popular Archives

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft is Forming New Team Tasked With Building “100% Native” Windows Apps

Microsoft is establishing a dedicated team to develop native, high-quality Windows applications, led by Rudy Huyn, a Principal Lead Architect with experience in the Microsoft Store and File Explorer. Huyn emphasizes that prior experience with Windows is not necessary, focusing instead on strong product thinking and a customer-centric approach. The goal is to create "100% native" applications to improve the app experience on Windows, which has been criticized for lower quality compared to macOS applications. The Microsoft Store has faced criticism for offering basic web apps, and there are ongoing performance issues with applications like Microsoft Teams and Copilot for Windows. Microsoft plans to enhance Windows 11's performance and reliability by reintroducing features and improving core applications.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

The Slay the Spire board game is getting an expansion based on one of the PC game’s most popular mods

Contention Games has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a new expansion of the Slay the Spire board game, titled Downfall, which is inspired by a popular user-created mod. The expansion allows players to play as villains like the Slime Boss, Hexaghost, and Guardian, each with unique player boards, cards, and miniatures. The Kickstarter offers various backing options, starting with the Downfall expansion at a base price, a collector's edition for , and a bundled option with the base game for . The campaign will run until April 8th, and the base game has been available in stores since its release.

Tech Optimizer

March 31, 2026

Norton Review 2026: Solid Antivirus With Great Safe Browsing Tools and Parental Controls

Norton Antivirus has a score of 8.3/10. It offers extensive parental controls, cloud backups for sensitive data, and a high-quality safe browser. However, its identity theft protection features are limited to US users, it has higher resource usage than competitors, and reaching human customer support can be challenging. Norton provides various cybersecurity tools, including a password manager, safe browser, and privacy monitoring tools. Its antivirus software includes real-time protection, automated scans, and optimization tools for Windows and MacOS. The plans available include Norton AntiVirus Plus, Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus, each with varying features and pricing. Norton’s usability is straightforward, and it operates smoothly with moderate resource usage during scans. The service has a strong reputation for malware detection and solid privacy policies, though customer support lacks email options. Overall, Norton is suitable for families and users seeking robust online protection, but alternatives may offer better resource efficiency.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Peak’s new update gives you the keys to the climb with a suite of custom settings, including the option to turn on ‘Grapple Mode (Stupid)’

The latest update for Peak, called the "Play It Your Way Update," introduces customizable settings that allow players to disable weather elements like snowstorms and high winds. Players can toggle dangers such as fall damage, spiders, and hunger on and off. There is also an option to remove specific items, like the blowgun, from the game. Additionally, popular mods have expanded the player limit from four to twenty, enabling new gameplay modes, including a zombies mode and a competitive free-for-all mode. The game's pricing remains appealing, described as a bargain by co-creator Nick Kaman.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

7 Ways to Fix Crimson Desert Not Launching on a Windows PC

Crimson Desert has become popular on the Steam charts in March 2026, but some players are experiencing issues with the game not launching on their PCs. Solutions to this problem include: - Disconnecting and reconnecting to the internet during startup. - Running Steam or Epic Games as an administrator. - Verifying the game files for Crimson Desert. - Setting up firewall exceptions for Steam/Epic and Crimson Desert. - Lowering the monitor’s refresh rate to 60Hz. - Disabling background apps through a clean boot. - Updating graphics drivers. Additional troubleshooting methods include reinstalling Crimson Desert, clearing the DirectX Shader Cache, using the Repair or Reset option if installed via the Microsoft Store or Xbox app, and disabling DLSS for the game.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: DREDGE, Vohenn, Death Road to Canada, more

Day 6 of the Amazon Big Spring Sale features a variety of Android game and app deals, including titles such as DREDGE, Vohenn, Death Road to Canada, Laser Tanks: Pixel RPG, Towaga: Among Shadows, Lumino City, and Fairy Knights - Story Based RPG. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ is at an all-time low price, and Amazon has introduced a cash discount on the Galaxy Buds 4.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

A fan favorite mode is finally returning to Fortnite after a seven year wait

Fortnite OG is set to launch Chapter 1 Season 8 on April 1, 2026, with the Marvel Endgame limited-time mode (LTM) returning on April 3, 2026. The Marvel Endgame mode originally debuted in 2019 and was popular for its engaging gameplay, featuring two teams: the Avengers and the Chitauri. The Avengers needed to eliminate opponents 150 times to stop their respawns, while the Chitauri aimed to collect Infinity Stones to empower Thanos. Details about the mode's return will be revealed as the launch date approaches.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Microsoft VP Signals Windows 11 Forced Account Requirement Could Be Removed

Scott Hanselman, Vice President at Microsoft, discussed the mandatory Microsoft account requirement for setting up Windows 11, which applies to both Home and Pro editions. This requirement was introduced with the 22H2 update in 2023 and has faced criticism as it prevents the creation of local accounts without an internet connection. There are unofficial workarounds to bypass this requirement, but they are not officially supported by Microsoft. Internal debates at Microsoft exist regarding the necessity of this account requirement, with some advocating for its removal while others support its continuation. No definitive timeline or commitment for changes to the account requirement has been provided by Hanselman or Microsoft.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Google Significantly Restricts Popular Android Feature

Google is transforming the Android operating system to enhance security by imposing stricter regulations on app distribution, particularly affecting sideloading. Developers will be categorized as verified or unverified, with registered developers benefiting from a streamlined app distribution process. New regulations will introduce a four-step process for installing apps from external sources, including a 24-hour timer before installation. This aims to deter fraud but may discourage users from pursuing alternative apps. The restrictions could limit opportunities for independent developers and reduce the diversity of available applications on the platform, shifting Android towards a more controlled environment.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

YouTube is rolling out support for Android Auto, but there are quite a few catches with it — and it could be another way to get you to sign up to Premium

YouTube has introduced support for Android Auto, allowing users to integrate the platform with their vehicle's dashboard, but with restrictions. Users can only access audio content, similar to music streaming services, as video playback is not available. Playback controls are limited; users cannot skip ahead within a video, only to the next item in the playlist. A YouTube Premium subscription is required to use this feature, with the cheapest option being the YouTube Premium Lite plan at .99/£7.99/AU.99 per month.