partnership Archives

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Alan Wake heads to Phasmophobia next month in a new limited-time event, because we all know writers love a deadline

Phasmophobia is collaborating with Alan Wake 2 for a unique crossover event called "Phasmophobia by Alan Wake," starting on May 12 and running until June 2. Players can earn in-game rewards such as ID cards, character cosmetics, and possibly a trophy. Kinetic Games' art director, Corey Dixon, stated there are no current plans to rerun the event but is open to future collaborations if players enjoy it. Phasmophobia has sold over 28 million copies, with approximately 23 million on PC.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2026

Deploy Postgres and MySQL databases with PlanetScale + Workers

Cloudflare has deepened its partnership with PlanetScale to enhance the developer experience by providing Cloudflare Workers with access to Postgres and MySQL databases. Users will be able to create PlanetScale databases directly from the Cloudflare dashboard and API, with billing handled through their Cloudflare accounts. Cloudflare credits can be applied towards PlanetScale databases. The integration allows developers to link their PlanetScale accounts and create Postgres databases from the Cloudflare dashboard. Starting next month, new PlanetScale databases will be billed directly to Cloudflare accounts. The integration uses Hyperdrive for database connectivity, managing connection pools and query caching. PlanetScale offers performance and reliability, allowing developers to choose between Postgres and Vitess MySQL. Cloudflare users can deploy PlanetScale databases directly from Cloudflare, with features like query insights and usage breakdowns included. A single node on PlanetScale Postgres starts at a specified monthly rate. Developers can configure Workers to minimize latency by placing them near the primary database, with future plans to automate this process. Currently, billing for existing PlanetScale databases is processed through PlanetScale, but new databases will be billed through Cloudflare starting next month. Further enhancements and API integration are planned, with community feedback encouraged.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Where to Shop Minecraft x Hey Dude Shoe Collab: Best Minecraft Gifts

Hey Dude has launched a collaboration with Minecraft, introducing a collection of slip-on shoes called the Wally Funk Creeper and the Enderman Wally Camp Slip, priced at .99 for adults and .99 for kids. The shoes are made from lightweight materials, feature breathable designs, removable foam insoles, and flexible outsoles. The Wally Funk Creeper comes in a green-and-black color scheme, while the Enderman Wally Camp Slip is black-and-purple with shearling lining. This collaboration follows Hey Dude's history of partnerships and is expected to be popular among fans of the game.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Disney Removes A Bunch More Games From Steam With No Warning

Over a dozen Disney games have been removed from Steam, including two Star Wars titles, without prior notice. On April 14, 15 PC games were delisted, including "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End," "Star Wars: Rebellion," and "Disney’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year Dance." This follows a previous removal of 14 games in January. Speculation suggests these actions may relate to Disney's investment in Epic Games, indicating a potential shift towards exclusivity on the Epic Games Store.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Dwarf Fortress is coming to Magic: The Gathering and I’m beginning to suspect Wizards of the Coast is targeting me, specifically

Wizards of the Coast announced a collaboration between Magic: The Gathering and Dwarf Fortress as part of the Secret Lair's Back to School superdrop. The Dwarf Fortress x Magic: The Gathering set features unique illustrations, including a trapped dwarf facing a vampiric Ñ and a capital D unleashing dragonfire. One illustration, titled Communal Brewing, depicts dwarves gathering in a dining hall. The card designs utilize ASCII art, reflecting the game's origins. The Secret Lair x Dwarf Fortress: Create New World set will be available for order starting April 27 on the Secret Lair website.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Microsoft Is Already Pulling Back On Its Windows Copilot AI Push

Microsoft is focusing on artificial intelligence in Windows amid user complaints about Windows 11, including issues with File Explorer, performance, and visual glitches. This shift coincides with the launch of Apple's budget-friendly MacBook Neo, which poses a threat to Microsoft's market share in the affordable laptop segment. Apple has a strong supply chain that allows it to offer a premium experience at lower prices. While Apple is developing its Apple Intelligence suite with limited AI tools and has partnered with Google to enhance Siri, it lacks a proprietary AI foundation model. Microsoft needs to ensure that new Windows 11 laptop owners, particularly those with budget models, do not experience performance issues or intrusive advertisements. The company has previously addressed user dissatisfaction after Windows Vista and Windows 8, raising questions about its ability to restore confidence in Windows 11.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Microsoft Is Already Pulling Back On Its Windows Copilot AI Push

Microsoft has integrated its generative chatbot, Copilot, into various aspects of the Windows operating system, leading to user dissatisfaction due to perceived compromises in the overall experience. Users have expressed frustration with Windows 11's problematic updates and system demands, coining the term "Microslop." Initially, Microsoft resisted this backlash, but as dissatisfaction grew, the company began to shift its strategy, acknowledging the need to address Windows' challenges. This included removing the Copilot button from Notepad in a recent preview build, while still maintaining AI functionality through a different button. Leadership changes at Microsoft suggest a potential realignment of priorities amid profitability challenges in the AI sector. Upcoming enhancements to Windows will restore legacy taskbar features, make Windows Update less intrusive, and improve File Explorer's performance. Additionally, the launch of Apple's budget-friendly MacBook Neo poses a challenge to Microsoft's affordable Windows market, as Apple adopts a more measured approach to AI. Microsoft must ensure that new Windows 11 laptop owners do not face performance issues or an overload of AI features.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Microsoft Revives Windows Insider Program with Simplified Channels and In-Person Meetups

Microsoft is transforming its Windows Insider Program to enhance user engagement in Windows 11 development. The program will feature a simplified Beta and Experimental channel structure, replacing the previous four-tier system. Users will be able to perform in-place upgrades between Insider builds and have manual control over hidden features through 'Feature Flags.' Microsoft is reintroducing in-person Insider meetups in five major cities: New York City on April 21, Hyderabad on May 7, Taipei on May 13, San Francisco on June 4, and London on June 23. Marcus Ash leads the design and research for the Windows + Devices team, overseeing the revamped meetups.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Microsoft is wasting its time trying to fix Windows 11: Just do Windows 12 already

Microsoft announced a plan to enhance Windows 11 to improve performance, stability, and usability, addressing user concerns amid scrutiny of the operating system's reputation. Historically, Microsoft has faced challenges with previous Windows versions, such as Windows Vista and Windows 8, which received mixed responses despite some improvements in subsequent updates. Windows 7 was well-received due to refinements based on user feedback. Windows 10 successfully merged elements from earlier versions, but Windows 11 has garnered a mixed response. Microsoft is focusing on enhancing Windows 11 rather than launching a new version, like Windows 12, to avoid disrupting user consolidation and maintain stability, especially for enterprises. Users can continue using Windows 11 for the life of their device without being forced to upgrade. The timing of new version releases is critical due to hardware alignment and enterprise upgrade challenges. Some believe that a new version could signify a renewed commitment to the platform, but the decision remains a topic of discussion.

BetaBeacon

April 11, 2026

В PRAGMATA They showed a union between a human and an android on the Moon

Capcom unveiled a new trailer for their sci-fi action film PRAGMATA, showcasing the relationships between the main characters Hugh and the android Diana. The game features a unique blend of action and hacking mechanics, with a focus on character interactions. The release date is set for April 17, 2026, on various gaming platforms.