October Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Epic Games lays off more than 1,000 employees: ‘We’re spending significantly more than we’re making,’ CEO Tim Sweeney says

Epic Games has announced layoffs affecting more than 1,000 employees due to financial challenges, with CEO Tim Sweeney stating the company is spending significantly more than it generates in revenue. This situation is linked to a decline in engagement with Fortnite, which has been ongoing since 2025. Sweeney noted broader industry trends, such as a downturn in console sales, and highlighted unique challenges faced by Epic, including difficulties in maintaining player engagement with Fortnite. The company has also been involved in legal disputes with Apple and Google, which have incurred significant costs. This round of layoffs follows a previous reduction in September 2023, where over 800 employees were let go for similar reasons. Following the layoffs, Epic will have just over 4,000 employees and has raised the price of Fortnite V-Bucks due to increased operational costs.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Epic Games is killing three popular Fortnite game modes after laying off 1,000 employees

Epic Games has announced the discontinuation of three modes from Fortnite: Rocket Racing, which will be removed in October 2026; Ballistic, which will be taken offline on April 16, 2026; and Battle Stage, also ceasing operations on April 16, 2026. This decision follows the layoff of over 1,000 employees due to a decline in player engagement since 2025. CEO Tim Sweeney stated that the downturn in Fortnite engagement has led to increased spending and the need for major cuts to keep the company funded.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft May Remove Windows 11 Online Login Requirement

Windows 11 users have expressed frustration over the requirement to log into an online account during initial setup. Microsoft is reconsidering this policy, as indicated by Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft Partner Product Manager, who acknowledged user discontent and mentioned that they are "working on it." Microsoft has also announced broader improvements for Windows 11, including the reinstatement of the ability to reposition the taskbar and a reduction in Copilot integrations within certain applications. Additionally, Microsoft eliminated workarounds for bypassing the online account sign-in requirement in October 2025 due to user confusion.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Kirsten Dunst Cast as Alex in A Minecraft Movie 2, Fulfilling Her Wish to Play a Part in the Sequel

Kirsten Dunst will join the cast of A Minecraft Movie 2 as the character Alex. She has signed on with Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures for the project, which is set to be released on July 23, 2027. The original director Jared Hess will return, and Chris Galletta will write the script. Returning cast members include Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Matt Berry, and Jennifer Coolidge. The announcement for the sequel came in October 2025, following the first film's box office success, which grossed over 0 million globally.

Winsage

March 18, 2026

Microsoft says it won’t auto install Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows 11, likely due to outrage over ‘Microslop’

Microsoft has announced a temporary halt to the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows 11 due to feedback from commercial customers. Initially, the company planned to auto-install the app starting in September 2025, but as of October 2025, it decided to pause this process after receiving negative feedback. Existing installations will remain unaffected, and administrators can still deploy the app through other methods. The Microsoft 365 Copilot app is designed to enhance productivity by optimizing Office applications using AI. Microsoft justified the automatic installation by highlighting the app's potential benefits, but user dissatisfaction led to the reassessment of this strategy. The company is also facing criticism for its aggressive promotion of the Copilot app, which has impacted its reputation in the AI landscape. In response, Microsoft is reevaluating its integration of Copilot within Windows 11 to address user concerns and improve the overall experience.

BetaBeacon

March 18, 2026

Gnosia Game Gets iOS, Android Releases

Playism and Petit Depotto released Gnosia RPG on iOS and Android devices as a one-time paid release with no in-app purchases.

AppWizard

March 15, 2026

5 great indie games from GDC 2026

The GDC Festival of Gaming showcased several upcoming games. - At Fate’s End: An action-adventure game by Thunder Lotus, releasing in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It explores sibling relationships through combat and exploration. - Mina the Hollower: Developed by Yacht Club Games, this game is inspired by Link’s Awakening and will launch this spring on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. - The Melty Way: A platformer featuring a slime that melts as it progresses through levels, entering early access on Steam on April 24th. - Poke a Nose: A game where players control a severed hand to collect toilet paper and poke noses, targeting a 2026 release on PC, with a possibility of early 2027. - Super Meat Boy 3D: A 3D adaptation of the original Super Meat Boy, expected to launch in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Microsoft to eliminate shader wait times in PC games

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) technology to address lengthy shader compilation times for PC gamers. The ASD technology generates a Pre-compiled Shader Database (PSDB) from a Shader Object State Database (SODB), allowing for faster game startups by eliminating the need for local compilation. Since integrating ASD into its software development kit (SDK), Microsoft has achieved an 85% reduction in launch times for the game Avowed. NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm are also set to support ASD in their hardware. Additionally, Microsoft has updated its API to allow developers to upload pre-compiled shaders through the Xbox Partner Center, starting with the Xbox app on PC.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Tesla finally brings a Robotaxi update that Android users will love

Lucid Group has introduced its autonomous robotaxi platform, the Lunar Concept, during its investor day in New York. The Lunar is built on a new Midsize platform designed for both the robotaxi and consumer SUVs priced below 0,000. Lucid's Lunar features a two-seat design with no driver controls and incorporates a redesigned Atlas electric drive unit. The company is in advanced discussions with Uber to deploy vehicles based on this platform. Lucid has also announced a recurring software revenue model that includes an in-vehicle AI assistant and monthly subscriptions for autonomous driving, priced between and . Tesla's Cybercab, introduced in 2019 and showcased in 2024, is currently undergoing road testing and aims for mass production, with a target of one vehicle every ten seconds. Tesla's Cybercab is priced below 0,000, with operating costs as low as 20 cents per mile.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

5 reasons why Windows 11 Pro is so much better than Windows 10

Windows 11 Pro is actively promoted by Microsoft as the future operating system, with Windows 10 reaching its end of support in October 2025, meaning no more free security updates or technical assistance. Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced built-in security features, including mandatory TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, making it a more secure choice. It includes useful features like BitLocker for drive encryption, Remote Desktop support, Group Policy controls, and Hyper-V for creating virtual machines. Windows 11 Pro also enhances productivity with features like Snap Layouts and File Explorer tabs for better organization and navigation.