platforms Archives

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

GeForce NOW comes to Linux, as Nvidia’s game streaming service exits beta

The prices of graphics cards and RAM have increased significantly, making building new PCs expensive for gamers. Cloud-streaming services like Nvidia's GeForce NOW provide an alternative by allowing access to existing game libraries from platforms such as Steam and Epic Games. The highest tier membership offers 5K streaming and up to 360 FPS for .99 per month. Nvidia's GeForce NOW has launched a native Linux application, moving out of beta, which allows Linux users to stream games at graphical fidelity comparable to RTX 5080 levels, with official support for Ubuntu 24.04 and later. The service has added nine new games, bringing the total to over 4,500 compatible titles. Since early 2026, a 100-hour monthly streaming cap has been implemented for all users to manage demand.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Spotify’s Android app is breaking down, and subscribers are reaching their limit

Spotify's Android users are experiencing significant performance issues, including UI lag, frozen playback, and unresponsive controls. The company acknowledged these concerns earlier this month but has not provided updates or timelines for resolution. Many subscribers are considering switching to alternatives like YouTube Music or Apple Music due to these ongoing problems. Complaints have surged on platforms like Reddit, detailing issues such as frozen screens and delayed button responses. Users feel neglected due to the lack of communication from Spotify regarding stability fixes. Currently, they are resorting to temporary measures like force-stopping the app and clearing cache files while awaiting a resolution.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Microsoft begins unified Copilot app rollout: Reveals major plan to merge Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot across all platforms, along with updated branding

Microsoft is unifying its Copilot applications by merging the consumer and productivity versions into a single app branded as "Copilot." This change aims to simplify user experience and will feature a cohesive design and improved navigation. Certain features will be retired, including: - Group Chat: All threads, messages, and images will not carry forward after August 18, 2026. Users should manually copy or download any content they wish to retain. - Podcasts: The Podcasts feature will be fully retired on August 18, 2026, after which users will be unable to create or access podcasts within Copilot. Individual podcast files can be downloaded before the retirement date. - Deep Research: This feature will be retired for consumer users starting August 18, 2026, although existing content will remain accessible. The unified app will be available for both personal and work/school accounts, with security measures in place to protect organizational data. All existing Copilot data, except for the phased-out features, will transition automatically to the new app. The rollout will begin today in phases, starting with mobile users, followed by updates for Windows and macOS by mid-September. The complete rollout schedule includes: - Mid-August 2026: Global rollout begins for mobile and web apps; early-access opt-in opens for Windows and Mac apps. - Late August 2026: Standard rollout of the URL redirect begins. - Mid-September 2026: Global rollout for Windows and Mac apps commences. - Late September 2026: Deferred rollout of the URL redirect begins for the web app.

Tech Optimizer

August 13, 2026

The best antivirus software to protect your computer in 2026

Bitdefender Total Security is currently the top recommendation for antivirus software, offering comprehensive protection for personal data and effective threat neutralization for an annual fee. Norton Antivirus Plus is a cost-effective option for a single device, while ESET Protect is suggested for business customers. Bitdefender is highlighted for its lightweight design and additional features like a built-in VPN. Norton Antivirus Plus includes essential features such as threat monitoring and cloud backup. Avira Free Security is noted as a strong free option with a robust malware scanner, while ESET Protect offers customizable security features for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The effectiveness of antivirus software remains significant despite improvements in operating system defenses. The choice between free and paid antivirus solutions depends on individual needs and desired protection levels.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

“I’m not interested in bypassing DRM” – Preservationist brings back physical PC games using discs and even mechanical HDD “cartridges”

Preservationists are finding innovative ways to keep physical media alive, including modern PC games. Archades Games, led by Ryan Enstrom, offers options to transfer new titles onto discs and cartridges. At the Utah Retro GameXpo, Enstrom showcased discs compatible with platforms like Steam, GOG, and the Xbox app. He uses GOG's DRM-free installers, emphasizing adherence to licensing agreements. Enstrom notes that most games released before 2020 can run from mechanical drives, and the Xbox app can dynamically detect drive changes, unlike Steam. He has developed a custom user interface for multi-carts and created custom Blu-rays for retro games. While these products are not for sale, there is potential for publishers to adopt this idea, promoting physical PC games. Archades Games provides video tutorials and resources for those interested in converting digital collections into physical formats.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

PC Gamer magazine’s new issue is on sale now: Onimusha: Way of the Sword

PC Gamer has an exclusive feature on Onimusha: Way of the Sword, a new action sword-fighting game from Capcom, marking its return after two decades. The magazine includes insights from seven developers and highlights the game's unique swordfight experience. Additionally, it features a 32-page supplement titled PC Gamer's Top 100, showcasing the top 100 games for PC gamers in 2026. The issue also includes an A1 poster of Onimusha, discusses favorite co-op games, and provides hands-on impressions of upcoming titles like The Blood of Dawnwalker and others. It reviews new releases such as Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced and is available in PDF and EPUB formats.

Tech Optimizer

August 13, 2026

PSA: Don’t trust that Chrome update popup

Users of Chromium-based browsers, including Google Chrome, Brave, and Opera, are experiencing deceptive pop-ups that falsely claim a "Critical Update Required" or "Update available." These notifications are part of a scam designed to trick users into downloading malware disguised as software updates. Clicking on these prompts can lead to the download of harmful scripts, such as .vbs or .exe files, which traditional antivirus software often fails to detect. The issue is linked to compromised browser extensions that fetch malicious scripts from external servers. A specific extension, QuickLens – Search Screen with Google Lens, has been identified as a source of these pop-ups and has been removed from the Web Store. Other extensions, like “Enable Right Click & Copy Smart Unlock + OCR,” have also been implicated despite their popularity. Users are advised not to click on any links or run downloaded files and to check their browser settings for legitimate updates, as well as to audit and disable suspicious extensions.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Gemini hits 1 billion monthly users, and Google just revealed what’s next

Gemini, Google's app, has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, making it the fastest-growing product in the company's history. Google plans to enhance Gemini's functionality with new integrations, connecting it to popular applications like Ticketmaster, Otter.ai, Wix, OpenTable, Zocdoc, and Pandora. These integrations aim to streamline user experiences, allowing for seamless task management within a single conversation. Users will soon be able to manage meeting outcomes more directly with Granola and Otter.ai, edit websites through Wix, and plan social activities with services like Fever and GetYourGuide. Additionally, Gemini will assist in home management and entertainment through partnerships with iHeartRadio and Pandora, as well as services like Angi and Thumbtack. The rollout of these new services is expected in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Game Pass titles will receive unofficial support on Linux

Enthusiasts are working on the Xodus project, an unofficial open-source initiative aimed at enabling Xbox PC games, including those from Game Pass, to run on Linux and Mac systems. The project is a reverse-engineering effort that allows users to log in, download packages, and obtain game licenses for Xbox titles. The team has experience from previous projects like the Heroic Games Launcher and aims to support a wide range of Xbox games formatted in GDK and MSIXVC. While Xodus can download and run these games, additional patches may be required for optimal performance.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Starship job simulation game Contact Protocol launches in spring 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Kinetic Publishing has partnered with Cold Zephyr Games to release the starship job simulation game Contact Protocol on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam, with a planned release in spring 2027. The game places players in the role of a security officer aboard the starship Pale Horse, requiring them to assess the intentions of approaching ships and make critical decisions that can have significant consequences. Key features include investigating incoming data, multitasking under pressure, and making choices that affect relationships and narratives. The game offers unique procedural encounters and a visually striking science-fiction world. A video and screenshots showcasing the game have been released.