partnership Archives

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Ticketmaster’s ‘customizable pass’ collab with Google Wallet sounds great for gameday

Ticketmaster has partnered with Google Wallet to introduce "customizable passes" for Android users, allowing event clients to personalize digital passes with designs and up to 12 links for venue details. These passes can provide information on parking, food, drinks, merchandise, and VIP access. The collaboration also includes an update to Google Wallet that uses "context-aware" technology to display relevant passes automatically as users approach specific locations, enhancing user convenience.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Herschel Supply’s New Minecraft Backpacks Are the TNT

Herschel Supply has launched a collaboration with Minecraft, introducing a new collection of bags and accessories for gamers. The collection includes backpacks, crossbody slings, lunch boxes, pencil cases, and headwear, featuring limited-edition prints inspired by Minecraft themes such as the Overworld, the Nether, and the End, as well as characters like pink sheep, creepers, and endermen. The standout item is the ultra-limited Herschel Little America Cube Backpacks, available in Black Block, Orange Block, or Grass Block. Additionally, players can access the Herschel Backpack Trials add-on in the Minecraft Marketplace, which expands their in-game Herschel Backpacks' inventory by 442,368 items for free on Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. The collection is available online and in-store at Herschel Supply and select retailers.

Winsage

June 20, 2026

Microsoft’s AI strategy feels like a beta test — at the expense of Windows and Office

Microsoft has shifted its focus towards generative AI, beginning with its investment in OpenAI in 2019. CEO Satya Nadella has indicated a departure from the company's traditional software-centric vision, emphasizing the need for transformation in light of the AI revolution. The adoption of Windows 11 has been slow, with a survey showing that 30% of HP PCs still run Windows 10, which will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. Organizations like The Restart Project are helping users transition to Windows 11, while critics argue that Microsoft's upgrade requirements lead to premature obsolescence of functional PCs. Microsoft has launched the Windows K2 program to address user feedback and is exploring an agentic AI operating system. In response to potential EU antitrust fines, Microsoft has unbundled Teams from Office 365, offering a lower-cost option without the collaboration tool. This move has led to a lawsuit from Salesforce, alleging anticompetitive practices. Alternatives like LibreOffice and Euro-Office are emerging, but experts believe they pose limited immediate threats. Additionally, the French government plans to shift from Windows to Linux and replace Microsoft Teams with a domestic platform by 2027. Microsoft's AI initiatives have faced challenges, including backlash over the automatic installation of the Copilot AI app, which was temporarily suspended due to user complaints. Shareholders have filed a class action lawsuit, claiming the company overstated Copilot's success and failed to disclose a revenue decline in Azure. Analysts warn that continued investment in AI without meeting expectations may lead to significant challenges for Microsoft. Reports suggest that Azure was rushed to market, resulting in talent loss and performance issues.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Microsoft and Adobe team up and make Photoshop 20% faster on Windows

Microsoft is collaborating with Adobe to enhance the performance of Photoshop, a widely used image editing software. The partnership focuses on optimizing operations within Photoshop, which is primarily developed in C++ and compiled using Microsoft’s Visual C++ (MSVC) compiler. Microsoft aims to improve performance for CPU-intensive tasks, particularly those that are latency-sensitive, such as brush responsiveness and file-opening tasks. The engineering team activated MSVC’s "peak-performance" compilation mode and explored profile-guided optimization (PGO) to refine executables. However, due to the complexity PGO introduced, they shifted to Sample-based Profile Guided Optimizations (SPGO), which uses hardware performance samples from actual release binaries. This method allows for greater flexibility in data collection and typically yields performance improvements of 5% to 15%. By combining MSVC’s peak-performance mode with SPGO, the teams achieved a 20% performance boost on x64 Windows systems and a 13% enhancement on Arm architecture. These optimizations resulted in improved responsiveness for critical tasks in Photoshop, enhancing the user experience in professional creative workflows.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

