selection Archives

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Start

The Start interface in Windows 11 is a centered floating window that can be accessed by clicking the Start button or using keyboard shortcuts like WINKEY or Ctrl + Esc. Key features include a Search box for initiating searches, a customizable Pinned section for frequently used apps, a Recommended area for recently accessed items, and an All section displaying all installed apps. Users can manage their account through the Account manager, access power options for Lock, Sleep, Shutdown, and Restart, and connect mobile devices via the Phone Link app. Customization options for the Start interface include moving the Start and Taskbar icons to the left, configuring Windows Search settings, and customizing the Pinned and Recommended sections. Users can pin, unpin, and rearrange app shortcuts in the Pinned section, adjust what appears in the Recommended section, and choose between different layout views in the All section. The Account manager allows limited customization of notifications, and users can add folders and mobile device slices to Start. The Quick link menu provides access to legacy management interfaces and can be accessed by right-clicking the Start button or using WINKEY + X.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Gothic 1 Remake PC Performance Analysis

THQ Nordic announced the Gothic 1 Remake for PC, utilizing Unreal Engine 5. The benchmarking was conducted on a high-end setup featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor and various GPUs, including AMD Radeon RX 6900XT and NVIDIA RTX 4090. The game offers extensive graphics settings and supports technologies like NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 and AMD FSR 3.1. It does not include a built-in benchmark tool, so testing was done in a demanding scene. At 1080p with Very High settings, it consistently achieves 60FPS across many GPUs. At 1440p, leading NVIDIA GPUs maintained frame rates above 60FPS, while AMD's RX 9070XT and RX 7900XTX averaged 70FPS and 68FPS, respectively. For Native 4K at Very High settings, the NVIDIA RTX 5090 delivered a minimum of 65FPS. The game scales well with graphics presets, achieving over 60FPS at lower settings. DLSS 4.5 improved performance significantly, with frame rates exceeding 100FPS in some scenarios. The graphics are impressive, though character models may not match the quality of top-tier titles. Minor traversal stutters were noted but did not significantly impact gameplay. Overall, the game performs well across various PC configurations, especially at 1080p with compatible monitors.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Finding a great new Discord hangout game that’s not a roguelike still feels like striking gold

The gaming landscape is shifting with a rise in 'friendslop' games following Peak's success, while indie developers are creating small, affordable co-op games that emphasize camaraderie. The market is crowded with various co-op experiences on platforms like Steam, including lo-fi 3D games, survival crafting adventures, and roguelikes. Traditional co-op first-person shooters, characterized by a certain charm, offer a refreshing alternative. Turok: Origins exemplifies this by providing a satisfying gameplay experience without complex narratives or pressure for endless playthroughs. Games like Space Marine 2 and Turok: Origins allow for casual interaction among players, balancing intensity with light-hearted conversation.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Engineer builds Minecraft phonics game with AI

Alex O'Callaghan created a Minecraft-themed phonics game during a conversation with the AI model Claude. The game has two modes: one for picture-to-spell using letter tiles and another for read-to-picture with four images, targeting Key Stage 1 phonics. He developed the project further using Claude Code, set up Vite for development, integrated Vitest for testing, and switched to TypeScript. O'Callaghan enhanced the game's visuals by using a comprehensive npm package for Minecraft item sprites. His son engaged with the game and contributed content suggestions, improving their connection and motivation to practice phonics.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

PC Bundle Offering 39 Games At $61 Saving For Limited Time Only

PC gamers can celebrate Pride Month with the Townsqueer Vol. 1 bundle, which includes 39 games and zines focused on LGBTQ+ themes. The bundle is priced at a significant discount compared to purchasing the games individually, and proceeds are shared among creators. Notable titles in the bundle include "Tell Me Why," featuring a trans protagonist, and various other games and zines that highlight diverse queer experiences. The bundle is available on itch.io, with options to purchase individual titles.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

