historical context Archives

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

Native PC Ports Of PS2 Games Could Be On The Way Thanks To New Recompilation “Experiment”

A new initiative called PS2Recomp aims to enable players to run PlayStation 2 games natively on PCs, led by Brazilian programmer ran-j. It involves statically recompiling PlayStation 2 ELF binaries into C++ code, promising greater accuracy than traditional emulation and enhanced modding support. The project is in early stages and is seeking contributions from the community. Previously, a similar project named PSRetroX was launched by an Argentinian student but became inactive. PS2Recomp is currently gaining momentum, with uncertain prospects for success.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Faces Backlash as Slowest OS in 25 Years, Benchmarks Show

Microsoft's Windows 11, launched in 2021, has been criticized for significant performance issues, making it potentially the least performant version of Windows in over two decades. Independent benchmarks reveal that Windows 11 is slower than its predecessors in areas such as boot times, application launches, and overall system responsiveness. Users with high-end hardware, including 13th-generation Intel Core processors, have reported noticeable slowdowns compared to Windows 10. Performance assessments indicate that Windows 11 struggles in various categories, including file operations, multitasking, and gaming, with longer boot speeds reminiscent of older systems. Gamers have experienced stuttering and frame rate drops, and Microsoft has acknowledged these issues in updates since 2022. The operating system is criticized for being a "resource hog," with preloaded features consuming resources even when idle. Users have reported lagging File Explorer and freezing processes, leading some to consider alternative operating systems. IT departments have noted increased support tickets related to performance issues, prompting some to delay upgrades from Windows 10. Microsoft has offered optimization advice, but critics argue these are temporary fixes for deeper architectural problems. The performance issues have implications for software developers and hardware manufacturers, increasing development costs and complicating hardware optimizations. Analysts warn that without prompt action, Microsoft's market dominance could be at risk, as users advocate for a leaner, faster Windows.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Windows Registry Tweak Unlocks 80% SSD Speed Boost on Consumer PCs

A modification in the Windows Registry can enable a native NVMe driver, potentially doubling the performance of solid-state drives (SSDs) by enhancing random read and write speeds by up to 80%. This driver is typically reserved for enterprise environments and is not officially available for consumer versions of Windows 11. The modification carries risks, including the possibility of rendering a system unbootable and disrupting features like BitLocker encryption. Early adopters have reported mixed results, with some experiencing significant performance improvements while others face stability issues. The tweak highlights the disparity between consumer and enterprise hardware capabilities and reflects ongoing discussions within the tech community about optimizing SSD performance.

AppWizard

December 12, 2025

Larian reveals its Divinity, its ‘biggest game ever,’ that will be ‘even larger than Baldur’s Gate 3’

Larian Studios has officially announced a new entry in its fantasy series titled "Divinity" at The Game Awards, following the success of Baldur's Gate 3. The game is described as Larian's "biggest game ever" by industry veteran Geoff Keighley and features a darker narrative, as shown in a pre-rendered trailer. The title "Divinity" suggests a fresh start, but it is not intended to alienate fans of Baldur's Gate 3. The game is designed to be accessible to newcomers while rewarding players familiar with previous titles. This is the first game in the series simply named "Divinity," and there are currently no plans for a new Divinity: Original Sin 3. The release date is not yet announced, and it is unclear if an early access model will be adopted.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Minecraft’s final update of the year is officially here — Mounts of Mayhem brings mounted combat to the Overworld

2025 has seen two Minecraft Live events and four significant content updates, culminating in the final update of the year titled Mounts of Mayhem. This update introduces new features such as a tiered weapon called the spear, which has extended reach and can be crafted from various materials. It includes jab and charge attacks and is designed for mounted combat. A new mount, the nautilus, has been added for underwater exploration, which can be tamed and provides the "Breath of the Nautilus" effect. Three undead mounts have been introduced: the zombie horse, camel husk, and zombie nautilus, each with unique characteristics. The update also features a new hostile mob, the parched, which spawns in deserts and fires arrows of weakness. Additional changes include mounts floating in water, the ability to upgrade diamond horse armor to netherite, and new graphics options for Minecraft: Java Edition. Mojang plans to implement smaller, more frequent updates in the future. Changelogs for both Minecraft: Java Edition 1.21.11 and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 1.21.130 are available for review.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Horses review

Santa Ragione's game, Horses, explores the unsettling relationship between media and the human experience, drawing inspiration from Eadweard Muybridge's motion photography. The game critiques the commodification of bodies through media technologies, set against a historical backdrop involving Muybridge's work commissioned by industrialist Leland Stanford. Players navigate a 3D farm as a young man under the watchful eye of a grotesque farmer, engaging in gameplay that combines farming simulation with cinematic elements. The "horses" in the game are depicted as human figures in masks, symbolizing the dehumanization of marginalized bodies. The farmer character represents power dynamics, assigning menial tasks that reveal themes of dominance and complicity. The narrative challenges players to confront their actions and societal norms, particularly regarding sexuality and control. Horses faced backlash from Steam for perceived obscenity, sparking discussions about censorship and artistic expression in gaming. The game invites reflection on media representation and the power dynamics in human relationships.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

CISA alert draws attention to spyware’s targeting of messaging apps

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning about the increasing threat of spyware targeting messaging applications, particularly on Android devices like Samsung. Cybercriminals are using social engineering techniques, including sending harmless-looking image files via WhatsApp, to install malicious software. Russian hackers have been reported to compromise Signal accounts. The alert highlights a focus on high-value individuals, including government officials and civil society members in the U.S., Middle East, and Europe. CISA has a history of issuing such alerts and provides cybersecurity guidance, including a "must-patch" list for federal agencies. Users are advised to be vigilant and follow mobile security guidelines, as threat groups are also using malicious QR codes and zero-click exploits to compromise devices.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube Tests Revival of In-App Messaging in Ireland and Poland

YouTube is testing the revival of its in-app direct messaging feature, which was discontinued in 2019. The limited rollout is currently available to users in Ireland and Poland and is aimed at users over 18, focusing on privacy and community guidelines. This feature allows for private conversations and video sharing within the app, reflecting user demand for integrated communication. The original messaging system, launched in 2017, was shut down due to low adoption rates and moderation challenges. The current testing phase suggests YouTube is refining the feature before a broader launch, with potential implications for creators to engage with fans directly. However, there are concerns regarding privacy and content moderation. The initiative aligns with industry trends emphasizing in-app communication and could enhance user engagement and advertising opportunities for YouTube.