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Discord unveils brand-new overlay for PC, promises better game support and performance
AppWizard
March 26, 2025

Discord unveils brand-new overlay for PC, promises better game support and performance

Discord has released a significant update to its PC client and overlay, featuring a complete overhaul aimed at improving user experience. The overlay has been rebuilt for smoother interactions during gameplay, with a new rendering method that enhances performance and expands compatibility with a wider range of games. The desktop client now offers four themes (Light, Ash, Dark, and Onyx) and three UI density settings, along with resizable server channels and improved voice and video settings. A new widget-based overlay allows for customizable positioning of settings, and an action bar simplifies the management of voice and video controls. The update is being rolled out to PC users, and a restart of the app may be required to access the latest version.
Windows 11's awful search is getting an AI boost soon, and that's not all
Winsage
March 25, 2025

Windows 11’s awful search is getting an AI boost soon, and that’s not all

Microsoft is set to release updates for Windows 11, focusing on user experience through artificial intelligence. Two preview builds, Windows 11 Build 26100.3613 and Windows 11 Build 26100.3624, are available to Windows Insiders, with an official rollout expected in April. Key features include: - Introduction of semantic search, allowing users to search using natural language instead of exact keywords, initially available on Snapdragon-powered devices. - Live captions and real-time translation for AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs, translating spoken content into English, while Snapdragon users can translate English into Chinese. - Enhancements to Voice Access, allowing users to describe commands and adding support for the Chinese language. - New "cards" in the Settings app displaying key specifications like CPU, memory, and storage. - Modifications to Task Manager for tracking CPU utilization. - A new Xbox gamepad keyboard interface for desktop PCs. - An updated emoji interface with a new system tray icon for easier emoji insertion. - Improvements to widgets for better control over lock screen display.
Microsoft Just Uninstalled Copilot From Your PC
Winsage
March 18, 2025

Microsoft Just Uninstalled Copilot From Your PC

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday update addressed 57 security vulnerabilities, including seven critical zero-day flaws, and is recommended for all Windows users. Users who installed updates KB5053598 for Windows 11 or KB5053606 for Windows 10 may find that Copilot has been unpinned from the taskbar and uninstalled. Microsoft stated that this issue does not affect the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. The company is working on a new update to restore access to Copilot, but users can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store. Some users are looking for ways to disable Copilot, and tools are available for its removal.
Epic Games is addressing one of Windows-on-Arm’s last big app compatibility gaps
Winsage
March 14, 2025

Epic Games is addressing one of Windows-on-Arm’s last big app compatibility gaps

Utilizing a Windows PC powered by an Arm-based Snapdragon processor has become more similar to traditional Intel or AMD systems due to developers optimizing applications for native performance and Microsoft's advancements in Windows' Prism technology. However, compatibility issues remain, particularly with online multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat software, as Prism cannot translate drivers and foundational Windows software. The small user base for Arm PCs has also discouraged some developers from creating compatible versions of their software. Epic Games plans to enhance support for Arm PCs by introducing its Easy Anti-Cheat software and official support for Fortnite later this year, which will also be available to developers through an Epic Online Services SDK release.
Google Play Games Announces Major Expansion on PC
AppWizard
March 14, 2025

Google Play Games Announces Major Expansion on PC

Google has expanded its Google Play Games on PC platform to support native PC games in addition to mobile offerings. This initiative aims to help developers connect with a larger player base. The expansion includes a Play Games PC SDK for native PC games, featuring in-app purchase integration, enhanced security, simplified game packaging, and an earnback bonus of up to 15 percent. Mobile games will now be available on PC by default, with developers able to opt out. A “playable” badge will indicate games that meet performance requirements, while an “optimized” badge will show adherence to Google’s quality standards. The platform now supports AMD desktop PCs and laptops, and introduces new features like controls customization and a game sidebar for quick adjustments.
Google Play Games on PC is opening the floodgates of app support
AppWizard
March 13, 2025

Google Play Games on PC is opening the floodgates of app support

Google Play Games on PC will expand to make all Android titles accessible by default as it nears the end of its beta phase. Previously, the selection was limited, but now all games in the Play Store can be played on PCs, although developers can opt out to keep their games mobile-exclusive. A badge system will be introduced to indicate compatibility and performance: "optimized" for the best experience, "playable" for minimum standards with potential control remapping, and "untested" for variable experiences. This aims to enhance transparency and guide users in their gaming choices.
"There was no such thing as a game industry back then." Koei’s founder on how his solo passion project sold 10,000 copies at the dawn of PC gaming in Japan 
AppWizard
March 13, 2025

“There was no such thing as a game industry back then.” Koei’s founder on how his solo passion project sold 10,000 copies at the dawn of PC gaming in Japan 

Yoichi Erikawa, the founder of Koei Tecmo, created his first game, Kawanakajima no Kassen, a historical war simulator set in the Sengoku Period, which was released in 1981 and sold 10,000 copies. The game involved managing various aspects of feudal lord responsibilities and was initially a personal project driven by Erikawa's interest in history and programming. After placing an advertisement in a computer magazine, they received an overwhelming response, leading Erikawa and his wife to manually produce and ship the game. The success of Kawanakajima no Kassen prompted Erikawa to develop more games, including Nobunaga’s Ambition in 1983, which became a franchise with over 40 titles. Kawanakajima no Kassen is currently available on PC via Steam, but only in Japanese.
Did Mojang spoil its own movie with this Minecraft add-on?
AppWizard
March 10, 2025

Did Mojang spoil its own movie with this Minecraft add-on?

The Minecraft Movie is set to launch on April 4, 2025. Mojang has released a free Minecraft Movie add-on in the Minecraft Marketplace, which includes new character names, weapons, and bosses. The add-on features two new bosses: Malgosha, who conjures explosive fireballs and summons additional piglins, and the Great Hog, which attacks with fireballs and powerful punches. Players can encounter new Piglins and access the add-on by using the Bedrock version of Minecraft with an internet connection. A mod featuring Jack Black as the movie version of Steve is also available for PC users.
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