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'Steam is winning with its ease of use,' GOG's new owner says, but he's not interested in picking a fight: 'I think much can be done in GOG without losing its core values and the way it operates'
AppWizard
January 13, 2026

‘Steam is winning with its ease of use,’ GOG’s new owner says, but he’s not interested in picking a fight: ‘I think much can be done in GOG without losing its core values and the way it operates’

CD Projekt sold its DRM-free digital storefront, GOG, to co-founder Michal Kiciński at the end of 2025. GOG has transitioned from focusing solely on classic titles to including newer releases, but it remains a niche player in the gaming market and has not generated substantial revenue for CD Projekt. Kiciński and GOG's managing director, Maciej Gołębiewski, expressed optimism about GOG's potential, emphasizing its unique position and mission to ensure games endure over time. GOG is expanding its catalog of new releases, particularly from independent studios, without aiming to compete directly with Steam in terms of volume. GOG is known for being a curated platform, contrasting with Steam's high volume of releases, and Kiciński acknowledged the need for GOG to improve its user-friendly features while maintaining its core values. GOG will continue to uphold its commitment to being a DRM-free platform, which Kiciński stated is a core value that will not change in the foreseeable future.
Microsoft's Windows AI Features Lack Official Disable Options, Forcing Users To Third-Party Tools
Winsage
January 5, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows AI Features Lack Official Disable Options, Forcing Users To Third-Party Tools

Microsoft's latest Windows 25H2 builds have introduced AI features, but users cannot easily disable them through the interface, leading many to use third-party tools like the RemoveWindowsAI PowerShell script to eliminate components such as Copilot, Recall, and Input Insights. Windows Recall captures screenshots for AI-driven searches, raising privacy concerns due to the creation of a local database of full screenshots. Microsoft has also disabled phone activation for Windows 11, requiring internet connectivity for activation. The RemoveWindowsAI tool removes appx packages associated with AI, ensuring they cannot be reinstalled. Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of support for Windows 11 SE by October 13, 2026, impacting schools that rely on this version. Virtualization, such as using Proxmox, is recommended for users wary of telemetry practices. The RemoveWindowsAI project is evolving to enhance its capabilities in response to Microsoft's AI feature additions. Enterprise deployments are advised to test removal strategies in controlled environments, though some antivirus programs may flag the tool as malicious. Privacy advocates are concerned about the implications of Microsoft's changes on user control and data collection.
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin is upset with Microsoft, calls Windows boot process ‘dystopian’ - The Times of India
Winsage
December 29, 2025

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin is upset with Microsoft, calls Windows boot process ‘dystopian’ – The Times of India

Vitalik Buterin expressed concerns about Microsoft's requirement for internet connectivity during the installation of Windows, calling the experience “dystopian.” He encountered a barrier while trying to boot into Windows to install Linux, as it required an internet connection to communicate with Microsoft’s servers. This commentary was in response to a post on X that suggested corporations are increasingly eliminating personal computer ownership, which could lead to a societal shift towards radical political ideologies. Buterin's remarks reflect unease regarding the power dynamics between consumers and corporations in the tech industry. In contrast, another user on X, known as ‘iRish,’ argued that most users may not share these concerns and that Microsoft is catering to the majority rather than tech-savvy individuals.
Windows 10 Support Ending: Complete Windows 11 Upgrade Guide
Winsage
December 4, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending: Complete Windows 11 Upgrade Guide

Upgrading to Windows 11 involves careful planning and preparation. Start by updating Windows 10 to ensure recent updates are applied. Acquire a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) for the installation process, and document current software licenses as some applications may require reactivation. Check for driver updates to ensure hardware compatibility with Windows 11. There are three main upgrade methods: 1. Windows Update Automatic Upgrade: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, check for updates, and if compatible, download and install Windows 11. This method retains files and applications and typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. 2. Media Creation Tool Installation: Download the Media Creation Tool, run it, and follow prompts to create installation media on a USB drive. This method is useful for upgrading multiple devices. 3. Clean Installation Process: Insert the USB drive with setup files, restart the device, boot from the USB, and follow the instructions for a custom installation. This method erases all existing data, so comprehensive backups are necessary. Effective planning is crucial, and it is advisable to start the upgrade process well before the deadline of October 14, 2025. This allows time for testing applications, training staff, and addressing hardware requirements. Ensure all devices are compatible to avoid security issues, and consider a robust data protection strategy, such as a 3-2-1 backup approach. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with genuine Windows 10 licenses. If a device does not meet the requirements, it cannot be upgraded. Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of the upgrade, retaining previous files. The upgrade process typically takes around 20 minutes, depending on various factors. Planning the upgrade early helps mitigate operational disruptions, allowing for staggered upgrades and reduced risks of security vulnerabilities as Windows 10 support ends.
Virus Alert: 4 Warning Signs on Your Laptop You Must Not Ignore
Tech Optimizer
November 29, 2025

