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Netflix is about to flood its app with more ads, so brace yourself
AppWizard
May 15, 2026

Netflix is about to flood its app with more ads, so brace yourself

Netflix plans to enhance its advertising strategy by introducing additional ad placements within its "Clips" feed and podcasts. The company reported that its ads now reach 250 million global monthly active users, with over 80% of ad-supported members engaging with ads weekly. Netflix has expanded its ad-supported tier to 15 new countries, including Colombia, Ireland, Peru, Norway, and the Philippines. The company reported .5 billion in ad revenue at the end of 2025, marking a 16% year-over-year growth. However, it also raised subscription prices, with the Standard with Ads plan increasing from .99 to .99, the Standard Ad-Free plan rising to .49, and the Premium tier increasing to .99.
Quick News: Minecraft 2, GTA6, Please, Roman
AppWizard
May 14, 2026

Quick News: Minecraft 2, GTA6, Please, Roman

Kirsten Dunst is filming “A Minecraft Movie 2” with a cast that includes Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Matt Berry, and Jennifer Coolidge. The film is directed by Jared Hess, based on a script co-written by Hess and Chris Galletta, and is set to be released on July 23, 2027. Best Buy mistakenly sent an email indicating that pre-orders for “Grand Theft Auto VI” will begin on May 18th and end on May 21st, coinciding with Take-Two’s quarterly earnings call on the 21st. The film “Please,” directed by Halina Reijn and produced by David Hinojosa, will feature David Jonsson, Connor Storrie, Tom Burke, and Gracie Abrams, with details of the storyline currently undisclosed. Oscar Isaac stars in the Netflix series “The Roman,” alongside Betty Gilpin, Alec Baldwin, and David Costabile. The series, a modern casino drama created by the makers of “Billions” and executive produced by Martin Scorsese, follows Isaac’s character, Bobby Red, and is directed by J.C. Chandor for the first two episodes.
Former Windows boss reveals why modern Windows 11 apps feel slower, says Microsoft once gave every engineer a stopwatch
Winsage
May 13, 2026

Former Windows boss reveals why modern Windows 11 apps feel slower, says Microsoft once gave every engineer a stopwatch

Steven Sinofsky, former head of the Windows Division at Microsoft, discussed the company's engineering culture and its focus on resource management from 1980 to 2000, where every engineer was given a physical stopwatch to measure various performance metrics. This practice emphasized optimizing software for speed and efficiency, a stark contrast to modern applications that consume significant RAM due to shifts in market dynamics and hardware advancements. The current trend prioritizes rapid feature deployment over optimization, leading to performance issues in applications. Microsoft is responding to criticism by enhancing the performance of Windows 11, focusing on native desktop applications and optimizing core components, including the Start menu and File Explorer. They are also testing new CPU scheduling profiles to reduce micro-lags during user interactions.
Android Apps on Windows 11: Safe Alternatives After WSA
AppWizard
May 12, 2026

Android Apps on Windows 11: Safe Alternatives After WSA

In 2025, Microsoft announced it would discontinue support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), making Android applications non-functional on Windows 11. This decision surprised many users in Indonesia who relied on these applications. HP developed a guide outlining secure alternatives to WSA, which included reputable Android emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and NoxPlayer, as well as native Windows alternatives such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 apps. Users were advised against unverified APK sideloading, unofficial emulators, and modified apps due to security risks. Microsoft’s end of support means no further security updates or bug fixes will be provided, and integration with the Amazon Appstore will cease. Users can continue using WSA apps, but they will be exposed to potential security threats. To migrate data from WSA, users were instructed to inventory apps, research alternatives, and export app data before performing a clean uninstall. Best practices for running Android apps safely on Windows included downloading from official sources and keeping software updated.
Minecraft in new Partnerships, Experiences and Initiatives
AppWizard
May 7, 2026

