feedback Archives

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

September’s first wave of Xbox Game Pass games revealed, and it brings RuneScape to console for the first time

The September lineup for PC and Xbox Game Pass includes the co-op survival game Dragonwilds, which releases on September 15th and is the first console title for the RuneScape franchise. It has been in early access since last spring and received "very positive" feedback on Steam. Other titles coming to Game Pass include SpeedRunners 2, The Royal Writ, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Notable titles leaving Game Pass on September 15th include Cyberpunk 2077, Dead Cells, and Deep Rock Galactic Survivor. Game Pass games coming in September: - Shelldiver (1st September) - Speedrunners 2: King of Speed (3rd September) - Dice a Million (4th September) - Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (8th September) - The Royal Writ (10th September) - Virtua Fighter 5 REVO World Stage (10th September) - RuneScape: Dragonwilds (15th September) Leaving Game Pass on 15th September: - Commandos: Origins - Cricket 24 - Cyberpunk 2077 - Dead Cells - Deep Rock Galactic Survivor - Frostpunk 2 - Mullet Madjack - Spiritfarer - Superliminal - Train Sim World 5

Winsage

September 2, 2026

7 Ways Microsoft Is Finally Fixing Windows 11 In 2026

In 2025, Microsoft faced backlash from Windows users due to performance issues and the integration of Copilot, leading to dissatisfaction with the operating system. Users expressed concerns about bloat, sluggishness, and reliability. In response, Microsoft pledged to improve the user experience, implementing several changes: 1. Users can now pause updates for up to 35 days, allowing them to choose when to resume updates. 2. The taskbar can be positioned at the top, left, or right of the screen, with customization options for taskbar icons and labels. 3. Windows Search has been redesigned to focus on local search results, allowing users to disable web results. 4. The Start menu has been overhauled for greater customization, enabling users to prioritize their apps. 5. Microsoft is reducing the presence of Copilot by removing unnecessary buttons and allowing users to disable it. 6. The setup experience has been streamlined, allowing users to skip updates during installation for a faster process. 7. A point-in-time restore feature has been introduced, enabling users to create backups and recover their systems quickly in case of issues.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

New Realms features in Java snapshot

The latest update includes a new pixel art feature that highlights the benefits of Realms. Players can install snapshots by opening the Minecraft Launcher, navigating to the "Installations" tab, and enabling snapshots. The developers are seeking player feedback to improve features and encourage submissions through a dedicated feedback site.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

“More interruptions than necessary,” Microsoft on Windows 11’s forced reboots for updates, rolls out a fix

Microsoft is changing the Windows 11 update process to consolidate various updates into a single monthly restart, starting with updates released on or after July 28, 2026. This new system combines driver updates, .NET updates, and firmware updates with the monthly security update, allowing for one restart per month instead of multiple. Updates requiring a restart will wait until the scheduled monthly security update, which is typically released on the second Tuesday of each month. Users can find combined updates under Settings > Windows Update > Available updates and can choose to restart sooner if desired. Additionally, users can pause updates for up to 35 days through Settings > Windows Update.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Empulse and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded are officially over as 1047 Games says it’s probably done making arena shooters

1047 Games has announced it will cease development on the PvP arena shooter Empulse and its predecessor Splitgate: Arena Reloaded due to insufficient revenue to cover operational expenses. The studio will continue to exist but will shift its strategic focus to future projects. The original Splitgate: Arena Warfare launched in 2019 and gained significant popularity, but the follow-up titles did not achieve similar success, resulting in layoffs shortly after Empulse's launch. Despite discontinuing dedicated servers, the studio will support both Empulse and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded through peer-to-peer matchmaking, allowing players to host matches indefinitely. Empulse will receive a final new map and a price reduction. 1047 Games expressed gratitude to its team members and players for their contributions and support.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Blizzard doing ‘a thorough scrub’ of illegitimate World of Warcraft Mythic-Plus dungeon rankings, with more changes to come

