feature enhancements Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

The near-essential Windows PowerToys suite just got a brand new tool

PowerToys version 0.90.0 introduces the Command Palette, also known as "CmdPal," which enhances the previous PowerToys Run feature by allowing users to launch applications and perform tasks efficiently using the shortcut Win+Alt+Space. The update also includes improvements to the Color Picker, Peek feature enhancements that allow file deletion, and new customization options for template filenames. The update is available for download on the PowerToys GitHub page.

AppWizard

March 15, 2025

2024 was Steam’s ‘best year ever’ of users buying newly released games—but I wouldn’t celebrate the end of the forever game era just yet

Valve's "Steam Year In Review" blog post revealed that the peak concurrent user count on Steam has nearly doubled since March 2020, with users engaging with more new titles than ever. In 2024, newly released games generated the highest revenue on Steam, reaching ten times the levels of 2014. Over 500 games surpassed 0,000 in new release sales, with more than 200 achieving over million, marking increases of 27% and 15% compared to 2023. Despite these revenue figures, only 15% of user playtime was dedicated to games released in 2024, up from 9% in 2023 but down from 17% in 2022. Notable successful titles included Palworld, Helldivers 2, Space Marine 2, and Black Myth Wukong, alongside established games like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2. The closure of several live service games suggests a potential shift in the gaming industry's dynamics.

Tech Optimizer

December 26, 2024

“I went through hell” Japanese indie dev on how their game was wrongly flagged as a virus, and blocked on Steam

A Japanese indie developer, Shiromofu Factory, launched the game Dungeon Antiqua on October 10, 2024. The game, inspired by early Final Fantasy and Wizardry titles, is available on Windows and macOS and has received a Very Positive review status on Steam. After a December 6 update, users reported virus warnings from antivirus programs like Norton, Avast, and McAfee, which were triggered by the game's use of the Pyxel engine and Pyinstaller for executable files. The developer advised users to exclude the game's .exe file from scans, but on December 12, Steam blocked the game from sale due to multiple virus reports. The developer requested a rollback to an earlier version, which prevented future updates. They purchased Norton Antivirus for testing and attempted various solutions, including filing reports with antivirus companies and considering a code signing certificate. They identified that the use of Python’s “os.remove()” function contributed to the false alerts and implemented a workaround. However, antivirus software retained memory of flagged files, causing continued blocks. Ultimately, flipping the fairy image associated with the game’s file by 180 degrees allowed Dungeon Antiqua to bypass the antivirus barriers and resume updates.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Niagara Launcher, one of the best Android launchers, finally has backups

Niagara Launcher has released a "Winter Update" that includes a backup feature allowing users to securely save and restore their launcher settings, integrating with Android's backup system to archive settings to Google Drive. This feature is available in both free and pro versions and can be accessed through the app's settings. Additionally, a new tool called the Usage Breaker, exclusive to Niagara Pro users, helps manage screen time by reminding users of excessive app usage without restricting access. The launcher maintains a minimalist design with a vertically scrolling list of apps for easy navigation. The latest beta version is available for download, with updates rolling out to all users soon.

AppWizard

December 15, 2024

Square Enix Announces Final Fantasy VII Rebirth PC Launch In January 2025

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be released on PC on January 23, 2025, with pre-orders available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The PC version will feature enhancements such as improved lighting, support for NVIDIA DLSS, customizable textures, DualSense controller functionality, and compatibility with the Steam Deck. Pre-order bonuses include Moogle Trio Summoning Materia, Shinra Bangle Mk: II, Midgar Bangle Mk: II, and Posh Chocobo Summoning Materia. An Early Bird discount of up to 30% is available on various editions: Standard Edition at .99, Digital Deluxe Edition at .99, Remake & Rebirth Twin Pack at .99, and Digital Deluxe Twin Pack at .99.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Windows 11 can now run on unsupported systems, but there’s a catch

Microsoft has allowed users to install Windows 11 on older, unsupported hardware, moving away from its previous strict hardware requirements. Users can manually install the operating system, but devices that do not meet minimum requirements will not receive updates via Windows Update, requiring manual management of updates. A watermark will appear on the desktop, and a notification in Settings will indicate that the upgrade is not recommended. Microsoft will not lower the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, citing cybersecurity concerns. Unsupported devices will also be excluded from the Windows Insider Program. Users can revert to Windows 10 within ten days of the upgrade through the Settings menu.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Microsoft fixes the bug breaking app updates on Windows 10

Microsoft informed Windows 10 users about an issue affecting the update process for packaged applications from the Microsoft Store, resulting in a "Something happened on our end" error. This issue has been resolved with the installation of Windows update KB5046714, released on November 21, 2024. The problem was caused by a version of WinAppSDK (1.6.2) released on November 12, 2024, which was later withdrawn. Additionally, Windows 11 users received updates KB5046740 and KB5046732, introducing features such as a shortened date and time display on the taskbar, new "Share" buttons for jump list items, and improvements to File Explorer functionality.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google releases Android 16 Developer Preview 1

Google has launched the first Developer Preview of Android 16 for developers to begin early-stage development and testing. This release may have performance issues and applications may not function flawlessly. Android 16 includes system changes that could lead to minor glitches or significant limitations until applications are updated for compatibility. Google plans to implement more frequent API releases, with a major launch expected in Q2 2025, and a minor update projected for Q4 2025. Developers will need to conduct annual compatibility testing earlier due to this new timeline. The SDKINTFULL constant has been introduced for version checks, and developers are encouraged to provide feedback on the APIs. Notable features in the preview include an embedded photo picker and Health Connect APIs for managing medical records. The Developer Preview can be installed on various Google Pixel devices, but stability and performance issues may arise, making it unsuitable for daily use. Known issues include app launch failures and camera problems during video recording. The preview lacks Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) approval, which may affect the performance of some applications, including Google’s native apps.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Gmail ‘Suddenly’ Stops Working—New Warning As Google Update Goes Wrong

Pixel users are experiencing significant app malfunctions on Android 15, particularly with Gmail, due to issues stemming from a recent Google Play update. Many users report that their devices indicate "Google Play Services is not supported," rendering both first and third-party applications inoperative. Error messages related to Google Play Services being unavailable or outdated have been noted, and the problems may extend beyond Pixel devices. Users have attempted various troubleshooting steps, including factory resets, with mixed results. Some users are advised to opt out of the Google Play services beta and restart their devices, but this solution has not been universally effective.