highlights Archives

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft blocks browser choice for 1.4 billion Windows users, study finds

Microsoft's design strategies continue to influence users towards its Edge browser, as revealed in a study by Dr. Harry Brignull and Cennydd Bowles, published by Mozilla. The researchers tested Windows 10 and 11 across the US, UK, India, and Germany, focusing on whether users could download, set, and maintain a default browser other than Edge without interference. Findings showed that users encountered harmful design patterns that hindered their ability to choose alternative browsers. For example, searching for "download Chrome" on Bing led to Edge promotions, and downloading Chrome triggered an Edge banner. In Windows 11, the setup prompts users to allow Edge to import data from other browsers, with the accept option more visible than the decline option. Additionally, Microsoft's Copilot and Windows Backup tool opened links in Edge regardless of the user's default browser choice, resetting the default browser to Edge during migration without consent. The study noted regional differences, with fewer harmful patterns in Germany due to the EU's Digital Markets Act, although some issues persisted. The researchers recommend eliminating these harmful design patterns and advocate for global regulatory enforcement.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Is it time for Sony to panic? Astro Bot launched on PC using a PS5 emulator

Sony has announced it will cease the production of PlayStation game discs, leading to increased interest in PS5 emulation projects among tech enthusiasts. These projects are in early development stages, with current emulators allowing access only to game menus. A notable breakthrough occurred when a tech enthusiast named RSantila successfully launched the PS5 exclusive title, Astro Bot, on a PC using the SharpEmu emulator. This achievement marks significant progress in PS5 emulation, as it demonstrates that a game scheduled for a 2024 release is operational on a non-console platform. The evolution of emulation technology is highlighted by the success of the shadPS4 emulator, which now runs demanding titles like Bloodborne, and the RPCS3 emulator for PlayStation 3, which has improved to handle resource-intensive games.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft’s July 2026 Patch Tuesday is here

Microsoft has introduced a point-in-time restore feature on its Microsoft Learn platform, allowing users to revert Windows systems to a previous state to protect against data loss and system errors. The company is also addressing critical security vulnerabilities, including CVE-2026-20833 and CVE-2026-50656, by working on patches and updates to enhance security.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Streator Public Library offers Minecraft, arts, and games

The Streator Public Library is offering a variety of summer programs, including: - Minecraft Ore Scavenger Hunt until July 25 - Lego Club for children aged 5 and up throughout the week - Minecraft movie screening on July 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. - “Are You Smarter Than a Librarian?” robotics challenge on July 20 at 4:30 p.m. - Murder Mystery Meetup for teens on July 22 at 6 p.m. - Afternoon Watercolor on July 21 and Evening Acrylic on July 23 for ages 10 and up - Minecraft IRL craft and building sessions on July 24 and 25 - Dig In Reading Club on July 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with free pizza and games - Book Buddy Storytime and Game Time on July 22 - Mother Goose Club for toddlers on July 23 - Indoor Volleyball on July 25 Additionally, the library will host the Artist to Be Expo from August 3 to August 8, with an opening reception on August 3 from 3 to 7 p.m.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Steam drops four free games, including a ‘peak’ RPG you can claim right now

The text highlights four free games available on Steam: 1. The Song of WILL: Act I - An RPG by Dylan Webber, inspired by 90s JRPGs, featuring randomized weapons and a "Positive" rating based on 11 reviews. 2. All Tomorrows: Invasion - A casual first-person shooter by Bluestone, with solid shooting mechanics and a "Positive" rating from 11 reviews. 3. Oblivion Maiden - Developed by Project Ex Libris, this game has a "Positive" rating from 29 reviews and combines elements of The Legend of Zelda and classic Final Fantasy. 4. BomBee - A puzzle game described as an online arcade PvP game, currently lacking a rating.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Thinking About Installing Windows on Your Steam Machine? Read This First

Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to replace SteamOS with Windows for greater software flexibility. This transition requires a complete OS overhaul and may result in performance issues due to reliance on generic AMD graphics drivers, as Valve does not provide official support for Windows on the Steam Machine. Users have encountered a hardware issue known as the “Red Bar of Death,” which can often be resolved through power resets and ensuring proper ventilation. The upcoming Steam Frame VR headset is designed to operate independently of a PC, featuring standalone capabilities and enhanced SteamOS integration, but its success will depend on competitive pricing and developer support. The Steam Machine faces challenges such as high pricing, aging hardware, and limited official support, impacting its competitiveness in the gaming market.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

You can currently buy three of my all-time favorite microstrategy games for $10

Steam's Games Made in Sweden sale features notable titles such as Vermintide, Darktide, Payday, Valheim, Amnesia, and Satisfactory, with many available at discounts. Vermintide 2 is priced at £2.34. Three microstrategy games highlighted in the sale are Bad North, Kingdom Two Crowns, and The Battle of Polytopia, all available for under £10. Bad North involves defending islands from Viking invasions, Kingdom Two Crowns combines town-building with exploration and co-op gameplay, and The Battle of Polytopia offers quick 4x gameplay with 16 civilizations and various modes. Some notable titles, like Arc Raiders, are not included in the sale.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

One week after going independent in the Xbox bloodbath, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games is looking for work

Compulsion Games has regained its independence after layoffs at Xbox and is seeking new collaborations within the games and entertainment industry. The studio's game, South of Midnight, has won several awards, including a BAFTA Award, a Peabody Award, and seven Canadian Game Awards, and has been recognized on multiple 'Best Games of 2025' lists with an 83% review score. Despite its critical acclaim, the game did not achieve blockbuster sales, leading to concerns about the studio's long-term viability. Compulsion Games was founded in 2009 and has previously provided services to other studios. Before their independence announcement, several employees began exploring new job opportunities with the support of studio leadership, reflecting uncertainty within the studio.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Monday Android app deals and freebies: Turnip Boy Robs a Bank, Beholder Conductor, Serial Cleaner, more

An array of Android game and app deals includes titles like Turnip Boy Robs a Bank, Beholder: Conductor, Serial Cleaner, Parabellum: Siege of Legends, Foretales, Looking for Aliens, and Townopolis. Discounts on Google tech products include 0 off the base model Pixel 10, 0 off select Pixel 10 Pro models, 0 off the Pixel 10 Pro XL, 0 off the Google Pixel Watch 4, price reductions on Google Pixel 10/Pro Pixelsnap cases, and discounts on Nothing’s 2026 Headphone. There are also significant price drops on various Android apps, enhancing accessibility for users.

Winsage

July 13, 2026

Windows 11’s smallest upgrade shows a big commitment from Microsoft

Windows 11 is set to receive an update that includes a slightly taller search box in the Start menu, increasing its height by four pixels. This change, currently in preview, is part of Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative aimed at improving user experience by addressing inconsistencies in the operating system. The update was revealed in the release notes for a preview build, leading to humorous reactions from users. Despite the minor nature of this adjustment, it highlights ongoing design issues within Windows 11, such as misaligned windows and inconsistent menus, which contribute to a perception of incompleteness. Additionally, the context menus in the latest preview build feature more rounded corners, raising questions about UI consistency. The Windows K2 initiative aims to enhance both performance and visual appeal, improving the overall user experience.