industry trend Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Owner of big gaming platform can’t believe how bad Windows 11 is – and hints are dropped about big things for Linux gamers this year

Michał Kiciński, the new owner of GOG, expressed surprise at the longevity of Windows, criticizing it as poor-quality software. Maciej Gołębiewski, managing director of GOG, noted the company's strategic shift towards Linux, driven by increasing game compatibility and the success of SteamOS. This pivot is part of a broader industry trend as developers recognize the value of alternative operating systems. GOG plans to embrace Linux more fully by 2026. Meanwhile, Microsoft has focused on integrating AI into Windows 11, which has faced criticism for not addressing foundational issues, particularly in performance and functionality.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Meta Shuts Down Standalone Messenger Desktop App on December 15, 2025

Meta Platforms Inc. will discontinue its standalone Messenger desktop application for Windows and macOS on December 15, 2025. Users will be directed to use browser-based access or the main Facebook platform instead. The Messenger app was introduced to compete with video communication tools but has seen a decline in usage as users prefer mobile devices and web browsers. The shutdown will affect businesses that use Messenger for customer service, impacting features like notifications and offline message queuing. Users have expressed frustration over potential loss of chat histories and concerns about increased dependency on Meta's web portal. Alternatives like Signal and Telegram may attract former users. Meta's decision reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing mobile experiences and could allow the company to focus resources on metaverse development and AI features.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

Epic bans indie horror game Horses just one day before launch due to ‘inappropriate content’, despite having approved that content weeks ago

The horror game Horses has been banned from both Steam and Epic Games for violating policies on "inappropriate content" and "hateful or abusive content." Epic Games informed publisher Santa Ragione of the ban just one day before the game's scheduled launch on its platform, without specifying how the game violated guidelines. Santa Ragione's appeal was rejected within 12 hours, also without clarification. While Epic suggested the game could be updated to meet compliance standards, they did not provide specific guidance on necessary changes. Horses contains elements of nudity and adult themes, contributing to the sensitivity surrounding its release. Despite the bans, the game is still available on platforms like GOG, Itch.io, and the Humble Store, which shifted to a DRM-free distribution model.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

‘Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’ May Come To PC Sooner Than You Think

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is anticipated to transition to PC soon, as suggested by a now-removed ESRB listing. This marks a significant shift for a first-party PlayStation exclusive, indicating a potential change in strategy for PlayStation regarding PC releases. The game has received seven nominations at this year's Game Awards and has been praised by critics. It is currently available on PlayStation 5.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

It finally felt like GTA 6 was in reach, but it just got delayed again and now it’s more than a year away

Rockstar Games has postponed the release of GTA 6 from May 26, 2025, to November 19, 2026. This marks the second significant delay for the game, which is highly anticipated by fans. In a social media post, Rockstar expressed regret over the delay, stating that the extra time will allow for a more polished game. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, emphasized the importance of delivering a quality product and expressed confidence in the new release date, which aligns with a favorable fiscal year.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

OpenAI Teases Sora Android App Coming Soon

OpenAI's video model, Sora, will launch on the Android platform, confirmed by project lead Bill Peebles. Pre-registration is now available on Google Play, and the app will feature character cameos, in-app editing capabilities, and improved performance metrics. Android holds about 70% of the global smartphone market, making this launch a strategic move to expand Sora's reach in the mobile-first creator economy. The app will allow creators to capture and share ideas on the go, facilitating collaboration without needing laptops. Features include the ability to upload media for animation, lightweight editing tools, and enhancements for personalized social channels. Sora 2 is noted for producing coherent shots, with comparisons to competitors like Google’s Veo 3 and Runway’s Gen-3. Pre-registration indicates strong intent for release, though details on pricing, credits, and safety measures remain unclear. Performance on mid-range devices and user trust regarding likeness and consent will be critical considerations for the app's success.

Winsage

October 24, 2025

Microsoft Disables File Explorer Preview for Internet Files to Patch NTLM Vulnerability

Following the October 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, many Windows users experienced issues with the File Explorer preview pane, which stopped functioning for several file types. This change, implemented by Microsoft as a security enhancement, affects both Windows 11 and Windows 10 and is linked to a vulnerability associated with NTLM credential hashes. The updates, KB5066835 for Windows 11 and KB5066791 for Windows 10, disable the preview functionality for files marked with the "Mark of the Web" (MotW), indicating they originated from the internet. Instead of a preview, users receive a warning message about potential harm from the file. Microsoft has provided workarounds for users who wish to restore the preview functionality, including manually unblocking files or adjusting security settings for network shares, though these methods come with security risks. This change reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing security over user convenience.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

GenAI is emerging, and it could make the phone’s form factor feel irrelevant

The consumer technology landscape is shifting towards prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) experiences over traditional hardware specifications, redefining consumer engagement with devices. Companies are focusing on user experiences enabled by AI, such as Samsung's collaboration with Perplexity for information access through televisions. Tech giants like Google and Motorola are highlighting AI functionalities in their marketing, while Nothing is investing in AI-native devices. The introduction of GenAI into premium smartphones has brought features like real-time image editing and personalized content generation. IDC predicts that users will soon interact with personalized AI across various devices, facilitating seamless transitions between them. AI-powered devices, such as the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, offer hands-free assistance, enhancing user convenience. Consumers are looking for features that save time and improve convenience, and companies that successfully leverage AI for tangible benefits are likely to lead the market.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Google Play Teases Android XR Apps And Games

Google has launched a new selection of apps and games in the Play Store tailored for Android XR, previously developed for Android VR or Daydream. This page features a variety of XR-ready apps, including notable titles like Asteroid, NFL Pro Era, Vacation Simulator, and Naver CHZZK XR. The inclusion of Virtual Desktop indicates support for wireless PCVR streaming. Android XR is a collaboration between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm, aiming to create a robust ecosystem for next-generation headsets. The initial app offerings focus on entertainment, gaming, and utility, with a dedicated shelf for easier discovery and installation. Android XR will utilize Android’s developer stack, integrating Play billing and XR-specific APIs. Analysts predict a resurgence in the AR and VR sectors, with Google competing against Meta’s Quest lineup. The Play Store is expected to expand rapidly as partners finalize builds and features.