experience Archives

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Microsoft’s turned Windows into a cesspool, but it wants to do better

Microsoft is experiencing a wave of user dissatisfaction due to its push for the Copilot feature, a confusing out-of-box experience, and buggy patches. Industry experts are discussing the company's challenges and whether it has strayed from its core mission. CEO Satya Nadella and Windows chief Pavan Davuluri have promised to address these issues, raising questions about the effectiveness of these commitments and the possibility of regaining user trust.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Windows 11’s Windows 95-era File Explorer Properties dialog is getting replaced with modern version and dark mode

Microsoft is replacing the legacy File Explorer Properties dialog box in Windows 11 with a modern version powered by WinUI 3. This change aims to improve the performance and reliability of Windows 11. The current Properties dialog does not support dark mode, which has been an issue for users. Recent findings from Windows 11 Insider builds indicate that Microsoft is actively developing a new file properties dialog. Strings for “DeletedFileProperties” have been discovered, suggesting the old dialog will be replaced. Microsoft is also modernizing outdated Windows 8 UI elements within Windows 11. The introduction of the WinUI 3 properties dialog is expected to enhance File Explorer's performance by streamlining its hybrid codebase. Users can anticipate gradual updates throughout 2026, with a rollout to the Experimental channel expected later this year.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem Just Got an Incredible Half-Life Mod

An Early Access mod titled Requiem for Ravenholm by FlamingosPeak Workshop reimagines Resident Evil 9 with elements from the Half-Life universe, featuring characters like Leon as Gordon Freeman and Victor as the G-Man. The mod is not a complete overhaul but offers a glimpse of what a new Half-Life installment might look like. Users should expect bugs and visual inconsistencies, which the developers plan to fix in updates. The mod is available for download, accompanied by a trailer. Other mods for Resident Evil Requiem include a VR mod, a dismemberment mod, an increased zombie count mod, and a whimsical mod that replaces Licker voices with Michael Jackson's. A video showcasing fixed camera angles for Resident Evil is also available. Resident Evil Requiem is noted as one of the most optimized PC games of 2026, supporting real-time Path Tracing, with a detailed PC Performance Analysis available for review.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

In the 33 months since Baldur’s Gate 3 launched, it’s hardly ever fallen out of the top 5 most-played games on Steam Deck

Baldur's Gate 3 has been a popular game on the Steam Deck for 33 months, only dropping out of the top five most-played games for four months. It has consistently remained in the top ten during its absences. The Steam Deck features a public leaderboard for most-played games, updated regularly. Despite hardware limitations, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a satisfactory gaming experience, particularly due to its turn-based mechanics. Historical data on its performance is sourced from Gaming on Linux, Steam Deck HQ, and Steam Deck Gaming.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Skyrim has been the most-played ‘Unsupported’ game on Steam Deck for 5 months

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, despite being labeled "Unsupported" by Valve for the Steam Deck, has remained one of the most-played games on the platform from December to April. The game was given this label due to significant compatibility issues, yet many players report enjoying it without major problems. Skyrim's status as the most-played game deemed unplayable highlights its enduring popularity and the commitment of its fanbase.

TrendTechie

May 3, 2026

Обзор корпуса Fractal Design Torrent Compact

Fractal Design has launched the Torrent series of cases, including the Torrent Compact, designed for maximum efficiency and airflow. The Torrent Compact supports various motherboard sizes (E-ATX, ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX) and features a top-mounted power supply, seven expansion slots, and multiple fan and radiator mounting options. It includes two 180 mm Dynamic X2 fans, capable of moving 153 CFM of air, and has a net weight of 7.7 kg with dimensions of 450 x 222 x 467 mm. The case offers three 2.5" drive bays and one 3.5" drive bay, along with front panel ports including USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and USB 3.0. The design emphasizes unobstructed airflow and includes a removable dust filter. The case is equipped with a PWM-controlled hub for up to nine fans and features a dedicated mounting hole for custom cooling loops. The assembly process is standard, though the top-mounted power supply and limited cable management space may pose challenges. The case's performance was tested with high-end components, demonstrating effective cooling capabilities, although the fans can produce noticeable noise at maximum speeds.

Tech Optimizer

May 3, 2026

ProxySQL Releases 3.0.6 And Advances AI Integration Roadmap

ProxySQL has released version 3.0.6, introducing a multi-tier strategy with three tiers: Stable, Innovative (3.1.x), and AI/MCP (4.0.x). Version 3.0.6 enhances PostgreSQL support, improves authentication mechanisms, updates Prometheus metrics, and refines macOS support. The Innovative tier features an embedded time-series database and a traffic observer. The AI/MCP tier explores native integrations for proxy-level Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and autonomous database management.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Plants vs. Zombies review (2009)

Plants vs. Zombies features a main Adventure mode with various minigames and side activities that enhance gameplay. Players earn coins from defeated zombies and minigames, with the Zen Garden providing a steady income for upgrades at Crazy Dave's car boot sale. Notable minigames include Beghouled, Last Stand, and I, Zombie, each offering unique gameplay experiences. The game combines humor, creativity, and strategic elements, keeping players engaged despite its casual nature.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

My favorite dice roguelike just left early access, and it’s finally broken my Slay the Spire 2 streak

Die in the Dungeon has released its 1.0 update, marking a significant milestone since its early access debut in 2023. The game features a unique dice-centric combat system where players collect and strategically place dice on a board to perform actions. Different colored dice serve specific functions: red for damage, blue for defense, and green for healing, with additional modifier dice introducing further complexity. The update adds a new character, Nera, who uses the Broken Memento relic for counterplay. Players can now earn experience on every run, unlocking new dice, relics, and lore fragments. The codex has been expanded with detailed enemy information, and a new secret quest offers a chance to uncover the game's true ending. A new 'D8 difficulty' mode challenges players with a degrading dice mechanic. Die in the Dungeon 1.0 is available on Steam with a 35% launch discount until May 15. The development team expresses gratitude for community support and plans to continue updates based on player feedback.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Microsoft’s CEO promised the world to consumers in a speech about fixing Windows 11 — but one thing Satya Nadella said worries me

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reaffirmed the company's commitment to enhancing Windows 11 during a recent earnings call, emphasizing a focus on quality and serving core users better. He also expressed a commitment to Xbox and changes to Game Pass in response to customer feedback. Nadella mentioned that Windows now has over 1.6 billion active devices globally, highlighting its dominance in the desktop market. However, he faced criticism for including Bing and Edge in the consumer-focused dialogue, as their relevance to average consumers is questionable. Concerns were raised about upselling tactics within Windows 11, which some users find intrusive.