and development include: 10. The Windows license fee for x86 is expensive, and the fee for Windows on Arm is similarly high. 11. Windows on Arm has limited support for certain Windows frameworks. 12. Development and debugging on Windows for Arm architecture present challenges requiring extended transition periods. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC is priced between 0 and 0, offering a decade of security updates. - Transitioning from x86 to Arm for application development is streamlined, with common programming languages and frameworks remaining compatible. Tools like Visual Studio facilitate the development process.
Best PC Games Graphics of 2024
AppWizard
December 26, 2024

Best PC Games Graphics of 2024

- Empire of the Ants, developed by Tower Five using Unreal Engine 5, showcases innovative technology like Lumen and Nanite, delivering a visually stunning experience without stutters. - Dragon Age: The Veilguard features a unique art style and striking visuals powered by the Frostbite Engine, despite not meeting long-time fans' expectations. - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, despite its troubled development and some graphical glitches, is visually captivating, especially with HDR, and modding communities have helped enhance its environments. - Horizon: Forbidden West translates beautifully to PC, offering impressive visuals without ray tracing effects, and is considered superior to titles like God of War: Ragnarok. - Final Fantasy 16 shines on PC with gorgeous environments and character designs, and the absence of major pop-ins enhances the immersive experience. - Tekken 8 is noted as the most visually impressive 3D fighting game, with meticulously crafted character models and stage designs that run smoothly on various PC configurations. - Black Myth: Wukong utilizes path tracing technology for a visually rich experience, though it has some limitations in environmental design. - The Silent Hill 2 Remake features expansive environments and exceptional use of Lumen and Nanite, showcasing impressive 3D models and an elevated horror art style. - Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, utilizing Unreal Engine 5, presents some of the most realistic 3D characters and environments, with high-quality textures and particle effects. - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is recognized as the best-looking PC title of 2024, featuring path tracing effects that enhance lighting and detail, despite minor texture issues.
Hands on: Microsoft made it easier to run AI models on Windows 11 locally
Winsage
December 26, 2024

Hands on: Microsoft made it easier to run AI models on Windows 11 locally

Copilot+ PCs are the first personal computers to run Small Language Models (SLM) directly on-device, allowing for quicker interactions without relying on the cloud. Microsoft has introduced the AI Dev Gallery, which offers over 25 samples for developers to integrate on-device AI features into applications on Windows 10 and 11. The gallery requires building the project in Visual Studio, needing at least 20GB of storage and a multi-core CPU. A GPU with 8GB VRAM is recommended for heavier models but not mandatory for lighter applications. The app has two operational modes: Sample and Models. Testing models for image generation typically requires around 5GB of bandwidth, while a smaller image upscaling model under 100MB was successfully tested, completing the process in under 30 seconds with peak RAM usage of 1GB. The resulting image resolution was 9272x4900, but clarity issues were noted, especially with text. The application lacks features for previewing images in larger formats or downloading outputs directly. A model named Detect Human Pose was able to identify positions within images, including desktop screenshots. Substantial storage and robust CPUs are necessary for effective model accommodation, and the practicality of downloading large models for niche use cases is questioned.
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