innovate Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Helldivers 2 devs slash install size from 154GB to 23GB, thanks to the help of PC port veterans — ditching HDD optimization, 85% size reduction accomplished by de-duplicating game data

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the size of their game Helldivers 2 by 85%, from approximately 154GB to 23GB, through collaboration with Nixxes Software and the use of data de-duplication techniques. This results in a storage saving of around 131GB.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

WhatsApp Launches EU Interoperability for Encrypted Cross-App Messaging

Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp is rolling out interoperability features across Europe, allowing users to send messages to individuals on third-party applications starting in November 2024. This initiative is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires dominant tech companies to enhance competition by opening their platforms. Users will be able to communicate while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a process that has taken over three years to develop. Users must opt-in to receive messages from third-party applications, and the initial rollout is limited to specific partners. The interoperability allows for sharing text, images, voice messages, videos, and files. Meta's engineering team adapted WhatsApp's infrastructure to accommodate external services while upholding encryption standards. Concerns have been raised about potential security vulnerabilities and the implications of proposed regulations like "Chat Control" that could conflict with encryption efforts. This development could influence competitive dynamics in the messaging sector, providing smaller applications like BirdyChat and Haiket visibility by integrating with WhatsApp’s large user base. Compliance with the DMA helps Meta avoid fines while risking dilution of WhatsApp's market dominance. Privacy implications are a significant concern, with discussions around how interoperability could facilitate surveillance or compromise user security. Meta's journey involved regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with DMA objectives, and the success of this initiative could set a precedent for global standards in digital communication.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft confirms that its new AI agent in Windows 11 hallucinates like every other chatbot and poses security risks to users

Microsoft has introduced agentic AI capabilities for Windows 11 through the 26220.7262 update, aligning with the trend of using large language models to enhance user experiences. The company has warned about potential risks associated with these new features, including the possibility of "hallucinations" and "novel security risks," specifically highlighting a vulnerability known as cross-prompt injection (XPIA). This flaw could allow malicious content to override agent instructions, leading to unintended actions like data exfiltration or malware installation. Microsoft’s move to integrate these AI features reflects a response to competitive pressures in the tech industry, despite the known flaws and security vulnerabilities associated with them.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft says AI agents are “risky”, but it’s moving ahead with the plan on Windows 11

Microsoft is integrating AI agents into Windows 11, despite acknowledging risks such as hallucinations, unpredictable behavior, and vulnerabilities to cyber threats like Cross Prompt Injection (XPIA). The company plans to transform every Windows 11 PC into an AI-powered machine by introducing features like Copilot Voice, Copilot Vision, and Copilot Actions. The Windows 11 taskbar will feature a new "Ask Copilot" interface for users to interact with AI agents. These agents will operate under separate accounts with limited permissions, controlled folder access, and tamper-evident logs, but still have access to personal folders like Documents and Downloads. The Agent Workspace is a key feature that allows AI agents to perform tasks in a controlled environment, separate from the user's session. Agents can interact with applications and execute multi-step tasks while being monitored. Microsoft employs the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to regulate agent interactions with applications, ensuring security and proper permissions. Despite concerns over privacy and security, Microsoft believes that integrating AI is essential for keeping Windows competitive. The company has faced backlash over previous features like Recall, which raised privacy issues, and must work to rebuild trust with users. The experimental AI features are currently optional, and Microsoft aims to demonstrate their value to encourage acceptance.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

Messaging apps: most popular by global IAP revenue 2025| Statista

Businesses are reassessing their strategies to focus on adaptability and resilience due to recent shifts in market dynamics. Companies are using data analytics to gain insights into consumer behavior, enhancing customer engagement and driving product development. The integration of technology, including artificial intelligence and blockchain, is fundamental to modern business operations. Many companies are prioritizing sustainability as a corporate responsibility, adopting eco-friendly practices to appeal to consumers. The rise of remote work has led organizations to reevaluate workforce strategies, focusing on employee well-being and engagement. Investors are increasingly favoring companies that show financial stability alongside a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

New Steam Deck rivals are getting ridiculous, with 9-inch screens and 5x the performance, and I need one right now

The Ayaneo Next 2 is a handheld gaming device featuring AMD's Strix Halo processor, which has a GPU over five times more powerful than the Steam Deck. It includes a 9-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,504 pixels and a 165Hz refresh rate. The device has an ergonomic design, larger than many current handhelds, with features like touchpads, ABXY buttons, a d-pad, analog sticks, dual-mode triggers, and an extra-large battery. The Strix Halo chip has shown impressive 1080p gaming performance in previous reviews, while concerns exist regarding battery life, heat management, and noise levels. The Ayaneo Next 2 is expected to be priced similarly to other handhelds with the Strix Halo chip, which may exceed ,000. An upcoming video stream will showcase its features in more detail.

AppWizard

November 28, 2025

Steam Users Can Enjoy 4 More Free Games, Support Indie Devs

Recent enhancements to user interface design focus on creating seamless experiences to attract and retain users. Key features include streamlined search inputs for easy queries, an organized navigation structure for exploring various categories, and mobile-friendly navigation menus like the hamburger menu. The emphasis on content accessibility is evident in the wide range of topics available, fostering engagement and broadening audience reach. These design elements also contribute to brand identity, conveying professionalism and reliability.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Google is integrating Nano Banana right into its app’s search bar

The Google app is set to integrate an image generation feature powered by Nano Banana, allowing users to create images directly from the search bar. Users can access this feature by tapping the search bar, selecting the plus icon, and entering prompts to generate images. This functionality is similar to a feature introduced in Chrome Canary for Android but is now available in the Google app. The feature is confirmed to be live in Google app version 16.47.49.ve.arm64, following earlier indications from an APK teardown that it was being tested.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Apex Legends’ new gun may be the most broken weapon in its history, but boy is it fun to shoot missiles from an SMG

The Bird of Prey is a new variant of the R99 introduced in Apex Legends' Mixtape mode, available in Care Packages during the Supersonic event. It features a unique ability to fire five homing missiles that deal an additional ten damage each when locked onto an enemy for a sufficient duration. The weapon is equipped with gold attachments and is designed to provide a tactical advantage similar to Valkyrie's abilities, but it has a brief recharge period. The Bird of Prey is not available in ranked matches or competitive formats. Its introduction has led to a chaotic gameplay experience, especially during endgames, but it is intended for casual play.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

Baldur’s Gate 3 is ‘an inspiration’ for CD Projekt, but it’s all-in on big open worlds: ‘We are definitely not going to make a game like Larian did’

CD Projekt's joint CEO Michał Nowakowski acknowledged the success of Baldur's Gate 3 and its influence on classic CRPG elements, but emphasized that CD Projekt Red (CDPR) is pursuing its own direction for future projects. He stated that while they find inspiration in Baldur's Gate 3, CDPR will not create a game similar to Larian Studios' work and intends to innovate beyond their previous titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Nowakowski mentioned a strategic shift towards focusing on core pillar games rather than spinoffs, indicating that CDPR aims to prioritize the development of main titles that enhance open-world gaming.