roles Archives

Winsage

March 7, 2026

Leanpub Book Launch: De-Enshittify Windows 11 by Paul Thurrott

Paul Thurrott has launched a book titled "De-Enshittify Windows 11: How to make Windows 11 work for you, not against you," which addresses usability concerns of Windows 11. The book offers practical strategies to improve the user experience by providing fixes, workarounds, and configuration adjustments. Paul Thurrott is a technology journalist with over 25 years of experience, has authored around 30 books, and runs Thurrott.com. He hosts three podcasts: Windows Weekly, First Ring Daily, and Hands-On Windows, and has previously worked as a senior technology analyst at Windows IT Pro and founded the SuperSite for Windows.

Winsage

March 7, 2026

Microsoft’s CEO says ‘without Intel, I don’t know if Windows would have happened’

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the interconnectedness of the tech industry, highlighting the significant roles of Intel and Apple in shaping Microsoft's trajectory. He stated that success in the tech ecosystem does not have to be zero-sum, suggesting that mutual success can enhance customer value. Nadella acknowledged that Intel's processors were foundational to the success of Windows and noted that Excel and the first graphical version of Word were launched on Mac before moving to Windows. He mentioned the evolving nature of technology, particularly with AI, and hinted at the potential for a new AI-enhanced Windows 12. Nadella also pointed out the growing prominence of Linux, which could change the competitive landscape by 2026.

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Minecraft 2 Reportedly Starts Filming May 1 in New Zealand

A sequel to A Minecraft Movie is set to begin filming on May 1 in New Zealand. The original film is currently ranked #5 on the global box office charts, having earned nearly a billion in revenue worldwide. Jason Momoa and Jack Black are confirmed to reprise their roles, with Jared Hess returning as director. The sequel, titled Minecraft 2, is scheduled for theatrical release on July 23, 2027.

AppWizard

February 27, 2026

‘Zootopia 2’ Just Passed ‘A Minecraft Movie’ for 2025’s Domestic Crown. It Took 91 Days and Less Than $200,000

Zootopia 2 has become the highest-grossing domestic release of 2025, surpassing A Minecraft Movie with 4.2 million in North American ticket sales. It is the highest-grossing Hollywood animated film ever and ranks as the eighth highest-grossing film of all time worldwide, with a global total of .85 billion. The film's international earnings reached .425 billion, making it the second highest among animated films. Zootopia 2 debuted on November 26, 2025, with an opening of 8.8 million over five days, marking the second-largest Thanksgiving opening in history. It became the fastest PG-rated film to reach billion globally in just 17 days and grossed over 0 million in China, making it the highest-grossing Western film in Chinese box office history. The film received a 91% critics score and a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and won Best Animated Film at the BAFTAs. Disney holds three of the top four domestic releases of 2025, with Zootopia 2 leading the pack. A Blu-ray release is scheduled for March 3, and the film is nominated for Best Animated Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards.

AppWizard

February 27, 2026

RedOctane Games announces rhythm action game Stage Tour for consoles, PC

RedOctane Games has announced its new rhythm action game, Stage Tour, set to launch this fall for consoles and PC via Steam. The game combines traditional note-highway gameplay with modern elements and will feature partnerships with brands like Gibson, Epiphone, and Kramer. Stage Tour aims to enhance the rhythm game experience with new instruments, intricate charting systems, and a focus on community engagement. Players can build their bands, customize their ensembles with official designs, and compete for high scores while unlocking unique bandmates and rewards. Further details about supported platforms will be revealed later.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

12 Top PC Co-Op Games You Can Play Right Now With Your Buds

The text discusses various cooperative games available on PC, highlighting their unique features and gameplay experiences. 1. Rock and Stone! - A co-op shooter where players are dwarven miners battling alien creatures in destructible caves. 2. PEAK - A climbing survival game with a lo-fi aesthetic and proximity chat for shared experiences. 3. Managed Democracy - A squad-based shooter with cinematic firefights and no PSN account required for PC play. 4. No Man's Sky - An expansive universe exploration game that has improved significantly since its launch, with a recent update adding a gravity gun. 5. Beat-'em-Up with a Twist - A modern rogue-like beat-'em-up game in early access, supporting up to four players with character customization. 6. Dungeons & Dragons RPG - An expansive RPG that allows for custom character creation and personalized multiplayer sessions. 7. Monster Hunter World - A popular title with an Iceborne expansion, known for its smooth performance on various PC setups. 8. Elden Ring Nightreign - A spinoff allowing players to team up in a randomized map before facing bosses, with a mod enhancing the original game’s multiplayer. 9. Nioh 2 and 3 - Action RPGs featuring a multiplayer mode focused on challenging combat against yokai. 10. Warframe - An MMO-style game with extensive content and no mandatory store accounts, suitable for cooperative action. 11. Retro FPS Renaissance - Modernized versions of classic shooters like Doom and Quake, updated for co-op play with new content and challenges.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game Star Wrath announced for PC

Gaijin Entertainment, in collaboration with Targem Games, is launching a free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game called Star Wrath on PC via Steam in 2026. A closed beta test is currently underway, with invitations being distributed. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where players design ships, engage in battles, gather resources, and explore the solar system. Key features include custom ship building, advanced destruction mechanics, dynamic nebula warfare, unique pilot skills, and realistic spaceflight physics.

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Ex-Microsoft executive says he fought against the removal of the vertical taskbar in Windows 11

Microsoft is reportedly planning to reintroduce the ability to relocate and resize the Windows 11 taskbar, a feature that was removed and led to user dissatisfaction. Former Microsoft executive Mikhail Parakhin criticized the removal of the vertical taskbar, stating it enhances productivity. Other former employees, including Andy Young, have also expressed dissatisfaction with Windows 11's design, particularly the Start Menu's performance issues. Microsoft is acknowledging the need to address user concerns and "pain points" within Windows 11 as it considers restoring customization options.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

I never worry about photo composition thanks to this Google Pixel 9a trick

Google Pixel phones offer AI-powered photography tools, including the Magic Editor and Auto Best Take in Google Photos. A notable feature is Auto Frame, introduced with the Pixel 9 series and available on the Pixel 9a, which automatically crops and resizes images for better composition. This tool helps users focus on capturing moments rather than technical details. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series utilize the rule of thirds in photo arrangements, enhancing visual appeal and teaching users about composition. Auto Frame can be used in real-time or for editing older photos, making it useful for quick shots. It employs generative AI for minor adjustments but primarily focuses on cropping and resizing. Auto Frame is available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 10 series, and the A-series model.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

World of Warcraft leads pledge more player customization — housing, race updates, custom animations, and glyphs to merge with transmog?

World of Warcraft will release its new expansion, Midnight, with early access on February 28, 2026, and a full release on March 3, 2026. The expansion introduces a player housing system available to pre-order customers, allowing customization of personal spaces. There are currently limited housing styles for goblin players, but Blizzard plans to expand options. The development team is also working on enhancing character customization and animations, as well as integrating glyphs into the transmog system. Pre-orders for Midnight are available for .99 on Windows PC.