navigating Archives

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

I played 4 hours of The Blood of Dawnwalker and it borrows a heck of a lot from The Witcher 3, for good and bad

Polish studio Rebel Wolves is developing an open-world vampire RPG titled The Blood of Dawnwalker, which draws inspiration from The Witcher 3. The game features a three-hour prologue where players control Coen, a villager under the rule of Brencis, who imposes a bloodletting ritual on the citizens. The gameplay includes a time system that divides each day into eight segments, influencing quest completion and player choices. Coen interacts with various characters, including a local bully and a herbalist, while navigating moral dilemmas in a society dominated by vampiric rule. The combat mechanics allow for varied styles based on Coen's human and vampire abilities, though they may not appeal to all players. The game is noted for its visually stunning environment and rich narrative potential.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Valve shares Windows drivers for Steam Machine and says an official dual-boot wizard will ship “once it’s complete”

Valve's Steam Machine combines console and PC gaming experiences, running on SteamOS but allowing users to install alternative operating systems like Windows. Valve has released official drivers for essential hardware components to support Windows installation, though they do not provide technical support for users who choose this option. Installing Windows requires wiping SteamOS, as dual-booting is not supported. Users can access the boot menu by powering off the device and restarting while pressing the Escape key. An internet connection via Ethernet is necessary during Windows setup, as Wi-Fi functionality will only be restored after installing the wireless drivers.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

7 Habits That Are More Important Than Using Antivirus on Your Phone

Antivirus software was once standard on personal computers, but modern smartphones have evolved with enhanced security measures from Apple and Google, making them less vulnerable to traditional malware. Smartphones isolate applications, allowing them only to access user-permitted information, and if a malicious app infiltrates, it faces significant challenges due to built-in defenses. Apple requires thorough vetting of apps through the App Store, which enhances security but limits antivirus capabilities. Android allows sideloading apps from outside the Google Play Store, which introduces risks but also includes built-in security features like Google Play Protect and regular updates. Despite these advancements, smartphones can still be compromised, and cybercriminals increasingly target user accounts through phishing tactics rather than malware. Security experts recommend focusing on phishing awareness, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication. For enhanced security, users should keep devices updated, download apps from official sources, review app permissions, use strong passwords, utilize a password manager, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious with unexpected communications. While most users may not need antivirus apps, those who frequently sideload or download from unfamiliar sites may benefit from additional security tools.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Why There’s A Briefcase Symbol On Your Android Phone’s Screen (And How To Turn It Off)

Android has introduced a feature called Work Profile that creates a dedicated workspace on devices, separating professional applications from personal ones. This allows users to maintain distinct versions of applications, such as having separate Gmail accounts for work and personal use. The data within the Work Profile is encrypted and accessible only to an organization's IT administrators, ensuring privacy for personal applications and data. Users can identify work apps by a briefcase icon in the status bar, which disappears when the app is closed. To temporarily pause the Work Profile, users can access the Quick Settings panel or navigate to the app drawer and select the Work tab. When paused, work apps will vanish from the app drawer, and notifications will cease. Users can reactivate the Work Profile through the same methods. Additionally, Android's Digital Wellbeing settings allow users to schedule the activation and deactivation of the Work Profile. To permanently disable the Work Profile, users must delete it from the device, which removes all associated work apps and data. This can only be done if the device was originally owned by the user or if ownership has been transferred. The steps include accessing the Settings app, selecting Passwords and accounts, navigating to the Work tab, and tapping on Remove work profile. A factory reset can also delete the Work Profile but will erase personal apps and data as well.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Point-in-Time Restore Now Generally Available for Windows 11 — Campus Technology

Microsoft has rolled out a point-in-time restore feature for Windows 11, available to all client PCs running version 24H2 and later, including Enterprise, Pro, and Home editions. This feature automatically creates local restore points every 24 hours, stored for up to 72 hours and limited to 2% of disk space. It is enabled by default on Windows Home and unmanaged Windows Pro devices with at least 200 GB OS volume, while it is disabled by default on Windows Enterprise, Education, and organization-managed Windows Pro systems. Users can initiate restores locally via the Windows Recovery Environment, but any changes made after the selected restore point will be lost. Microsoft plans to introduce remote initiation capabilities through Intune recovery. The upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2 will maintain a low-disruption update experience, allowing devices on versions 24H2 or 25H2 to transition via a small enablement package. Devices running version 26H1 cannot upgrade directly to 26H2.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Take your business to the next level: Enhance productivity, performance and security with Windows 11 on new Dell AI PCs

Organizations must choose appropriate IT partners and computing solutions to remain competitive in a complex technological landscape. Dell Technologies recommends Windows 11 Pro for business, which offers enhanced security features and productivity tools. Key factors to consider include technological innovation, cybersecurity, and workforce satisfaction, as these can drive efficiency, protect sensitive data, and improve employee experience.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

How do you reconcile your lore-heavy, dark sci-fi MMO with mod tools that might let people get way too goofy? ‘Everything’s canon,’ say the developers of EVE Frontier

EVE Frontier is an early access space survival MMO that features a contrast between its dystopian narrative and a vibrant modding ecosystem. Players inhabit cloned bodies known as "shells," which can be traded, upgraded, or sacrificed, adding strategic layers to gameplay. The origins of these consciousnesses are mysterious, possibly containing remnants of human culture. The game embraces player creativity, with everything created by players considered canon within the universe. The latest cycle of EVE Frontier launched on June 25, introducing fully modular ship building, an enhanced new player experience, a five-day free trial, and innovative gamepad controls.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Latest Android Auto updates are crashing for some users

Users of Android Auto are experiencing significant crashing issues, particularly after the release of version 17.2, with some instability also noted in version 17.1. The application crashes shortly after launch, often when users navigate the map or select media, causing the vehicle's display to revert to the native infotainment system. Most affected users are part of the Android Auto beta program, while those on the stable track using version 17.0 have not reported similar problems. Users can revert to a more stable version by exiting the Play Store beta program, uninstalling updates, or sideloading an APK of a previous version.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Windows 10 lives on while Sony cuts discs and Surface Go hardware ends

Sony has announced the cessation of physical media production and revoked access to previously purchased movies. Microsoft is extending support for Windows 10 and has not finalized a disc-to-digital program for Xbox, which could allow the conversion of physical discs into digital licenses. The Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go have been retired. The Dell XPS 13 and HP OmniBook Ultra 14 are currently available at significant discounts.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

I tried a hidden Android Auto feature Google doesn’t want you to know about

Android Auto can be expanded through the installation of third-party applications, allowing users to go beyond its default navigation and media functionalities. To sideload apps, users must enable Developer Mode on their Android device and for Android Auto, then install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) from a GitHub page. Notable third-party apps include CarStream, which allows YouTube streaming while driving, AAMirror for screen mirroring, and Fermata Auto, which supports various multimedia functions. However, sideloading raises safety concerns and may lead to issues with app functionality due to updates from Google.