innovative design Archives

AppWizard

April 21, 2025

Riven Crown is a new indie Souls-like game coming to PC

Intima Leaf announced their upcoming PC title, Riven Crown, a Souls-like game offering 25 to 35 hours of gameplay with various enemies and NPCs. The game features a unique combat system that combines traditional Souls-like mechanics with a combo-driven fighting style, requiring players to master intricate input sequences. Each weapon has distinct combo routes and powerful two-phase attacks. The minimum system requirements for Riven Crown include a 64-bit processor, Windows 10, Intel Core i5-7200U or AMD Ryzen 3 2200U, 12 GB RAM, GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD RX VEGA 56, DirectX 12, and 23 GB of storage. The recommended requirements are a 64-bit processor, Windows 10/11, Intel Core i7-14700 or AMD RYZEN 7 7800X3D, 16 GB RAM, GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT, DirectX 12, and 23 GB of storage. An official release date has not been announced.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

TOS 6 in public preview for ARM shows we’re going to see many more NAS

Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

It’s better than Slay The Spire, it was our best card game of 2020, and now the sequel has a proper release date

Monster Train 2 is set to release on May 21 and will introduce five new clans, along with innovative room and equipment cards that enhance gameplay. The original Monster Train was recognized as the best card game of 2020 by PC Gamer, although it received a mixed review from Jody Macgregor, who rated it 77% and noted both its powerful combos and frustrating randomness in deck and upgrade paths.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

We Demand a Translucent Xbox – Unlocked 686

Hosts Miranda and Michael discuss announcements from Minecraft Live 2025, focusing on new mobs and their potential to enhance gameplay and community engagement. They also talk about the Backbone One Xbox Edition, highlighting its innovative design and potential impact on user experience. Lastly, they mention two upcoming games from Nintendo Direct that will be available on Xbox, speculating on their impact on the Xbox ecosystem.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

Co-op hit Split Fiction now holds three Guinness World Records that seem destined to be won specifically by co-op hit Split Fiction

Hazelight Studios released the co-op game Split Fiction, which has received critical acclaim, including praise from PC Gamer editor Fraser Brown. The game set three Guinness World Records within a week of its release: most played local co-op videogame on Steam, most sold local co-op videogame within 48 hours, and most sold local co-op videogame within one week. It peaked at 197,434 concurrent players on Steam within the first 24 hours. The studio plans to adapt the game for film and employs a "friend's pass" model, allowing one player to share the game with a partner who doesn't own it. Split Fiction is available for purchase on Steam.

AppWizard

March 22, 2025

Killed by Google: These are the apps I miss the most

Google has retired several applications that were popular among users, including: - Google Now: Launched in 2012 and discontinued in 2015, it provided contextually relevant information through scrollable cards. It was replaced by features like the Discover feed and Google Assistant. - Inbox by Google: Introduced as an alternative to Gmail, it grouped similar emails and helped users manage their inboxes. It was retired in 2019, with some features integrated into Gmail. - Google Trips: Launched in 2016 as a travel companion app that integrated travel information from Gmail and Google Maps. It was discontinued in 2019. - Android Auto on Smartphones: Debuted in 2016, allowing smartphones to serve as navigation hubs in cars without built-in systems. It was discontinued in 2022 in favor of dedicated vehicle screens. - Trusted Contacts: Launched in 2016 to share real-time location with family and friends for safety. It was integrated into Google Maps but is missed for its simplicity. - Google Reader: A popular RSS feed aggregator that was shut down in 2013, known for its user-friendly interface and offline functionality. Its absence is still felt by users.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

Xbox Gaming Handheld details emerge as millions of soon-to-be stuck Windows 10 PCs get an unlikely savior in ChromeOS and Microsoft prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary

An upcoming Xbox gaming handheld, known as "Project Kennan," is being developed through a collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft. This device will run PC games but will not support exclusive Xbox console titles. Users will have access to a wide range of games through services like Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. As Windows 11 enforces strict hardware requirements, many PCs will remain on Windows 10, prompting Google to enhance ChromeOS for Microsoft 365 compatibility, potentially attracting users to Chromebooks or allowing them to convert their existing Windows PCs to ChromeOS. Microsoft has integrated Copilot into GroupMe to enhance the messaging experience, aiming to revitalize the app among college students. This announcement coincides with Microsoft's plans to phase out Skype. Microsoft's 50th anniversary event is scheduled for April 4, 2025, where new AI and Copilot announcements are expected, although significant product launches may be unlikely. Epic Games and Qualcomm are collaborating to enhance the Easy Anti-Cheat system for Snapdragon X PCs, improving gaming experiences on these devices. The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 has been reviewed and described as the "Surface Pro on steroids." Windows Central has identified deals, including a bundle with a free Meta Quest 3S and discounts on WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: MONOPOLY, Exolotl Zian, Kenshō, more

The Discover Samsung sale features discounts on Samsung products and a selection of Android games and applications. Notable discounts include the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, available with a discount of up to 0, and the 43-inch M7 4K Smart Monitor, now priced 0 less. The Google Nest WiFi Pro router is offered at a 50% discount. Featured app and game deals include MONOPOLY, Exolotl: Zian, Kenshō, and Titan Quest: Ultimate.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link PC shows up in real life photos ahead of availability this spring

Microsoft introduced the Windows 365 Link, a compact mini PC that operates as a thin client, streaming Windows 11 from the cloud while running a streamlined version of Windows locally. It is currently undergoing private testing with select customers, with a broader release anticipated in April. The device is small enough to be held in one hand and features various ports, including USB-A, USB-C, ethernet, DisplayPort, and HDMI. It is powered by an Intel N250 processor, has 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Priced at , it requires an active subscription to a Windows 365 PC, which is currently an enterprise-only service, though Microsoft may expand it to consumers in the future.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

15 indie PC games that will make you forget about AAA titles

- Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler from Supergiant Games that combines action and storytelling. - Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game featuring pixel art and a soothing soundtrack, allowing players to manage a farm and build relationships. - Neon White is a fast-paced game that mixes first-person shooting and platforming, utilizing cards for moves and featuring vibrant art. - The Long Dark is a survival game set in a post-apocalyptic wilderness, focusing on resource management and strategic decision-making. - Sifu is a martial arts game with an aging mechanic that adds strategy to skill development and combat. - Slay the Spire combines deck-building with roguelike elements, offering easy-to-learn mechanics and challenging gameplay. - Undertale is an RPG known for its unique storytelling and player interaction, featuring quirky characters and memorable dialogue. - Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania game with hand-drawn art, intricate world design, and challenging gameplay that rewards exploration. - Celeste is a platformer that addresses mental health themes while providing challenging gameplay and beautiful pixel art. - Tunic is an adventure game inspired by classic titles, encouraging exploration in a mysterious world filled with secrets. - 1000xResist features a thought-provoking narrative, though its gameplay may not be as polished as others. - Balatro is a humor-infused strategy game developed by a solo creator, known for its addictive gameplay. - Pacific Drive is a driving adventure game set in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, combining exploration with survival elements. - Cocoon is a puzzle game with innovative design and intuitive gameplay, set in beautifully crafted worlds. - Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a horror game that emphasizes atmosphere and psychological tension, redefining the genre.