PC Free Game Giveaway Includes 2025 Hit And Saves You $30, But Time Is Limited

A new selection of free games is available on the Epic Games Store until 4 PM BST on Thursday, June 18. Players can claim these games for free, and once acquired, they are theirs to keep indefinitely, playable on PC or compatible devices. The featured game, Warhammer 40K Speed Freeks, is a combat racing game that typically retails for .99 and has an 85% player score on Steam. It allows customization of vehicles and supports cross-play with PlayStation and Xbox users. Another game, The Ouroboros King, a roguelike for chess fans, offers a saving of .99 and has an 81% rating on Steam. It combines chess strategy with roguelike elements. A new selection of free games will be released on June 18, including Citizen Sleeper and ROBOBEAT.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

What’s New With Windows 11 in 2026

Windows 11, introduced by Microsoft in 2021, has evolved into a simpler and more attractive platform while retaining familiarity. As of 2026, it continues to enhance features and address customer feedback. Microsoft now releases a new version of Windows 11 annually, with each version supported for two years for Home and Pro editions. Currently, versions 24H2 and 25H2 are supported and functionally identical, while the new 26H1 version is for laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors. The hardware requirements have become more lenient, and Microsoft has introduced a Copilot+ PC brand for high-end machines with advanced microprocessors. Updates have been revamped for a more predictable experience, and users can manage updates through new options. The user interface has been refined with a modern aesthetic, including Light and Dark modes, centered Taskbar icons, and an evolved Start menu. Windows 11 supports multitasking with familiar tools like Alt + Tab and enhanced Snap features. File Explorer has been updated with a modern interface and integration with OneDrive. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a broader selection of apps, and Microsoft Edge is bundled with Windows 11, although it has faced criticism for overriding user preferences. Windows 11 includes preloaded apps leveraging AI, such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, along with updated core applications. It supports gaming with a dedicated Xbox app and Game Pass subscriptions, and simplifies user account management with robust security features like Windows Hello. For power users, it offers a modern Terminal app and advanced configuration options in the Settings app.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

2026 Horror Game is 100% Free for Limited Time

Callus, a highly anticipated horror game, will be released in 2026 and is currently available for free for a limited time until June 15. The Epic Games Store and Steam regularly offer free games, while Itch.io also provides several complimentary titles.

Tech Optimizer

June 14, 2026

Avast Free Antivirus: classic security staple for everyday PCs

Avast Free Antivirus is a free antivirus solution for Windows PCs developed by Avast (Gen Digital). It provides essential malware protection, real-time scanning, and web safety features without requiring a paid subscription. Users in the U.S. can download it from the official Avast website and install it on compatible Windows systems. The software identifies and blocks viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other forms of malware using signature-based detection and cloud-assisted analytics. It includes features such as real-time protection, on-demand scanning, an email shield, a Wi-Fi inspector, and behavior shields. Avast Free Antivirus offers automatic updates to ensure current protection against emerging threats. It serves as a gateway product to Avast's paid tiers, which offer additional features. The software is primarily aimed at home users who need basic antivirus protection and is available for free personal use.

Tech Optimizer

June 14, 2026

Neon vs Supabase 2026: $1B Deal, Scale-to-Zero

Neon and Supabase are two managed PostgreSQL platforms with distinct approaches. Neon adopts a serverless architecture that separates storage and compute, allowing databases to scale to zero when idle and enabling rapid database branching. Supabase, in contrast, provides a comprehensive backend-as-a-service that includes authentication, file storage, real-time subscriptions, and edge functions, all built around PostgreSQL. In 2025, Databricks acquired Neon for approximately billion, motivated by the observation that around 80% of databases created on Neon were generated by AI agents. Post-acquisition, users experienced reduced storage costs and improved pricing structures, although concerns arose regarding Neon's independence. Neon features instant database branching and a scale-to-zero capability, while Supabase offers a fully integrated backend with built-in authentication and storage. Neon operates on a usage-based pricing model, whereas Supabase has a flat-tier pricing structure. Both platforms support the pgvector extension for AI applications, but Supabase is fully open-source and allows for self-hosting, unlike Neon. The developer community recognizes Supabase for its ease of use and rapid application development capabilities, while Neon is praised for its innovative serverless features and cost efficiency. Migration between the two platforms is simplified due to their shared PostgreSQL foundation.