reservations Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2026

One of Microsoft’s best apps now has an experimental sibling because, you guessed it, it’s been stuffed with AI

Microsoft has introduced the Intelligent Terminal, an experimental version of the Windows Terminal that integrates AI capabilities while keeping the core Windows Terminal unchanged. Users can access it via the Microsoft Store, winget, or GitHub, with GitHub Copilot as the default AI agent, though users can choose other compatible agents. Early reactions include skepticism about AI, but many users appreciate that the standard Windows Terminal remains intact.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

A Minecraft Movie Squared reveals Matt Berry and Kirsten Dunst

The sequel to the Minecraft movie, titled "A Minecraft Movie Squared," is set to be released in theaters on July 23, 2027. Kirsten Dunst will portray Alex, the female counterpart to Steve, and Matt Berry is rumored to play the character Herobrine. The film will feature a build challenge for fans, with the winner's creation potentially appearing in the movie. The sequel will introduce new biomes, characters, and mobs to the Minecraft universe.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

Google ranks the best AI for building Android apps, and the winner isn’t Gemini

Google launched the Android Bench benchmarking portal in March to help software developers evaluate AI models for Android app development. The leaderboard was updated last week to include open-weight models and new metrics for latency, tokens, and cost. Matthew McCullough, Google's VP of Product for Android Development, stated that the goal is to provide a benchmark for evaluating large language models (LLMs) in Android development. As of May 18, GPT 5.5 is the top AI model for Android app development, with Gemini 3.1 Pro and GPT 5.4 ranked as joint leaders. Android Bench evaluates LLMs based on real-world challenges and tasks sourced from public GitHub repositories. Other benchmarking tools in the Android ecosystem include Jetpack Microbenchmark, Jetpack Macrobenchmark, Firebase Performance Monitoring, Android Vitals, Apptim, and Android Performance Analyzer. The overall benchmark score on Android Bench is calculated using four core values: Confidence Interval Range, Average Latency Score, Average Total Tokens Score, and Average Cost. The test harness for Android Bench is publicly available on GitHub.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

Peak boss doesn’t mind us calling it friendslop: ‘Why not make a game where the point is to hang out with your friends?’

In 2025, a new gaming genre called friendslop emerged, characterized by bite-sized, affordable games that emphasize cooperative play and proximity voice chat. Notable titles include Peak, which exemplifies the genre despite mixed perceptions of its label. Nick Kaman, head of Aggro Crab studio, discussed the term friendslop at the Game Developers Conference, encouraging players and developers to embrace it despite its derogatory connotation. He described friendslop games as frameworks for social interaction, designed to enhance the experience of hanging out with friends. Kaman noted that the success of Peak is linked to its social dynamics and the rekindling of friendships through gaming. He identified a cultural shift towards this genre during the COVID-19 pandemic, with games like Among Us paving the way for friendslop. Kaman believes there is still unexplored design space in friendslop and highlighted the recent success of Gamble With Your Friends as evidence of the genre's ongoing appeal.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

The time to replace your current Xbox / PC game with ‘REPLACED’ is now | All sci-fi fans get on deck for this stunning experience.

REPLACED is a 2.5D platformer and side-scroller developed by Sad Cat Studios, set to be released on April 14, 2026. It will be available on Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Game Pass for a price of .99. The game features an AI named R.E.A.C.H. that leaves its host, Warren, trapped in his body, leading to a quest for assistance while evading the Phoenix Corporation in a dystopian setting. The game is noted for its vibrant pixel art, dynamic gameplay mechanics, and a rhythm-based combat system. Players will experience Warren's memories through R.E.A.C.H.'s connection to his body as they uncover secrets of the Phoenix Corporation.

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 18, 2026

You can now give Gemini ‘Extended’ thinking time to answer your query

Google is introducing a new feature in the Gemini app called the “Thinking level,” which allows users to choose between two modes: “Standard” and “Extended.” This feature is located at the bottom of the model picker and is available to users of the “Fast” or “Pro” models, although it is being rolled out gradually and not all users currently have access. Additionally, Google plans to integrate popular platforms like Canva, Instacart, and OpenTable into the Gemini app, enabling users to design assets, add grocery items to their carts, and make restaurant reservations. These integrations will initially be available in English on both the Gemini app and its website.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Switcher 2026: Privacy, Security, and What Really Matters ⭐

Windows 11 offers potential for users seeking to minimize Microsoft's influence and restore a sense of nostalgia for earlier versions. Tools like Tiny11 Builder and Win11Debloat can facilitate significant modifications to Windows 11 installations. The video by "The Internet Privacy Guy" suggests that the only safe way to use Windows 11 is by eliminating the Microsoft account (MSA), which raises concerns about conflating privacy with security. Signing in with an MSA is actually the most secure method for using Windows 11, despite privacy implications such as telemetry collection. Users can opt for local accounts, but this requires diligence in securing their PCs, as local accounts can expose personal data without proper encryption. Users can also configure Windows 11 to resemble earlier versions by removing certain Microsoft services.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

The Best Android Auto Apps You’re Probably Not Using

Getting started with Android Auto requires a compatible vehicle and a smartphone running Android 9.0 or newer. Users can connect their phones via data cable or Bluetooth. Android Auto is primarily used for navigation and music playback, but it also supports various apps. SpotHero helps users find available parking locations, allows reservations and payments via Google Pay, and operates in major U.S. cities with a 4.4-star rating on the Google Play Store. Audible offers audiobook access through Android Auto and has an "Automatic Car Mode" for easier navigation when connected via Bluetooth. Vivaldi Browser enables web browsing through the car's infotainment system, featuring an ad blocker and customization options, and is intended for use when parked. GameSnacks provides simple games for entertainment while parked, including Solitaire and match-three games, designed for use only when stationary.

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.