NewApp Digest
search bot

popularity

Microsoft’s AI strategy feels like a beta test — at the expense of Windows and Office
Winsage
June 20, 2026

Microsoft’s AI strategy feels like a beta test — at the expense of Windows and Office

Microsoft has shifted its focus towards generative AI, beginning with its investment in OpenAI in 2019. CEO Satya Nadella has indicated a departure from the company's traditional software-centric vision, emphasizing the need for transformation in light of the AI revolution. The adoption of Windows 11 has been slow, with a survey showing that 30% of HP PCs still run Windows 10, which will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. Organizations like The Restart Project are helping users transition to Windows 11, while critics argue that Microsoft's upgrade requirements lead to premature obsolescence of functional PCs. Microsoft has launched the Windows K2 program to address user feedback and is exploring an agentic AI operating system. In response to potential EU antitrust fines, Microsoft has unbundled Teams from Office 365, offering a lower-cost option without the collaboration tool. This move has led to a lawsuit from Salesforce, alleging anticompetitive practices. Alternatives like LibreOffice and Euro-Office are emerging, but experts believe they pose limited immediate threats. Additionally, the French government plans to shift from Windows to Linux and replace Microsoft Teams with a domestic platform by 2027. Microsoft's AI initiatives have faced challenges, including backlash over the automatic installation of the Copilot AI app, which was temporarily suspended due to user complaints. Shareholders have filed a class action lawsuit, claiming the company overstated Copilot's success and failed to disclose a revenue decline in Azure. Analysts warn that continued investment in AI without meeting expectations may lead to significant challenges for Microsoft. Reports suggest that Azure was rushed to market, resulting in talent loss and performance issues.
I have no enemies: Minecraft pt.4
AppWizard
June 20, 2026

I have no enemies: Minecraft pt.4

User engagement metrics on YouTube are essential for business success and include view counts, watch time, likes and dislikes, and comments. Businesses are leveraging YouTube's advertising capabilities to target specific demographics, utilizing sophisticated algorithms for tailored strategies. Effective content creation strategies include storytelling, collaborations, and interactive elements to enhance viewer participation. Adapting and innovating on platforms like YouTube is crucial for maintaining relevance and achieving growth.
Sony's Forgotten Multiplayer PS5, PC Game Gets Final Update as Developer Moves On
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

Sony’s Forgotten Multiplayer PS5, PC Game Gets Final Update as Developer Moves On

Velan Studios has announced the release of the final update for their multiplayer shooter, Midnight Murder Club, which was launched by Sony in August 2025 for PS5 and PC. This update is primarily for Steam players and marks the end of post-launch support, although the game will remain available and the servers will stay operational. Midnight Murder Club features online multiplayer gameplay where players navigate a dark mansion using stealth and strategy. Despite its innovative concept, the game struggled to maintain a large player base.
'It feels to many like a tidal wave is sweeping over the AAA game business,' says Epic CEO Tim Sweeney in his diagnosis of the industry's woes
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

‘It feels to many like a tidal wave is sweeping over the AAA game business,’ says Epic CEO Tim Sweeney in his diagnosis of the industry’s woes

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, highlighted the need for improved game development efficiency and connectivity during his remarks at Unreal Fest. He noted that many major game releases are failing to meet expectations despite increased engagement among younger audiences and Fortnite's resurgence. Epic is developing Unreal Engine 6 to enhance efficiency and interoperability, incorporating generative AI for game creation that can integrate with Fortnite and other Unreal products. The Unreal Engine is free for developers, with a 5% royalty after the first million in revenue, and the Epic Games Store waives fees for the first million earned, contrasting with higher fees on platforms like Steam. Epic and Disney released a Star Wars toolkit for Unreal Editor for Fortnite, and there are concerns about how traditional gaming experiences will adapt to a more interconnected ecosystem. Despite rising development costs, Epic is committed to supporting diverse projects while shifting towards a model emphasizing social connectivity and brand partnerships.
'[It] is going to change a lot about how games are made': Epic merges Unreal Engine 5 with Unreal Engine for Fortnite to give game devs around the world Unreal Engine 6
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

‘[It] is going to change a lot about how games are made’: Epic merges Unreal Engine 5 with Unreal Engine for Fortnite to give game devs around the world Unreal Engine 6

Epic Games unveiled developments for Unreal Engine 6 at the State of Unreal event in Chicago, highlighting its evolution from Unreal Engine 5. The new engine will incorporate features from Fortnite and UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite), which allows users to create game levels easily. Unreal Engine 6 will adopt open standards for tools, code, and APIs to simplify development across industries. The anticipated release is set for 2027, with early access expected by the end of that year. Verse, a new scripting language, will be central to the gameplay programming model, while C++ will remain foundational. The Scene Graph will replace the existing gameplay framework, and artificial intelligence will play a larger role, with the UE5.8 release introducing the MCP server plugin for deploying large language models.
Even more games on Steam are using AI: there are over 8,600 demos in this week's Next Fest event, and nearly 1,700 use AI
AppWizard
June 17, 2026

Even more games on Steam are using AI: there are over 8,600 demos in this week’s Next Fest event, and nearly 1,700 use AI

The second installment of Steam Next Fest for 2026 is running until June 22 and features a total of 8,682 demos, nearly double the entire library of PlayStation 2 games. Approximately 1,700 of these demos incorporate AI technology, leading to concerns about the quality of some titles, often labeled as "shovelware." Various digital storefronts are struggling to maintain quality amidst the influx of AI-generated content, with Sony recently removing a publisher known for low-quality releases. The reaction to AI in game development has been mixed, with backlash against certain titles. Additionally, early Geekbench results for Valve's upcoming Steam Machine suggest a potential launch next week.
Microsoft reveals Teams can't run well on low-RAM PCs, builds Efficiency Mode after years of bloat
Winsage
June 17, 2026

Microsoft reveals Teams can’t run well on low-RAM PCs, builds Efficiency Mode after years of bloat

Microsoft Teams is testing a new feature called "Efficiency mode," which will be available to all users by the end of June 2026. This mode aims to enhance performance on PCs with limited RAM, particularly those with 8GB RAM. Efficiency mode activates automatically when Teams detects that a device is hardware-constrained, optimizing performance by reducing video resolution and minimizing resource usage. The initial implementation includes changes such as dynamically adjusting video output and opening with a pre-selected chat. Users can opt out of Efficiency mode via the Settings menu. Microsoft is also exploring additional enhancements to improve chat access and reduce lag.
Windows 11 Is Hiding A 'God Mode' Folder That Most Enthusiasts Would Love
Winsage
June 16, 2026

Windows 11 Is Hiding A ‘God Mode’ Folder That Most Enthusiasts Would Love

Windows 11 features a "God Mode" folder, which serves as a centralized hub for accessing a wide range of Windows settings and utility tools that are typically scattered across the Control Panel. This feature is not officially designated by Microsoft but is popular among power users for its extensive access to settings. To create the God Mode folder, users must manually create a new folder on their Desktop and rename it to .{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}, which will transform the folder icon into the Control Panel icon. Inside the folder, settings are organized into collapsible sections, and a search bar allows for quick navigation. Users can double-click options to access specific settings, and while the folder cannot be pinned to the Start menu or taskbar, it can be accessed from the Desktop and frequently used settings can be dragged to the Desktop for convenience.
Search