purchases Archives

Winsage

August 29, 2026

I test Windows laptops for a living, and these are the 7 features I can’t pass up

The author has spent five years testing laptops and has identified seven essential features for selecting a Windows laptop based on their experience and travel needs: 1. An OLED display for better contrast and deeper blacks. 2. A 14-inch chassis that is lightweight, ideal for travel. 3. At least 512GB of storage to accommodate large files. 4. At least one USB-A port for compatibility with older hardware. 5. All-day battery life, enhanced by Intel's "Lunar Lake" processors. 6. A backlit keyboard for usability in low-light environments. 7. No proprietary chargers, favoring USB-C for flexibility and convenience. The author notes that while many brands offer these features, pricing has been affected by the ongoing memory crisis, pushing preferred models into a higher price range.

Tech Optimizer

August 27, 2026

This antivirus blocks viruses and ransomware without slowing your PC down

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is an antivirus solution designed to protect Windows PCs from various threats, including viruses, spyware, rootkits, and zero-day exploits, while maintaining system performance. It offers a one-year license for a competitive price and is recognized for its effective threat detection and minimal impact on system resources. Key features include real-time scanning, a Ransomware Shield that blocks file-locking attempts, advanced artificial intelligence for identifying new threats, and an anti-phishing feature that prevents access to fraudulent websites.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Foldable phone users spend way more on apps than the rest of us plebs

Google claims that foldable phone users spend 14 times more on in-app purchases compared to users of standard smartphones. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is priced at ,900, while the regular 11 Pro starts at ,100, indicating that consumers of foldable devices are likely to invest more in both hardware and software. Although specific dollar amounts and detailed breakdowns of these purchases are not provided, in-app purchases can include subscriptions and virtual currency for games. Despite foldable phones representing a smaller market segment, their users are inclined to spend significantly more on applications. The reasons for this elevated spending may relate to the demographic of foldable phone users, who may have more disposable income.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Compulsion Games’ buyout is complete, so now Microsoft won’t get a cut if you buy South of Midnight

Compulsion Games has regained its independence and the rights to its original intellectual properties after a management buyout, allowing the studio to explore new partnerships. Their latest release, South of Midnight, received an 83% review score. CEO Guillaume Provost confirmed that the management has acquired the studio and staff, enhancing the studio's financial prospects by allowing them to retain a larger share of revenue from purchases made outside the Xbox digital storefront. Compulsion Games is known for titles like We Happy Few and Contrast.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company And Galactic Racer Clashed, Lucasfilm Could Have Prevented It

Two Star Wars titles, Star Wars Zero Company and Galactic Racer, are set to launch within months of each other, marking the first time in 15 years that games from different developers will share a release year. The simultaneous lifting of embargoes for both games occurred just an hour apart, creating a clash that disadvantaged the team behind Galactic Racer. The two titles are developed by independent studios Fuse Games/Secret Mode and Bit Reactor/EA, respectively, with Lucasfilm Games overseeing the process. The marketing strategies for the games have differed, with Zero Company announced at last year's Celebration and Galactic Racer unveiled in December. Star Wars Zero Company is set to launch on August 27th, while Galactic Racer will follow on October 6th. Pre-orders are available for both titles.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

It’s Time. How to Get Early Access to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta

Activision is set to launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on October 23, 2026. The Early Access Beta will run from August 21 at 2 p.m. ET to August 25 at 1 p.m. ET, available for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, requiring a preorder. Players can preload the beta starting August 20 at noon ET. The open beta will take place from August 28 at 1 p.m. ET to September 1 at 1 p.m. ET, accessible to all players on Xbox, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with preload available from August 26 at noon ET. To access the Early Access Beta, players can either preorder the game or have an active Discord Nitro subscription. Minimum system requirements for the PC beta include Windows 10 64 Bit, AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5-8400, 12GB RAM, and specific video card requirements. Recommended requirements include Windows 11 64 Bit, AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i7-8700, 16GB RAM, and higher-end video cards.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Windows 11’s legacy UI cleanup continues as Microsoft updates one of its oldest dialogs

Microsoft has introduced a revamped AutoPlay dialog box in the latest Windows Insider build, utilizing WinUI for improved performance and visual consistency. The updated AutoPlay interface supports dark mode and retains familiar functionalities, with notifications now docked in the notification center. A new accessibility feature, Open apps maximized, allows application windows to open automatically in a maximized state. Users can manage camera, microphone, and location access for desktop apps on an individual basis, with permissions reviewed in Settings > Privacy & security. Existing app permission decisions remain unchanged. PDF and non-HTML files can now be previewed in File Explorer, and the Microsoft Store update supports in-app purchases in packaged WinUI 3 apps. Recent builds have fixed taskbar animation issues and improved mouse cursor visibility in certain applications. The Settings section has been updated to display version numbers for packaged apps.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

New Windows 11 build brings automatic PDF previews to File Explorer for Insiders

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview builds 26340.9233 (26H2) and 28120.2760 (26H1), featuring enhancements such as automatic PDF preview support in File Explorer and in-app purchase capabilities for WinUI 3 applications in the Microsoft Store. The 26H1 build addresses a bug causing the mouse cursor to be invisible in some applications but has a known compatibility issue that may prevent some users from launching PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. The AutoPlay dialog has been revamped with WinUI, supporting dark mode and improved responsiveness. A new accessibility setting allows apps to open maximized by default, enhancing usability for screen readers and magnification tools. Users can manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop applications, providing more control over privacy. File Explorer now supports automatic previews for PDF and non-HTML files, and the Microsoft Store update allows in-app purchases for packaged WinUI 3 apps. Bug fixes include resolving taskbar animation issues and ensuring visibility of the mouse cursor.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

PS5, Xbox, and PC AAA launch to shutdown after less than 1 year as mass community outrage ensues

Riot Games announced that support for its game 2XKO will conclude in December 2026, although servers will remain operational. A final update will introduce two new champions and address existing bugs, with refunds for any purchases made. The decision has sparked backlash from the community, with criticisms aimed at the company's focus on immediate profitability and a history of discontinuing projects. 2XKO joins other canceled titles like Hytale and 'Project F'. The upcoming MMORPG set in the League of Legends universe is scheduled for release in 2028 after being rebooted in 2024, but concerns about its potential fate persist.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

New Steam Deck plugin makes it easier to install PC mods for games like Cyberpunk 2077, Skyrim, and more

PC Guide operates on a reader-supported model, earning affiliate commissions from purchases made through links on their platform. The Decky-Nexus plugin, developed by RedRanger14, allows Steam Deck users to browse, download, install, and manage Nexus Mods for supported games directly from Gaming Mode. Currently, it supports nine titles: Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Fallout 4, Fallout: New Vegas, Resident Evil 4, Skyrim Special Edition, Slay the Spire 2, Stardew Valley, and The Witcher 3. Future updates aim to add Fallout 3, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, and Palworld. Decky-Nexus manages mod installations, including mod folders, Proton prefixes, and mod loader profiles, and allows users to install mod collections and navigate FOMOD installers. It includes a Health section for reviewing game logs and monitoring installed mods and downloads. Users need Decky Loader and a Nexus Mods Premium account, and the supported game must be installed via Steam. Installation of Decky-Nexus requires switching to Desktop Mode, as automatic installation is not yet available. The plugin is labeled as an unofficial beta and has been tested on real hardware, though users are advised to back up save files due to potential issues. Future features will include manual load-order editing and compatibility with additional mod tools.