obstacles Archives

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera files complaint against Microsoft’s tricks to make you use Edge

Opera has filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, accusing the company of using "manipulative design tactics" to dominate the browser market and hinder competition. Opera's general counsel, Aaron McParlan, stated that Microsoft creates barriers for other browsers, such as excluding them from preinstallation opportunities and complicating the download process. The complaint highlights Microsoft's practices of overriding users' default browser preferences and using Windows features to promote Edge. Opera seeks remedies to allow PC manufacturers to preload alternative browsers and stop blocking downloads. Additionally, the complaint criticizes Microsoft's requirement for OEMs to deliver devices in S mode to receive rebates on Windows OS licenses. This action is part of Opera's broader strategy to challenge Microsoft's practices globally, including an appeal to EU courts regarding the classification of Edge under the Digital Markets Act. Opera has a history of raising concerns about Microsoft's browser practices, including a 2007 antitrust complaint that led to the creation of a browser ballot screen.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Grounded 2, even in early access, is one of the best survival games I’ve ever played

Grounded 2, developed by Obsidian in collaboration with Eidos Montreal, launched in early access on July 29. The game features a vast first area comparable in size to the original game, but it has performance issues, with limited graphics settings and frame rate challenges even on high-end systems. The game retains a colorful cartoon aesthetic while improving lighting and textures. New mechanics include the ability to befriend bugs that serve as mounts and allies, enhancing exploration and combat dynamics. The introduction of the Omni-Tool simplifies resource gathering. Grounded 2 encourages exploration and adventure, with quests from human characters and a mysterious hacker element. The combat system has evolved with new mechanics and a variety of new creatures, while familiar foes have revamped designs. Despite some bugs during gameplay, the overall experience is enjoyable.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

The alternate history of Android

July 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Google’s acquisition of Android, Inc., which initially focused on developing an operating system for digital cameras. Android has evolved into a versatile operating system, known for its open-source nature that allows users to download, modify, and reinstall code. This flexibility has led to a vibrant community of developers, such as Steve Kondik, who created the CyanogenMod custom Android ROM. Around 2010, many Android users faced frustrations due to carrier restrictions that limited device customization and control. Despite these challenges, a culture of rooting and custom ROM development emerged, allowing users to unlock their devices and enhance functionality. The motivations for modifying devices stemmed from a desire for better performance and user experience, particularly in overcoming issues like bloatware. For example, the Motorola Atrix had impressive hardware but was limited by carrier restrictions, prompting the community to create a custom Android 4.4 ROM that improved its functionality. The evolution of Android has involved collaboration among manufacturers, Google, and a passionate user community dedicated to innovation and customization.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Two Brand New PC Games Are Free on Steam

Steam has added two new games to its library that are currently available for free. One game, Oil Sheik, was released on July 24 and has an 88 percent approval rating, described as a turn-based strategic puzzle game about creating and expanding companies and trading stocks. The other game, Inverta, entered Early Access on July 18 and is a 2.5D puzzle-platformer with a focus on gravity manipulation, but has received only three positive user reviews. One game is marked as “Unsupported” on the Steam Deck, while the other has an “Unknown” compatibility status.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Windows 11 migration could be the perfect time to get an AI PC

Recent research indicates a significant shift in the IT landscape as businesses transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, coinciding with the emergence of AI PCs. A study by Dell reveals that 80% of UK businesses are migrating to Windows 11, viewing it as a strategic opportunity to adopt AI-ready PCs. 71% of IT decision-makers believe this transition allows for upgrades to more powerful AI PCs. Nearly half of respondents recognize AI PCs for their advanced security features (47%) and enhanced productivity (44%), while 64% consider AI-capable hardware essential for future operations. Security breaches motivate 46% of IT leaders to refresh their PC fleets, surpassing the 42% updating due to Windows 10 end of support. Challenges include software compatibility (45%), hardware compatibility (34%), and potential operational disruptions (32%), with 20% of businesses yet to start their transition. Additionally, 62% of IT decision-makers prefer a Copilot+ PC over traditional models, driven by benefits like longer battery life and superior performance.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers review

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is an action-heavy soulslike game set in 14th century China during a plague, with a release date of July 24, 2025, priced at .99. It is developed by Leenzee and published by 505 Games. The game features a combat system that allows players to engage in battles while dodging attacks and using spells without a mana bar, supported by a skill tree for upgrades. However, the combat experience can become repetitive, with a lack of variety in enemy design and encounter mechanics. The environments are visually appealing but can feel disjointed, and the game struggles to establish a unique identity, often echoing elements from FromSoftware's titles. It does not include multiplayer and is verified for Steam Deck. The game was reviewed on an RTX 5090, Intel Core i9 12900K, and 32GB RAM.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Minecraft – Official Smurfs DLC Launch Trailer

Mojang has released the Smurfs DLC for Minecraft, allowing players to explore Smurf Village and engage in various challenges. Key features include stealth missions with Azrael, potion battles against Gargamel, and opportunities to uncover hidden treasures and interact with Smurfs characters. The DLC is now available for players.

BetaBeacon

July 19, 2025

Top 5 iPhone and Android apps & games you need to try this week – Subnautica, Oceanhorn, and More!

Subnautica is a paid game that costs .99.

Tech Optimizer

July 14, 2025

The performance engineer: a detective licensed to kill… bottlenecks

A SQL query initially took fifteen hours to process, but after performance engineering adjustments by Vadim Laktushin, it was reduced to two minutes. Performance engineers (PEs) work to enhance IT system efficiency by identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks in application code, database management systems, configurations, and hardware. Vadim transitioned from a developer to a performance specialist at Postgres Professional after exploring benchmarks and system tuning. Performance issues often require complex solutions rather than straightforward fixes. For example, a client migrating from Oracle to PostgreSQL faced delays due to the Write-Ahead Log (WAL), which became a bottleneck during heavy write operations. PEs adhere to principles such as proactive analysis, reliance on data, and caution against quick fixes. Essential skills for PEs include programming, Linux expertise, understanding algorithms, statistical thinking, and effective communication. The future of performance engineering may involve specialization, and while AI can assist, it cannot replace human expertise in optimization tasks.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

July’s Windows 10 update borked the emoji panel for some users

Microsoft released an update for Windows 10, KB5062554, aimed at enhancing security and quality. However, users are experiencing issues with the emoji panel, specifically with the search functionality, which is not working correctly. Users report receiving an error message when trying to search for emojis. There are concerns that this issue will be resolved before official support for Windows 10 updates ends on October 14, 2025.