premiere Archives

Winsage

January 22, 2026

Microsoft needed a win with Windows’ latest update, but even its fix needed fixing

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the company's commitment to an AI-driven future, urging against dismissing AI-generated content. Users have expressed frustration with Windows' increasing focus on AI, particularly with the Copilot feature, leading to attempts to disable AI functionalities, with reports of 114 such attempts. Recent Microsoft updates have introduced complications, including black screen errors for Nvidia GPUs, a bug in Outlook Classic affecting POP account users, and unexpected restarts in Windows 11 Enterprise builds. Microsoft released additional patches, including update KB5077797, to address the restart issue, but the Outlook bug remains unresolved. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, acknowledged challenges but stated the gaming platform is strong. Last year's updates also caused significant disruptions, affecting essential OS functions and creative software. Some users found relief in the removal of Copilot through update KB5053602, while others are considering alternatives like MacBooks and Linux for a more streamlined experience.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

More than 8 years after The New Colossus, a new Wolfenstein game is reportedly in the works at MachineGames

BJ Blazkowicz, the protagonist of the Wolfenstein series, has evolved from a simple muscle-bound character to a complex figure dealing with a challenging dream. Reports indicate that Wolfenstein 3 is in development, alongside a Wolfenstein television series set to premiere on Amazon in 2025. The last main installment, The New Colossus, was released in 2017, followed by the spinoff Youngblood in 2019 and the VR title Cyberpilot, both of which did not fully satisfy fans. MachineGames has also worked on other projects, including Quake, Doom, and Indiana Jones, but there are indications they may return to the Wolfenstein franchise. Jerk Gustafsson, head of MachineGames, mentioned the intention to view Wolfenstein as a trilogy, and the studio has teased a new project, raising hopes for BJ Blazkowicz's return.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Windows on Arm had another good year

The tech landscape is expected to see significant advancements in chips and software by 2026, particularly with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series enhancing Arm-based Windows laptops. The Snapdragon X chips improved performance and battery life, making Windows on Arm laptops more viable, especially in Microsoft’s Surface Laptop and Surface Pro lines. However, challenges with app compatibility persisted, limiting users to simplified versions of software like Adobe Lightroom. In 2025, software enhancements allowed more creative applications to run natively or through improved emulation, including Adobe Premiere Pro and a functioning version of Lightroom Classic on lower-end Snapdragon X Plus chips. Gaming options improved with advancements in emulator technology, and compatibility for Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat was established. The Xbox game launcher expanded to support local installations on Arm devices. Despite the growing appeal of Windows on Arm laptops, traditional x86 options remain dominant for gaming. The first generation of Snapdragon X chips set new benchmarks for battery life, but competition from Intel’s Lunar Lake and AMD’s Strix Point chips is emerging. Nvidia is rumored to be developing an Arm-based chip for Alienware laptops, indicating a competitive landscape. The gap between x86 and Arm Windows laptops is narrowing, with Arm laptops becoming more accessible, though x86 systems are likely to remain preferred for gamers. Microsoft’s evolution of Windows into an “agentic OS” raises questions about the future of Windows laptops.

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

The Recap: Bridgerton, Peaky Blinders, Minecraft x Stranger Things and More!

Netflix has released a trailer for the fourth season of Bridgerton, set to premiere on January 29, with the second part on February 26. A teaser for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has also been unveiled, with the film releasing on March 20. A special Minecraft DLC linked to Stranger Things allows players to explore new chapters in the final season and features characters with unique abilities. SEGA and RGG Studio showcased Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, set for release on February 12. Persona5: The Phantom X's Ver. 2.7 update introduces new stages and characters, with an event ending on January 22. Wuthering Waves has launched its Chapter III update, adding new areas and characters. Gachiakuta: The Game has been revealed as a survival action RPG with cel-shaded visuals, focusing on combat and missions in monster-infested zones.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

‘Minecraft’ & ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Filmmakers Board Tim Blake Nelson & Mireille Enos Pic ‘On The End’

Filmmaking duo Jared and Jerusha Hess will serve as executive producers for Ari Selinger’s feature film debut, On The End, which stars Tim Blake Nelson and Mireille Enos. The film won Best Narrative Feature and Best Actress for Enos at the Rome International Film Festival. It tells the story of Tom, a mechanic from Montauk, who faces challenges from the town of East Hampton while developing a relationship with Freckles, another outcast. The film is produced by Wise Child Studios and Red Barn Films, with Submarine Entertainment handling sales. The cast includes James Badge Dale, Lois Smith, Anna Chlumsky, Desmin Borges, Matthew Maher, Glenn Fleshler, Michelle Hurd, and Sawyer Spielberg. On The End premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has been showcased at the Hamptons International Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, and Newport Beach Film Festival, receiving positive reviews.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Repair shop simulator ReStory will finally let me live out my dream of being an electronic tinkerer without having to destroy my own belongings first

