platform release Archives

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Windows 11 version 25H2: Everything you need to know about Microsoft’s next OS release

Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 11 version 25H2, expected later this year. The update will likely follow a "phased rollout" strategy, meaning it may not be immediately available to all users upon official release. Upgrading to version 25H2 will reset the support clock, providing longer security and bug fix support compared to version 24H2 or earlier. Version 25H2 will build on the same platform as version 24H2, likely delivered as a smaller enablement package or cumulative update, facilitating a quicker installation process. The current platform, known as Germanium, will support both versions 24H2 and 25H2, with ongoing improvements expected through 2025. Anticipated features for version 25H2 include a revamped Start menu with greater customization options and an AI-powered assistant in the Settings app.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Pixel Phones Get a Taste of Material 3 Expressive in Android 16 Beta

Google I/O 2025 has concluded, and the Android 16 QPR1 Beta has been launched, introducing the Material 3 Expressive design language. This update is the first Quarterly Platform Release following the stable Android 16 Beta program and is primarily aimed at developers and testers. It enhances user experience with a fresh visual design, which will also extend to Wear OS 6. Key features of the update include a redesigned user interface with increased space for widgets and apps, new system icons in the status bar, a colorful quick settings panel, expanded customization options, and enhanced controls for home and lock screens. The beta is available for various Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series, as well as Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

‘Thunderbolts*’ Crossing $100M Today, Eyes $30M+ 2nd Frame; ‘Minecraft’ Clicks $401M; ‘Sinners’ Shooting Past $200M; ‘Clown In The Cornfield’ $600K Previews

Disney and Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts is outperforming Shang-Chi’s second weekend, having earned .3 million on Friday and projected to reach approximately million over the weekend, reflecting a 53% decline from its opening week. By Sunday, it is expected to surpass 0 million in total earnings. In comparison, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings achieved .7 million during its post-Labor Day frame in 2021, marking a 54% drop. This weekend's overall box office performance is anticipated to match the same period last year, which recorded .1 million, significantly bolstered by the debut of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which opened with .4 million. Warner Bros’ Sinners continues to perform well, bringing in .6 million in its fourth weekend, comparable to The Sixth Sense (.5 million) and exceeding It (.2 million) in their fourth frames. The weekend box office breakdown includes: - Thunderbolts (Disney) - 4,330 theaters, Friday .3M, 3-day M (-53%), Total 0.3M/Wk 2 - Sinners (Warner Bros) - 3,502 theaters, Friday .6M, 3-day .3M (-39%), Total .3M/Wk 4 - A Minecraft Movie (Warner Bros) - 3,468 theaters, Friday .7M, 3-day M (-48%), Total M/Wk 6 - Accountant 2 (Amazon) - 3,402 theaters, Friday .58M, 3-day .8M (-39%), Total .6M/Wk 3 - Clown in a Cornfield (IFC) - 2,277 theaters, Friday .4M, 3-day .5M/Wk 1 - Shadow Force (Lionsgate) - 2,170 theaters, Friday .0M, 3-day .7M/Wk 1 - Fight or Flight (Vertical) - 2,153 theaters, Friday .5M, 3-day .5M/Wk 1 Thunderbolts is expected to dominate the weekend box office with an estimated million, reflecting a decline of 60% or less from its debut. Sinners is expected to cross the million threshold today, with a robust fourth weekend forecasted between million and million. Clown in the Cornfield is projected to earn around .5 million, while Shadow Force is eyeing a weekend total of million to million. Fight or Flight is set at .5 million. Briarcliff Entertainment's Juliet & Romeo is projected to earn around million.

BetaBeacon

May 9, 2025

Why Android’s hidden custom modes are such a productivity game-changer

- The custom mode feature was added to Android 15 QPR2 - The first step is to open the Settings app - You can set a schedule for your custom mode - Tap the Modes Quick Tile to select the mode you want to use - Remember to disable the mode when you're done with the task

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Microsoft begins testing next phase of Windows 11 — Dev Channel to flight new platform changes

