release Archives

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Microsoft extended Windows 10, but Nvidia just made the extension meaningless for gamers

Windows 10 will receive support until October 2027 under the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, with approximately 30% of PCs still operating on this system. Nvidia will stop releasing Game Ready Drivers for Windows 10 in October 2026, and from November 2026, users will not receive game-related fixes or optimizations. Security updates will remain available until at least October 2029, but the lack of patches for new bugs may affect gaming experiences. HP reports that around 30% of PCs are still running Windows 10, and the company expects these users to transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware. Microsoft acknowledges that the growth of Windows 11 has slowed and is focusing on enhancing its features.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is shaping up to be Google’s best beta yet

Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability with the release of Beta 4, locking the application programming interfaces (APIs) and allowing developers to refine their apps. The update focuses on system polish and bug fixes rather than new features. Google has addressed issues affecting Pixel users, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation glitches, battery charging limitations, Recents screen problems, Bluetooth audio inconsistencies, and screen-recording complications. Hardware support enhancements include fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, compatibility with 3D smart-glasses displays, and improvements to low-light Face Unlock functionality. The beta journey began on July 20, with Beta 1, followed by Beta 2 on August 3 and Beta 3 shortly after. Beta 4 includes critical bug fixes such as resolving thermal management issues, battery charging behavior, gesture navigation refinements, and fixes for the transparent status bar during full-screen video playback. Other improvements address app drawer search issues, Bluetooth audio routing, Recents screen freezing, and screen-recording audio bugs. Beta 4 reinstates screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and resolves issues with 3D mode for smart glasses. Feedback from early testers has been positive, with reports of reduced lag and improved performance. However, some users have noted oversized text and lower display resolution issues, which can be resolved by rebooting. A persistent Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has been reported across all QPR2 betas. The update is being rolled out to various Pixel phones and tablets, with a download size of approximately 671MB on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Existing Pixel owners in the beta program will receive the update over the air, but exiting the program after installation may result in data loss.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows 95’s taskbar didn’t come from Steve Jobs’ NeXT Dock, and a former Microsoft VP explains what did

The Windows 95 taskbar was not inspired by the NeXT Dock, as clarified by former Microsoft executives Joe Belfiore and Brad Silverberg. Instead, its design was influenced by a Microsoft project called Cairo, which aimed to provide users with easy access to information. The taskbar was created to address usability issues from Windows 3.1, specifically to help users keep track of minimized windows. In 2021, with the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a centered taskbar and later allowed it to be repositioned to any edge of the screen, reflecting a commitment to user experience.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Minecraft animated series is still in development – Netflix and Mojang deny rumors of cancellation

The animated series based on Minecraft was announced in May 2024 to coincide with the game's 15th anniversary, with Netflix and Mojang collaborating on the project. Kevin Adams and Joe Xander were appointed as showrunners, and Ashley Bradley was brought in as the writer, with animation by Flying Bark Productions. Updates about the series have been sparse, leading to concerns about its potential cancellation, especially after a reveal at the Annecy Festival in 2026 did not occur. However, representatives from Netflix and Mojang have confirmed that the series is still in production, with development progressing as planned. The timeline for completion is uncertain, with reports suggesting production could extend until 2028, and no official release date has been announced.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Onimusha: Way of the Sword review

Miyamoto Musashi is the central character in Capcom's upcoming game, Way of the Sword, set to release on September 3, 2026, for £60. The game features a physics-driven combat system that emphasizes parrying and timing, with players building a "burning" meter to increase damage. Notable encounters include battles against a demon named Byakue. The game allows for straightforward controls while encouraging players to utilize environmental elements strategically. Musashi's Oni Armaments serve as secondary weapons that add depth to combat. The visuals are impressive, particularly on high-end hardware, achieving 120 fps, and the narrative explores Musashi's evolution as a warrior.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Haunted Chocolatier’s development has been ‘very productive’ in recent months, Eric Barone says: ‘Working on Haunted Chocolatier is what I’m most eager and driven to do’

Eric Barone, known as ConcernedApe, is actively working on his game Haunted Chocolatier and has expressed satisfaction with the progress made despite his busy schedule. He emphasizes his commitment to quality, stating he will not rush the game's release. Barone enjoys playing the game in its unfinished state and believes players will enjoy it when completed. He has not provided a timeline for the game's launch and acknowledges the challenge of maintaining enthusiasm during the wait. Barone previously mentioned that Haunted Chocolatier is significantly larger than Stardew Valley, featuring extensive maps, diverse monsters, and enhanced item systems.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

The most anticipated PC game on Steam in September 2026 has been named – players are not only waiting for the new game from The Witcher 3 game director

- The Blood of Dawnwalker, an action-RPG by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, will launch on September 3, 2026. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword will be released on September 4, 2026. - WARDOGS, a first-person shooter, is set to release on September 10, 2026. - CONTROL Resonant will debut on September 24, 2026. - Nivalis Nights, a life simulator in a cyberpunk city, will be available on September 29, 2026. - BOMBANANA! will be released on September 2, 2026. - Aniimo, an open-world RPG, is scheduled for September 16, 2026. - Graveyard Keeper 2 will launch on September 22, 2026. - Wanderburg, a roguelike adventure, will be available on September 8, 2026. - Active Matter, an extraction shooter, is set for release on September 15, 2026. - Transport Fever 3, a transport tycoon simulator, will be released on September 29, 2026. - Crimson Moon, featuring a Nephilim character, will be available on September 1, 2026.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

Windows 10 and 11 users are seeing a Defender warning that isn’t real

Recent updates to Microsoft Defender Antivirus have caused notifications to incorrectly indicate that "Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off," despite the software functioning normally. This issue affects various versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. Microsoft is aware of the bug and is working on a fix, but no specific release date has been announced.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

Whatever happened to Minesweeper and 3D Pinball on Windows?

Microsoft included the Solitaire Collection with Windows 10 and Windows 11, while many classic games required separate downloads. The company has shifted focus towards its Xbox platform, leading to the discontinuation of games like 3D Pinball: Space Cadet due to technical challenges. Raymond Chen noted that the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture caused significant issues for 3D Pinball, including a bug where the ball would pass through objects. Ultimately, the decision was made to exclude Pinball from the product lineup to avoid the complexities of porting its code.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

Microsoft’s latest Windows update breaks cursors, wallpaper, and more – what to do if you’re affected

Windows 11 users who installed the September preview update (KB5120998) are experiencing a bug that alters or erases personalized mouse cursor settings, resulting in cursors that may be too large, too small, or invisible. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue, describing it as causing "appearance regressions and intermittent animation changes." High-DPI cursors have been replaced with larger, white cursors, and attempts to revert to previous settings have failed. Additionally, users have reported issues with wallpapers reverting to a black screen and blurry fonts, although Microsoft has not formally acknowledged the font issue. Users can uninstall the update by navigating to Settings, selecting Windows Update, clicking on Update History, and finding the option to uninstall the update labeled 2026-08 Preview Update (KB5120998). Microsoft is investigating the cursor problem and plans to provide updates by September 8.