perception Archives

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ latest patch accused of faking internal render resolution to boost FPS — game runs at ‘Quality’ upscaling even when the render scale is set to 100% native

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has experienced performance issues since its launch, leading to player frustration despite positive reviews. Publisher 505 Games has released patches to improve performance, but these updates may have misled players about the game's graphics settings. Hardware analyst Daniel Owen found that the internal rendering resolution is capped below native levels, even when the resolution scaling slider is set to 100%. The patch notes for version 1.3 included vague references to adjustments in super sampling resolution limits, which some believe obscured the true nature of the changes. Instead of providing a real performance boost, the update seems to have implemented a forced upscaling mechanism that inflates frame rates while reducing visual quality. This has resulted in a softer or more pixelated appearance for players, despite maxed-out settings. The optimization patch has only yielded a modest 2-3 FPS improvement at non-native scaling. The lack of clear communication from 505 Games regarding these changes may provoke further backlash from the gaming community.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

6 PowerToys features I can’t believe don’t ship with Windows 11 by default

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several features that enhance productivity for Windows users, yet many of these tools have not been integrated into the Windows operating system. 1. Registry Preview: Allows users to view the contents of a registry file before importing it, enhancing safety and accessibility in modifying the Windows Registry. 2. Quick Accent: Simplifies the insertion of accented characters by displaying options when a user holds down a key, making it easier to type in multiple languages. 3. Find My Mouse: Dims the screen around the cursor to help users locate the mouse pointer more effectively than the basic highlighting feature in Windows. 4. Command Palette (or PowerToys Run): An efficient application launcher that allows for quick and reliable launching of applications, addressing a gap in Windows' functionality compared to other operating systems. 5. Peek: Enables users to quickly preview files without opening them, improving file management and accessibility. 6. FancyZones: A window management tool that allows for customizable window layouts, providing enhanced control over desktop environments. These features could significantly improve user experience if integrated into the core Windows operating system.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Saying no to Windows 11 just got easier – Operese automatically transfers your Windows 10 files and settings to Linux

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting over 200 million devices. A student developer, TechnoPorg, has created a free migration tool called Operese to facilitate the transition from Windows 10 to Linux. Operese translates a Windows 10 installation into a Linux setup, preserving data, settings, and applications as much as possible. It uses a customized version of Kubuntu to provide a user-friendly experience. While the tool is still in development and may not support all applications, it aims to offer a smooth migration process. Linux distributions, such as Kubuntu, are compatible with older hardware and provide enhanced privacy and security compared to Windows. TechnoPorg plans to open-source Operese once it is more stable and documented.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

Microsoft Enhances Windows 11 with Real-Time Performance Logging

Microsoft Corporation has introduced a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to automatically submit real-time performance logs through the Feedback Hub to report slow or unresponsive behavior. This feature, released in a recent Insider test build, aims to streamline problem reporting for users in the Windows Insider Programme and enhance the collection of diagnostic information. Microsoft has faced criticism regarding inconsistent performance in Windows 11 since its launch in October 2021 and has implemented various updates to improve system performance. Additionally, the upcoming 25H2 update will require developers to conduct static analyses on their drivers before certification to enhance system stability and performance.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Linux is the best thing to happen to PC gaming in years

PC gaming has experienced a notable shift due to the rise of Linux, particularly with the introduction of Valve's Steam Deck in mid-2021. The Steam Deck, built on a Linux foundation and utilizing Valve's Proton compatibility layer, has broadened the compatibility of games on Linux, allowing users to enjoy titles without dual-booting systems. This device has popularized handheld PC gaming, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. The Steam Deck's modest hardware has led to a trend of optimization among developers, resulting in better performance on lower-end systems. Valve's SteamOS has improved the user interface for both Linux and Windows users, making PC gaming more accessible. However, a significant challenge remains with anti-cheat software, which is difficult to implement across various Linux distributions. Despite this, the state of Linux gaming is strong for single-player experiences, and Valve is exploring solutions to enhance competitive gaming on Linux.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Steam’s Wildly Unclear New Rules On ‘Adult Content’ Have Already Seen Hundreds Of Games Delisted

