public relations Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

“Valve has a customer for life”: Dad says Valve sent him a free Steam Deck case after his newborn threw up on his original

A Reddit user recounted an incident where his newborn child damaged an official Steam Deck case. He contacted Valve support to purchase a replacement, expressing his preference for the official case. Valve unexpectedly sent him a free replacement without any prompting. This gesture strengthened his loyalty to the brand, highlighting the importance of exceptional customer service. The incident occurred amid a recent price increase for the Steam Deck, making the free replacement a strategic public relations move to maintain customer goodwill.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Soulslike Game The Relic: First Guardian Sets July 31 PC and PS5 Launch, with Xbox and Switch 2 to Follow

Publisher Perp Games and developer Project Cloud Games announced that The Relic: First Guardian will be released on July 31 for PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5, moving up from its initial 2025 release date. Ports for Xbox Series S and X, as well as Nintendo Switch 2, are expected later in the summer. An exclusive retail version for PlayStation 5 will be available on September 4. The game is set in the world of Arsiltus, where players act as a First Guardian to combat a blight. It features over 70 boss encounters, five weapon types, and twelve skill trees, allowing for personalized builds. The stamina system is designed for dodging and blocking only, freeing players to attack without resource constraints. Progression is based on collectible items called Relics, which offer over 70 passive effects that enhance combat dynamics. PC system requirements have not yet been disclosed.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Hybrid AI Agents, Orchestration, and the Real Reason Microsoft is Fixing Windows 11 ⭐

Over the past weekend, the author reviewed session videos from Build 2026, focusing on Windows 11. The sessions were categorized into three areas: Windows app development, developer productivity, and agentic AI. The introduction of hybrid agents, which combine local AI sub-agents, was a notable development. Microsoft's partnership with Qualcomm led to the launch of Windows 10 on Arm-based PCs branded as Always Connected PCs, which evolved into Copilot+ PCs with Nuvia-powered chips for Windows 11. The Copilot+ PCs emphasize on-device AI experiences through powerful neural processing units (NPUs). The introduction of second-generation Snapdragon X2-based PCs is underway, although adoption is slower than expected. Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 will integrate AI agents, including local AI agents and hybrid agents. The capabilities of local AI models are being enhanced, and Windows AI APIs will now support CPUs and GPUs. New Nvidia chipsets will enable large language models to run locally on PCs. The orchestration of local and cloud AI components is essential for efficient AI workload management. Microsoft is addressing user pain points to support a robust local foundation for hybrid AI, aiming to improve Windows 11 overall.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Microsoft dropped Copilot+ PC branding for Windows 11’s most powerful AI laptop, and nobody complained

In May 2024, Microsoft launched Copilot+ PCs featuring local AI acceleration and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips. However, during the introduction of the Surface Laptop Ultra, powered by NVIDIA’s RTX Spark platform, Microsoft did not mention the Copilot+ branding. The Surface Laptop Ultra is described as the most powerful AI-centric Windows laptop, yet it lacks the Copilot+ label, raising questions about the branding strategy. Initially, Copilot+ PCs were marketed as the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs, requiring specific hardware specifications. The Recall feature, intended as a "photographic memory," faced privacy issues, leading to its retraction and redesign. In 2025, Microsoft integrated Copilot into various Windows applications, resulting in user backlash and a decline in the brand's perception. The Surface Laptop Ultra is confirmed as a Copilot+ PC internally, but Microsoft chose not to use the branding publicly, likely due to NVIDIA's branding interests. Additionally, inconsistencies in hardware requirements for Copilot+ PCs have created confusion among consumers. Microsoft may need to consider a rebranding of Windows as it focuses on local AI development and improving performance.

Winsage

May 7, 2026

Windows 11 pulls back AI as Microsoft plans to remove Copilot where it doesn’t meet its promise

Microsoft is shifting its approach to AI features, particularly with the Copilot tool. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced plans to retire Copilot on mobile and halt its development on consoles, a move supported by Jacob Andreou, the Executive Vice President of Copilot. This decision aligns with Microsoft's commitment to improving Windows quality and reducing AI overload, as indicated by the removal of the "Ask Copilot" button and the rebranding of the Copilot logo in applications. Despite challenges faced by Windows 11, including bugs and performance issues, Copilot has seen success in the enterprise sector, with over 20 million subscribers. The launch of Apple's MacBook Neo has further pressured Microsoft to enhance Windows quality. Moving forward, Copilot is being repositioned as an enterprise tool rather than a consumer-facing product, while Microsoft continues to develop AI capabilities for corporate use.

