metrics Archives

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Microsoft’s new Outlook takes 10 seconds to do what Outlook Classic does instantly on Windows

Microsoft's Outlook for Windows is facing criticism for its notification handling, particularly in the new Outlook version built on the WebView2 framework. Users experience a delay of approximately 10 seconds when clicking on email notifications, compared to the near-instantaneous access provided by Outlook Classic, which allows users to open new emails in about five seconds. The new Outlook consumes significantly more memory and CPU resources, using between 490 MB and 636 MB of RAM, while Outlook Classic operates within 117 MB to 148 MB. Despite updates aimed at improving the new Outlook, the core issue of notification handling remains unresolved. Microsoft is working on enhancements, but the performance limitations of the WebView2 architecture continue to affect user experience. Outlook Classic will continue to be supported until April 2029.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Gothic 1 Remake PC Performance Analysis

THQ Nordic announced the Gothic 1 Remake for PC, utilizing Unreal Engine 5. The benchmarking was conducted on a high-end setup featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor and various GPUs, including AMD Radeon RX 6900XT and NVIDIA RTX 4090. The game offers extensive graphics settings and supports technologies like NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 and AMD FSR 3.1. It does not include a built-in benchmark tool, so testing was done in a demanding scene. At 1080p with Very High settings, it consistently achieves 60FPS across many GPUs. At 1440p, leading NVIDIA GPUs maintained frame rates above 60FPS, while AMD's RX 9070XT and RX 7900XTX averaged 70FPS and 68FPS, respectively. For Native 4K at Very High settings, the NVIDIA RTX 5090 delivered a minimum of 65FPS. The game scales well with graphics presets, achieving over 60FPS at lower settings. DLSS 4.5 improved performance significantly, with frame rates exceeding 100FPS in some scenarios. The graphics are impressive, though character models may not match the quality of top-tier titles. Minor traversal stutters were noted but did not significantly impact gameplay. Overall, the game performs well across various PC configurations, especially at 1080p with compatible monitors.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2026

Why Use App-Level Auth When Every Database Has Auth? (Splunk Enterprise CVE-2026-20253 Pre-Auth RCE)

On June 10th, Splunk released an advisory for CVE-2026-20253, a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.8 that requires no authentication. The vulnerability is associated with the PostgreSQL Sidecar Service Endpoint and affects Splunk Enterprise versions 10 and above. In default installations, the service is not installed on Windows but is installed and enabled by default on AWS. The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to create and truncate arbitrary files through an API that lacks authentication controls. Additionally, it enables the execution of SQL commands via a backup and restore mechanism, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE). A Detection Artefact Generator has been developed to help organizations assess their vulnerability to this issue.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

People are cloning games like Minecraft and Pokémon with Claude Fable 5 in no time

On June 9, Anthropic launched the Claude Fable 5 “Mythos-class” model, which has gained attention for its capabilities in game development. The model can clone popular games like Minecraft and Pokémon efficiently, producing a Minecraft clone in 20 minutes and a Pokémon clone in one hour. Users have reported impressive results, including the recreation of all 151 Gen-1 Pokémon with real sprites and game mechanics. Claude Fable 5 is part of Anthropic's premium offerings, with a pay-as-you-go pricing model that is more expensive than previous models. Benchmarks show that both Mythos 5 and Fable 5 excel in various domains, including coding and cybersecurity.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

YouTube expands in-app messaging

YouTube is expanding its in-app messaging feature, initially tested in Ireland and Poland, to the United States and other global markets. The feature, called YouTube Chat, allows users to directly message and share content within the app. Users can invite friends to chat, enabling them to share posts and discuss videos. This update aims to enhance user engagement and streamline sharing activities, reflecting a trend towards private messaging. Favorable feedback has been received during initial testing, although the feature's success will depend on user willingness to use it in place of established messaging platforms.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

