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Moving the Microsoft Edge extensions ecosystem forward with Manifest Version 3
Winsage
August 7, 2026

Moving the Microsoft Edge extensions ecosystem forward with Manifest Version 3

In 2020, Microsoft committed to Manifest Version 3 (MV3) for the Chromium extensions platform. As of now, 95% of the top MV2 extensions have transitioned to MV3 in the Edge Add-ons store. Starting in August 2026, Microsoft Edge will begin transitioning consumers away from MV2 extensions, aiming to complete this by the end of 2026, with enterprise deprecation expected in early 2027. Currently, only 58 MV2-based extensions show meaningful usage, and three of these lack an MV3 version. Notifications will be sent to users and developers regarding the transition, and MV2 extensions will gradually be disabled by default. Developers are encouraged to finalize their transition to MV3 and submit updates via Microsoft Partner Center.
EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 Early Access Trial Available Now With EA Play
AppWizard
August 7, 2026

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 Early Access Trial Available Now With EA Play

Members of EA Play can access a 10-hour early access trial of EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27, featuring the new Persona Engine and enhanced gameplay. Players receive an EA Play Welcome Pack and can carry over progress if they purchase the full game. The game is available on platforms like XBOX Cloud Gaming and PC Game Pass. EA Play members also receive a 10% discount on digital purchases and a monthly Madden Ultimate Team Pack. Madden NFL 27 introduces a dynamic Franchise experience, improved gameplay mechanics, an expanded G.O.A.T. Career Journey, and a revamped upgrade system for roster building. Additional EA Play rewards include items for Apex Legends, EA Sports FC 26, and EA Sports NHL 26.
Arise Dark Lord is a new RTS where you raise evil armies and crush "godless heathens"
AppWizard
August 6, 2026

Arise Dark Lord is a new RTS where you raise evil armies and crush “godless heathens”

Introversion Software has announced their new game, Arise Dark Lord, an action RTS hybrid where players act as a dark lord aiming to conquer lands with undead legions. Players can raise the dead or control orcish forces to build a corrupting army and claim territory. The game features resource gathering from forests and mountains and allows players to construct a Dark Tower for defense against human resistance. Arise Dark Lord is in early development, with a projected release in 2027, and a Prologue is available on itch.io. The game showcases a Tolkien-inspired art style and enjoyable gameplay.
Fields of Mistria 1.0 changes: What's new in the full release version?
AppWizard
August 6, 2026

Fields of Mistria 1.0 changes: What’s new in the full release version?

Fields of Mistria 1.0 has been fully released after two years of early access, featuring significant updates and enhancements. The town's story is complete, with repairs following an earthquake finalized. Players can now experience ten heart events for datable characters, allowing for deeper relationships. Marriage and children have been introduced, enabling players to start families. The Saturday Market has two new merchants, Stillwell and Zorel. An achievements system rewards players retroactively, and there is no need to start a new save file to access the new content. Key updates include the completion of the Town Repair Questline, an increased Town Renown Cap, the addition of the Mistril Town Rank Event, and new quests. Beta localizations for seven languages have been added. Gameplay enhancements include new perks, customizable house exteriors, and engagement ring crafting. Quality of life improvements include player character rotation and improved drop rates from treasure chests. Art enhancements and new soundtracks have been introduced, along with substantial performance improvements and bug fixes.
I tested 5 major changes and improvements coming to Windows 11 this year: Microsoft is clearly serious about fixing Windows, and it's doing things right this time
Winsage
August 6, 2026

I tested 5 major changes and improvements coming to Windows 11 this year: Microsoft is clearly serious about fixing Windows, and it’s doing things right this time

Microsoft has made significant improvements to Windows 11 in response to user feedback, focusing on enhancing the user experience. Key changes include a revamped Windows Update process that synchronizes updates for drivers, frameworks, and security, allowing users to restart their systems only once a month and pause updates indefinitely. The presence of ads and AI features has been reduced, with updates to the Widgets board and the removal of Bing and MSN ads from Windows Search. Performance enhancements include a "Low Latency Profile" feature for better CPU optimization and improvements in WinUI interfaces, leading to faster navigation in File Explorer and more consistent search functionality. Microsoft is also testing new customization options for the Taskbar and Start menu, allowing users to reposition and resize the Taskbar and hide specific segments of the Start menu. Additional features are in development, with plans for further updates by the end of 2026 and some expected in 2027.
Rockstar's great Midnight Club racing series was killed off for one simple reason, and you can probably guess what it was
AppWizard
August 5, 2026

Rockstar’s great Midnight Club racing series was killed off for one simple reason, and you can probably guess what it was

Midnight Club, an arcade street racing series from Rockstar, last released a title in 2008 with Midnight Club: Los Angeles. The series faced challenges that contributed to its decline, including missed development deadlines, conflicts between Rockstar's New York and San Diego studios, and the overshadowing focus on Grand Theft Auto. Former Rockstar designer Kris Roberts highlighted these issues in a recent interview, noting that the company's emphasis on blockbuster hits impacted the franchise's future.
One of Big Walk's puzzles is simple to solve but still gave us an existential crisis
AppWizard
August 5, 2026

One of Big Walk’s puzzles is simple to solve but still gave us an existential crisis

In the game Big Walk, players must collaborate to solve puzzles on an island. One notable puzzle, discovered six hours into the game, involves a timer counting down from 05:00 after players press buttons simultaneously, sealing the door. Instead of solving the puzzle through action, players must wait for the timer to expire. During this time, they engage in casual conversation and reflections on their situation, ultimately realizing that patience is the key to their escape. When the timer reaches 00:00, the door opens, revealing the prize.
Microsoft finally realized Windows 11 is too annoying. Can it be fixed?
Winsage
August 4, 2026

Microsoft finally realized Windows 11 is too annoying. Can it be fixed?

Pavan Davuluri, head of Microsoft Windows, communicated with the Windows Insider community about planned enhancements to address user grievances, including better control over updates, a focus on performance and reliability, and a more measured approach to artificial intelligence. This acknowledgment of past lapses in responsiveness reflects a shift towards prioritizing user experience over monetization strategies that have cluttered the platform with advertisements and subscription nudges. In a recent progress report, Davuluri noted ongoing improvements, such as enhanced memory efficiency and faster boot times, although some claims lacked quantifiable benchmarks. Key updates include streamlined search, quieter widgets, improved user control over the Start menu and taskbar, and less disruptive updates. The emphasis on core functionalities indicates a departure from previous strategies that prioritized flashy features, with a commitment to integrating AI only where it enhances user experience. The challenge remains for Microsoft to maintain this focus on refining core functionalities without introducing new annoyances.
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