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Winsage

May 19, 2026

Microsoft admits faulty drivers were killing Windows 11 battery life for years

Microsoft has acknowledged that faulty third-party drivers have caused significant battery drain and performance issues in Windows 11 and earlier versions. This issue, referred to as a "blind spot," has affected users through high latency, audio glitches, graphics errors, and micro-stuttering. To address this, Microsoft is implementing a more rigorous driver evaluation process that assesses the impact of drivers on power consumption and performance. Changes include improved battery management during standby mode, enhanced scrutiny of driver performance, early collaboration with developers, a stricter approval process for third-party drivers, and an automatic rollback feature via Windows Update to revert to older, compliant drivers.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

You think you’ve seen it all and then there’s a Wayland Compositor inside Minecraft on Linux

A developer named EVVIE has integrated a Linux Wayland Compositor with Minecraft, enabling users to display Linux desktop windows within the game. This integration allows for an immersive experience similar to using a virtual reality headset. In a demonstration, EVVIE played the rhythm game Osu! while navigating the Minecraft interface. The project is available on GitHub under the GPL license and requires Minecraft version 26.1.2, the Fabric mod loader, xkbcommon library version 1.11.0, and xkbcommon tools. Additionally, recent updates for Minecraft have introduced a friends list feature for the Java version.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Android Auto adds video apps, Dolby Atmos and Gemini help for 2026

Android Auto will receive a major upgrade in 2026, introducing Full HD video apps at 60 frames per second for select vehicles, starting with brands like BMW, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. Video content will be available for passengers while parked, but will switch to audio-only mode when the vehicle is in motion. The platform will also enhance audio with Dolby Atmos support and a more flexible media application design. Google Maps will feature Immersive Navigation with edge-to-edge maps and live lane guidance using the front-facing camera. Additionally, Gemini will be integrated into Android Auto, offering contextual understanding and features like Magic Cue for sharing addresses. A Zoom app for Android Auto is expected to launch this year, with various enhancements for Android Automotive vehicles.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

The Best Android Auto Apps You’re Probably Not Using

Getting started with Android Auto requires a compatible vehicle and a smartphone running Android 9.0 or newer. Users can connect their phones via data cable or Bluetooth. Android Auto is primarily used for navigation and music playback, but it also supports various apps. SpotHero helps users find available parking locations, allows reservations and payments via Google Pay, and operates in major U.S. cities with a 4.4-star rating on the Google Play Store. Audible offers audiobook access through Android Auto and has an "Automatic Car Mode" for easier navigation when connected via Bluetooth. Vivaldi Browser enables web browsing through the car's infotainment system, featuring an ad blocker and customization options, and is intended for use when parked. GameSnacks provides simple games for entertainment while parked, including Solitaire and match-three games, designed for use only when stationary.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

MercurySteam announces ‘difficult and painful’ job cuts as its God of War-inspired hack ‘n’ slash arrives on Steam

MercurySteam has announced a workforce adjustment following the launch of its game, Blades of Fire, on Steam. The game has faced commercial challenges, with its sales performance described as "underperformed," leading to an anticipated write-off of €8 million by its parent company, Digital Bros. Blades of Fire initially launched as an Epic Store exclusive but struggled against major titles and received mixed reviews, scoring 74. The recent Steam release includes a significant 2.0 update with new features such as a New Game Plus mode, a new difficulty level called Titanium, an arena system for boss battles, expanded death animations, and full Steam Deck support.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Unlock the Razr Fold 2026’s true multitasking power with these hidden features

Book-style folding phones combine the compactness of smartphones with the capabilities of tablets. The Motorola Razr Fold features impressive multitasking options, though many are not activated by default. Users can access the taskbar by navigating to Settings > Foldable display > Task Bar > Always show, allowing for seamless app launching and split-screen use. The outer screen can also support app splitting, but it's less effective due to its size. Optimizing the Overview menu enhances multitasking by switching to grid view. These features significantly improve productivity, making the Razr Fold a valuable tool for users.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Japanese authorities just dropped a Minecraft map based on actual submarine topographic data, and it lets you explore the seabed from Tokyo Bay to the Mariana Trench

The Japan Coast Guard released a Minecraft map showcasing the submarine topography around Japan's coastline on May 12, coinciding with "Japan Coast Guard Day." The map is available for free download in Java and Bedrock formats and allows players to explore an artistically rendered version of Japan's underwater geography. Players start near Tokyo Bay and can encounter the Seven Islands of Izu and the Iwojima ridge, which includes active volcanoes. The map also features the Mariana Trench, the deepest oceanic trench, which the Japan Coast Guard first measured. The map can be accessed through the Japan Coast Guard's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department website, and it includes a tool for looking up block coordinates. The initiative follows a similar project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2025, which created a Minecraft representation of the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Subnautica 2 sells two million copies in less than 24 hours

Subnautica 2 features a four-player co-op mode and achieved two million sales within 12 hours of its launch. The game entered early access on May 14 and peaked at over 651,000 simultaneous players across platforms, with Steam recording 467,582 players. More than one million players engaged with the game within an hour of launch, and 93% of reviews have been positive. Players are enjoying the experience, with positive feedback highlighting its visual appeal and content.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

How Poppy Playtime made ‘free game, paid DLC’ work on PC

GameDiscoverCo held its annual offsite gathering, discussing various industry developments. Footprints.gg reported significant buzz for Forza Horizon 6 ahead of its launch, with GTA 6 also trending due to trailer speculation. Xbox plans include Project Saluki, a new Game Pass tier for the Chinese market, and Positron, potentially introducing a disc-to-digital entitlement program. Steam's bundle discounting interface has sparked discussions about pricing strategies. The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for May includes Star Wars Outlaws and Red Dead Redemption 2. Roblox is experiencing shifts in user-generated content rights and cost models. The Source 2-powered s&box has launched on Steam, but interest is waning. Hushcrasher's analysis indicates rising game production costs are due to project scope rather than base costs. Concurrent user metrics suggest week one sales can reach 20 times peak concurrent users. Poppy Playtime, a horror puzzle game, has expanded from a free title to four paid chapters, with Huggy Wuggy becoming a popular character. Mob Entertainment, founded by brothers with a background in 3D animation, has seen Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 sell 408,000 copies on Steam and 19,000 on Epic Games Store. The free base game has 2.76 million downloads on Steam since the chapter's release. The franchise's revenue from four DLCs exceeds a million on Steam, with potential total revenue approaching 100 million when including console and mobile sales. The development team employs a parallel strategy for annual chapter releases, with varying DLC structures across platforms. The pricing of DLC has increased over time, reflecting greater ambition in production. Game director Bryce Clark emphasizes balancing puzzles and chase sequences to enhance player experience.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Overwatch’s lackluster 10th anniversary event will have its rewards improved next week, with more free stuff planned for later this year

Players expressed disappointment with Overwatch's 10th anniversary event, which featured loot boxes primarily containing recolored skins and a few sprays, falling short of expectations for a significant milestone. Historically, previous anniversary events included a wider selection of items, leading players to hope for a similar experience this time. The Chinese version of the event offered exclusive skins from past seasonal battle passes, further highlighting the disparity. Blizzard's Keller acknowledged player feedback and announced upcoming improvements to the reward system, including a new event with more rewards and additional free cosmetics later in the year. While initial reactions to these announcements were mostly positive, some players remained dissatisfied, advocating for more premium skins. The community's sentiment indicated that a more substantial array of cosmetics would have better honored the game's decade-long impact.