Obsidian Archives

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Microsoft files patent for “ad-credit” system to show ads on PC and Xbox without disrupting gameplay

Microsoft has patented an "ad-credit" system to integrate advertisements into PC and Xbox gaming without interrupting gameplay. The patent, named 'Contextually Aware Management of Interactive Software Application Access', identifies natural pauses in gameplay to display ads, rewarding players with credits for uninterrupted playtime after viewing. In 2022, Microsoft began testing ad-supported game streaming on Xbox. Additionally, new monthly cloud gaming limits for Game Pass subscribers will take effect in November 2026, with Essential subscribers limited to five hours, Premium to ten hours, and Ultimate to fifteen hours per month. Xbox has also announced layoffs affecting 268 positions across various studios as part of restructuring efforts.

AppWizard

September 23, 2026

Google could bring the Pixel 11’s customized My Pixel colors to older Pixels

Google has updated the My Pixel app for the Pixel 11 series, introducing a search bar and an app icon that matches the phone's color scheme. Evidence from version 8.9.1 of the app suggests that Google is considering allowing the app icon to reflect the body color of the Pixel 9, although this feature is not available for the Pixel 10 series. The color-matched icons will be available for select Pixel 9 models, including colors like Hazel, Rose Quartz, and Obsidian, but will not include the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Additionally, a redesign of the My Pixel app icon is planned for all devices, potentially featuring a lighter blue shade and a white Google logo. There is uncertainty regarding when the Pixel 10 series might receive the color-matched app icon feature.

AppWizard

September 17, 2026

The Blood of Dawnwalker sequel may not have the divisive time mechanic that so many players dislike: ‘We will not force it,’ game director says

The Blood of Dawnwalker features a time mechanic that serves as a limited resource, creating a sense of urgency that some players find restrictive. Shaun Prescott expressed a desire for a more leisurely gameplay experience, which has led to the creation of the "Better Story Timer" mod, the most popular modification for the game. Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the studio CEO, acknowledged player feedback regarding the time mechanic and indicated that it may be adjusted in the sequel, aiming to enhance urgency without compromising the overall experience. He noted that players can complete around 80 percent of the content despite the time constraint and observed a decline in complaints as more players finished the game, discovering they had more time than expected. The studio is also seeking a lead writer for the next installment in the Dawnwalker series.

AppWizard

August 19, 2026

Android Can Now Share Space With the Original Software on the reMarkable Paper Pro

Chalid Raqami has integrated Android 13 into the reMarkable Paper Pro, allowing users to run a full Android system alongside the original Linux-based software. Users can switch between the note-taking interface and Android in about 20 seconds by double-tapping the power button. The device features 2GB of RAM and a 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 quad-core processor. The integration enhances functionality with access to Kindle, internet browsers, Microsoft OneNote, and audiobooks, and allows Bluetooth keyboard connectivity. Stylus performance has improved with low latency pen mode, and battery life has increased, reducing standby drain to approximately 0.3 percent per hour. However, heavy applications like Obsidian face challenges, and video playback can be cumbersome. The Android port is not yet ready for public release and requires developer mode, with Raqami working on refining the installation and recovery process for broader sharing.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

Did the Surface Phone FINALLY leak? The Windows Central Podcast breaks down what we know about the mysterio…

In the latest episode of the Windows Central Podcast, hosts Zac Bowden and Jez Corden discuss several topics related to Microsoft. They explore a 2013 Windows Phone prototype, reflecting on its potential impact had it been released. They examine the new unified Microsoft Copilot experience, noting the removal of certain features and discussing the current state of AI. The hosts also cover the announcement of Xbox backward compatibility for original Xbox and Xbox 360 games on Windows, addressing potential licensing challenges. They provide updates on rumors regarding The Elder Scrolls VI and critique the Halo franchise amid project cancellations. Additionally, they highlight upcoming Xbox console features and improvements in audio for Game DVR captures.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

I tried to love ‘second brain’ apps. Here’s why I abandoned them — and what I’m using instead

Megan Ellis explored various "second brain" apps like Notion and Obsidian for personal knowledge management but found them to decrease her productivity instead of enhancing it. A poll revealed that 64% of users found these apps too complicated, while only 14% loved them. Ellis noted that the setup process for these tools can be overwhelming, leading to frustration. She experienced challenges with apps like Gemini Notebook, which, while good for content generation, did not serve as a comprehensive productivity tool. Her neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism, made it difficult to adapt to complex systems. Limitations in functionality, such as Gemini Notebook's Android app issues and Notion's manual offline mode, further hindered usability. Ultimately, she found greater success with simpler, purpose-built applications like Notesnook for note-taking and TickTick for task management, which better aligned with her workflow and reduced overwhelm.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Halloween: The Game is banned in Australia because incentivized drug use is bad but incentivized ultra-violence isn’t

The Australian Classification Board has denied a rating for Halloween: The Game, developed by Illfonic, preventing its sale in Australia. The game features a mechanic involving marijuana use that allows players to detect the killer, Michael Myers, which likely contributed to the classification issues. Despite receiving an automated R18+ rating in July, the Board's regulations state that games with illicit drug use tied to incentives cannot be classified under R18+ and must be Refused Classification. Consequently, listings for the game have been removed from major Australian retailers, and its page is no longer available on the PlayStation Store. Steam has not yet acted on the ban, but it is expected to do so.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Stop waiting for the Game of Thrones CRPG of your dreams and settle for the pleasant eurojank compromise instead

Warhorse Studios, known for its medieval simulations, was considered a candidate to develop a Game of Thrones CRPG, but its parent company Embracer shifted focus to Middle-earth Enterprises, affecting Warhorse's future. Obsidian, another RPG developer, is unlikely to create a Game of Thrones game due to Josh Sawyer's criticisms of HBO's adaptations. In 2012, Cyanide developed a Game of Thrones game that struggled for identity, coinciding with Telltale Games' release of a similar title. Cyanide, recognized for other games like Styx and Blood Bowl, also released Confrontation and Of Orcs and Men during this period. The narrative of Game of Thrones: Kingsroad deviated from George R.R. Martin's storytelling style, lacking the complexity and weight characteristic of the source material.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

8 free Android productivity apps I can’t live without in 2026

Notesnook is a free, open-source note-taking app that offers end-to-end encryption and syncs across devices, featuring a text editor, support for attachments, and organizational tools. Obsidian serves as a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins, Graph View, and Advanced Tables for structured note-taking. TickTick is a to-do app with essential features in its free version, including task lists, subtasks, reminders, and Smart Recognition for creating tasks using natural language. Trello is a project management tool with a Kanban-style interface, allowing users to manage multiple projects with custom fields and subtasks. Toggl Track is a time management app that logs hours spent on tasks and provides insights into productivity through a calendar view. Airtable is a database app with a spreadsheet-like interface for organizing information, customizable for various purposes. Raindrop.io is a bookmark manager that allows users to save articles, images, and videos, with tagging and search features for easy retrieval. MacroDroid is an automation tool for Android that enables users to create macros for repetitive tasks, improving efficiency.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Owlcat co-founder says the studio won’t turn its back on hardcore RPGs as it hits 600 employees and preps its own Mass Effect killer

Owlcat Games, co-founded by Alexander Mishulin, has expanded its workforce to around 600 employees, allowing the studio to work on two projects simultaneously. The studio remains committed to the hardcore CRPG genre, with upcoming titles like The Expanse: Osiris Reborn and Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy. Owlcat's growth positions it competitively alongside other RPG developers, such as Larian Studios and Obsidian Entertainment. The studio was originally founded in Moscow and is now headquartered in Paphos, Cyprus.