expansion Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Gemini’s next wave of app integrations focuses on productivity, entertainment, and lifestyle

Google is expanding its Gemini connected app ecosystem to enhance user experience by integrating various applications for planning, creativity, and productivity. The new integrations will include: - Productivity and Creativity: Tools like Granola, Otter.ai, and Wix for summarizing meetings and editing websites. - Local and Entertainment: Apps such as Fever, Get Your Guide, Localiza, OpenTable (UK), and Ticketmaster for booking local experiences and securing event tickets. - Music: Integrations with iHeartRadio and Pandora for discovering new stations and playlists. - Home, Health, and Lifestyle: Services like Angi, Thumbtack, and Zocdoc for finding home professionals and booking medical appointments. The rollout of these connected apps will occur over the next few weeks.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows 11 Gets Dynamic File Sizes in File Explorer, Low Latency Profile for Apps, and More

Microsoft's August update, KB5121003, includes several enhancements: - The File Explorer now displays file sizes in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB) dynamically, simplifying file management. - The Low Latency Profile is expanded to more applications, improving launch speeds for Microsoft apps like Edge and Outlook by up to 40%, and other system components by up to 70%. - Windows Search has been improved to better handle typos and incomplete queries, prioritizing relevant results and indexing files across the operating system. - The Start Menu now more effectively respects user preferences, ensuring consistent settings.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Notability Brings Fully Native, AI-Assisted Note-taking To Android

Ginger Labs, Inc. has launched its note-taking app Notability on the Android platform via the Google Play Store, allowing millions of new users to access its features. The app was developed with feedback from Android beta testers and includes features such as S pen support, various paper templates, intra-document links to PDFs, and note export capabilities. Notability for Android offers a native experience with unique features like playful pen styles, enhanced handwriting recognition, audio recording with transcription, and real-time syncing across devices. The app also incorporates AI tools for generating quizzes and flashcards, instant live transcription, and access to over 20,000 free note templates. Subscriptions and one-time purchase options are available in the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

You can now buy Android apps and games using a new payment option

Google has integrated Venmo as a payment option on Google Play, allowing users to purchase apps, games, and digital content more flexibly. Users can link their Venmo accounts to Google Play by following specific steps in the app. Venmo has expanded its services, enabling transactions with PayPal users in over 90 countries. Google Play supports various payment methods, and users must have an active Venmo account to use this feature. Venmo can be used for purchases, including movies, but there have been issues, such as a user losing access to a purchased movie trilogy without a refund option.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Fixing Windows 11 now does not excuse letting it become a mess for decades

Windows 11 is undergoing enhancements, with many features currently exclusive to Windows Insiders and still in the mockup phase. Microsoft is overhauling the Windows 11 interface, integrating WinUI into components like the Start menu and File Explorer. Windows Insider participants must update their systems to a new build by August 11, 2026, to avoid expiration of builds and ensure automatic updates. Lenovo's latest BIOS update for the Legion Go gaming handheld has made some devices inoperable, prompting users to avoid the update. The modernization of Windows has been criticized for not being prioritized earlier, despite significant user feedback. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is currently in short supply, and the Dell XPS 14 has a price reduction of 0.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Lies of P studio reveals name change and hypes up sequel: ‘My goal has been to create the world’s greatest action game.’

Nough, formerly known as Round8, has released a 16-minute mini-documentary that explores its culture and the creative process behind the Lies of P series. The studio's name change reflects its commitment to a development philosophy centered on the motto 'Games by Gamers'. The documentary features behind-the-scenes insights, personal stories from developers, and highlights the challenges faced during the creation of Lies of P. The team is currently working on a sequel, with optimism stemming from the success of the original game and its Overture expansion. News writer Harvey Randall has noted the positive reception of the Overture expansion as a promising sign for Lies of P 2.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Cancelled Quake 4 expansion gets surprise GitHub release after former XCOM 2 developer discovers it on an old hard drive: ‘This essentially saved my life’

The original Quake has unveiled an official new episode as part of its 30th anniversary at QuakeCon. Additionally, a build of the previously cancelled expansion Quake 4: Awakening has been discovered on GitHub. This expansion was under development by Ritual Entertainment but was halted by Activision due to poor sales of the base game. A veteran game developer named Marshall found the expansion on a second-hand PC and shared it on GitHub, expressing that it had a significant emotional impact on him. The build includes configuration files with names of former Ritual employees, suggesting its authenticity. Gameplay footage shows new weapons and missions, indicating that the expansion was nearly complete before its cancellation. Marshall aims to preserve the project and hopes the community can help refine and eventually release it.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Bethesda 40th anniversary sale knocks 50% off Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations just a month after launch

Bethesda has launched a 40th anniversary sale on Steam, running until August 13, featuring discounts on its entire catalog, including games from id Software and Arkane Studios. The Doom: The Dark Ages expansion, Revelations, is available at a 50% discount, while the base game is reduced by 67%. Skyrim is also discounted, though Dark Messiah of Might and Magic remains at its regular price. Recent layoffs at Bethesda Game Studios, Zenimax Online, and id Software raise concerns about the company's future.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

WoW developers reflect on Midnight’s first season—a world without AddOns, task overload, and Prey

The first season of World of Warcraft: Midnight has received mixed reviews, with initial offerings being impressive but subsequent patch content eliciting varied reactions. This expansion is significant as it introduces restrictions on combat AddOns and redesigns every class. Player housing has been added, which has exceeded expectations despite concerns about microtransactions. The developers have expressed positive feedback about the season, highlighting Mythic+, solo content like delves, and the new Prey feature as standout elements. Lead encounter designer Paul Kubit shared his enjoyment of the season and personal goals within Mythic+. The upcoming Curse of Ula'tek expansion is anticipated.