Steam has recently updated its content guidelines, leading to the delisting of hundreds of extreme adult games, particularly those involving sensitive themes like incest and sexual violence. The updated guidelines specify 15 unacceptable characteristics for published content, including "sexually explicit images of real people" and certain adult-only content that may violate payment processor rules. Notable titles removed include "Incest Tales: Webcam Daughter" and "Reincarnation in another world going to rape All NPCs VR." The developer of "Daddy Daughter Incest," EroticGamesClub, still has other adult games available, raising questions about the criteria for delisting. The majority of these adult games are simplistic visual novels, often criticized for low quality. Valve states it is open to hosting adult content if appropriately labeled and age-gated, but the ambiguity in the new rules has left developers uncertain about compliance.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

9 best apps for the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s large display

Foldable smartphones have evolved into functional devices, with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 featuring a book-style design and a large display. Notion is a productivity tool that benefits from the Fold 7's screen space for note-taking and managing tasks. The Kindle app enhances the reading experience by utilizing the larger display for e-books. Samsung's Good Lock app allows for device customization, including features tailored for foldable devices. The Dolphin Emulator takes advantage of the Fold 7's Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for gaming, allowing users to play GameCube and Wii titles. Super Display enables the Fold 7 to function as a portable monitor for Windows PCs. Canva's photo editor benefits from the larger display for designing graphics. Octopi Launcher allows users to customize app layouts for different screen orientations. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the thinnest and lightest of Samsung's book-style foldables, enhancing the mobile app experience.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Xbox and PC Game Pass might not actually be that profitable for Microsoft

Microsoft is planning layoffs that could affect over 9,000 employees, about four percent of its global workforce of 228,000. These layoffs are impacting various gaming studios and projects. The company is shifting its strategy towards artificial intelligence and reducing focus on hardware sales within the Xbox division. Concerns have been raised about the profitability of Xbox and PC Game Pass, with claims that Game Pass may not be as financially successful as previously thought. Christopher Dring noted that the profitability calculations for Game Pass do not include first-party development costs, which could significantly alter the perception of its financial success. A Microsoft spokesperson stated that the layoffs are part of efforts to align with business demands and improve organizational efficiency.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft’s Edge browser now loads sites even faster

Microsoft has announced significant enhancements to the Edge browser, achieving a First Contentful Paint (FCP) of under 300 milliseconds, which improves user interface responsiveness. This performance metric indicates that the browser can display initial website elements in less than 300 milliseconds. Microsoft emphasizes that waiting longer than 300 to 400 milliseconds can negatively affect user satisfaction. Edge currently holds less than five percent of the global browser market share, while Chrome has 68 percent. Recent upgrades include faster downloads, browsing history, and private tabs, with improvements to 13 additional features. Microsoft plans to introduce further performance enhancements targeting Print Preview and Extensions in the coming months.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

Microsoft’s enshittification of Xbox, Surface, and even Windows itself, are by design — with greed and corner-cutting replacing innovation

Microsoft announced 9,000 layoffs, bringing the total for the year to over 15,300, including cuts within Xbox. The layoffs are attributed to unrealistic fiscal expectations set by CFO Amy Hood, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. There is a perception that these layoffs are part of a broader shift towards artificial intelligence, with Microsoft executives and shareholders reportedly resenting the investment in Activision-Blizzard. The company plans to invest billions in new AI training centers globally, raising concerns about the impact on its core gaming and consumer products. Microsoft’s AI products have faced criticism, and the company has been accused of losing sight of the human element in its consumer businesses. The recent layoffs have left employees feeling uncertain about their futures, and there is a growing sentiment that Microsoft lacks a coherent mission or ethos, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term innovation.