feature Archives

BetaBeacon

May 1, 2026

Survey reveals how Pixel fans truly feel about the Tensor G5’s lackluster gaming power

A majority of respondents in a reader poll feel that performance deficits in Google's Pixel devices are not enough to deter them from buying one. Many value the "Pixel experience" and cohesive software over raw horsepower. Some users prioritize better power efficiency and less overheating over raw performance. However, a third of readers are deterred by Google's inability to match the competition at flagship price points, fearing for the device's longevity and performance in the future.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Google Home’s camera feed, media controls get upgraded in all the right ways

Google Home is rolling out a significant update for its app and Gemini for Home. All users will receive an enhanced media control interface, while Premium users on the Advanced plan will gain access to new "AI descriptors" for smart cameras. The update includes a modernized camera interface with dynamic theming and improved contextual logic for Gemini, reducing errors and enhancing response times for commands in English, French, and Spanish. The Continued Conversations feature allows Gemini to remain attentive longer, enabling users to complete their thoughts or ask follow-up questions without interruption.

Tech Optimizer

May 1, 2026

All-in-one privacy bundle handles your VPN, antivirus, and data broker removal for $92

Surfshark One+ with Incogni is a comprehensive online privacy solution that combines a VPN, antivirus protection, and personal data removal services. The two-year plan is currently priced at .99, reduced from its regular price of 9.40. The Surfshark component includes a VPN, real-time antivirus protection, and Surfshark Alert for data breach notifications, while Incogni handles the removal of personal information from over 420 data brokers. Incogni has processed over 245 million removal requests, verified by Deloitte, and offers identity theft coverage of up to million. The service supports up to five devices and is compatible with various operating systems.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

New Terraria State of the Game promises fixes for its most frustrating combat problems

A new update for Terraria, version 1.4.5.7, is set to enhance combat by addressing long-standing challenges such as aggro management, invisible hitboxes, and offscreen attacks. The update will include adjustments to the four core classes and introduce new early-game magic options. New items catering to niche playstyles, like a sapling minion for Summoners and a revamped Daybloom plant, will also be featured. The development of this update is taking longer than previous fixes, and further tweaks may occur in a subsequent update, 1.4.5.8, before the team can finalize 1.4.5 and focus on crossplay features. The tModLoader team is working on porting to 1.4.5, but it will take several months to refine for release. Meanwhile, updates for the existing tModLoader compatible with Terraria 1.4.4 are ongoing.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Optional April Update for Windows 11 Brings AI Agents on Taskbar, More

Microsoft's optional April update for Windows 11, designated as KB5083631, introduces several new features, including: - Xbox Mode, which offers a console-like interface for PC games. - AI agents on the taskbar, allowing users to monitor agents like the Microsoft 365 Researcher. - File Explorer improvements that support additional archive formats. - New haptic feedback effects for compatible pens. - Redesigned touch keyboard voice typing feature. - Rebranding of the Drag Tray to Drop Tray with a new compact view. - Enhancements to the Microsoft Store to reduce specific error codes during app downloads. Additionally, Microsoft released the optional KB5083806 update for Windows 11 version 26H1, aimed at new ARM-powered devices expected to launch later this year.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Legendary Deus Ex and Thief director Warren Spector is back with a new game — it’s a stealth-heist-em-up called Thick as Thieves, and even the price is a steal at just five bucks on Steam

Thick as Thieves, directed by Warren Spector, will be released on May 20, 2026, at a price of .99 / £4.99. The game features a fictional Scottish city with solo and cooperative heist missions, two expansive maps, 16 unique missions, and six pieces of customizable gear. Players can expect around four hours of gameplay initially, with potential for extended playthroughs due to the dynamic nature of the maps. The developers plan to enhance the game based on player feedback and it is available for wishlist addition on Steam.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More

Six months ago, ASUS and AMD launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in 45 countries, combining Xbox capabilities with Windows 11 in a portable format. Player feedback has led to continual updates, optimizing hundreds of games for handheld play and introducing features like Default Game Profiles and expanded Xbox mode. Recent updates include automatic gameplay transition to TV when docked, support for HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate on certain docks, a Display Widget for adjusting settings via the Game Bar, improved controller pairing, and the Gamepad Cursor feature for non-controller supported applications. Automatic Super Resolution is now in preview for Xbox Insiders on the ROG Xbox Ally X, enhancing visual quality. The Xbox Wireless Headset now supports Bluetooth LE Audio for reduced latency and improved battery life. The Xbox PC app has been revamped to consolidate games from various storefronts into one library. Over 1,000 PC games are now compatible with handheld play, and features like Default Game Profiles and Advanced Shader Delivery have been introduced. Popular games supporting these features include Ninja Gaiden 4, Grounded 2, and others, with more titles expected in the future.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

April Xbox Update: Customize Your Console, Manually Add Your Favorite Games on PC, and More.

Users can now customize console colors by adjusting sliders for a unique hue, which will accentuate elements of the console interface. Quick Resume has been enhanced to allow disabling on a per-game basis. The Play History feature has been revamped with a new tab for easier access. A User Selected Resolution feature lets players choose streaming resolution, while a Network Quality Indicator provides real-time network health insights. PC gamers can manually add any installed game or app to their Xbox library. Users can pin up to three favorite games for quick access. A Gamepad Cursor feature allows navigation in non-controller apps. Xbox notifications can be repositioned on the Game Bar. The Xbox mobile app now includes wishlist alerts for game changes. Recent updates for the ROG Xbox Ally improve external display experiences. Microsoft Rewards is hosting a Total Prize Drop event with prizes up to ,000,000. The Handheld Compatibility Program has expanded, adding titles like Hades II as handheld optimized. Xbox Cloud Gaming now includes over 1,000 games for streaming.

Tech Optimizer

May 1, 2026

Backstage Ditches Postgres for Databricks Lakebase

The divide between operational and analytical databases is diminishing, as evidenced by Databricks integrating Spotify's Backstage with its Lakebase, transitioning from PostgreSQL to a unified data platform. Lakebase now offers a serverless PostgreSQL interface within Databricks, allowing Backstage to operate without awareness of the underlying changes. The integration involved updating configurations and addressing authentication challenges using OAuth JWTs. The integration transforms the database development lifecycle by enabling near-instant database branching through Lakebase's copy-on-write architecture, allowing developers to focus on testing changes rather than safety. Branching creates a pointer to existing data, making the operation instantaneous. Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR) allows for quick restoration of data, demonstrated by a recovery process that took less than four seconds. The goal is to integrate database branching into developer workflows seamlessly, making it automatic. This change could enhance developer productivity by allowing live data testing from the start, eliminating the need for mock objects, and resolving common issues related to staging environments. The traditional constraints of slow and costly database copies will become obsolete, prompting teams to reconsider how much time they spend on workarounds for now-nonexistent constraints.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

The new ‘Xbox mode’ for Windows 11 has arrived, but don’t get your hopes up for performance improvements: it’s just a new UI

Microsoft has begun rolling out its Xbox mode for Windows 11, which aims to provide a full-screen, dedicated gaming experience similar to console functionality. This feature, announced in March, is now available in select markets as of April 30. Xbox mode is designed to create a cohesive Xbox experience across various devices, including laptops, desktops, and tablets, and caters to gamers who prefer using a controller. The launch is part of Microsoft's strategy to enhance the integration of Xbox with Windows, although some users still find the Xbox experience on PC lacking compared to competitors like Steam.