Microsoft is testing platform changes in Windows 11 for Insiders in the Dev Channel, introducing new builds in the 26200 range as a precursor to version 25H2, expected later this year. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 SoC requires platform modifications previously exclusive to the Windows Canary Channel, which Microsoft is backporting to the Dev Channel to support devices with the X2 chip on Germanium-based Windows 11. Germanium is the platform for version 24H2, and while it is unclear if version 25H2 will use the same platform, the backporting suggests a strong possibility. This initiative aims to enhance performance, security, and user experience while streamlining servicing processes for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft is working to minimize fragmentation among its Windows platforms, currently supporting Vibranium, Nickel, and Germanium. With Windows 10 support ending in October, Microsoft may consolidate users onto a single platform, likely Germanium, as version 25H2 is anticipated in the latter half of the year, coinciding with the expiration of support for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 10 version 22H2.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

10 biggest console-exclusive games that make me wish I wasn’t a PC gamer

PC gaming has a vast library, but exclusivity still attracts gamers. Several acclaimed games remain unavailable on PC due to various reasons. 1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - High odds of being released; originally a PlayStation title, known for its exploration and iconic protagonist. 2. God Hand - Practically none; a 2006 PlayStation 2 exclusive with a unique combat system. 3. Mega Man Legends & Legends 2 - Basically zero; dormant series with a passionate fanbase but poor sales. 4. Silent Hill - Possible, but unlikely; a hallmark of survival horror with no modern platform release yet. 5. Pokémon Conquest - Absolutely not; a Nintendo DS exclusive with ties to Nobunaga's Ambition. 6. The Last Guardian - Not likely, but a chance exists; known for its emotional narrative and visuals. 7. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo doesn’t have to; successful on the Switch, likely to remain exclusive. 8. Super Mario Party Jamboree - Less than zero; relies on motion controls, making a PC adaptation unlikely. 9. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Higher than you might think, but not great; technical challenges hinder potential releases. 10. Bloodborne - Definitely coming soon (maybe, probably not though); ongoing rumors about a potential PC release.

AppWizard

November 30, 2024

Witcher 4 dev not sure if CDPR will take a Baldur’s Gate 3-style PC-first release

Charles Tremblay, the vice president of technology at CD Projekt Red, discussed the platform release strategy for The Witcher 4 in an interview with Eurogamer. He was asked about the possibility of a PC-first launch, similar to Baldur's Gate 3, which could help avoid development challenges faced by Cyberpunk 2077. Tremblay expressed reservations about this approach, highlighting the importance of a balanced strategy that considers the diverse gaming landscape and player expectations across various platforms. He emphasized a commitment to delivering a polished experience for The Witcher 4, regardless of the launch platform.

AppWizard

October 29, 2024

Dragon Age: The Veilguard tech analysis calls BioWare’s latest RPG the best AAA multi-platform PC release “in a long, long time”

The release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard is approaching, generating excitement among fans of the series. Pre-launch technical analyses indicate that the PC port of the game is a significant improvement over recent AAA PC releases, with Digital Foundry stating it is "the best triple-A PC multi-platform release we've seen in a long, long time." The analysis highlights that the game avoids common technical issues found in contemporary titles and offers a polished user experience with smooth performance. The PC version provides higher fidelity compared to console versions, leveraging the platform's strengths.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android 15 Can Now Screen Record a Single App

Google has introduced a new feature in Android 15 that allows users to record the screen of a single app, improving upon the previous functionality that captured the entire display. This feature helps avoid interruptions from notifications and accidental app switches. In the Android 15 Quarterly Platform Release (QPR1), currently in beta, a timer will be displayed in the notification bar to indicate recording duration, and stopping a recording can now be done by tapping the timer instead of pulling down the notification shade. Additionally, a new security measure prevents screen recordings from third-party apps when the device is locked, enhancing user privacy. The updates are expected to roll out before the end of the year, with the first quarterly platform release anticipated around December. Android 15 QPR1 will also include an option to limit daily charging to 80% for better battery health.

AppWizard

October 10, 2024

Android 16 may add the ability to show any app in a floating window

Google is reportedly working on extending the bubbles API to all applications with Android 16, which currently is limited to conversation notifications. This feature allows conversations to float above other applications, enhancing multitasking. Hints of this expanded functionality have appeared in the first Quarterly Platform Release of Android 15, with a "bubble" button being incorporated in the Pixel Launcher context menu. The combination of the bubbles API with a potential "bubble bar" may further improve the user experience, especially for tablet users. The timeline for the release of these features remains uncertain.