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I investigated Windows 11's massive 5GB monthly .msu updates. AI is only part of the problem.
Winsage
April 28, 2026

I investigated Windows 11’s massive 5GB monthly .msu updates. AI is only part of the problem.

Windows 11 updates have significantly increased in size, with monthly cumulative updates often exceeding 4GB and some approaching 5GB. One update can expand to nearly 9GB when extracted. Microsoft has shifted to delivering Latest Cumulative Updates (LCUs), which include all previous fixes, leading to larger update sizes over time. The introduction of Checkpoint Cumulative Updates aims to reduce this growth by establishing periodic baselines, but the effectiveness has been mixed. The May 2025 cumulative update saw a size increase from approximately 6.5GB to nearly 9GB, with new MSIX files related to semantic search and on-device AI contributing to this growth. Windows Update uses applicability logic to minimize download sizes for users, but enterprises must download full packages, resulting in increased storage costs. The average yearly storage cost for enterprises rose from about 11 GB in 2024 to 52 GB by 2026. Users can check their actual download sizes through the Windows Update settings and Event Viewer logs.
Don't fall for the Verizon 'loyalty' scam that's putting $1,500 iPads in the mail
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

Don’t fall for the Verizon ‘loyalty’ scam that’s putting $1,500 iPads in the mail

A sophisticated scam targeting Verizon customers has emerged, exploiting the My Verizon app to send fraudulent push notifications. A Reddit user, ApprehensivePace2969, experienced this scam when they received a call from someone impersonating a Verizon representative, claiming they qualified for a 65% discount and a free iPad. The legitimacy of the offer was reinforced by a push notification from the app. The victim received a 256GB iPad Pro, valued at ,500, and was charged a shipping fee, which was promised to be refunded upon activation. However, they later received calls from another supposed Verizon representative, instructing them to return the iPad or face a full charge. Red flags included a return shipping label not from Verizon's official center and an unrelated New York address. The victim took the iPad to a real Verizon store, contacted the fraud department, and successfully returned the device, avoiding financial loss.
'Wow, that was quick': Resident Evil Requiem devs thought it would take 2 weeks to crack the Final Puzzle, but players did it in 4 days
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

‘Wow, that was quick’: Resident Evil Requiem devs thought it would take 2 weeks to crack the Final Puzzle, but players did it in 4 days

Players of Resident Evil Requiem faced challenges with The Final Puzzle, which involved deciphering a series of numbers linked to celestial symbols. The gaming community solved the puzzle in four days through datamining, surprising even the developers at Capcom. Producer Masato Kumazawa initially doubted the puzzle's solvability. A complex segment included a conveyor belt and grinder sequence requiring a 15-minute wait while avoiding zombies. Players theorized that the goal was to flood the grinder system to bring a doll to the surface. Afterward, players had to return to a hospital bathroom to flush a toilet eight times, linked to a clue involving a dead body with the number eight written in blood. This task was part of the process to flood the system, retrieve the doll, and complete the symbol puzzle for in-game currency rewards.
The Blood of Dawnwalker system requirements revealed
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

The Blood of Dawnwalker system requirements revealed

The Blood of Dawnwalker, a vampiric RPG directed by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, will be released on September 3. The minimum system requirements for the game include 16GB of RAM, an Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X CPU, and a GPU such as Nvidia RTX 3050 or GTX 1070. Recommended specifications for 1080p at 60 fps include an Intel Core i5-13600 CPU and Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU. For 1440p at 60 fps, the recommended specs remain the same, but the GPU should be Nvidia RTX 4070-Ti. Ultra settings for 1440p and 2160p at 60 fps require an Intel Core i5-13600K CPU and Nvidia RTX 4080 or 5090 GPU, respectively. All configurations require 60GB of SSD storage. Preorders are available on Steam.
'Obviously we love the PC,' Gabe Newell told us 15 years ago, but his focus was on 'a responsibility to gamers and game developers'
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

‘Obviously we love the PC,’ Gabe Newell told us 15 years ago, but his focus was on ‘a responsibility to gamers and game developers’

Steam is the dominant platform in PC gaming, with Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, emphasizing a customer-centric approach focused on gamers and developers rather than a duty to represent the entire PC gaming ecosystem. He remains optimistic about PC gaming's vitality, citing 350 million PCs sold in the previous year. Valve has maintained its foundational principles despite the rise of cloud streaming, introducing features like Steam Greenlight and allowing any developer to publish games on the platform, though this has led to controversy over content moderation. Challenges to the value proposition of PC gaming include rising RAM demand and economic factors, while the Steam Machine initiative aims to bring PC gaming into living rooms despite concerns over pricing. Overall, high console prices reinforce the appeal of PC gaming in the current market.
Google Translate turns 20, and it's making me practice my speech with AI
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

Google Translate turns 20, and it’s making me practice my speech with AI

Google is introducing a new feature called Pronunciation Practice in its Translate app, allowing users to write phrases and receive guidance on correct pronunciation. The app uses AI technology to analyze speech and identify errors. Google Translate has 1 billion users and translates approximately 1 trillion words each month. The Pronunciation Practice feature aims to enhance user confidence in speaking new languages and aligns the app with language-learning platforms like Duolingo. Last holiday season, Google Translate received three major updates focusing on slang and local expressions to provide more authentic translations.
Now, Gemini might get proactive with timely, personalized 'suggestions'
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

Now, Gemini might get proactive with timely, personalized ‘suggestions’

Google is developing a feature called "Proactive Assistance" for its Gemini app, which aims to provide users with personalized suggestions by utilizing data from connected applications, potentially including Gmail. This feature is linked to another rumored feature called "Your Day," which offers a curated overview of daily highlights. The "Proactive Assistance" feature will prioritize secure data handling and is expected to enhance user engagement by delivering tailored reminders and tasks. There are indications that this feature may have been rebranded to "Daily Brief." Additionally, Gemini has received an upgrade with Nano Banana 2 support, allowing the AI to access content in Photos and create unique images based on user memories.
The Blood of Dawnwalker lets you complete areas in any order, kill any NPCs you like, and still complete the game after failing every quest: 'We're giving even more freedom to players'
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

The Blood of Dawnwalker lets you complete areas in any order, kill any NPCs you like, and still complete the game after failing every quest: ‘We’re giving even more freedom to players’

Rebel Wolves, a studio in Warsaw, is dedicated to role-playing games (RPGs) and has developed its first title, The Blood of Dawnwalker. This game features a sandbox experience where players control Coen, a half-human, half-vampire, on a quest to save his family and overthrow a tyrannical supernatural regime. Studio founder Konrad Tomaszkiewicz aims to bridge digital gaming and traditional pen-and-paper RPGs, drawing inspiration from various titles, including Crimson Desert and classics like Eye of the Beholder. The Blood of Dawnwalker is set to launch on September 3, 2026.
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