online communities Archives

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Props for the honesty: Tim Sweeney says the reason ‘people characterize the Epic Games launcher as clunky’ is—wait for it—’because the Epic Games launcher is clunky’

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, described the Epic Games Store launcher as "clunky" and acknowledged that many users find it slow and cumbersome compared to Steam. The Epic launcher received a score of 41% in a recent evaluation, ranking behind competitors like the Microsoft Store and EA, and significantly trailing Steam and GOG Galaxy. Performance issues vary based on a user's proximity to a content delivery network and the size of their game library, with slower internet connections exacerbating loading frustrations. Sweeney believes the Epic launcher should incorporate convenient features from Steam while maintaining its unique advantages. He emphasized the importance of connecting players across platforms and criticized Valve for not allowing cross-platform functionality with Steamworks. Sweeney also addressed negative backlash against developers using Epic Online Services, citing harassment related to crossplay features. Users seeking alternatives to the Epic launcher can consider GOG Galaxy or Heroic, which are noted for better functionality.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

The Best PC Games of 2025 So Far (Spring Edition)

Spring 2025 has seen the release of several notable PC games, including: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Released on April 24, 2025, by Sandfall Interactive, it sold over 1 million copies in three days and features a blend of French art nouveau aesthetics and JRPG combat mechanics. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Released on February 28, 2025, by Capcom, it introduces full narrative integration and dynamic monster interactions. - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered: Released on April 22, 2025, by Bethesda Game Studios, it attracted over 4 million players shortly after launch and features enhanced visuals and gameplay updates. Other early 2025 releases include: - Blue Prince (April 10, 2025) - Split Fiction (March 6, 2025) - Atomfall (March 27, 2025) - Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20, 2025) - Two Point Museum (March 5, 2025) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (January 23, 2025) - Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 22, 2025) - Ninja Gaiden II Black (January 23, 2025) - The Talos Principle: Reawakened (April 10, 2025) Highly anticipated titles for later in 2025 include: - Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2025) - Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025) - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025) - The Outer Worlds 2 (Expected 2025) - Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) - Marvel’s Blade (TBA 2025) - Hades II (Full Release later 2025) - Frostpunk 2 (Summer 2025) - Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access Expected 2025) - Anno 117: Pax Romana (Expected 2025) - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (October 2025) - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Expected 2025) - Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Expected 2025) In 2024, top-rated PC games included: 1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 2. Metaphor: ReFantazio 3. UFO 50 4. Tekken 8 5. Caves of Qud 6. Animal Well 7. Satisfactory 8. Balatro 9. Thank Goodness You’re Here! 10. The Last of Us Part II Remastered The PC gaming landscape in 2024 was characterized by significant hardware advancements, improved game integration and compatibility, and thriving online communities.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft Says Throw Away Your Windows 10 Computers

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security updates or technical assistance will be provided. While Windows 10 will still function, users face increased security risks without updates. Alternatives for users with incompatible hardware include Linux distributions like Zorin OS and Linux Mint, which offer familiar interfaces for those transitioning from Windows. Users can choose to ignore the deadline, invest in new hardware, switch to Linux, pay for Extended Security Updates, or attempt to upgrade incompatible systems to Windows 11 through registry edits and enabling Secure Boot with TPM. The impending support cutoff raises concerns about e-waste and sustainability, prompting discussions on the need for manufacturers to focus on product longevity and repairability. Local Linux User Groups and online communities are available to assist users in this transition.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Windows 11 is still my favorite OS, ads and all

The desktop PC is often associated with personal memories and experiences tied to various operating systems (OS). Windows XP is remembered fondly for its nostalgic connection to school days and online gaming. Windows 98 had issues like crashes and a clunky interface, while Windows 2000 faced similar frustrations. Windows XP marked a significant improvement, leading to a golden era of gaming and online communities. Windows Vista presented its own challenges during teenage years, and Windows 10 is regarded as one of Microsoft's best OS offerings. Windows 11 introduces a centered taskbar design that has caused mixed reactions among users but allows for customization. The Start Menu can be tailored to reduce clutter, making it more efficient. Windows 11 is seen as an improvement over Windows 10, offering a smoother experience on modern hardware, though it has its flaws, such as ads for Microsoft services and the requirement for TPM 2.0, which may render older systems obsolete. This raises concerns about sustainability and the economic impact on users, particularly government agencies with limited resources. In comparison to other operating systems, Windows 11 is preferred despite its challenges, while alternatives like ChromeOS, macOS, and Linux each have their own limitations.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

“If we can do it… This will be something groundbreaking”: PUBG creator Brendan Greene is five years into making a 10,000km “realistic Minecraft” – but there’s still a decade to go

