Hardware Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

How (and why) to roll back Windows updates on your PC

Windows update KB5043145 caused some users to experience the blue screen of death instead of performance improvements. Before rolling back updates, users should check for adequate hard drive space, restart the system, attempt to reinstall updates, disconnect non-essential hardware, check for conflicts in Device Manager, ensure antivirus software is not interfering, and verify that the Windows Update service is activated. To troubleshoot update issues, Windows 11 users can run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings, while Windows 10 users can access it through Update & Security. Users can also utilize system restore points to revert to a previous state, use the Reset Windows Update Tool to repair update components, manually install updates from the Microsoft update catalog, or reset and restart update services via command prompt. If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be necessary, though it could result in data loss.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Can the Snapdragon 8 Elite run Popular PC Games?

The realme GT 7 Pro, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, has demonstrated the capability to run AAA PC games like Assassin’s Creed Black Flag at 60 frames per second with a GPU usage rate of around 70%. Videos have also shown the device running Assassin’s Creed Rogue and Grand Theft Auto V. The gaming performance is facilitated by an upcoming application called GameFusion, which is designed for running demanding games on mobile devices. The developers of GameFusion have faced scrutiny for past work on the EggNS emulator and have introduced a paid subscription model. There is an ongoing partnership with GameSir, and details about GameFusion's availability and business model are currently unclear.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Snapdragon 8 Elite phones shown running PC games with no sweat, but is it legit?

GameFusion is a new application that allows users to play PC games locally on Android devices, demonstrated with titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Assassin’s Creed Rogue running smoothly on devices with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Realme executive Xu Qi Chase showcased Assassin’s Creed Rogue operating at 60 frames per second on a flagship smartphone. The app is developed by the creators of the EggNS emulator, which has a controversial history involving allegations of code theft. GameSir has acknowledged its connection to the EggNS team, and GameFusion may be integrated into its GameHub application. Users may need specific GameSir controllers to fully utilize GameFusion.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11’s market share hits all-time high — Microsoft’s $30 extended support charge beyond Windows 10’s imminent death won’t cut it

Windows 11 has captured a market share of 35.55% as of October 2024, while Windows 10 holds 60.97%. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The International Data Corporation (IDC) reported a 3% growth in global PC shipments in Q2 2024, with approximately 64.9 million units sold. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to extend support for an additional year at a cost. A public interest petition has been initiated urging Microsoft to reconsider the end of support for Windows 10.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Google is ending Android Auto support for older phones. Here’s why (and the simple fix)

As of this week, Android Auto has officially ceased support for smartphones operating on Android 8. Users with Android 8 devices are receiving notifications that their phones no longer support Android Auto, and to maintain functionality, an upgrade to Android 9 or later is essential. The integration of Android Auto into the operating system starting from Android 9 eliminates the need for a standalone app, and it is possible that the Android Auto app may be removed from the Play Store. Approximately 5% of Android users are still on version 8, and while some have attempted to sideload older versions of the app, this method has not been effective. Upgrading to a newer smartphone is the most viable solution, with budget-friendly options available, such as the CMF Phone 1 from Nothing, retailing around 0.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2024

Nintendo confirms Switch game compatibility with Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 will have compatibility with older Switch games.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Best Android app price drops and freebies: Residual, Gunslugs, Space Grunts 2, and more

The Google Play store is offering a variety of discounted Android games and apps. Notable hardware deals include the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra at a reduced price and the 32-inch 4K 240Hz Odyssey OLED G8 monitor, which comes with a complimentary Odyssey G3 monitor. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has also seen a price drop of . Featured discounted games include Residual, Gunslugs 1 – 3, Neoteria, and Space Grunts 2.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Valve introduces recording function to Steam

Valve has introduced a new game recording feature for Steam that allows players to record, replay, and create clips of their gameplay. This feature is compatible with both PC and Valve's Steam Deck. The key component is the Background Recording mode, which continuously captures gameplay and saves it to a hard drive, with users able to toggle it on or off. The Steam Timeline interface provides real-time updates during recording sessions, logging significant events like achievements and screenshots. The technology is designed to minimize impact on gaming performance, but users with Intel GPUs may face limitations as the feature does not support these graphics cards. The feature was initially launched in beta in June before its official rollout.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Microsoft reportedly sabotaged Windows 95 and 98’s Control Panel, or it looks that way – is this a worrying revelation?

A recent investigation revealed an intentional eight-second delay in the 'Add New Hardware' wizard of older Windows operating systems, specifically Windows 95 and 98. This delay was likely introduced due to hardware limitations of the time to address compatibility issues. Users are currently facing various glitches with the recent Windows 11 24H2 update, including BSOD crashes on Intel motherboards and disappearing File Explorer menus. The legacy Control Panel is gradually being phased out as Microsoft transitions to the Settings app, raising concerns about potential hidden issues in the current operating system. Microsoft has been contacted for clarification regarding the historical delay.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Best Video Game Deals Today (November 2024)

Savvy shoppers are preparing for Black Friday with significant discounts on video games, hardware, and accessories. Amazon is offering a Buy One, Get One 50% off sale on select games, including titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio for Xbox Series X, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 for PS5, and Balatro for Nintendo Switch. Woot has The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on sale for .99, praised with a 9/10 review from IGN. The PS5 Pro is available for preorder with a release date of November 7. PC gamers can find discounts on titles such as SILENT HILL 2 and DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO. The Xbox Cloud Gaming Bundle, including a Sky Cipher controller and a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, is priced at .99. Best Buy has holiday bundles for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe available for both standard and OLED Nintendo Switch consoles. The Alienware Aurora R16 i9 RTX 4090 gaming PC is on sale as part of Dell's early Black Friday promotions.