features Archives

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Epic Games Store saves gamers over $30 with two stellar freebies this weekend

Epic Games Store is offering two free titles this week: Beacon Pines and We Were Here Together. Beacon Pines is a 2022 adventure game originally priced at £16, with an 86 percent positive review rate. It features an interactive story tree that evolves based on player choices, allowing exploration of various paths and unlocking new charms. We Were Here Together is a cooperative escape-adventure game priced at £10, where two players must work together to navigate a post-blizzard landscape and uncover the truth behind Castle Rock. Both games will revert to their original prices after August 13.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

From ancient Buddhism, to iconic manga hair, to Keanu Reeves: a PC Gamer Causality Chain™

Causality Chain is a series at PC Gamer exploring connections between history, culture, and video games. Keanu Reeves, known for his roles in films, is linked to Buddhist teachings through a narrative that traces back to the 1590s with Xuanzang's travels, which inspired the tale "Journey to the West." In 1984, manga artist Akira Toriyama created a series influenced by this tale, introducing the character Son Goku, modeled after the Monkey King. In 1991, Toriyama introduced the Super Saiyan transformation for Goku, which featured a golden aura and blonde hair. In 1992, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced Super Sonic, a transformation reminiscent of Goku's. In 2001, Shadow the Hedgehog was created as a rival for Sonic, characterized as the "ultimate lifeform." In 2024, Keanu Reeves was cast as the voice of Shadow and claimed he could defeat Sonic, whether as a human or as a CGI character.

BetaBeacon

August 8, 2026

Mastering Sideloading: Safe APK Installation on Android

People reach outside the Play Store to download APKs for emulators, early builds of apps, region-locked releases, modded versions of apps, and apps like betting and casino apps that are restricted by Google's store policies. Google has found that there is over 50 times more malware coming from internet-sideloaded sources than from apps on Google Play. Starting in September 2026, Google will require every developer to verify their identity for apps installed on certified Android devices, including sideloaded apps. To sideload without getting burned, users should pull APKs from reputable sources, match permissions to the job, keep Play Protect switched on, and revoke the "install unknown apps" permission after installation.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Android Canary 2608 lets you customize Quick Settings layout on Pixel

Google has released the Android Canary build version 2608, which allows users to customize the Quick Settings layout. The build, ZP11.260717.006, includes the August 2026 security patch and is compatible with various Pixel devices, including Pixel 10a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, 9a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 8a, 8, 8 Pro, 7a, 7 Pro, 7, 6a, 6 Pro, 6, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. This will be the final release for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, and transitioning to stable production releases will require flashing the most recent production build, which involves a data wipe. The update also features AI-generated lockscreen clocks and a returning app lock feature, accessible through Settings > Settings & privacy > Privacy > App lock. Users can customize the Quick Settings layout by tapping the pencil icon and accessing a new “Layout” tab, allowing for reordering of the Brightness bar, Tiles, and Media player with six possible combinations.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Check out the latest Pixel Watch apps to get a new look for their icons

Google is updating the visual design of its Wear OS applications, particularly for the Pixel Watch series, ahead of the Pixel Watch 5 launch. The Clock and Stopwatch apps are receiving a redesign with a more natural color palette and refined aesthetics. The Clock app now features a classic 10:10 hand positioning and a toned-down appearance, while the Stopwatch app has a revamped color scheme. These changes are part of Google's broader effort to modernize its smartwatch offerings.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

The latest Expeditions game launches into early access today, and I can’t think of a better setting for the series than feudal Japan

Campfire Cabal has released Expeditions: Samurai in early access on Steam, transitioning from ancient Rome to feudal Japan. Players create a custom character arriving in Japan aboard the Dutch frigate De Albatros during the Sengoku era. The game features an expanded companion system with eight characters, stealth mechanics for tactical combat, and cooperative gameplay allowing a second player to control a twin of the main character. Expeditions: Samurai includes five main quests, three side quests, and 14 locations, with plans for future updates to add new content and features. The final version aims to have over 35 side quests, a player village, crafting mechanics, and mini-games, with completion expected by early 2027. Early adopters can purchase the game at a lower price.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Permanently disable Microsoft’s hidden tracker on all Windows 11 versions with this script

Microsoft's Global Device Identifier (GDID) is an internal marker that uniquely identifies each Windows installation across Microsoft services. It is a persistent device-level identifier that remains constant across supported services, and there is no option to disable or regenerate it manually. Windscribe has developed a free utility called deGDID to permanently remove the GDID from Windows systems and prevent its recreation. This tool operates by blocking Microsoft registration pathways and wiping local GDID-related states without altering system files. While it can remove the GDID from the local system, it cannot erase historical records linked to the device. Windscribe provides instructions for using the tool, which is compatible with Windows 10 version 22H2 and all versions of Windows 11 from 21H2 to 25H2. Users should be aware that disabling GDID generation may impact Microsoft services that rely on device identification, but the tool includes an undo feature to revert changes.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Linux users finally get a real Copilot app, and Microsoft didn’t even make it

Linux is gaining popularity, with Microsoft acknowledging its relevance by introducing applications for the operating system. An unofficial Copilot alternative for Linux, developed by Hayden Barnes, features a dedicated GTK window for the Copilot web application, allowing secure login sessions and integration with the desktop environment. The app supports autostart, system downloads, and hardware permissions, while providing a native GTK design that enhances user experience with desktop accent colors and dark themes. It isolates Copilot from the browser to improve performance. The first public release of the app occurred this week, and its long-term stability and performance will be monitored.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Roguelike Game with Thousands of Positive Steam Reviews Goes 100% Free on PC Just as Sequel Launch Approaches

Steam is currently offering the action-RPG roguelike game Moonlighter for free from August 5 through August 9, 2026, to celebrate the announcement of its sequel, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, which will be released on September 2. Moonlighter, originally launched in 2018, has a 100% discount on Steam, allowing users to claim it permanently. The sequel will be available on multiple platforms, including Steam, and will feature new content and challenges.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Fanatical’s Summer Sale Is Live and Features Some Great Deals for PC Gamers, Including Big Discounts on Resident Evil and DOOM

Fanatical has launched its Summer Sale featuring discounts on various PC games, including Resident Evil Requiem, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Pragmata. The sale includes countdown timers for each deal, with discounts on Resident Evil Requiem expiring in over nine days and DOOM: The Dark Ages available for 13 days. Resident Evil Requiem is priced at .99, while the Premium Edition of DOOM: The Dark Ages has a 71% discount. Alien: Isolation is available at a 73% discount, priced at .99. The sale encourages quick action due to limited time offers.