reservation Archives

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

Steam Machine reservations are already being resold on Ebay for up to $2900

Valve's Steam Machine has faced challenges due to scalpers exploiting its limited availability. Despite measures like a randomized queue and one-unit purchase limits, resellers have listed the device at inflated prices on platforms like eBay. For example, a 2TB Steam Machine bundled with a controller is priced at ,899.99, over double its retail cost of 8. Listings for 2TB models range from ,700 to ,899.99, while a 512GB model without a controller is offered for ,800. Resale practices mirror those seen during the Steam Controller launch, where buyers could purchase multiple units for resale. The Steam Machine's higher starting price of ,049 makes reselling less feasible for many. Valve has indicated that as they process reservations, cancellations may open opportunities for others on the waiting list. Additionally, there is speculation about the demand for Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, amid existing competition.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Steam Summer Sale 2026 Is Live: 90% Deals on PC Games as Machine Lottery Closes

Valve's Steam Summer Sale 2026 began today at 1:00 PM ET and will run until July 9, 2026, featuring discounts on over 4,000 titles. The average discount is around 45%, with reductions of up to 90% on older catalog titles. New releases like Gothic 1 Remake, Resident Evil Requiem, and Crimson Desert are included in the sale. Discounts are locked for the entire duration of the sale, and there is a minimum 30-day cooldown between promotional events for specific games, except for the four major seasonal sales. The Steam Machine lottery closed today, with invitations for winners to purchase starting the week of June 29. Those who missed the deadline will be placed on a waitlist, with processing expected by the end of 2026.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Valve to discontinue physical Steam gift cards by the end of 2026 due to scammers — says nefarious actors continue to exploit them despite years of restrictions

Valve will discontinue the sale of physical Steam gift cards by the end of 2026, with retail stores expected to deplete existing inventory by the end of this year. Current holders of Steam gift cards can still redeem them at any time, following local laws. Users can still purchase and send digital gift cards through the Steam platform. Additionally, Valve is implementing a reservation-based system for its Steam Controller to prevent scalping, restricting reservations to eligible Steam accounts with a solid purchase history.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

A guide to agentic AI: How Windows is now going to do more things for you

Microsoft is advancing in the field of artificial intelligence with the introduction of agentic AI, which aims to perform tasks on behalf of users rather than just responding to queries. A key feature is 'autoagents,' starting with Scout, which will integrate into Microsoft 365 applications and autonomously manage tasks like monitoring communications and summarizing documents. Scout is currently being rolled out to select users and is designed with safety measures, including Execution Containers to control resource access and mitigate risks. Additionally, Microsoft has launched Discovery, a tool for enhancing scientific research, and Rayfin, which simplifies application development for individual creators.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

6 Android Auto apps I wish I found sooner, because they make every drive easier

Android Auto offers various apps to enhance the driving experience. 1. Fuelio provides real-time information on nearby gas stations and their prices, allows users to log mileage and expenses, and offers insights into vehicle performance and maintenance costs. 2. Pocket Casts manages multiple podcast subscriptions, features silence-trimming, and has a user-friendly interface for an enjoyable listening experience while driving. 3. SpotHero helps locate available parking spots in real-time and provides essential reservation details, including navigation to the spot. 4. Weather & Radar displays forecasts and live radar imagery, allowing drivers to assess weather conditions and make informed route decisions, compatible with navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze. 5. GameSnacks offers simple games for families, serving as a distraction for kids during wait times in the car. 6. PlugShare assists electric vehicle owners in locating nearby charging stations, includes user reviews on reliability, and provides information on nearby amenities.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Steam Controller Reservation Emails Begin Going Out With 72-Hour Purchase Windows

Valve has started contacting individuals on the Steam Controller waitlist by sending reservation emails to finalize purchases. Recipients have until May 18 to confirm their orders, or their reservations will be canceled. The first batch of controllers began arriving this week after the reservation system launched on May 8, following the controller's sellout in 30 minutes on May 4. Those with reservations should check their email and spam folder, as Valve is not sending reminder messages. The purchase window is 72 hours from when the email is received. Fulfillment will start in the United States and Canada, followed by the UK, Europe, and Australia. The reservation system does not strictly follow chronological order for email distribution. Users not included in the current wave of reservations will remain in line for future batches, though Valve has not announced when these will be dispatched. Resale prices for the Steam Controller on platforms like eBay are significantly higher than the retail price, despite anti-scalper measures in place. The Steam Controller features TMR magnetic thumbsticks, dual trackpads, gyro support, four rear grip buttons, and a Puck accessory that functions as a charger and 2.4GHz wireless receiver.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Your Steam Controller screams when you drop it

Valve's new Steam Controller emits the iconic Wilhelm scream when dropped, adding a humorous touch to the device. A review by Ed rated the controller 9 out of 10, highlighting its potential to enhance the gaming experience. The scream feature activates only in Steam Big Picture mode and is best experienced in a quiet environment on a soft surface. Valve has also introduced a reservation system limiting purchases to one unit per person to prevent scalping.

AppWizard

May 9, 2026

Valve’s Gabe Newell always understood what Steam does better than every other PC and console store: “The thing that we’ve been successful with are the Steam sales”

Steam is a leading platform in digital sales, known for its seasonal promotions and themed events that attract gamers. Valve's co-founder Gabe Newell noted that these sales generate excitement and encourage exploration of new titles. Chris Zukowski, a researcher at Steam, highlighted the platform's ability to turn purchasing into an engaging experience, with wishlists reflecting gamers' aspirations. Valve has cultivated a culture around its sales events, making the discovery and purchase of games enjoyable. Additionally, Valve has announced a reservation system for the latest Steam Controller stock, indicating its commitment to improving the gaming experience with new tools.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Valve opens Steam Controller reservations, but it’s “limited to one” per person, so you better act fast

Reservations for the Steam Controller are open, allowing gamers to join a waiting list. Valve will notify registrants via email when they can purchase the controller. Each customer is limited to one controller per transaction and must complete their order within 72 hours of notification. This new system was implemented due to high demand that caused the initial batch to sell out quickly. Previously, customers could buy two controllers, leading to scalping on reseller platforms.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Today’s best Android app deals: SaGa SCARLET GRACE, Paths & Danger, Blood of Calamity, more

There are Android game and app deals available, including titles like Romancing SaGa3 and Blood of Calamity. The Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup is launching soon, with pre-order deals and discounts on Samsung products. Highlights include a free credit for accessories, up to 0 in trade-in value for the S26 devices, and cash discounts of up to 0 on Galaxy S26 devices. Additional Android app deals are also available.