PowerToys just made Command Palette extensions easier to install and manage

PowerToys has released version 0.100.0, introducing several new features and enhancements: - Command Palette now includes an Extension Gallery for managing extensions directly. - Improvements to Command Palette include enhanced parameter pages, bookmarks for inline parameters, and better accessibility. - Dock feature enhancements allow for separate customization for each monitor and drag-and-drop functionality. - Performance Monitor introduces a Battery widget and dock bands for CPU, memory, and network metrics. - Calculator enhancements include new functions and improved error messaging. - Reliability improvements include a pinned commands section and smoother navigation. - FancyZones received updates for better localization and guidance. - File Explorer fixes address crashes related to Markdown previews. - File Locksmith improvements enhance handling of Unicode file paths. - Grab And Move has been fully released. - Image Resizer supports live settings reload. - Keyboard Manager editor is redesigned and enabled by default. - Mouse Without Borders adds quick access to refresh connections. - Peek's settings allow toggling of file preview tooltips. - PowerDisplay is optimized for better performance. - PowerToys Run improves calculator functionality and documents third-party plugins. - Quick Accent updates enhance UI consistency and language support. - Settings interface has been refreshed for better usability. - Shortcut Guide redesigned for reliability and includes built-in manifests. - Workspaces has a modernized editor. - ZoomIt introduces webcam overlay capabilities and improved recording features. - Development tools and dependencies have been updated for smoother contributions.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Microsoft Releases June 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 include enhancements for versions 25H2, 24H2, and the new 26H1, which is designed for new PCs with Qualcomm ARM chips. Key features of the update include: - Shared audio allowing two users to listen to the same audio stream via Bluetooth LE audio accessories. - NPU usage displayed in Task Manager for devices with NPUs, including optional columns for NPU and NPU Engine. - Multi-App Camera support enabling multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously. - Improvements to the Magnifier feature for clearer announcements and support for magnifying protected content. - Customizable user folder names during setup. - Optimized Windows Search functionality for locating local files with just two characters. - Performance enhancements through a “Low Latency Profile” for faster app launches and core shell experiences. The update also addresses a BitLocker security bypass vulnerability (CVE‑2026‑45585) that could allow attackers to circumvent BitLocker Device Encryption. The KB5095051 patch for version 26H1 includes support for shared audio over Bluetooth LE and features from the previous month's update, such as Xbox mode and expanded archiving support in File Explorer.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Microsoft reveals Windows 11 will bulk delete files at least 30% faster, and it’s only the start

Microsoft is working on enhancements for File Explorer on Windows 11 to improve speed and efficiency, particularly in batch file deletions. Internal testing is underway for a performance boost, with potential speed increases of over 30% for bulk deletions following an upcoming update. Other file operations, such as transfers and copies, are also set to become faster. The company aims to improve launch times, reduce flickering, and eliminate distracting flashes in dark mode. Users have already noticed faster launch times and better handling of file names and paths. Microsoft is testing a preloading feature for File Explorer and plans to revamp the right-click menu for faster loading and a streamlined appearance. Additionally, the company is exploring ways to minimize File Explorer’s memory footprint and modernize legacy elements. Microsoft plans to introduce up to 19 new features by 2026, including a movable taskbar and a customizable Start menu.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

