sense Archives

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

John Carmack apologizes after Sandy Petersen says ‘Quake ruined id Software,’ and for once John Romero doesn’t tell Sandy he’s wrong

The 30th anniversary of Quake on June 22, 2026, led to reflections from its creators, particularly Sandy Petersen and John Carmack. Petersen stated, "Quake ruined id Software," acknowledging the game's achievements but highlighting the intense workload that drained the team. Carmack described the project as "overly ambitious technically" and admitted to pushing the team too hard, recognizing the need for a more balanced approach to ownership and work environment. He noted that the original corporate stock arrangement created poor incentives. Petersen mentioned that working in a large room eliminated spaces for relaxation, contributing to team stress. John Romero echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the culture at id Software and praising designer American McGee's contributions. The founders recognized their past mistakes while appreciating the legacy of their work, with id Software continuing to thrive with franchises like Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows 11 is now five years old

Windows 11 was unveiled by Microsoft on June 24, 2021, marking its fifth anniversary. The operating system features a modern interface, improvements to virtual desktops, support for Android apps, integration of Microsoft Teams into the taskbar, a refreshed Microsoft Store, and enhanced security measures. However, it faced criticism for removing certain taskbar functionalities and imposing strict hardware requirements, leading to increased sales of TPM chips. Microsoft has begun to address user feedback by redesigning the Start menu, reinstating missing taskbar features, and enhancing Windows Update. Recent updates suggest a commitment to improving Windows 11, which is expected to remain relevant in the operating system market.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

‘Don’t blame yourselves’ for Destiny 2’s end, community lead tells players: ‘No words can accurately depict how lucky we are to have shared these worlds with you’

Destiny 2 has released its final update, marking the end of support for the game. Bungie's management has faced criticism regarding the game's decline, with players expressing frustration over various decisions. Bungie's communications lead, Dylan Gafner, reassured the community that players should not blame themselves for the game's trajectory. The studio has dealt with backlash and threats from players, leading to a reduction in communications and legal action against an abusive player in 2023, resulting in a 0,000 judgment. Despite challenges, most of the community has expressed frustrations respectfully.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

I finally found the best personal knowledge management tool on Android after years of switching back and forth

The author explored various personal knowledge management (PKM) tools on Android and initially avoided Obsidian due to dissatisfaction with its earlier mobile app versions, which felt cramped and outdated. However, after revisiting the redesigned Obsidian app, they appreciated its modern user interface and improved usability. Obsidian's use of plain Markdown files allows for better file management and future-proofing of notes. The app supports both quick capture of ideas and deeper exploration through linking notes and creating a cohesive knowledge base. Features like Quick Note, Daily Note widget, and Graph View enhance its functionality. Data syncing requires some setup, with options for Obsidian Sync or third-party solutions. Ultimately, Obsidian stands out as a customizable and long-lasting PKM tool for the author’s workflow.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Grand Theft Auto 6 ‘VIP early access’ scam sites are already popping up, Malwarebytes warns

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to release on November 19, with official preorders starting on June 25. Fraudulent websites are offering "VIP early access" for high fees, primarily in cryptocurrency. Malwarebytes has warned that these scams exploit the game's popularity, charging inflated prices for nonexistent access and mimicking legitimate platforms. The scams target younger audiences, using persuasive language to encourage impulsive decisions. Consumers are advised to be cautious, as there is currently no legitimate early access available.

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

After upsetting everyone by threatening to ruin Diablo 4’s most powerful loot in its next season, Blizzard has decided that maybe it wasn’t such a good idea after all

Blizzard Entertainment has updated the loot system for Diablo 4 in response to community feedback, aiming to preserve the uniqueness of items while allowing for more flexible random attributes. The changes include a broader utility for items, such as allowing a fire damage-enhancing item for a sorceress to also roll stats that complement cold skills. Additionally, the classification of Mythic Uniques will now extend to any Unique item with a purple tooltip, indicating items with maxed-out stats upon drop or crafting. These adjustments are set to enhance the loot experience and will be implemented in season 14, launching on June 30.

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Movies At The Mercer Opens In Doylestown With “A Minecraft Movie”

The County Theater, Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre, and a local museum are collaborating to offer a complimentary screening of "A Minecraft Movie." Gates will open at 7:45 p.m., with the film starting at approximately 8:45 p.m. The movie, directed by Jared Hess, follows four misfits who are transported to the world of Minecraft.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

Steam Machine pricing starts at $1,049 for 512GB model

Valve's Steam Machine is now available for pre-order, with two versions priced at ,049 for the 512GB model and ,349 for the 2TB model, which includes a Steam Controller. The device runs on SteamOS and can play PC games, functioning as both a console and a desktop computer. Its compact design allows for easy integration into home environments. The pricing has been influenced by component shortages due to demand from AI sectors. Valve has stated that it does not follow the traditional console model of selling hardware at a loss, aiming instead for an open ecosystem. Insights suggest that the target price for the Steam Machine may have shifted significantly due to rising costs.

Tech Optimizer

June 22, 2026

I Turned Off All Antivirus Protection for a Week. Here’s What I Learned

The author conducted an experiment by disabling both Bitdefender and Windows Security for a week to rely solely on personal cybersecurity instincts. They took precautions by using a secondary device and backing up important data. Throughout the week, the author experienced heightened awareness while navigating online tasks, encountered a phishing email, and adapted to a more deliberate browsing rhythm. Key takeaways included exercising caution, verifying sources, being aware of URLs, and keeping software updated. The experiment highlighted the importance of both good habits and antivirus software in maintaining cybersecurity. The author concluded that while personal vigilance is crucial, antivirus software is essential for those lacking strong instincts.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

5 apps you should use instead of Google Password Manager

Google Password Manager is easy to set up but can be restrictive in sharing vaults, exporting data, and transitioning to different platforms, leading users to seek third-party password managers for better flexibility and control. A recent poll indicated the reasons users consider alternatives: 34% for more privacy and security, 22% for better cross-platform support, 18% for more control over data, 6% for advanced features, 3% for better sharing options, and 17% would not switch. Bitwarden is recommended for its open-source nature, independent audits, and a free tier with no limits on devices or passwords. The premium plan is priced attractively, and a family plan is available. 1Password offers a polished interface and features like a Watchtower tool and Travel Mode, with a 14-day trial available before an annual subscription. Proton Pass is known for its privacy reputation, has a generous free tier, and offers a Pass Plus plan with additional features. NordPass provides an intuitive experience with a straightforward migration process, but its free tier is limited to one active device, while the premium plan is competitively priced. KeePassXC is a free and open-source tool that allows local storage of encrypted vaults, prioritizing data sovereignty and security, though its complexity may deter casual users.