quality enhancements Archives

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Looks like Neverwinter Nights 2 has been freed from rights hell and is due an imminent enhanced edition release, bringing the 2006 RPG from 5GB to 36GB

Beamdog has redefined classic RPGs like Baldur's Gate 1 and 2, Planescape: Torment, Icewind Dale, and Neverwinter Nights 1 as definitive editions for modern gamers. Icewind Dale 2 and Neverwinter Nights 2 remain absent from this collection. The prospects for a remaster of Icewind Dale 2 are bleak due to issues with its source code. However, there is optimism for a re-release of Neverwinter Nights 2, as recent updates on SteamDB indicate that significant upscaling work on the game's textures has been completed, and it will include all expansions: Storm of Zehir, Mask of the Betrayer, and Mysteries of Westgate. The EULA references Aspyr, but it is speculated that they may have entrusted the remastering to Beamdog, which they acquired in 2022.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Google spruces up Android with 6 new features improving Gemini, accessibility, and sharing

Google has introduced new features for Android, effective immediately, focusing on accessibility, sharing capabilities, and document management. Key updates include: - Expressive Captions for improved audio caption reading, available system-wide. - Enhanced image description capabilities in the Gemini platform, with vocalized descriptions and follow-up questions. - Emoji Kitchen for creating unique emojis by combining two default ones, integrated into Gboard. - Revamped Quick Share functionality allowing QR code generation for sharing content. - Higher quality document scans with automatic enhancements in Google Drive. - New Gemini Extensions for Spotify and Home, expanding features available to users.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 KB5046740 is out with a ton of new features for jump lists, taskbar, more

Microsoft has released C-updates for Windows 10 and 11, including the KB5046740 update for Windows 11, which introduces new features and improvements. Key updates include: - The "Tailored Experiences" feature is now called "Personalized offers." - The system tray now shows a shortened date and time, with options to manage notifications. - Right-clicking pinned apps in the Start menu reveals jump lists. - A new section for touchscreen edge gestures has been added. - The IME toolbar hides during full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Users can share content directly to an Android device via File Explorer. - New placeholder messages and controls have been added to the Dynamic Lighting Settings page. - Jump lists can now be opened with administrative privileges by holding Shift and CTRL. - Improvements have been made to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. - Various fixes have been implemented for display issues, mouse pointer location, clipboard history, Task Manager, and other system functionalities. A known issue affects Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.2454, preventing Roblox from being played on ARM devices, with a workaround available by downloading the game from the official website. The update can be accessed through Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

AppWizard

November 15, 2024

GOG is tackling PC games preservation with new program

GOG has launched the GOG Preservation Program to maintain the compatibility of classic games with modern systems, currently supporting around 100 titles. This initiative includes iconic games like System Shock 2, Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition, The Witcher: Enhanced Edition, and the original Diablo, ensuring they remain DRM-free and receive ongoing updates. GOG also released the Resident Evil Bundle, featuring enhancements while preserving the original experience. The program addresses challenges in games preservation, as many companies have closed digital storefronts for classic titles, leaving a gap in support for older games.

Winsage

October 23, 2024

KB5045594: Windows 10 version 22H2 non-security release preview update is available

Microsoft has released a non-security update for Windows 10, version 22H2 (KB5045594), with build number 19045.5073. This update features a new account manager on the Start menu, various bug fixes, and improvements. Key fixes include resolving printing issues with Multi-Function Printers, correcting a stop error related to vmswitch, fixing a race condition during upgrades to Windows 11, adding new product activation phone numbers, updating mobile operator profiles, addressing input detection issues with WebView2 apps, and resolving a black screen issue in Azure Virtual Desktop. The servicing stack update (KB5046823) enhances the installation process for Windows updates, and no known issues have been reported with this update.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

5 new AI features coming to Windows 11 24H2, but will you get it?

Windows 11 24H2 has rolled out an update featuring AI tools for all users, initially available on Copilot+ PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs). Key features include: 1. Click to Do: An overlay that provides quick access to tools based on on-screen content, launching in November. 2. Super-resolution in Photos: A tool to upscale images by up to eight times using local AI models. 3. Generative Erase and Fill in Paint: Allows users to erase elements from images and seamlessly blend backgrounds, as well as add new elements. 4. Improved Windows Search: Enables natural language queries to find files, starting with File Explorer. 5. Recall: A revamped feature that records user activity with enhanced privacy controls, initially available to Windows Insiders. The phased rollout of additional AI features will begin on November 1, 2024, with selective availability across regions. Copilot+ PC users will have access to the full suite of AI features, while standard users will receive routine OS improvements.

AppWizard

August 31, 2024

Baldur’s Gate 3’s beefy patch 7 will finally drop next week

Larian Studios' CEO, Swen Vincke, announced that Patch 7 for Baldur's Gate 3 will launch next week. The patch will include official mod support, allowing for easier creation and installation of custom classes, user interface elements, spells, and quality-of-life improvements, though it won't feature a full campaign-building toolset. It will also revamp evil endings to enhance narrative complexity. The Dark Urge storyline will provide a darker narrative experience, and the patch will include continued quality-of-life enhancements, increased game reactivity, and changes to the side character Alfira. Players should be aware that existing mods may be temporarily affected until developers adapt. The exact release date for the patch has not been specified.