exclusive content Archives

Winsage

January 13, 2026

Microsoft fixes 114 flaws in year’s first Windows 11 Patch Tuesday

Microsoft's January 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5074109, addresses 114 vulnerabilities, including a critical zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2026-20805) in the Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM) that has been actively exploited. The update is applicable to Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 and includes security enhancements and updates to AI components. Other high-severity vulnerabilities addressed include CVE-2026-20816 (privilege escalation in Windows Installer), CVE-2026-20817 (elevation of privilege in Windows Error Reporting), CVE-2026-20840 (vulnerability in Windows NTFS), CVE-2026-20843 (flaw in Routing and Remote Access Service), CVE-2026-20860 (vulnerability in Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock), and CVE-2026-20871 (another DWM vulnerability). The update removes legacy modem drivers to minimize the attack surface and resolves reliability issues in Azure Virtual Desktop and WSL networking. It also changes the default setting for Windows Deployment Services (WDS) to disable hands-free deployment. Users can install the update through Windows Update, and a system reboot is required for full application.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

Long-lost Windows 10 Andromeda firmware surfaces for first-gen Duo

The DuoWOA Project has released the Windows 10 Andromeda OS firmware and installation instructions for the first-generation Microsoft Surface Duo. This OS was originally designed for the device before Microsoft switched to Android. While users can now explore Andromeda OS, several functionalities, including sensors, cellular data, sleep mode, and brightness control, are not operational. Users may also experience elevated device temperatures while using Andromeda OS. The Surface Duo features two 5.6-inch AMOLED panels with a resolution of 1800×1350, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, 6GB of RAM, and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, along with a 3,577 mAh battery that supports 18W charging.

BetaBeacon

December 23, 2025

Ayaneo Pocket Vert plays Dreamcast, GameCube, and PS2 games in a Game Boy form factor

ETA Prime has announced a new partnership with a major electronics manufacturer to create exclusive content showcasing their latest products and providing in-depth reviews for their audience.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Minecraft rival Hytale skips Steam at launch to dodge negative reviews, and its developer says it “might never need” Valve’s store

Hytale will not be available on Steam at its early access launch in January 2026. The game, originally canceled by Riot Games, has been revived by its creator Simon Collins-Laflamme and his team at Hypixel Studios, which prefers using its own launcher. Executive director Patrick 'Lyall' Derbic stated that they do not see Steam as a necessity and want to focus on community feedback. The game will be released in a rough state to encourage collaborative development. The initial release will be limited to PC, with plans for Mac and Linux support to be determined later, and console versions expected afterward. Premium editions will offer exclusive content during early access, but this will not carry over to the full release. There will be no pay-to-win options, and modders can create visual mods without overriding official cosmetics. Some features, like pets and tamable animals, will not be available at launch, nor will proximity chat, although it is nearing completion.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

How to watch PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted Powered by Xbox Game Pass 2025 — Times, platforms, everything you need to know

On December 4, PC Gamer will host the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted by Xbox Game Pass 2025, showcasing the 25 most awaited PC games in development along with trailers and exclusive content for over 50 upcoming titles. The event starts at 12:00 PM PST and will be streamed on various platforms including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook, featuring localized subtitles in multiple languages. Popular streamers will provide live reactions during the event. Highlights include trailers for Rogue Point, High On Life 2, Cairn, Killer Floor 3, and Witchspire, as well as a gameplay trailer for Remnant Protocol and announcements from developers like Dotemu and Lightbulb Crew.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Windows turns 40 as the most influential software product in history

Microsoft Windows celebrated its 40th anniversary on November 20, 2025. The journey began with the launch of Windows 1.0 in 1985, designed as a graphical layer atop MS-DOS, requiring a graphics card and 256KB of RAM. Subsequent releases included Windows 2.0 in 1987, Windows 3.0 and 3.1 in 1990 and 1992, respectively, which introduced significant features like a 3D-styled interface and popular games. Windows 95, launched in the mid-1990s, introduced the Start menu and taskbar, selling over seven million copies shortly after its release. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the introduction of Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP in 2001, which was noted for its stability. Windows Vista was released in 2007, followed by Windows 7 in 2009, and Windows 8, which faced user backlash. Windows 10 was launched in 2015, adopting a Windows-as-a-Service model, and Windows 11 continues to evolve with new design and hardware requirements.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube Tests Revival of In-App Messaging in Ireland and Poland

YouTube is testing the revival of its in-app direct messaging feature, which was discontinued in 2019. The limited rollout is currently available to users in Ireland and Poland and is aimed at users over 18, focusing on privacy and community guidelines. This feature allows for private conversations and video sharing within the app, reflecting user demand for integrated communication. The original messaging system, launched in 2017, was shut down due to low adoption rates and moderation challenges. The current testing phase suggests YouTube is refining the feature before a broader launch, with potential implications for creators to engage with fans directly. However, there are concerns regarding privacy and content moderation. The initiative aligns with industry trends emphasizing in-app communication and could enhance user engagement and advertising opportunities for YouTube.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

YouTube revives in-app direct messaging in surprise test

YouTube is testing a built-in direct messaging feature for users aged 18 and older in Ireland and Poland. Users can initiate chats by tapping the notification bell on videos and inviting others to share content. Invite links expire after seven days, and users can also use the Share button to send messages. This is YouTube's second attempt at direct messaging, having previously tested it from 2017 to 2019 before discontinuing it. The new feature aims to facilitate communication without leaving the platform, allowing creators and brands to build communities and share content. User feedback will determine the future of this feature, and there is currently no commitment to a global rollout.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

Upcoming Epic Games Store free game leaks ahead of official reveal

MeguminShiro is a prominent user in the r/EpicGamesPC community, known for their engaging discussions and insightful contributions about the Epic Games Store. They spark conversations on game releases, sales, and exclusive content, using humor and analysis to make gaming topics accessible. MeguminShiro actively participates in community events, providing valuable insights that appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers, and fostering camaraderie among users. Their contributions help shape the community and inspire deeper engagement with the Epic Games Store.