Virus Alert: 4 Warning Signs on Your Laptop You Must Not Ignore

Laptops are at risk of viruses due to internet connectivity and USB drives. Signs of potential virus infection include: 1. Sudden Slowdown: A laptop that slows down unexpectedly may have a virus consuming resources. Action: Conduct a full antivirus scan. 2. Unexplained Pop-Ups: Frequent pop-ups or ads may indicate malware. Action: Install a malware removal tool and enable pop-up blocking. 3. Programs Opening or Closing Automatically: Applications launching or shutting down without command could signal a remote access trojan. Action: Disconnect from the internet and run antivirus scans. 4. Strange Hard Drive or Network Activity: Excessive disk or network activity while idle may suggest hidden malware. Action: Monitor task manager for suspicious processes. Preventive measures include keeping antivirus software updated, avoiding unknown USB drives, regularly updating the operating system, and backing up important files.
Minecraft devs say the Creeper wouldn't be added today because it’d be too controversial
AppWizard
November 26, 2025

Minecraft devs say the Creeper wouldn’t be added today because it’d be too controversial

The demand for video downloads has surged as digital content consumption increases, prompting businesses to enhance user experience through innovative solutions. Recent advancements in technology have led to more efficient video download options, allowing users to download videos easily. Companies are focusing on user-friendly interfaces, quality retention during downloads, and cross-platform compatibility. However, challenges such as content protection, legal compliance, user education, and technological limitations remain.
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)
Winsage
November 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders can switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel while both channels have the same updates. The Xbox full screen experience is now available for additional Windows 11 PC form factors, accessible through Task View, Game Bar settings, or the Win + F11 hotkey. Point-in-time restore is introduced for both channels, allowing users to revert their devices to a previous state. Fluid dictation is now available for voice typing users on NPU devices, enhancing the dictation experience. Vivo Android phone users can resume browsing activity from their phone to their PC, and users of Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and Vivo can continue working on M365 Copilot app files across devices. The context menu in File Explorer is being refined, and users can now uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Microsoft Store. Fixes include resolving taskbar issues, internet connectivity problems, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include the virtual keyboard not being visible for controller users and some applications exhibiting unexpected behavior with the Xbox full screen experience.
These Android Apps Are Terrible For Your Phone's Battery Life
AppWizard
October 23, 2025

These Android Apps Are Terrible For Your Phone’s Battery Life

pCloud conducted a study on battery consumption of around 100 popular Android applications, analyzing their average battery requirements while using various features. Fitbit was identified as the top battery consumer, running 14 out of 16 background processes, with four significantly draining the battery. The Verizon app ranked second, also consuming considerable battery due to its background processes related to location services. Six social media apps—Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn—were noted for their battery drain, allowing 11 processes to run in the background. Dating apps like Grindr, Tinder, and Bumble were included in the findings but do not offer dark mode options. The Google app was highlighted as a major battery drain, with Gmail and Chrome also ranking high. Users can check their apps' battery impact through the Android power menu in the Settings app.
Microsoft fixes Windows bug breaking localhost HTTP connections
Winsage
October 18, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows bug breaking localhost HTTP connections

Microsoft has identified a bug affecting HTTP/2 localhost connections and IIS websites after recent Windows security updates, specifically the Windows 11 KB5066835 Patch Tuesday update and the September KB5065789 preview update. Users have reported connection reset errors, such as ERRCONNECTIONRESET and ERRHTTP2PROTOCOL_ERROR, impacting applications like the Duo Desktop app and Visual Studio debugging. The issue is linked to a bug in the HTTP.sys web server used by ASP.NET Core, which can be triggered by various factors including device restarts and update installations. Microsoft has provided steps for resolution, including checking for updates and restarting devices. For non-managed devices, an automatic resolution through Known Issue Rollback (KIR) is available, while enterprise-managed devices require IT administrators to implement KIR group policies. A permanent fix is expected in a future Windows update.
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