rebranding Archives

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

Gemini continues pushing out Google Assistant in a steady rebrand effort

The Gemini app is being updated, with the "Hey Google & Voice Match" settings page renamed to "Talk to Gemini hands-free." Assistant labels are being replaced with Gemini throughout the wake-word setup flow. Google is phasing out the Google Assistant branding, with plans for further rebranding as March 2026 approaches, leading to the retirement of the classic Assistant from most devices. Despite these changes, the core functionality of voice recognition will remain the same, allowing users to still activate the system by saying "Hey Google." The transition will include more instances of Gemini branding replacing old Assistant references across the Android interface.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Qualcomm’s New Snapdragon Control Panel is Here for Windows Gamers

Qualcomm has transitioned its Adreno Control Panel to the Snapdragon Control Panel, designed for gamers, creators, and power users of Snapdragon X Elite PCs. The application manages Adreno GPU settings, scanning for compatible games and allowing per-game adjustments such as super resolution settings, frame-rate limits, anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, and detail levels. It features automatic background checks for GPU driver updates, with notifications for new versions and options for automatic installations. A new Adreno GPU driver release addresses issues for over 100 games and includes stability enhancements, preparing for upgradable graphics drivers for the Snapdragon X2 Elite, expected in the first half of 2026. AVX2 emulation will also be available for current Snapdragon X-series and next-generation X2 Elite devices.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Qualcomm Overhauls Windows on Arm Gaming with Downloadable GPU Drivers and AVX2 Support

Qualcomm has decoupled GPU updates from Microsoft's OS release cycle, allowing Snapdragon X Elite owners to download graphics drivers directly, which aligns the company with industry standards set by Nvidia and AMD. The company has transitioned to a direct "Upgradable Graphics Drivers" (UGD) model, enabling immediate access to driver updates through Qualcomm’s portal. The beta "Adreno Control Panel" has been rebranded to the "Snapdragon Control Panel," which now includes game-specific profiling and optimization features. Qualcomm has also integrated support for AVX and AVX2 instruction sets, addressing compatibility issues with games like God of War and Control. Kernel-level anti-cheat support has been introduced, making multiplayer gaming more accessible on Arm-based systems. The Snapdragon X2 Elite is set to launch in the first half of 2026, promising "Day 0" driver support and the ability to run 90% of top games, with performance expectations to outperform Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Google makes it easier for businesses to run Windows apps on ChromeOS amid an uncertain future

Google has rebranded Cameyo, the software virtualization company it acquired last year, as “Cameyo by Google” to enhance the usability of Windows applications on ChromeOS. Cameyo's platform allows users to stream individual Windows applications directly to their devices via a web app, integrating seamlessly with the native file system of Chromebooks. This solution targets enterprise users, enabling them to run legacy applications alongside modern web apps without the need for a separate virtual desktop environment. Cameyo also supports organizations in transitioning to ChromeOS while maintaining access to essential Windows applications, addressing the "app gap" that has hindered enterprise adoption of ChromeOS.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5068861 & KB5068865 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5068861 and KB5068865 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing critical security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. The updates are mandatory and include the November 2025 Patch Tuesday security patches. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or download them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The build number for Windows 11 25H2 will change to Build 26200.7019, and 23H2 will update to 226x1.6050. New features include: - A revamped Start menu UI allowing removal of the Recommended feed. - Updated lock screen battery icons with color indicators and battery percentage. - A dedicated Microsoft 365 Copilot page for commercial devices. - Rebranding of the “Email & accounts” section to “Your accounts.” - Refreshed taskbar battery icons with clearer visual cues. - New Administrator Protection Preview feature for safeguarding admin rights. - API support for NIST post-quantum cryptography algorithms. Fixed issues include: - Taskbar app icon hover behavior. - Display issues in apps and browsers. - Context menu behavior in File Explorer. - Pen and handwriting input responsiveness. - Narrator launch issues during Windows setup. - Performance improvements in taskbar loading after sleep. This update is the final release for Windows 11 23H2, as support for this version ends today, and no optional updates will be released in December.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Dev and Beta Channels Get a New Preview Quality Update, Bigger Changes to Come

