media Archives

Winsage

July 19, 2026

How to install apps on your Windows 11 PC with Windows Package Manager (winget)

Windows 11 users can download applications using the Windows Package Manager (winget) via the command line, bypassing traditional web browser navigation. Winget is integrated into Windows 11, modern Windows 10, and Windows Server 2025, simplifying application management. To use winget, users can open the Command Prompt, check for installation with "winget --version," search for applications with "winget search [app name]," and install them using "winget install [app name]." Users can also specify installation directories and utilize commands to list installed applications, show details about specific apps, and uninstall applications.

Winsage

July 19, 2026

Windows 11’s big 2026 update is almost here, and these 10 things you need to know before upgrading could save you time and frustration

Microsoft is set to launch the 2026 Update for Windows 11, known as version 26H2, later this year. This will be the fifth feature update for the operating system. The upgrade from version 25H2 to 26H2 will utilize an Enablement Package (eKB), allowing for a transition similar to a standard monthly cumulative update without requiring a full reinstallation. Users can also upgrade from Windows 10 using an ISO file or Microsoft installation media, which ensures files, applications, and settings remain intact. Upgrading to version 26H2 extends the support lifecycle of devices by an additional year, with Microsoft providing 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Version 25H2 will continue to receive support until October 2027, and users are advised to plan upgrades before this support ends. Windows 11 version 26H2 has the same hardware requirements as version 25H2, which include a 1GHz processor with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics, and a high-definition display. The rollout of the update will be gradual, following a Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) strategy, meaning not all devices will receive the update immediately.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

EA believes that planning for in-game advertising placement should be done during the development stage

Alexander Dao, Vice President of Advertising and Sponsorship at Electronic Arts (EA), discussed the strategic integration of advertising in console and PC games, emphasizing that planning for advertising from the outset can enhance monetization potential. He noted that when advertising is integrated into game design from the beginning, it feels more organic and allows for greater flexibility with brands. Dao mentioned that the ease of embedding advertising varies by genre, with sports games being more conducive to it. He cited the partnership between The Sims 4 and Coach as a successful example of brand collaboration. Additionally, he highlighted EA's launch of EA Advertising, a platform aimed at facilitating brand advertising within its games.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

Raids just landed in solo ‘simulated MMO’ Erenshor

Erenshor is a solo MMO that features computer-controlled NPCs called "simplayers" and has recently introduced guilds and party formations. The Planar March patch, released last Monday, added raids to the game, which the developer Brian described as a significant update. The game has a "very positive" rating on Steam, with 94% of user reviews recommending it. Erenshor allows players to engage in gameplay without the need to coordinate schedules for traditional raids, offering a blend of grinding and strategic encounters reminiscent of classic MMOs.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

5 Motorola software features I wish were on every Android phone

Motorola's software, particularly the Hello UI, has been criticized for inadequate update practices but is recognized for its rich feature set that enhances user experience. Key features include: - Quick Gestures: Intuitive gesture controls allow users to launch the camera with a wrist twist and activate the flashlight with a double karate chop. - Desk Display: A feature for foldable devices that displays a clock or calendar alongside notifications without waking the phone. - Manual Material You: Customization options that allow users to personalize their device's appearance based on wallpaper colors, including a color wheel and pipette tool. - Media Controls: Users can control media playback without unlocking the phone by holding down the volume buttons. - Smart Connect: An app that enhances connectivity, allowing the phone to be used as a wireless webcam or secondary monitor, with voice command integration for screen sharing and app launching.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

2 months after releasing Zero Parades, Studio ZA/UM is laying off employees: ‘Its commercial performance has not enabled us to sustain a studio of our current size’

Studio ZA/UM announced layoffs two months after the launch of their game, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, due to sales not meeting expectations. The studio issued redundancy notices affecting up to 32 employees, despite the game receiving critical acclaim. The game did not achieve the same level of success as its predecessor, Disco Elysium, with mixed reviews highlighting its shortcomings. Key figures from Disco Elysium had left the studio prior to the game's release, contributing to a challenging environment. Critics noted that the cultural context surrounding the game has impacted its reception, turning it into a symbol of industry practices rather than a standalone experience.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