5 Useful Android Apps For Your Next Camping Trip

Nature is recognized for its soothing effects, and camping can provide a refreshing escape. Five standout Android apps have been identified to enhance camping experiences: 1. The Dyrt: RV & Free Camping - A top-grossing travel app that helps users find public or private camping locations in the U.S. It has a 4.6-star rating and over 32,000 reviews. The app is free to download, with in-app purchases ranging from [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Nature has long been recognized for its soothing effects, often serving as a natural antidote to the stresses of daily life. For those looking to escape into the great outdoors, gathering a few friends and embarking on a camping adventure can be a refreshing experience. Whether you prefer the comfort of an RV or the thrill of pitching a tent in a new location, a selection of Android apps can enhance your next camping trip. Our research, grounded in user reviews, has identified five standout apps that can assist you in discovering new camping spots, checking campsite reviews, and even accessing vital survival information when needed. All of these applications are free to download, with some offering optional in-app purchases or subscription models to unlock additional features. The Dyrt: RV & Free Camping Ranked fourth among top-grossing travel apps on the Google Play Store, The Dyrt: RV & Free Camping is an essential tool for Android users seeking public or private camping locations across the United States. This app caters to various camping styles, whether you’re in a tent, RV, trailer, or cabin. Users can easily filter campgrounds by type or distance and access user-submitted photos and reviews. While the app is free to download, a pro version unlocks additional features, including information on overnight and dispersed parking. The Drive Time feature helps users locate camps within a specified distance, and a pro subscription grants access to offline maps and details for over 50,000 locations. In-app purchases range from .99 to 9.99, and the app boasts a 4.6-star rating with over 32,000 reviews, highlighting its utility in finding public lands and browsing camp reviews, despite some reports of inaccurate coordinates. Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live For those who prioritize weather updates, Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live ranks seventh among top-grossing weather apps on the Google Play Store. This app provides live radar data sourced from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), offering real-time weather updates across various regions. Users can access daily weather forecasts, cloud coverage, precipitation levels, wind information, and temperature metrics. Clime also features a storm tracker that sends notifications for bookmarked locations. While the app is free, subscription options are available, with a yearly plan priced at .99. With a 4.2-star rating and over 425,000 reviews, users appreciate its accurate radar coverage, although some express concerns about ads in the free version and the subscription model. Hipcamp: Camping, RVs & Cabins Hipcamp: Camping, RVs & Cabins offers a unique twist on camping apps, allowing users to explore real-time campsite availability across various maps. The app provides alerts for popular destinations and facilitates reservations, making it a practical choice for spontaneous campers. What sets Hipcamp apart is its integration of Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Services (USFS), and National Park Services (NPS) layers on maps. Users can also find dump stations and electric vehicle charging locations. With over 120,000 private land camping experiences available, the app allows for detailed filtering based on price, amenities, and camping style. Holding a 4.8-star rating with over 14,000 reviews, users commend its ease of use and last-minute booking capabilities, despite some complaints about the 20% non-refundable booking fee. Offline Survival Guide For those venturing into the wilderness, the Offline Survival Guide by Priyo Islam is a treasure trove of information. With a 4.3-star rating and over 50,000 downloads, this app is entirely free and provides essential survival tips categorized for easy access. Covering topics such as fire-building, water procurement, and survival kits, the app is based on an Army field manual, ensuring reliability. Its compact size of just 15 MB makes it accessible for devices running Android 5.0 and up. User reviews praise its comprehensive content and organization, although some mention the presence of ads and express a desire for a dark mode. Given its free nature, it’s a valuable addition for those planning off-grid adventures. iOverlander iOverlander is another noteworthy app, focusing on mapping and user-generated content. It emphasizes real experiences over sponsored information, making it a reliable resource for outdoor enthusiasts. The app helps users locate campsites while also providing information on amenities such as propane, water, and showers, as well as tourist attractions and restaurants. iOverlander allows users to contribute their own destinations and share favorites with fellow travelers. While the app is free to install, subscription options range from .99 to .99 per item, offering access to satellite maps and additional overlays. With a 4.3-star rating and over 7,760 reviews, users appreciate its extensive resources, although some have reported issues with the map interface and subscription model. Notably, users can earn a free subscription by contributing information, enhancing its appeal. How we selected these camping apps The selection of these camping apps was guided by actual user reviews on the Google Play Store, ensuring each app maintained a minimum 4-star rating based on extensive feedback. We considered both positive and negative user experiences, prioritizing apps that offer free trials to allow users to explore features before committing financially. This approach ensures that campers can make informed choices for their outdoor adventures." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 to .99. 2. Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live - A weather app providing live radar data from NOAA, with daily forecasts and storm tracking. It has a 4.2-star rating and over 425,000 reviews. The app is free, with subscription options available. 3. Hipcamp: Camping, RVs & Cabins - This app shows real-time campsite availability and allows reservations. It has a 4.8-star rating and over 14,000 reviews. The app is free, but there is a 20% non-refundable booking fee. 4. Offline Survival Guide - A survival information app with a 4.3-star rating and over 50,000 downloads. It is free and provides essential survival tips based on an Army field manual. 5. iOverlander - An app focusing on user-generated content for locating campsites and amenities. It has a 4.3-star rating and over 7,760 reviews. The app is free to install, with subscription options available. The selection of these apps was based on user reviews from the Google Play Store, ensuring each maintained a minimum 4-star rating.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

This open-source app lets you use your Whoop without a monthly fee

An unofficial open-source app allows Whoop users to access fitness data without a subscription fee. The app operates offline, syncing data locally via Bluetooth, and enables users to monitor metrics such as strain, sleep, recovery, heart rate variability (HRV), and heart rate. It is compatible with both Android and macOS. Users can download the app files from GitHub, although there are concerns about compliance with Whoop's terms of service.