quirks Archives

BetaBeacon

August 24, 2026

PPSSPP vs Dolphin vs RetroArch Android: 127 Cores

PPSSPP is a dedicated PSP emulator that does not require a BIOS file to boot a game. Dolphin emulates GameCube and Wii consoles and requires newer Android versions for better performance. RetroArch is a frontend that loads separate cores for different systems, offering a wide range of emulation options.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

“Sort of a feature,” Microsoft on why Ctrl+C fails on Windows 11 due to a design choice

Microsoft's clipboard history service operates asynchronously, which can cause issues when executing multiple copy commands quickly. This design choice can lead to scenarios where the clipboard is locked by another program, preventing new content from being copied. Common culprits include the Remote Desktop clipboard redirector and various background utilities like Intel Arc Control and HP Smart. The clipboard may fail to register rapid Ctrl+C presses, often only storing the last copied item due to the way the Clipboard history service notifies programs of changes. Developers can manage clipboard changes more effectively by using the Clipboard.HistoryChanged event from the WinRT clipboard API. Additionally, some applications may experience delayed rendering, leading to outdated or empty clipboard history. These clipboard issues have been present in earlier versions of Windows as well.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

An ultra-rare piece of Microsoft history could be hiding on your shelf

Rare red Tetris stickers and a shirtless child hologram from Windows 95 are sought-after collectibles from Microsoft's early days. The Microsoft Entertainment Pack for Windows, launched in 1990, initially featured a sticker instead of a printed Tetris promotion due to unresolved licensing rights at the time of the first print run. The later versions incorporated the sticker into the box art. Additionally, an anti-piracy hologram from Windows 95 depicted a child without a shirt, which was later replaced with a version showing the child clothed. Both original items have become valuable to collectors.

AppWizard

August 19, 2026

Stop waiting to play Stalker 2: The 2.0 update makes it the game it’s wanted to be for 2 years

The game Stalker 2 has improved significantly since its initial release, with a review rating of 83% in 2024. GSC Game World has released numerous patches that have addressed many bugs, making the game operate more smoothly than before. A major update, the 2.0 update, is in preparation, which will overhaul the game’s Unreal Engine 5 framework. Visual enhancements have also been made, resulting in a more vibrant and detailed experience. Despite some minor performance hiccups, the overall improvements make the game more rewarding to play now.

AppWizard

August 19, 2026

This sideloaded Android Auto app is my favorite way to watch YouTube and browse the web in my car

Xtream Player is a sideloaded Android Auto application that offers stable YouTube access and web browsing capabilities, outperforming previous apps like Fermata Auto and Screen2Auto. It allows users to connect to platforms like Plex, access phone folders, view images, and stream internet radio. The app features fluid swipe navigation and a responsive on-screen keyboard, enabling users to log into their YouTube accounts for personalized content. However, it has a quirky user interface and some glitches, such as a persistent pop-up related to video playback safety. Xtream Player originated as a fork of Fermata Auto and requires users to enable Developer Mode on their Android devices for installation. Users must grant extensive permissions for the app to function properly, raising potential privacy concerns. Official YouTube support for Android Auto is expected later this year.

BetaBeacon

August 18, 2026

Best Android Emulators 2026: 4 of 7 Play Store Banned

- Ads: No - Funding model: Open-source community RetroArch - Base price: Free - Optional paid tier: None - Ads: No - Funding model: Open-source community Winlator - Base price: Free - Optional paid tier: None - Ads: No - Funding model: Donation-funded DraStic - Base price: Free - Optional paid tier: None - Ads: No - Funding model: None public

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

The MSI Claw EX is the most important handheld since Steam Deck — I still wouldn’t buy one

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus is a handheld gaming device powered by a next-generation Intel chip, known for its impressive performance and reliability. It features a seamless sleep and wake mode, allowing for extended hibernation without significant battery drain. The device retails at approximately 0 and has limited availability in the U.S. market. It has an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 display, weighs 1.73 pounds, and outperforms competitors like the Xbox Ally X, showing a 40% performance increase at 1080p resolution. The Claw EX has an 80 watt-hour battery, providing longer playtime compared to rivals under heavy load. However, users have reported graphical and performance issues in some games, and the Windows operating system can be frustrating due to slow game launches and frequent driver updates.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

EverQuest Legends is the only MMO that could hook me in 2026

PC Gamer's column "Terminally Online" explores the world of MMOs, featuring insights and guest writers discussing their favorite games. The author reflects on their experience with EverQuest, recalling their first adventures in 1999 at the age of six, influenced by their father's choice of a gnome magician. They describe the game's vastness and their initial fear of exploring beyond West Freeport, where they spent time battling rats and orc centurions. The recent release of EverQuest Legends aims to evoke nostalgia by reconstructing the original game with its graphics and mechanics while introducing modern conveniences such as in-game maps and a more forgiving gameplay experience. Project 1999 offers a free-to-play version of classic EverQuest, but many find it a fleeting experience. EverQuest Legends, developed by Game Jawn, has made the game more accessible with frequent level-ups and a gentler learning curve, inviting players to explore at their own pace. The game retains the essence of the original while appealing to those who enjoy mastering its systems, blending nostalgia with modernity.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Overwatch’s new mech hero is the sword-and-board sequel to D.Va, except her code isn’t ‘a plate of spaghetti’ under the hood

In 2018, Blizzard Entertainment's game director Aaron Keller described D.Va's programming as complex, leading to amusing bugs during her mech transitions. D.Mon is a new character in the MEKA Squad, designed for sturdiness and versatility, capable of dashing in any direction with limited fuel and equipped with a mounted machine gun. When she raises her shield, she resembles Reinhardt but has a speed advantage and a unique charge ability. D.Mon's ultimate ability, Limit Break, unleashes a whirlwind slash that increases enemy damage taken and grants her overhealth. A notable gameplay moment occurs when she is ejected from her mech, with an animation reminiscent of Voltron. D.Mon will debut in season 4 on August 11.

AppWizard

August 3, 2026

Villagers in Minecraft: What You Actually Need to Know

Villagers in Minecraft have 13 distinct professions that dictate their trades, such as librarians offering enchanted books, farmers trading crops, and armorers providing diamond gear. To assign a job to a villager, a job site block is required. Villagers trade based on specific items they desire, such as crops for farmers and emeralds as currency. Zombies can infect villagers, but they can be cured with a splash potion of weakness and a golden apple, resulting in significant trading discounts. Breeding villagers requires beds, food, and their willingness, while a well-structured trading hall can enhance trading efficiency. Protecting villagers from threats like zombies and pillager raids is essential. Transporting villagers can be done using minecarts, boats, water streams, or Nether portals. Server management requires attention to CPU, RAM, and storage to handle villagers efficiently. If villagers stop breeding or trading, check their access to beds, food, and job sites. Ultimately, trading with villagers can replace traditional resource gathering in the late game.