powers Archives

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Promising Time-Loop Metroidvania Echo Weaver Arrives On Consoles And PC This October

Echo Weaver is set to launch on consoles and PC on October 8. The game features a time-loop mechanic and is described as "Metroidbrainia" by developer Moonlight Kids. Players take on the role of the last Weaver in a desolate world, navigating an expansive 2D map filled with puzzles and enemy encounters. Progression in the game relies on mastering specific mechanics rather than simply unlocking abilities. A digital preview is available for Game Informer subscribers. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

15 years before Dishonored, Thief devs considered letting Garrett shrink himself rat-sized so he could scurry through drains and mouse holes

Corvo Attano, the protagonist of Dishonored, possesses the unique ability to inhabit various creatures, including rats, allowing him to access otherwise unreachable areas. This concept was considered for Thief: The Dark Project over a decade earlier. Both Thief and Dishonored feature stealthy protagonists embroiled in political intrigues, but Garrett from Thief lacks supernatural powers and relies solely on stealth. Thief emphasizes navigating environments without detection, while Dishonored allows for combat if stealth fails. Thief's focus on stealth mechanics has significantly influenced the genre. Recently, Thief has gained attention due to the announcement of a remaster, Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, by Nightdive Studios, which will include additional missions and enhancements. Original artist Daniel Thron is involved in revitalizing the game's cutscenes. A release date for the remaster has not been announced, but excitement within the gaming community is high.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Enable BitLocker on Windows 11: 11 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

A stolen laptop can lead to a significant data breach, particularly when taken from public places. Windows 11 has introduced BitLocker, a full-disk encryption feature that became mandatory for Australian businesses in 2026. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported 766 notifiable data breaches in the latter half of 2024, with unauthorized access to devices being a major cause. Full-disk encryption is crucial for compliance with the Essential Eight framework, which mandates data protection on portable devices. BitLocker ensures that data on an encrypted drive becomes unreadable if the drive is removed and connected to another computer. It aligns with the Essential Eight framework, requiring evidence of encryption rather than just claims of protection. There are three types of encryption on Windows 11: Device Encryption, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and File-Level Encryption. BitLocker is available only on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions. To use BitLocker, certain prerequisites must be met, including having Windows 11 Pro or higher, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled, and local administrator rights. The process to enable BitLocker involves confirming the edition, checking TPM status, enabling BitLocker through Windows Settings or PowerShell, and backing up the recovery key. Organizations can deploy BitLocker fleet-wide using Microsoft Intune, and additional security measures like TPM+PIN can be implemented for pre-boot authentication. Common pitfalls during BitLocker rollout include skipping recovery key backup and assuming that Home edition machines are covered. Troubleshooting common BitLocker issues involves identifying symptoms and applying appropriate fixes. Advanced tips for enhancing security include suspending BitLocker before maintenance and auditing compliance at the fleet level. BitLocker is integral to protecting data on portable devices, and compliance documentation is essential for proving that every device has an active recovery key.

BetaBeacon

July 20, 2026

Revealed: Here’s what powers these intriguing Game Boy-style handhelds

MANGMI's Air Y series Android handhelds will be powered by the Snapdragon 662 chipset for the Air Y model and the Snapdragon 865 processor for the Air Y Pro model.

Winsage

July 19, 2026

The 200GB catch hiding in Windows 11’s new recovery feature

Microsoft has introduced point-in-time restore for Windows 11 users, enhancing the traditional System Restore. This new recovery tool allows users to recover their PCs from software issues, problematic drivers, or faulty updates, even when Windows won’t boot. It uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to automatically generate restore points every 24 hours, which include both system and user files, unlike System Restore. Point-in-time restore manages storage by deleting restore points after 72 hours and integrates seamlessly into Windows Settings, being activated by default for volumes over 200GB. Users with smaller volumes must activate it manually. It also incorporates Reserved Storage to ensure restore points do not consume regular disk space. The feature is available on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions with the installation of the optional Preview Update KB5095093. Users can access point-in-time restore through Windows Settings under System > Recovery, and initiate recovery via the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Windows 10 still powers one in six PCs around today — and that could be a major security issue very soon

Approximately 16.9% of Windows client devices are still using Windows 10, while Windows 11 accounts for 78.8% of installations. Windows 10's market share has significantly declined from nearly 50% in mid-2025. The migration to Windows 11 is slowing, with remaining Windows 10 devices facing more complex and costly upgrade scenarios, including having three times as many active Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) compared to Windows 11. Legacy operating systems like Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows XP are also factors in the migration challenges. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers protection until October 2027 for consumers and until October 2028 for commercial customers.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

E.U. Orders Google to Open Android Mic, Camera and Screen to Rival AI Assistants

The European Commission has mandated that Google must provide equal access to rival AI assistants within its Android ecosystem, allowing them to use the same functionalities as Google's Gemini assistant. This includes access to the camera, microphone, and on-screen content, as well as background operation capabilities. Google is required to implement these changes in the upcoming Android 18 release by August 1, 2027. The directive includes two binding specifications under the Digital Markets Act, one of which requires Google to share anonymized search query, click, and ranking data with competing search engines and AI chatbots for a fee. The Android decision involves 11 operating system features, with five classified as restricted, requiring certification for third-party applications. These restricted features include access to on-device data shared by apps, context-aware intelligence, structured on-device integration, screen automation, and system integration. The remaining six features do not require certification, allowing broader access to ambient data, always-on hotword detection, long-press invocation, system-level on-device models, third-party model implementation, and background execution capabilities. Google must establish a Qualified AI Assistant Programme to facilitate access to gated features, allowing third-party Trusted Certification Authorities to certify assistants at no cost. The certification process must be fair and non-discriminatory, and users can consent to bypass the certification requirement for specific services and devices. By August 2027, both certified and user-approved uncertified assistants will be able to interact with applications on a virtual display. Google is also required to anonymize search data before sharing, ensuring user privacy and limiting data access to recipients who meet specific criteria. Kent Walker, Google's president of global affairs, expressed concerns about the security implications of granting external apps access to sensitive device permissions and criticized the anonymization methods for search data. The final measures reflect significant changes from earlier drafts, introducing more stringent requirements regarding data sharing and certification processes.

BetaBeacon

July 16, 2026

Google is better at playing the EU regulations game

The European Union has ordered Google to give its AI rivals greater access to Android, the open-source operating system.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Windows vs. Linux gaming: Test reveals clear winner, but community disagrees

Meta PCs has launched a YouTube channel to showcase its personal computers, featuring product demonstrations, behind-the-scenes insights, and educational content. The videos highlight product specifications, encourage viewer interaction, and include tutorials for optimizing PC performance. This initiative aims to enhance brand visibility and foster transparency, aligning with consumer demands for authenticity in the tech industry.

Tech Optimizer

July 15, 2026

Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? How to Protect Your Device

Chromebooks are designed with robust security features, including sandboxing, Verified Boot, automatic updates, data encryption, and Recovery Mode, which collectively reduce the risk of malware infections. However, they are still vulnerable to threats such as malicious Chrome extensions, scam Android apps from third-party stores, phishing attacks, and risks associated with using Developer Mode and cloud storage. Users can identify potential malware through signs like slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, and unusual battery drain. To remove malware, users should eliminate suspicious extensions, uninstall dubious apps, run antivirus scans, enable Google Play Protect, or perform a Powerwash to reset the device. To protect their Chromebooks, users should avoid Developer Mode, check app permissions, use two-factor authentication, verify website URLs, and use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.