The Windows Insider Program is rebranding its updates, with the latest cumulative update preview build now called a Preview Quality Update. The update, Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update KB5067115, is available for users in the Dev and Beta channels. It upgrades Dev channel systems to Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26220.7051 and Beta channel systems to Windows 11 version 24H2 build 26220.7051. KB5067115 is classified as a recommended update for the Beta channel, indicating a shift towards testing 25H2 builds. New features in this update include: - Integration of Ask Copilot into the Taskbar's Search box, allowing access to Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision. - A Full-screen experience being extended to additional gaming handheld PCs, starting with the MSI Claw. - Support for Bluetooth LE-based shared audio broadcasts on Copilot+ PCs, enabling collaborative audio experiences. - Improvements to the x64 emulator in Windows 11 on Arm, enhancing CPU feature support and allowing more applications to function seamlessly.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Once a promising blend of League of Legends and World of Warcraft, I’m gutted that this new roguelike only lasted a month

Vela Games has announced the closure of its fantasy PvE roguelike title, Evercore Heroes Ascension, just one month after its full release from Early Access. The game will officially shut down on October 30, 2025, at 4 AM PT / 7 AM ET / 11 AM GMT. Despite initial excitement and various development changes, including a shift from a MOBA/MMO hybrid to a co-op roguelike format, the game struggled to maintain player engagement and received a 'Mostly Negative' rating on Steam. Vela decided to eliminate matchmaking and multiplayer features, reducing the experience to a solitary adventure, which disappointed many fans. The developer expressed that they could not sustain the game due to early negative reviews and limited resources.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

Battlefield had a messy predecessor, Codename Eagle, that predates even DICE’s involvement in the series

Criterion has transitioned from a leading British racing studio to a support role in the Battlefield franchise. Motive, formed from BioWare Montreal, faced challenges leading to the cancellation of a series after six years. Ridgeline Games, led by Marcus Lehto, was created to enhance Battlefield's single-player experience but was closed before delivering any content. Ripple Effect, previously DICE LA, has a history linked to Danger Close and DreamWorks Interactive, which contributed to Medal of Honor. Codename Eagle featured an unconventional multiplayer focus and an ambitious design that confused players. DICE's shift away from campaign development for Battlefield 1942 initiated a complex relationship with single-player content that continues today.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Amazon’s revamped MMO turned ARPG soars on Steam as paid expansion goes free forever

New World has a vibrant community with thousands of daily players on Steam. Despite a significant update and rebranding a year ago, it hasn't reached the iconic status of games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14. Amazon Games has made New World's first paid expansion, Rise of the Angry Earth, free for all players, leading to a notable increase in player activity and achieving a peak player count of 41,000 on October 13, the highest since October 28, 2024. Season 10 introduces new content, including a new zone called Nighthaven, a Catacombs Game Mode, a ten-player raid, and an increase in the level cap to 70 with a gear score of 800. Players who purchased the expansion within the last 30 days will receive a full refund through Steam, and those who did not purchase it can now access it for free.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

Should You Cancel Xbox Game Pass? Everything to Know on the Price Hikes and New Features

Microsoft overhauled the Xbox Game Pass structure on October 1, transitioning from four tiers to a new framework with the Core tier rebranded as Essential and Standard as Premium, while Ultimate retained its name. The Essential tier's monthly fee remains at .99, but Premium increased by 25% to .99, the PC-only plan rose by 38% to .49, and Ultimate saw a 50% increase to .99. Despite these price hikes, Microsoft introduced enhancements such as cloud gaming across all tiers, an expanded library for Essential (from 25 to over 50 games) and Premium (from around 50 to over 200 games), and Ultimate subscribers gaining access to over 400 games and day-one releases. The changes have led to a surge in cancellations among users, causing the membership site to crash.