Minecraft in new Partnerships, Experiences and Initiatives

Minecraft is expanding its global licensing strategy with over 200 partners, preparing for Licensing Expo 2026. Highlights include the success of the A Minecraft Movie, which grossed nearly a billion at the global box office in 2025. Key partnerships involve Cool Shirtz, adidas, and OppoSuits, along with new product launches like Actimel in Europe and Sticki Rolls globally in August 2026. STEM-focused products from Horizon Group USA and a plush partnership with Ty Inc. are also in development. The Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue debuted in Dallas in 2024, with plans for global expansion and a new attraction, Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail, launching in May. Minecraft World, a theme park land in collaboration with Merlin Entertainment, is set to open in 2027 in London. A sequel to the original movie and a new animated series for Netflix are also in development, aiming to engage fans with new stories and characters.
Minecraft Expands Experiences Ahead of Licensing Expo
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

Minecraft Expands Experiences Ahead of Licensing Expo

Minecraft has over 200 global partners across various sectors, including apparel, food, collectibles, and creative play, as it approaches Licensing Expo 2026. Recent collaborations include an apparel line with Cool Shirtz, a partnership with Adidas, and a global fashion collection with OppoSuits. New product categories include Actimel products in Europe, Sticki Rolls, STEM-focused activity kits from Horizon Group USA, and a plush collaboration with Ty. The brand is expanding into location-based entertainment with the upcoming Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail and a themed land, Minecraft World, set to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027. A sequel to A Minecraft Movie is in development with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, along with a new animated series for Netflix. Minecraft will be present at Licensing Expo at booth No. J98-J103.
Microsoft engineer says native apps are back, and it could finally revive Windows 11’s fight against web apps
Winsage
April 29, 2026

Microsoft engineer says native apps are back, and it could finally revive Windows 11’s fight against web apps

A distinguished Engineer at Microsoft has suggested that native apps are making a comeback, aligning with the company's initiatives to revitalize Windows 11. The Windows Store, currently dominated by web apps, has improved significantly in performance and offers a diverse array of applications. Microsoft expanded options for developers to create apps using preferred methods, attracting notable applications like Netflix and WhatsApp to transition to WebView2-based Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). However, this shift has led to high resource consumption issues, with WhatsApp consuming up to 600MB of RAM and Electron-based applications like Discord using as much as 4GB of RAM. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with PWAs lacking essential functionalities compared to native apps. In response to feedback, Microsoft plans to develop 100% native apps for Windows 11, with Rudy Huyn confirming this intention. David Fowler declared, “Native apps are back,” indicating a focus on restoring native applications. The Start menu is transitioning from React-based elements to WinUI to enhance performance. The recently launched .NET 10 introduces Native AOT compilation, which aims to decrease app startup times and optimize memory usage. Microsoft's web-based Copilot app has also faced criticism for high resource consumption. The company must persuade developers to prioritize native app creation and demonstrate the advantages of native apps by converting its own applications to be fully native on Windows 11.
Why Is Vlad's Auto Repair Riverhead Transforming the Industry?
AppWizard
April 24, 2026

Why Is Vlad’s Auto Repair Riverhead Transforming the Industry?

Luka Chuppi is a romantic comedy film featuring Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon, focusing on a couple navigating a live-in relationship before marriage. It is available for streaming on platforms like Hotstar, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as for rental or purchase on Google Play Movies and Apple TV. If not accessible in certain regions, a VPN may help access the film, though this comes with legal considerations. OSports boarding schools in Southern California offer a blend of academics and athletic training, particularly in sports like soccer, basketball, or tennis. These schools provide structured schedules with morning classes and afternoon practice sessions, focusing on areas such as nutrition and sports psychology. Many are affiliated with the Southern California United States Soccer Club (SCUSSC), providing competitive opportunities for students. Benefits include exceptional coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and exposure to high competition levels. Recent departures from the FOX43 news team highlight the dynamic nature of the journalism industry, as reporters and anchors may leave for career advancement, lifestyle changes, or new opportunities.
Stranger Things: Netflix taps Australian studio for animated series
AppWizard
April 20, 2026

Stranger Things: Netflix taps Australian studio for animated series

Netflix's spin-off series, Stranger Things: Tales Of ’85, is set to premiere this Thursday and is produced by Flying Bark Studios, a Sydney-based animation company. The project has a production budget in the "tens of millions" and represents a significant milestone in Flying Bark's 60-year history. The studio, led by Barbara Stephen and employing a local team of 500, aims to showcase its capabilities through this ambitious animated series.
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