Winsage

May 6, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11’s File Explorer is sluggish, and preloading isn’t the only fix coming

Microsoft has increased its public relations efforts to highlight enhancements in Windows 11, announcing performance and reliability fixes following an update from Marcus Ash, the Windows Insider lead. Tali Roth, Microsoft’s Head of Product for Windows Shell, addressed user dissatisfaction with the preloading of File Explorer, which is seen as a resource-intensive solution that does not resolve underlying performance issues. Critics argue that while preloading improves initial launch times, it consumes an additional ~35MB of RAM and does not eliminate delays in folder navigation and other functions. In response to the criticism, Roth explained that Microsoft employs a multi-faceted strategy for improving File Explorer, which includes targeted optimizations to the launch sequence, removing unnecessary processes, and addressing deeper foundational issues. These improvements are being rolled out incrementally, with recent Insider builds showcasing enhancements like reduced visual glitches and a modernized Properties dialog.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Binance’s Android app is quietly running TikTok and WeChat SDKs alongside 13 other trackers

Security researchers have found that the Binance Android app includes SDKs from ByteDance and Tencent, along with 13 additional third-party trackers. This raises privacy concerns for users, as the TikTok SDK collects device fingerprints, behavioral signals, and potentially clipboard data, while the WeChat SDK adds functionalities not necessary for a financial trading platform. The incorporation of these SDKs could expose sensitive financial information. Under EU GDPR and FTC regulations, undisclosed telemetry in financial apps may be considered deceptive trade practices, potentially leading to regulatory repercussions for Binance. Users are advised to revoke permissions from the app or switch to the browser-based platform. The situation could prompt regulatory scrutiny and audits of cryptocurrency asset management apps.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Tested: Microsoft may finally end forced Windows 11 updates with a new pause feature that gives you full control

Microsoft is piloting a feature that allows users to select a specific date for pausing updates in Windows 11, moving away from the previous system that allowed pauses of up to five weeks. Users can access this feature through Settings > Windows Update, where they can choose to pause updates for a specific date using a calendar flyout. Currently, Windows 11 typically receives updates at least twice a month, with additional updates as needed. Users of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise can defer updates for extended periods, potentially up to a year. The new pause controls are still in development, and while the upper limits for pause duration are unclear, there may be a cap similar to the Group Policy limit of one year. Microsoft is also working on streamlining the installation process for large updates and enhancing user control over third-party drivers.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Windows and Xbox rediscover user feedback and fans are wondering what took so long

Microsoft has shifted its focus to better address user needs, revitalizing its Xbox Series X|S consoles and re-engaging with the gaming community through initiatives like the global Xbox FanFest. The company is also working to improve its relationship with Windows users by acknowledging past criticisms and planning to reinstate Windows Insider meetups and prioritize user-requested features. Despite these efforts, skepticism remains among observers of Microsoft's trajectory. Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI is complicated, with CEO Satya Nadella expressing concerns about backlash against AI integration. The company has invested over a billion dollars in OpenAI for exclusive access to AI models but may pursue legal action against OpenAI due to its collaborations with other tech giants. Microsoft's AI and cloud businesses are facing scrutiny from investors, with concerns about profitability and the sustainability of Azure operations. Nearly half of U.S. data centers planned for 2026 are at risk of cancellation, complicating Microsoft's AI ambitions. OpenAI's path to profitability is expected to be long, with projections suggesting it may not turn a profit until 2030. The competitive landscape, including rivals like Anthropic and alternatives from China, adds uncertainty. Legal challenges may arise from OpenAI's agreements with other companies, potentially affecting Microsoft's interests. Nadella's reference to "societal permission" indicates an awareness of Microsoft's public image, which has suffered. Xbox has faced community engagement issues, and Windows 11 has experienced public relations challenges and a decline in innovation. The costs associated with AI have been substantial, impacting Microsoft's reputation and consumer trust.

Winsage

March 22, 2026

Microsoft could drop the forced Microsoft account sign-in during Windows 11 setup

Microsoft is advocating for a login experience for Windows 11 that does not require a Microsoft account (MSA), as influential engineers within the company express dissatisfaction with the current mandatory sign-in during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). Despite recent updates emphasizing performance and user experience improvements, the option to use Windows 11 without an MSA remains absent. Workarounds exist, but the official guidance still encourages MSA sign-ins. Senior executives, including Vice President Scott Hanselman, are working towards a more flexible setup. Microsoft has confirmed plans to streamline the OOBE, aiming for a quieter and simpler device setup process, with some changes expected to be introduced in April for Windows Insiders.