Brendan Greene, known for creating PUBG, is working on a new project called Prologue, which tests innovative terrain generation technology for his larger vision, Project Artemis. Prologue aims to refine machine learning algorithms that can produce over 4 billion unique map configurations. Greene acknowledges past leadership challenges but credits CTO Laurent Gorga for fostering a collaborative development approach. He estimates that achieving Project Artemis could take up to a decade and emphasizes the importance of Prologue's commercial success for securing resources. Greene envisions Project Artemis as a vast, player-driven universe, inspired by games like Minecraft and No Man's Sky, with a world measuring 10,000 square kilometers. He aims to create an environment where players can craft diverse experiences and distances himself from commercial interpretations of the Metaverse, focusing instead on genuine user-generated experiences.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Waiting for Microsoft Windows 12 is a mistake when you can upgrade to Linux today

The tech landscape is speculating about the upcoming Windows 12, which may focus on cloud capabilities and artificial intelligence. However, some users are considering switching to Linux due to concerns about Windows becoming heavier, slower, and more intrusive. Linux is presented as a free, lightweight, and privacy-centric alternative that has become more user-friendly with modern distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora. Linux is cost-effective, as it is free to download and use, while Windows 12 may require a costly subscription. Additionally, Linux offers enhanced security due to its open-source nature and robust permission settings, making it less attractive to malware. It also allows for greater customization compared to Windows. With Windows 12 being uncertain, Linux is positioned as a reliable and immediate solution for users seeking speed, flexibility, and control over their computing experience.

AppWizard

November 11, 2024

How Do Californians Use Messaging Apps

Messaging apps are essential for personal and professional communication in California. WhatsApp, with 2.7 billion global users, is popular for its free messaging, voice, and video calling, especially among immigrants due to its end-to-end encryption. Telegram has 950 million monthly active users and is favored for its security features, large group chats, and file-sharing capabilities; it is also used by online casino gamers for anonymous gaming and integrated bots. iMessage, with 1.3 billion global users, is preferred by Apple users for its seamless integration and security features. Facebook Messenger has over 1 billion users and is widely used for casual conversations and customer service, aided by automated chatbots and payment functionalities. Signal, with over 40 million monthly active users, is chosen for its strong privacy features, appealing to journalists and activists.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Discord: Why the messaging app is under scrutiny

Russia's telecoms regulator, Roskomnadzor, banned Discord due to its failure to prevent illicit activities such as terrorism and drug trafficking, particularly after not complying with a directive to remove nearly a thousand pieces of inappropriate content. This ban is part of a trend targeting Western social media platforms since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Following Russia, Turkey's BTK communications authority also banned Discord, citing the need to protect children from online threats and ongoing investigations into blackmailing minors. In the U.S., Discord is under FBI scrutiny for grooming minors and distributing child sexual abuse material, with 35 prosecutions linked to the platform in the past six years. Additionally, regulators in Germany and France have raised concerns about Discord's data collection methods, leading to an €800,000 fine in France for failing to comply with EU data protection regulations. Launched in May 2015, Discord has over 150 million active users and is popular for its voice and text communication features, but has also faced criticism for facilitating extremist content and political discourse.

TrendTechie

October 9, 2024

Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 появилась в раннем доступе и на Torrent

Studio Saber Interactive has opened early access for owners of the extended editions of Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2, allowing installation three days before the official release on September 9, 2024. The game will be available on PC and the latest consoles, including Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, via Steam. It features complete Russian localization, multiple graphical settings, and supports DLSS 2 and FSR 2, but will not include ray tracing or HDR at launch. A pirated version of the game has appeared on Torrent trackers, raising concerns about account security. Additionally, the review aggregator Opencritic has updated the game page for Astro Bot, which has received a score of 93 from critics.

AppWizard

August 28, 2024

Telegram messaging app CEO freed from police custody, will appear in court

French prosecutors have released Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, from police custody after four days of questioning related to a judicial inquiry into twelve criminal violations associated with the messaging platform. Durov faces serious allegations, including the use of Telegram for child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and facilitating organized crime, as well as failing to comply with legal requests for information from investigators. He will be summoned to court for an initial appearance that may lead to an indictment. The arrest has prompted backlash in Russia, with officials claiming it is politically motivated. Durov, a Russian-born French citizen, also has citizenship in the UAE and St. Kitts and Nevis. The UAE Foreign Ministry is monitoring the situation and has requested France provide Durov with consular services. Telegram maintains it complies with EU laws and evolves its moderation practices. Durov co-founded Telegram after leaving Russia due to government pressure to suppress opposition. The platform is under scrutiny from Western governments for its content moderation practices, with critics arguing it facilitates illegal activities. In 2022, German authorities fined Telegram for failing to establish lawful reporting mechanisms for illegal content.