Google’s £3 upgrade for Windows is finally back in stock

Google, in collaboration with Back Market, is offering a USB memory stick that allows users to install the free ChromeOS Flex operating system on their existing PCs and Macs. This initiative aims to provide a cost-effective alternative for Windows 10 users, especially after Microsoft ceased support for the operating system in October 2022. The USB kits, designed for easy installation, have sold out quickly since their launch. ChromeOS Flex offers essential security updates and is designed to run on hardware originally intended for Windows and macOS, although it does not support Android apps or Windows virtual machines. The initiative also emphasizes environmental benefits by extending the life of existing devices and reducing e-waste.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Sega says it made a ‘life-sized figure containing Sonic’s DNA,’ and I have a few questions

Sega is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog with various marketing initiatives, including exclusive merchandise and events. Highlights include limited edition fashion collaborations and a "musical odyssey" featuring live orchestral performances of Sonic soundtracks. A notable announcement is the "Sonic the Hedgehog DNA Figure," a life-sized statue claiming to contain "Sonic's DNA," developed in collaboration with the Lom Baby project from Transeeds. This figure uses "cutting-edge biotechnology" and symbolizes Sonic's core essence encapsulated within a Chaos Emerald. The exhibition for the DNA Figure will open on June 23 at the Tokyo Sega Store.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Both Final Fantasy 7 remakes are dirt cheap right now in a franchise sale—but I think you should play FF12 and enjoy the series’ best combat system at a discount, too

The first installment of the Final Fantasy 7 remake is priced around £12, and its sequel, Rebirth, is approximately £16 during a sale on Steam. Final Fantasy 12 is available for £11 and features a unique combat system known as the Gambit system, which allows players to set conditional commands for party members. The Zodiac Age version includes enhancements such as accelerated gameplay. FF12 is characterized by its grand adventure, political intrigue, and the partnership between characters Balthier and Fran.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

Don’t expect the Death Stranding movie to retell the story of the games, as its director says the film will be set in his ‘own corner of the world’

The cinematic adaptation of the video game Death Stranding has been in development since its announcement in 2022. Director Michael Sarnoski is currently writing the script and is collaborating with A24, which has expressed excitement about the project. Hideo Kojima has reacted positively to Sarnoski's script, recognizing film references within it. Additionally, a film adaptation of Elden Ring is in progress, with an expected release in 2028, and recent leaks suggest that Conwy Castle in North Wales may be used as a stand-in for Stormveil Castle from the game.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

‘Minecraft’ pop-up event coming to Alton Towers this summer

Merlin Entertainments is enhancing its partnership with Minecraft by launching the 'Minecraft Meet the Mobs' pop-up experience at Alton Towers from July 18 to August 28. This event allows guests to interact with baby mobs in six Minecraft-themed scenes and includes activities like a mob trail for exclusive in-game rewards. Guests can also take photos with characters such as Iron Golem and Creeper, and enjoy themed snacks and merchandise. The experience is included with standard park admission. Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, with over 350 million copies sold, and is set to become the first-ever theme park land at Chessington World of Adventures in a £50 million project opening in 2027. Merlin's collaboration with Mojang Studios was announced in 2024, with plans to invest over £85 million in new attractions in the UK and US.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Indie Game Festival ‘BIC 2026’ Signs MOU with RedForce PC Arena

On June 12, the Busan Indie Connect Festival Organizing Committee and RedForce PC Arena signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026 (BIC 2026). The partnership includes the creation of a dedicated 'FGT (Focus Group Test) Zone' at the festival, allowing gamers to provide feedback on exhibition titles. RedForce PC Arena will supply high-performance PCs and monitors and manage technical support for the testing environment. The organization will also promote BIC 2026 through its network of PC cafes. BIC 2026 will take place as a hybrid festival from August 7 to 28 online and from August 14 to 16 offline at BEXCO Exhibition Center 1, Hall 2, in Busan.