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Your joys will always be someone else's junk
AppWizard
April 6, 2026

Your joys will always be someone else’s junk

Crimson Desert has sold over 4 million copies in two weeks and has a Very Positive rating on Steam, despite mixed player reactions. Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation 2, launched on Steam in 2023, is a free-to-play mecha shooter that has received negative reviews due to monetization and networking issues, yet the author enjoys it for its mechanical satisfaction and representation of Gundam's universe. The author has rekindled interest in Gundam and finds GBO 2's combat mechanics compelling, despite its shortcomings. Engaging with a game considered subpar has helped the author clarify personal gaming preferences and appreciate design elements that resonate with their interests.
Windows asks a networking question on a Stratford billboard
Winsage
April 6, 2026

Windows asks a networking question on a Stratford billboard

A network notification reading "Do you want to allow your PC to be discoverable…?" appeared on a billboard outside London's Stratford station, drawing attention from passersby and tech enthusiasts. This incident was noted by a reader of The Register and highlights the unpredictable nature of technology. Stratford station, established in the early 19th century, features modern amenities and is near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a legacy of the 2012 Summer Olympics. The display serves as a reminder of the user interface changes introduced with Windows 8, which was released in 2012.
Thank goodness Magic: The Gathering isn't doing a Harry Potter crossover set
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

Thank goodness Magic: The Gathering isn’t doing a Harry Potter crossover set

Five years after the debut of Strixhaven: School of Mages, a sequel set titled Secrets of Strixhaven is being released. This sequel revisits the characters and faculty of Strixhaven following a multiversal conflict. Secrets of Strixhaven will be available on Arena starting April 21 and in tabletop versions on April 24.
In 2007, two game music GOATs collaborated on the criminally underrated soundtrack to a similarly underrated D&D RPG
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

In 2007, two game music GOATs collaborated on the criminally underrated soundtrack to a similarly underrated D&D RPG

Critical Hit, formerly Soundtrack Sunday, explores video game music and audio design, highlighting titles like Neverwinter Nights, which has a dedicated fanbase. The first expansion of Neverwinter Nights 2, Mask of the Betrayer, is noted for its mature narrative and impactful music, which plays a significant role in the game's atmosphere. Brandon, the audio director at Obsidian during the late 2000s, discussed the development of Mask of the Betrayer and its soundtrack, which he collaborated on with Womb Music's Rik Schaffer and Margaret Tang. The main theme of Mask of the Betrayer is described as mysterious and epic, with a darker reinterpretation for the DLC. The theme for Mulsantir captures the city's duality, blending inviting and sinister elements. Brandon aimed to encapsulate the medieval sound of Dungeons & Dragons, resulting in a soundtrack that enhances gameplay and leaves a lasting impression on players.
New Copilot for Windows 11 includes a full Microsoft Edge package, uses more RAM
Winsage
April 5, 2026

New Copilot for Windows 11 includes a full Microsoft Edge package, uses more RAM

A new iteration of Copilot is being released for Windows 11, transitioning from native code (WinUI) to web components and including a full version of Microsoft Edge. The update replaces the previous native app and is available for download through the Microsoft Store, which now requires an installer similar to the Microsoft Edge installer. The new Copilot resembles the web version and has higher RAM usage, consuming up to 500MB in the background and nearly 1GB during use, compared to less than 100MB for the previous version. The new Copilot is a hybrid web application that operates with a rebranded instance of Edge within a WebView2 container, including a complete Microsoft Edge installation that occupies approximately 850 MB. It contains the msedge.dll file, confirming the presence of a full Chromium browser engine, and includes Edge subsystems like Browser Helper Objects and Trust Protection Lists. The Copilot app functions as a web app rendered via WebView2, raising questions about the necessity of such applications on Windows 11 given the existing alternatives.
RIP Samsung Messages: End-of-life date officially announced
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

RIP Samsung Messages: End-of-life date officially announced

Samsung will phase out the Samsung Messages app by July 2026, encouraging users to transition to Google Messages for a more consistent messaging experience across Android devices. Samsung previously announced in July 2024 that Google Messages would become the default messaging app for Galaxy smartphones. The upcoming Galaxy S26 series will feature Google Messages exclusively, without Samsung Messages. Devices running Android 11 or older will still support Samsung Messages. Users are advised to check their app for specific shutdown details, which may vary by region.
I replaced File Explorer with two apps for a week, and I'm not going back
Winsage
April 5, 2026

I replaced File Explorer with two apps for a week, and I’m not going back

Windows users have historically faced limitations in file management options, but the landscape has changed with the introduction of various alternatives. Microsoft has improved File Explorer in Windows 11, adding features like tabs and a streamlined interface. However, over 60% of global desktop users still experience issues such as slow folder loads and inconsistent menus. This has led some users to seek alternatives. Files is an alternative file manager that integrates well with Windows 11, featuring a clean design and core tab functionality that enhances usability. It allows for quicker navigation and improved organization, making everyday tasks smoother. OneCommander offers a dual-pane layout that changes how users manage files, making tasks like dragging files and comparing folders more efficient. Although it requires some adaptation, it is designed for users needing deep control over file management. After testing both, the user preferred Files for its seamless integration into their workflow, finding it more intuitive for quick tasks, while OneCommander is better suited for extensive file manipulation. The choice between the two depends on individual workflow preferences, with neither fully replacing File Explorer.
This Nightdive-remastered 3DO shooter shows why it took Halo to break PC gaming's FPS hegemony
AppWizard
April 4, 2026

This Nightdive-remastered 3DO shooter shows why it took Halo to break PC gaming’s FPS hegemony

In 1993, the 3DO Company released Escape from Monster Manor, a horror-themed FPS inspired by Wolfenstein 3D, which was overshadowed by the popularity of Doom. The 3DO Company later discovered a title in development called PO'ed. Nightdive Studios recently remastered PO'ed, making it available for PC gamers. The game features a chef protagonist on a spacecraft overrun by aliens, with a quirky arsenal including a frying pan and flamethrower. However, it suffers from uninspired environments, lack of in-game music, confusing level design, and imprecise controls. Despite its flaws, PO'ed is considered a notable artifact of early FPS gaming history.
Ubuntu 26.04 now needs more RAM than Windows 11, which says more about Microsoft than Canonical
Winsage
April 3, 2026

Ubuntu 26.04 now needs more RAM than Windows 11, which says more about Microsoft than Canonical

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, set to be released on April 23, has updated system requirements that include a 2 GHz dual-core processor, a minimum of 6GB of RAM, and 25GB of free disk space. This version will be supported until April 2031. In comparison, Windows 11 can run on a 1 GHz dual-core processor with just 4GB of RAM, but this may lead to poor performance. Ubuntu's specifications aim to provide a better user experience.
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