purge Archives

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

These 15 PC games died for our sins—can you even remember their names?

Numerous video games fade into obscurity as servers are decommissioned and digital storefronts remove their listings. Some games never reach the launch stage, while others fail shortly after launch or during open beta or Early Access, leading to the downfall of their developing studios. These games were briefly available on PC and span various genres, including multiplayer shooters, MOBAs, and MMOs.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

7 quick things I did that instantly sped up my Windows PC

Transitioning from Windows to macOS can create nostalgia for the Windows interface, but many professionals still need access to Windows for work. Older machines may hinder performance, but improvements can be made without new hardware. To enhance the performance of an aging Windows PC: 1. Restart the system regularly to clear memory leaks and unresponsive processes. 2. Turn off visual effects to improve responsiveness, especially on older machines. 3. Delete unnecessary files and applications to free up storage space. 4. Uninstall third-party antivirus software in favor of Microsoft Defender, which is resource-efficient. 5. Disable unnecessary startup programs to enhance boot times and system responsiveness. 6. Close multiple browser windows and tabs to conserve RAM. 7. Regularly update the Windows operating system for speed and stability improvements.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft Ends FrontPage RPC in Secure 365 Update

Microsoft plans to block outdated protocols, including FrontPage Remote Procedure Call, as part of its "Secure by Default" initiative to enhance cybersecurity within its Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This decision aims to phase out legacy technologies that pose security risks, reflecting a broader industry trend toward prioritizing robust cybersecurity over maintaining older systems. The impact will be significant in enterprise environments, where legacy systems are often critical, requiring IT teams to identify dependencies on these protocols. While Microsoft provides guidance for migration, the responsibility lies with customers, which may strain relationships with long-time clients.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft Axes Old Drivers, Sparks Compatibility Debate

Microsoft is removing outdated drivers from Windows Update to enhance system reliability and reduce security vulnerabilities. This initiative may disrupt users who rely on legacy hardware, as many older devices lack updated driver support from manufacturers. IT administrators face challenges in finding alternative drivers or workarounds for critical systems, as not all hardware vendors provide timely updates. The move reflects a broader trend of prioritizing security and efficiency over backward compatibility, raising concerns about the implications for users with integrated legacy systems. Critics suggest that Microsoft should offer clearer guidance and transitional support for affected users.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Three Warhammer games are free to keep as part of this year’s Warhammer Skulls event

The Warhammer Skulls event has announced remasters for Dawn of War and Space Marine, a new CRPG titled Dark Heresy, and the video game debut of the Leagues of Votann in Mechanicus 2. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War is free on Steam until May 29, celebrating its latest DLC, the Onslaught Pack. Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War is available for free on GOG this week, allowing players to control the Eldar. Boltgun – Words of Vengeance is also free on Steam, combining typing skills with shooting mechanics. Mechanicus is free to play on Steam for three days. GOG is offering a Warhammer Skulls 2025 digital goodies bag, and players can claim a free coach for the Khorne team in Blood Bowl 3.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

App Developer Magazine may 2025

Google's Play Store has undergone a significant overhaul, resulting in a 47% reduction in app listings due to stricter enforcement, enhanced developer verification, and AI-driven moderation. This change aligns Google more closely with Apple's curated ecosystem. New tools in the Play Console Insights are designed to improve app performance for developers. Apple has achieved a milestone in emissions reduction and is preparing for WWDC 2025 on June 9. Blizzard's Diablo 4 has introduced a new mechanic called Piranhado, and SEMO has launched a game development degree program. Nutrient is expanding its cloud services, and student-led initiatives are addressing cybersecurity threats in universities. AI developments include a smart builder for converting spreadsheets into applications and AutonomyAI's autonomous agent platform.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Play shrinks by 47 percent following policy overhaul

The Google Play Store has seen a 47 percent decline in app offerings, dropping from 3.4 million to 1.8 million apps since early 2024. This reduction is a result of Google's efforts to enhance app quality and security, including a policy overhaul that introduced stricter minimum requirements and targeted low-quality applications. In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps and banned over 158,000 developer accounts. Despite the decline in app numbers, developer activity remains strong, with over 10,400 new apps released in early 2025, a 7.1 percent increase from the previous year. The European Union's "trader status" rule did not significantly impact the decline in app numbers, as Apple's app count remained stable under similar regulations.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

Cyberpunk Stealth-Action Game ‘Steel Seed’ Now Available on PC, Consoles [Trailer]

The full launch of RailGods of Hysterra has been postponed to May 7 due to the developer Troglobytes Games and publisher Digital Vortex Entertainment taking additional time to refine the game based on feedback from internal playtests. A new story trailer has been released, showcasing the cooperative base-building survival action experience. The game is set in a world influenced by H.P. Lovecraft's tales, where players can embark on a journey solo or with a group of up to five, connecting with a powerful RailGod. Players will combat madness, unlock abilities, and create protective sigils to banish horrors from the Dark World. A demo is currently available for players to experience.

BetaBeacon

March 23, 2025

Goodbye, Ridiculous Fishing: How Android’s 32-bit purge erased my favorite classic games

Google and high-end chipmakers decided to kill 32-bit support entirely in Android 14, leading to benefits such as freeing up system resources, better security, and improved performance. This change means that many 32-bit-only games, including classics like the Metal Slug series and King of Fighters franchise, can no longer be played on newer devices. Options to continue playing these games include using a phone with Android 13 or Xiaomi's flagship phones with a framework to run 32-bit apps, although the latter is limited to the Chinese market. Other suggestions include using a virtual machine running an older version of Android, but this may not work due to hardware limitations.

AppWizard

August 31, 2024

Far-right groups in Scotland blocked from Telegram app days after arrest

Telegram has begun removing chat channels associated with far-right groups, particularly in Scotland, as part of an effort to enhance moderation on the platform. The Active Club network is among those targeted for removal. Telegram founder Pavel Durov is under investigation by French police for allegations that criminal gangs are using the platform. Telegram has removed UK-based channels that spread calls to violence as part of standard moderation efforts. Durov was detained in Paris and released after questioning, but remains under judicial supervision facing multiple charges, including complicity in the distribution of child abuse images. Telegram asserts compliance with EU laws and claims its moderation practices are evolving to meet industry standards.