Settings Archives

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Xbox backwards compatibility now available on PC, starting with four original Xbox games

Microsoft has launched a pilot program allowing select original Xbox titles to be played on Windows 11, with four classic games now available: BliNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fusion Frenzy. Players can access these games via a Game Pass Essential subscription or purchase them individually, and those with previous digital copies on Xbox consoles can download them at no extra cost. The games can be played at resolutions up to 2,560 x 1,920 pixels, maintaining their original aspect ratios and framerates, with options for enhanced graphics settings. The system requirements include at least an Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550, with recommended specifications for optimal performance. There are uncertainties regarding the expansion of the game library due to recent organizational changes within Microsoft, including layoffs in the backward compatibility program.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Forget Ultra settings, Halo: Campaign Evolved looks nearly as good with everything set to Low

During testing of Halo: Campaign Evolved, a notable performance dip of around 20% was observed when transitioning from Low to Ultra settings, averaging nearly 200 fps on high-end hardware. On an RTX 4070 Super rig, maintaining 60 fps at 1440p without upscaling is affected by these settings. Performance metrics for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X at 1080p with Very Low settings and FSR Medium upscaling showed: - FSR Low: 49 Avg FPS, 39 1% Low FPS - FSR Medium: 43 Avg FPS, 34 1% Low FPS - FSR Ultra: 33 Avg FPS, 27 1% Low FPS - FSR Native: 22 Avg FPS, 19 1% Low FPS - TSR Low: 33 Avg FPS, 30 1% Low FPS - TSR Medium: 32 Avg FPS, 28 1% Low FPS - TSR Ultra: 31 Avg FPS, 26 1% Low FPS - TSR Native: 20 Avg FPS, 14 1% Low FPS For Low settings, the performance metrics were: - FSR Low: 32 Avg FPS, 27 1% Low FPS - FSR Medium: 26 Avg FPS, 22 1% Low FPS - FSR Ultra: 23 Avg FPS, 27 1% Low FPS - FSR Native: 16 Avg FPS, 14 1% Low FPS - TSR Low: 29 Avg FPS, 23 1% Low FPS - TSR Medium: 29 Avg FPS, 25 1% Low FPS - TSR Ultra: 29 Avg FPS, 25 1% Low FPS - TSR Native: 16 Avg FPS, 14 1% Low FPS For Medium settings, the performance results were: - FSR Low: 28 Avg FPS, 24 1% Low FPS - FSR Medium: 24 Avg FPS, 23 1% Low FPS - FSR Ultra: 21 Avg FPS, 18 1% Low FPS - FSR Native: 14 Avg FPS, 12 1% Low FPS - TSR Low: 29 Avg FPS, 24 1% Low FPS - TSR Medium: 28 Avg FPS, 25 1% Low FPS - TSR Ultra: 27 Avg FPS, 24 1% Low FPS - TSR Native: 15 Avg FPS, 14 1% Low FPS It is recommended to use Low settings for better performance and to disable motion blur for an improved gameplay experience.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved’s motion blur is terrible. Just look at it

Disabling motion blur in Halo: Campaign Evolved can enhance gameplay, especially on handheld devices and lower-end systems where motion blur is pronounced. Players can disable motion blur by navigating to the settings menu, selecting the video tab, and finding the motion blur option. Disabling screen shake is also recommended for a more stable experience. For Nvidia graphics card users, DLSS provides a significant performance boost, outperforming FSR 3.0 in both frame rates and visual fidelity. FSR can still enhance performance on RX 9070 graphics cards, but using FSR Low with motion blur and low graphical settings can result in a poor experience. Higher settings are recommended for improved graphics and gameplay quality.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft finally lets you fix the worst key on your keyboard

The Copilot key on Windows PCs can now be remapped to function as the Context menu key or the Right Ctrl key with the latest update to Windows 11. Users also have the option to disable the key entirely. Microsoft has provided documentation on how to remap the key under the Bluetooth & devices section. Some users have reported inconsistent availability of the remapping option, which may require enabling a specific feature ID. Additionally, Microsoft’s PowerToys offers a keyboard manager utility for broader key remapping options.

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2026

CrashStealer Mac malware steals passwords and wallets

A sophisticated new malware targeting Mac users, named CrashStealer, has been discovered by security researchers at Jamf Threat Labs. It masquerades as Apple's legitimate crash-reporting software and was first identified in May 2026, with active attacks detected by early July. CrashStealer is designed to extract sensitive information, including browser credentials, password manager data, and cryptocurrency wallet information, and can copy the Mac login Keychain. It uses native C++ programming, encrypts collected files, and employs anti-debugging features. The malware is distributed through a disk image labeled "Werkbit Setup," which features a polished installer that bypasses Mac security warnings by using a valid Apple Developer ID and notarization ticket. Once opened, it connects to GitHub for commands and downloads a script that installs a second disk image named CrashReporter.dmg, which mimics an Apple system component. CrashStealer presents a fake password prompt resembling a legitimate macOS request, verifying entered passwords locally. It targets data linked to various browsers and password managers, scanning for approximately 80 cryptocurrency wallet extensions and 14 password managers. