evolution Archives

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Owlcat co-founder says the studio won’t turn its back on hardcore RPGs as it hits 600 employees and preps its own Mass Effect killer

Owlcat Games, co-founded by Alexander Mishulin, has expanded its workforce to around 600 employees, allowing the studio to work on two projects simultaneously. The studio remains committed to the hardcore CRPG genre, with upcoming titles like The Expanse: Osiris Reborn and Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy. Owlcat's growth positions it competitively alongside other RPG developers, such as Larian Studios and Obsidian Entertainment. The studio was originally founded in Moscow and is now headquartered in Paphos, Cyprus.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Former Microsoft dev brings Windows Task Manager to Mac

Dave W. Plummer, the original developer of the Windows Task Manager, has launched a beta project called Task Manager OG (TMOG) as an alternative to macOS's Activity Monitor. TMOG is built from scratch using Swift and does not contain any code from Windows XP. Microsoft provided Plummer with the source code of the XP Task Manager, but TMOG is independent. Initially intended for distribution through the Mac App Store, TMOG will instead be available for direct download due to Apple's sandboxing restrictions and guidelines against terminating other applications. Plummer plans to develop a Windows version and potentially a Pro version in the future.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Baldur’s Gate 3 is the cheapest it’s ever been to celebrate its third anniversary

Baldur's Gate 3 has received a score of 97 from PC Gamer and has gained a large following due to its intricate storytelling and immersive gameplay. The game is currently available on Steam at a 30% discount. It features extensive moddability, allowing players to customize their experience in various ways. Additionally, it represents a significant evolution in the RPG genre, appealing to both fans of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition and newcomers to the genre.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Minecraft Survival Modded Part #2

Google is refining its YouTube sign-in procedures by implementing a passive sign-in feature that allows users to bypass traditional login hurdles, aiming to enhance user experience and increase engagement. This approach reflects a commitment to user satisfaction and prioritizes accessibility in the tech industry.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

How to craft & use Wooden Pickaxe | Fun Time & Exploring Different Materials in Minecraft Part 10

YouTube has introduced a passive sign-in feature aimed at enhancing user experience by allowing seamless access to personalized content without immediate authentication. This feature is designed to minimize interruptions and encourage user engagement while maintaining robust security protocols to protect user data. The development may also positively impact content creators and advertisers by increasing viewership and interaction, leading to greater monetization opportunities.

Winsage

August 1, 2026

Not sure whether to use Windows Hello or Enhanced Sign‑in Security? This breakdown makes the choice easy

Microsoft will introduce Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) in the August 2026 update for Windows 11, allowing support for compatible external fingerprint readers. ESS aims to enhance the security of the authentication process rather than improve the accuracy of biometric recognition. Unlike standard Windows Hello, which processes biometric authentication through the operating system, ESS utilizes Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 to isolate sensitive operations in a protected environment. ESS-compatible fingerprint readers have dedicated secure processors, store templates internally, and communicate with the operating system via encrypted channels. Users can enable ESS by navigating to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options on their devices. If a device does not support ESS, standard Windows Hello remains a robust authentication option.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

The great RPG debate: Do RPGs really need romanceable companions?

RPG developers have faced challenges in incorporating romance into video games, leading to a noticeable absence of romance in many titles. BioWare popularized romanceable companions with games like Baldur's Gate 2, influencing even non-RPG titles. While romance is not strictly necessary in RPGs, some games, like Baldur's Gate 3, integrate it into the narrative to enhance character development. However, the portrayal of characters as universally available for romance raises questions about authenticity. Other games, such as Fable, approach romance humorously, allowing multiple marriages without emotional depth. Harvey Randall argues that romance is vital for character development and exploring themes of intimacy and trust, suggesting it enriches RPG narratives.

Winsage

August 1, 2026

Windows Hello vs. Enhanced Sign‑in Security: Which sign‑in method actually keeps your Windows 11 PC safer, and what’s the difference?

Microsoft will introduce Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) in the August 2026 update for Windows 11, which will support compatible external fingerprint readers. ESS aims to strengthen the authentication process against potential attacks by shifting processing to isolated, hardware-protected environments using Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and TPM 2.0 technology. Unlike standard Windows Hello, which processes biometric authentication through the operating system, ESS-compatible devices perform more processing within the hardware itself, ensuring that only authentication results are sent to the OS. To enable ESS, users must navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and follow prompts to set up their fingerprint recognition. Existing non-ESS biometric enrollments will be removed during the upgrade to ensure security.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones

Google is updating its Gemini AI with a new interface that enhances user interaction on select Pixel and Galaxy smartphones, including the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The update features a blurred backdrop that separates the Gemini interface from the underlying screen, creating a more immersive experience. This redesign builds on previous updates, which included sleeker icons and Dynamic Color support, and allows for direct interactions within the overlay without needing to switch screens. The rollout is server-side controlled, meaning not all users will receive the update simultaneously, and there is currently no toggle to activate the new design.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

League of Legends Classic reminds us why we loved the old game and why we left it behind

Cecilia, a writer with over a decade of experience in League of Legends, reflects on her journey through the game and the nostalgia sparked by the introduction of League Classic, which incorporates beloved elements from the past. League Classic offers a tribute to the early game experience, featuring iconic draft music, classic champion models, and the return of runes and masteries. Edgar "MeDroiD" Medina, Senior Manager for League Classic in EMEA, stated that Classic is designed "to endure and evolve." Cecilia encourages players to try League Classic for its nostalgic appeal, though she questions its long-term viability due to some limitations in gameplay and champion abilities. She envisions playing Classic with friends but acknowledges it may not become her primary game mode.