Blizzard Entertainment is reviewing World of Warcraft Mythic Plus Dungeon rankings due to concerns over players purchasing carries, following the introduction of rewards for the top 1% during the Midnight expansion. Game director Ion Hazzikostas confirmed that the team is thoroughly examining this issue and will provide updates soon. The competitive rankings have led to discussions about the rapid increase in cutoff scores and the prevalence of paid invitations for +21 level groups. Players have faced penalties for obtaining Mythic raiding mounts through real-money transactions, causing confusion over legitimate practices. The percentage-based ranking system has increased participation in Mythic Plus dungeons but resulted in lower retention rates compared to the previous season. Community feedback on the new rewards has been mixed, with some players feeling stressed by the uncertainty of the cutoff. Class balance has also become a concern, as successful teams tend to favor specific "meta" specs, potentially limiting accessibility for other players. Blizzard aims to keep dungeons accessible for all classes while considering specialization-specific cutoffs for future seasons.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is shaping up to be Google’s best beta yet

Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability with the release of Beta 4, locking the application programming interfaces (APIs) and allowing developers to refine their apps. The update focuses on system polish and bug fixes rather than new features. Google has addressed issues affecting Pixel users, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation glitches, battery charging limitations, Recents screen problems, Bluetooth audio inconsistencies, and screen-recording complications. Hardware support enhancements include fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, compatibility with 3D smart-glasses displays, and improvements to low-light Face Unlock functionality. The beta journey began on July 20, with Beta 1, followed by Beta 2 on August 3 and Beta 3 shortly after. Beta 4 includes critical bug fixes such as resolving thermal management issues, battery charging behavior, gesture navigation refinements, and fixes for the transparent status bar during full-screen video playback. Other improvements address app drawer search issues, Bluetooth audio routing, Recents screen freezing, and screen-recording audio bugs. Beta 4 reinstates screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and resolves issues with 3D mode for smart glasses. Feedback from early testers has been positive, with reports of reduced lag and improved performance. However, some users have noted oversized text and lower display resolution issues, which can be resolved by rebooting. A persistent Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has been reported across all QPR2 betas. The update is being rolled out to various Pixel phones and tablets, with a download size of approximately 671MB on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Existing Pixel owners in the beta program will receive the update over the air, but exiting the program after installation may result in data loss.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows 95’s taskbar didn’t come from Steve Jobs’ NeXT Dock, and a former Microsoft VP explains what did

The Windows 95 taskbar was not inspired by the NeXT Dock, as clarified by former Microsoft executives Joe Belfiore and Brad Silverberg. Instead, its design was influenced by a Microsoft project called Cairo, which aimed to provide users with easy access to information. The taskbar was created to address usability issues from Windows 3.1, specifically to help users keep track of minimized windows. In 2021, with the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a centered taskbar and later allowed it to be repositioned to any edge of the screen, reflecting a commitment to user experience.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Microsoft Releases Two New 26H1 Builds to the Windows Insider Program

Participants in the Windows Insider Program can now install new builds in the Beta (26H1) and Experimental (26H1) channels, specifically Beta build 28020.2818 and Experimental build 28120.2824. Key updates include: - Personalization enhancements with DIB image support for desktop backgrounds and improvements to the Background settings page, including slideshow support across multiple displays. - Windows Recovery Environment (WRE) enhancements allowing automatic reuse of saved Wi-Fi profiles. - Temporary removal of the modernized Print Management experience for refinement, while traditional tools remain accessible. - File Explorer improvements that retain the state of sections on the Home page. - Magnifier user interface updates with improved icons and spacing. - Inclusion of Emoji 17.0. - Taskbar reliability improvements. - The Experimental build introduces first launch reliability for the new WinUI-based Run dialog.

Tech Optimizer

August 31, 2026

Fake Chrome update scam could infect your computer

A fake Chrome update scam has emerged, linked to a Chrome extension called Enable Right Click & Copy - Smart Unlock + OCR, which was initially legitimate but later compromised. The extension had around 70,000 users before being removed from the Chrome Web Store on August 14 due to its malicious nature. Users may encounter deceptive warnings while browsing benign sites, urging them to download files instead of using Chrome's built-in update mechanism. Google advises against engaging with suspicious pop-ups requesting software installations. The scam highlights that trusted extensions can become threats without warning, and users should regularly review their installed extensions and check for updates directly within Chrome. Similar fake update alerts have also been reported in other Chromium-based browsers. Users are encouraged to adopt safety measures, such as using strong antivirus software, reviewing browser extensions, and being cautious with downloaded files. If a suspicious file has been executed, users should treat their computer as potentially compromised and take appropriate security actions.