media Archives

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

“I’m not interested in bypassing DRM” – Preservationist brings back physical PC games using discs and even mechanical HDD “cartridges”

Preservationists are finding innovative ways to keep physical media alive, including modern PC games. Archades Games, led by Ryan Enstrom, offers options to transfer new titles onto discs and cartridges. At the Utah Retro GameXpo, Enstrom showcased discs compatible with platforms like Steam, GOG, and the Xbox app. He uses GOG's DRM-free installers, emphasizing adherence to licensing agreements. Enstrom notes that most games released before 2020 can run from mechanical drives, and the Xbox app can dynamically detect drive changes, unlike Steam. He has developed a custom user interface for multi-carts and created custom Blu-rays for retro games. While these products are not for sale, there is potential for publishers to adopt this idea, promoting physical PC games. Archades Games provides video tutorials and resources for those interested in converting digital collections into physical formats.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

H2 Interactive launches IGS Classic Arcade Collection worldwide on PC via Steam

H2 Interactive launched the IGS Classic Arcade Collection for PC via Steam on August 13, 2026, featuring eight iconic arcade titles, including the Knights of Valour series, Demon Front, and Martial Masters. The collection is available at a 10% discount for the first two weeks and supports multiple languages: English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. It includes online multiplayer support for up to four players, modern quality-of-life features like adjustable difficulty and customizable key mapping, and various display modes. The included titles are: - Knights of Valour: Super Heroes - Knights of Valour Plus - Knights of Valour 2 - Nine Dragons - Oriental Legend - Oriental Legend Spooky - Martial Masters - Demon Front - The Gladiator The collection was developed by International Games System Co., Ltd. (IGS) and published by H2 Interactive.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

2D toybox fighting game Knock Off: The Battle for Imagination launches in 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC

Bit Bot Media has announced its collaboration with Mechaghidora to publish the 2D toybox fighting game, Knock Off: The Battle for Imagination, set to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. The game features fast-paced combat, a roster of unique characters inspired by '80s and '90s toys, an arcade mode, online multiplayer battles, and a retro soundtrack. Players will control Johnny, who faces off against Maximus, his first brand-name action figure. The game aims to evoke nostalgia while providing an engaging gaming experience. A new trailer and screenshots have been released.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows License Price Hike: Microsoft Raises OEM Fees

Microsoft will increase licensing fees for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by an average of 7% to 10% starting in July 2026. This increase will particularly affect larger manufacturers with significant volume orders and is expected to lead to a price hike of approximately 3% to 5% for pre-built systems. The licensing fee structure varies based on hardware tiering, volume discounts, and pre-installed software agreements. Individual builders purchasing standalone retail licenses for Windows 11 will not see any price changes. Consumers buying new laptops or pre-built desktops may notice subtle price adjustments as manufacturers adjust to the increased costs.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

3 Apps You Can Sideload On Android Auto

Transforming an old tablet into an Android Auto head unit involves activating developer mode and enabling "Unknown Sources" to sideload applications. Alternatively, third-party tools like Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) can be used to integrate unofficial apps. Sideloading carries risks, as these apps are not officially vetted and may malfunction after system updates. CarStream is a sideloaded app that allows users to access YouTube on their car display without rooting their phone, making it useful during parked moments. Fermata Auto is an open-source media player that plays local media files from a phone or hard drive, ideal for offline use. Screen2Auto mirrors a phone's display onto the car screen, allowing access to any app, but should be used with caution while driving.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

After Microsoft threatened legal action, a security researcher publishes a new Windows zero-day bug

A security researcher named Nightmare Eclipse has discovered a vulnerability in Windows, called ShieldBreak, which allows hackers to gain system-wide access to users' devices and sensitive data by exploiting a flaw in Windows Defender. The vulnerability affects Windows 10, Windows 11 (including version 25H2), and Windows Server 2025. A proof-of-concept exploit has been provided, requiring users to run a Windows application to trigger the vulnerability. Security researcher Will Dormann confirmed that Windows Defender must be enabled for the exploit to work. Microsoft has not yet released a patch for ShieldBreak, which is classified as a zero-day vulnerability. This discovery follows previous vulnerabilities disclosed by Nightmare Eclipse, including RoguePlanet, for which Microsoft issued an inadequate patch. The situation has heightened tensions between the researcher and Microsoft regarding the handling of bug reports, especially after Microsoft threatened legal action against researchers disclosing zero-days outside established protocols. The disclosure of ShieldBreak occurred shortly after Microsoft's monthly security patch releases, which have been increasing in number.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Sharing between Pixel phones just got a whole lot simpler

Google has introduced a feature for compatible Pixel phones that allows users to share contacts, photos, videos, and more by bringing two devices close together. This feature enables two-way contact exchange directly from the home screen and simplifies media sharing through the Share Sheet. It is available for Pixel 6 and newer models, with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 to follow soon. Google plans to expand this tap-to-share feature to a broader range of Android devices by the end of the year.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Bethesda Acknowledges Demand for Oblivion Remastered Patch, Calls for Calm

Bethesda has acknowledged ongoing performance issues with their game on consoles and PC, over a year after its launch, including stuttering, degraded performance, and crashes. They plan to port optimizations developed for the upcoming Switch 2 version to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Early reports suggest the Switch 2 version may offer improved performance and stability compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X. A comprehensive analysis of the Switch 2 version is pending, and feedback from the community is encouraged.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Monopoly Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains for Switch 1/2 from $22 all-time low, Minecraft pre-orders now live, more

9to5Toys is a reliable source for the latest deals and insights in technology and lifestyle products. The homepage serves as a hub for news, trends, current deals, and in-depth analysis. Users can follow 9to5Toys on social media for real-time updates and discussions. They curate attractive Apple deals, host a daily podcast with expert commentary, and have a YouTube channel for product reviews and unboxings.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Notability Brings Fully Native, AI-Assisted Note-taking To Android

Ginger Labs, Inc. has launched its note-taking app Notability on the Android platform via the Google Play Store, allowing millions of new users to access its features. The app was developed with feedback from Android beta testers and includes features such as S pen support, various paper templates, intra-document links to PDFs, and note export capabilities. Notability for Android offers a native experience with unique features like playful pen styles, enhanced handwriting recognition, audio recording with transcription, and real-time syncing across devices. The app also incorporates AI tools for generating quizzes and flashcards, instant live transcription, and access to over 20,000 free note templates. Subscriptions and one-time purchase options are available in the Google Play Store.