incentives Archives

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Russian Developers Urge Ban on Microsoft Windows for School Exams

The Domestic Software Association, representing over 300 Russian IT companies, is advocating for a ban on Microsoft’s Windows operating system during school examinations, citing a conflict with a presidential decree banning foreign software in government institutions starting January 2025. The association expressed concerns in a letter to the Digital Development Ministry, the Education Ministry, and Rosobrnadzor regarding a directive that mandates the Unified State Exam be conducted solely on Windows. They are promoting the use of domestic operating systems like Astra Linux and urging revisions to exam preparation guidelines to include Russian office software suites. New federal regulations restrict foreign software procurement and incentivize Russian alternatives, with a law effective September 1 requiring only software registered with the Digital Development Ministry for critical national infrastructure. The initiative to replace foreign software began in 2023, but as of August 2024, only about 60% of schools and universities had transitioned to domestic solutions, with complete transition expected to take several more years.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Tiny Little Kingdoms, House of Da Vinci 2, more

Shoppers can pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold or Flip 7 and receive a complimentary Galaxy Watch 8 or Buds 3 Pro. Significant discounts are available on Pixel 9 devices, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Galaxy S25 models with savings of up to 5. Various Android apps and games are also on sale this week.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Blue Archive PC Release Appears To Break Steam Rules

Blue Archive launched on Steam after four years as a mobile exclusive, quickly gaining over 20,000 concurrent players and more than 10,000 reviews. A controversy arose when it was revealed that the developer organized an in-game event encouraging players to leave reviews on Steam, which violates Steamworks guidelines. Players were promised in-game rewards if the review count reached 10,000, but this event has since been removed. A user pointed out that developers are prohibited from manipulating the review system or soliciting reviews for rewards. Blue Archive is categorized as a tactical RPG with gacha elements, and following its release, Umamusume: Pretty Derby also achieved over 50,000 concurrent players on Steam.

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Minecraft vs. Roblox: Which Video Game is #1 in 2025?

Roblox reported 79.5 million daily active users (DAUs) in Q1 2025, while Minecraft had 140 million monthly active users (MAUs) in 2023. Roblox generated .8 million in revenue in Q1 2025, compared to Minecraft's million for the entirety of 2023. 54% of Roblox users are under 13 years old, while Minecraft appeals to a broader demographic, including adults. Roblox focuses on user-generated content and social interaction, while Minecraft emphasizes creativity and nostalgia.

Winsage

July 6, 2025

Windows 11 Finally Overtakes Windows 10 as the Most Dominant Operating System

As of July 2025, Windows 11 has a market share of 51.77%, surpassing Windows 10's 45.02%. Windows 11 was launched in October 2021 and initially captured less than 10% of installations by the end of its first year. Its market share increased to 28% in 2023 and 36% by late 2024. Factors contributing to this growth include the impending end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, hardware upgrades by users, and attractive features of Windows 11. Over 700 million devices are currently running Windows 11.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Windows 12 Delayed as Microsoft Prepares Windows 11 25H2 Update

Microsoft has decided not to release a standalone "Windows 12" and will instead focus on the upcoming Windows 11 version 25H2, with a wider rollout expected in the latter half of 2025. The latest Insider Preview build for this version is now available to testers. The 25H2 update will build on the existing 24H2 release, allowing users to transition seamlessly with a small enablement package that mimics a routine update installation. Features from the 24H2 Beta Channel will be included in the 25H2 preview, with enhancements already integrated but disabled until ready. The official support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, and the timing of the 25H2 launch may encourage users to upgrade. Enterprises will receive a 36-month support cycle, while consumer editions will have 24 months of servicing. Windows Insiders can explore the preview now and provide feedback, with a simple restart required for activation upon official release.

BetaBeacon

July 1, 2025

Download Asphalt 8: Airborne (free) for Windows, Android, APK and iOS

Asphalt 8: Airborne is a free game that offers high-speed racing, easy controls, diverse cars and locations, daily challenges, and special events.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Aaero2: Black Razor Edition Announced For PC & Consoles

Indie game developer Mad Fellows, in collaboration with publisher Wired Productions, has announced Aaero2: Black Razor Edition, which integrates new features, music packs, and previously released content for PC and consoles. The game offers an on-rails rhythm shooter experience where players navigate alien landscapes while tracing ribbons of light, synchronized with the soundtrack. It includes a single-player campaign, two-player co-op, and PvP modes, featuring over 20 unique levels and a redesigned combat system that encourages timing missile launches to the rhythm. The soundtrack includes tracks from Monstercat and Black Razor Records, with contributions from artists like Droptek, Muzz, Bossfight, Ivar & The Horde, Kieron Pepper, and Lania Kea. Players can engage in epic boss battles and complete achievements and daily goals throughout the game.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign review

A co-op action RPG battle royale hybrid set in the Elden Ring universe, titled Elden Ring Nightreign, is developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, with a release date of May 30, 2025, priced at £35. The game features multiplayer gameplay, with matches lasting around 30 minutes, and involves teams of three players battling against various monsters. Players engage in cooperative missions and face unpredictable challenges, including boss encounters and randomized loot. Each character can equip three Relics, though their effectiveness can vary. The game emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and adaptation, with a steep learning curve and elements that can lead to frustration. Despite its chaotic nature, it offers a thrilling experience that encourages players to experiment and persevere through challenges. The game was reviewed on an RTX 5090, Intel Core i9 12900K, and 32GB RAM, and has not been tested on Steam Deck.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Movie Theaters Are Making A Comeback. Here’s Why.

In April, two major film releases revitalized interest in theaters: “A Minecraft Movie” grossed 3 million globally during its opening weekend, while Ryan Coogler’s horror film “Sinners” debuted with a solid million and has surpassed the 0 million mark worldwide. The success of “Sinners” has been supported by IMAX screenings and a limited re-release in select theaters. Despite competition from streaming services and inflation affecting consumer spending, studios like Warner Bros. are optimistic about maintaining momentum, with upcoming releases such as Marvel’s “Thunderbolts,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” and Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” AMC CEO Adam Aron expressed cautious optimism for recovery, noting a promising second half of the year and projections for a stronger 2026. Cinema United President Michael O’Leary advocates for a 45-day baseline window for films in theaters, while AMC plans to open 40 new Dolby Cinema auditoriums by 2027. The recent successes indicate that innovative storytelling and compelling cinematic experiences are crucial for attracting audiences back to theaters.