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"We expect more from ourselves, too": Microsoft's design boss of Windows 11 admits the OS needs work, while AI is helping his team fix its inconsistencies
Winsage
October 20, 2026

“We expect more from ourselves, too”: Microsoft’s design boss of Windows 11 admits the OS needs work, while AI is helping his team fix its inconsistencies

Diego Baca, Microsoft's Vice President of Product Design, discussed the company's use of artificial intelligence to enhance design processes, noting that AI has significantly accelerated the productivity of the design team and enabled designers to contribute directly to code fixes for improved quality and consistency. He acknowledged the ongoing issue of design consistency in Windows 11 and recognized user expectations for a more cohesive experience, expressing a commitment to improvement. Baca's remarks reflect a shift towards greater transparency in addressing user concerns and invite dialogue about user experiences and expectations.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
October 20, 2026

Lucasfilm wants to do more Star Wars games like Zero Company and Galactic Racer: ‘We’ve tried to be more flexible about who we’re willing to take pitches from’

In 2026, two new Star Wars games were released: Zero Company, a tactical game developed by Bit Reactor, and Galactic Racer, an arcade racing game by Fuse Games. Both received positive acclaim, indicating a shift towards unconventional Star Wars games from smaller studios. Douglas Reilly, vice president of Lucasfilm Games, emphasized the value of diverse ideas in game development. Lucasfilm Games was revitalized in 2021 after a decade-long partnership with Electronic Arts, which did not meet expectations. Upcoming titles include Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, a new chapter in the Knights of the Old Republic series, a third installment of the Star Wars Jedi series, and Quantic Dream's Star Wars: Eclipse, along with ongoing work on the KOTOR remake.
The Outlast Trials' initial playtests went poorly: Designer says 6-year development took 'a f**king long time' and 'a s**t-ton of prototypes'
AppWizard
October 18, 2026

The Outlast Trials’ initial playtests went poorly: Designer says 6-year development took ‘a f**king long time’ and ‘a s**t-ton of prototypes’

Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels, discussed the six-year development journey of The Outlast Trials, highlighting the extensive effort and numerous prototypes involved in creating the game. The success of The Outlast Trials has shifted focus away from Outlast 3, which is now less prioritized. The game's reception has also prompted discussions about the use of AI-generated imagery in game design.
This game about grinding mute lumps of shapeless flesh has made me realise I've been hornswoggled by capitalism
AppWizard
October 17, 2026

This game about grinding mute lumps of shapeless flesh has made me realise I’ve been hornswoggled by capitalism

Flesh Grinding is a labor simulator game set to release in the fourth quarter of 2026, where players process grotesque chunks of flesh into minced products while managing time and resources to meet daily quotas. The gameplay involves integrating machines to optimize workflow and produce potions for IV drips, reflecting real-life work experiences and the pursuit of efficiency. The game explores themes of productivity and burnout, drawing parallels to the struggles faced in various careers. It features unsettling imagery and serves as a commentary on the societal expectations surrounding work and compensation.
Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon's premium tablet gets almost everything right
AppWizard
October 16, 2026

Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon’s premium tablet gets almost everything right

The Alexa Tablet features a home screen with shortcuts to Amazon services and a folder for essential Google applications. It is a fully functional Android tablet that allows downloads from the Play Store. The user interface includes widgets for recently accessed content and the Alexa+ app, and users can interact with Alexa via voice commands. The tablet has a vibrant display suitable for streaming and Dolby Atmos-supported speakers. Performance remains positive with additional apps, though some lack optimization for larger screens. Popular apps like Adobe's Lightroom and Google's suite are optimized for tablet use. The tablet supports multitasking with split view mode and runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Battery life is claimed to be up to 16 hours, but initial testing shows around eight hours for mixed usage.
'Minecraft' Expert Mike Tomlin Suspects He's Autistic
AppWizard
October 16, 2026

‘Minecraft’ Expert Mike Tomlin Suspects He’s Autistic

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed his passion for Minecraft, where he has spent over a decade building an elaborate virtual city. He mentioned in an interview that he might be on the autism spectrum, a statement supported by his wife. Tomlin's coaching career ended on January 13 after a playoff defeat, concluding with a record of 193 wins, 114 losses, and 2 ties, along with two Super Bowl appearances and a championship in 2008. He has since become an analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America. The Steelers are now under head coach Mike McCarthy for the first time since 2007.
I want to love the new Castlevania, but it just feels a little off
AppWizard
October 15, 2026

I want to love the new Castlevania, but it just feels a little off

The game Castlevania: Belmont's Curse struggles to display on monitors with a refresh rate exceeding 120 Hz, which was resolved by capping the in-game frame rate at 120 fps. The gameplay features a mix of enjoyable elements and frustrating mechanics, such as a lengthy wind-up on Rose Belmont's whip and a limited invincibility frame for the dodge mechanic, leading to difficulties during platforming and boss encounters. The game includes tedious platforming challenges that require precise controls, and the timing for certain attacks feels misaligned. Belmont's Curse draws heavily from the Netflix Castlevania series, featuring some of the same voice actors, but the static artwork in early cutscenes feels underwhelming. The game improves after reaching Dracula's Castle, introducing clever platforming mechanics and engaging puzzles. Despite some control issues, the game includes satisfying hitstop effects and well-presented tarot cards that enhance the experience.
Firefox Launches in Android Cars as Part of Major Google Play Store Update
AppWizard
October 14, 2026

Firefox Launches in Android Cars as Part of Major Google Play Store Update

Google is updating Android Automotive with a revamped Google Play Store that features new categories, a simplified one-tap download option, and improved browsing capabilities. Unlike Android Auto, Android Automotive operates independently and requires factory installation by car manufacturers. Major applications, including the Firefox browser, are debuting on Android Automotive, alongside an audio-only mode for YouTube, which requires a YouTube Premium subscription. These updates will roll out automatically in the coming weeks, with no user action needed.
Google lets you make personal Android apps for free now - with just prompts
AppWizard
October 13, 2026

Google lets you make personal Android apps for free now – with just prompts

Google has introduced a new feature in Google AI Studio that enables users to create personalized apps for their Android devices without any coding experience. This tool allows users to bypass the public Play Store, resulting in apps that function exclusively on their devices. Users can describe their desired app in a prompt, and the AI assists in the development process, allowing for easy installation and customization. There are no costs associated with creating these apps, which can replace single-function applications. The feature is designed for personal use, providing flexibility and control over app functionality.
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