ReStory is a simulation game set in early 2000s Tokyo where players act as a repair shop owner, mending various electronic devices. The gameplay involves disassembling gadgets, cleaning them, diagnosing issues, and restoring them. Players will encounter a range of devices to repair, including Atari consoles, Tamagotchis, and vintage mobile phones. The game features a narrative aspect where players interact with customers, revealing emotional connections to their devices. ReStory is set to be released in 2026.

AppWizard

December 6, 2025

Amazon Prime Members Get 14 Free PC Games During December, Starting With LEGO 2K DRIVE

Amazon is offering Prime members 14 free games in December through its Luna service. Notable titles include LEGO 2K Drive, Fallout 1 & 2, and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, released in batches throughout the month. The first batch includes LEGO 2K Drive, Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection One, and GYLT. Upcoming releases include Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two on December 11, Gun Slugs 2 and Ashworld on December 18, Fallout and Fallout 2 on December 23, and Dreamscaper and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided on December 30. Additionally, Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition is currently available, with Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game set to join the lineup on December 23.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

How the ‘Minecraft Movie’ VFX team created that viral ‘chicken jockey’ moment

Video game adaptations are gaining popularity in cinema, with Jared Hess’s A Minecraft Movie becoming the second game adaptation in three years to top the global box office, following The Super Mario Bros. Movie. A sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, is set for release next year. Prime Video’s Fallout has also received acclaim and will premiere its second season next month. The adaptations have varied in their approach to source material; The Super Mario Bros. Movie is fully animated, while Fallout uses practical sets, and A Minecraft Movie combines live-action performances with digital landscapes. The film's visual effects team faced challenges in adapting Minecraft due to its open-world nature and lack of a definitive storyline. Warner Bros. acquired the rights to Minecraft over a decade ago, and after years of development, the project found direction under Hess's leadership, framing the story as a “fish-out-of-water” narrative. Initial reactions to the film's trailer were mixed, leading to skepticism about the adaptation. Jack Black's character, Steve, showcases enthusiasm for the game, and he actively participated in building set pieces within Minecraft. A notable scene, the “chicken jockey,” references an obscure game element and resonated with fans, becoming a highlight of the film. The scene's success was attributed to Hess's humor and creative vision, ultimately connecting with the audience and proving skeptics wrong.

Winsage

November 23, 2025

6 classic Windows XP apps I miss

Windows XP was a pivotal moment in personal computing, characterized by a unique charm and user-friendly built-in tools. Six notable applications from this era include: - Windows Movie Maker: A user-friendly video editing tool with drag-and-drop functionality that introduced many to video editing. - Windows Media Player: Known for its clean interface and swift performance, it featured iconic visualizations and a library view that many modern media applications struggle to replicate. - MSN Messenger: A popular messaging tool that allowed for self-expression through custom emoticons and personalized screen names, influencing modern messaging platforms. - Space Cadet Pinball: A built-in game that became a cultural touchstone for Windows XP users, evoking fond memories associated with the operating system. - Winamp: A lightweight music playback application known for its customizable interface and robust performance, creating a personal experience for users. - Microsoft Plus!: A premium customization pack that offered wallpapers, themes, and updates for core applications, adding charm to the operating system. These applications marked a groundbreaking moment in software development, shaping user interactions with technology.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

I tried 3 Windows laptops with Qualcomm chipsets this year – and found 3 glaring issues

Last year, Microsoft introduced Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, prompting the purchase of a Surface Pro 11, which became essential for daily tasks. This led to acquiring additional devices, including a Surface Laptop and a Dell XPS 13, both with Snapdragon X Elite chips. Despite effective marketing, businesses remain cautious about these devices. Windows on Arm has improved for Office applications and web services, with devices maintaining cool temperatures and long battery life. However, there are limitations: backup software may not work effectively on Arm devices, as external drives are inaccessible during recovery, necessitating workarounds like network or cloud storage. Installing Linux on Snapdragon-powered PCs is challenging due to a lack of compatible installation images, making Intel-based PCs more practical for work tasks. Additionally, Arm-based devices have performance constraints for gaming, with Snapdragon processors unable to compete with dedicated GPUs, making high-performance gaming unfeasible.