EA believes that planning for in-game advertising placement should be done during the development stage

Alexander Dao, Vice President of Advertising and Sponsorship at Electronic Arts (EA), discussed the strategic advantages of integrating advertising into console and PC games from the outset, enhancing monetization and user experience. He emphasized the importance of designing games with advertising in mind for a more organic inclusion, which varies by game genre. Dao cited the collaboration between The Sims 4 and Coach as a successful example of unobtrusive brand integration. He also mentioned EA's launch of EA Advertising, a platform to facilitate brand advertising within its games, reflecting EA's commitment to innovative advertising strategies.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

As a PC Gamer Who Hasn’t Bought a Disc in a Decade, I Think PlayStation All-Digital Future Was a Long Time Coming – but There Are Still Reasons To Be Wary

Rockstar has decided not to release a physical version of its upcoming game, GTA 6, while Sony plans to stop producing discs for PlayStation consoles by January 2028. The gaming community has reacted strongly, but it is unlikely that either company will change its decision. The transition to a discless future is seen as inevitable. In the PC gaming sector, physical discs have largely become obsolete, with platforms like Steam dominating the market. The initial skepticism towards Steam has shifted as it became a reliable digital marketplace, leading to a decline in physical media. The absence of physical discs raises concerns about consumer autonomy, pricing, and game preservation, as digital ownership is often limited to licenses rather than full ownership. The shift away from physical media has been ongoing, with modern gaming increasingly reliant on digital downloads and updates.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

E.U. Orders Google to Open Android Mic, Camera and Screen to Rival AI Assistants

The European Commission has mandated that Google must provide equal access to rival AI assistants within its Android ecosystem, allowing them to use the same functionalities as Google's Gemini assistant. This includes access to the camera, microphone, and on-screen content, as well as background operation capabilities. Google is required to implement these changes in the upcoming Android 18 release by August 1, 2027. The directive includes two binding specifications under the Digital Markets Act, one of which requires Google to share anonymized search query, click, and ranking data with competing search engines and AI chatbots for a fee. The Android decision involves 11 operating system features, with five classified as restricted, requiring certification for third-party applications. These restricted features include access to on-device data shared by apps, context-aware intelligence, structured on-device integration, screen automation, and system integration. The remaining six features do not require certification, allowing broader access to ambient data, always-on hotword detection, long-press invocation, system-level on-device models, third-party model implementation, and background execution capabilities. Google must establish a Qualified AI Assistant Programme to facilitate access to gated features, allowing third-party Trusted Certification Authorities to certify assistants at no cost. The certification process must be fair and non-discriminatory, and users can consent to bypass the certification requirement for specific services and devices. By August 2027, both certified and user-approved uncertified assistants will be able to interact with applications on a virtual display. Google is also required to anonymize search data before sharing, ensuring user privacy and limiting data access to recipients who meet specific criteria. Kent Walker, Google's president of global affairs, expressed concerns about the security implications of granting external apps access to sensitive device permissions and criticized the anonymization methods for search data. The final measures reflect significant changes from earlier drafts, introducing more stringent requirements regarding data sharing and certification processes.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

PC Gamer Finds Clever Way to Turn Steam Games Into Physical Cartridges

A PC gamer has converted select titles from their Steam game library into physical cartridges using spare 2.5" solid-state drives (SSDs). This reflects a trend among users wanting to preserve gaming experiences in a tangible format, despite the shift towards digital-only releases in the gaming industry. Steam has been a leading platform for PC games for over twenty years, with most titles now available only in digital form. The custom cartridge system created by the gamer highlights the efforts of enthusiasts to maintain a connection to their favorite games and preserve their gaming heritage.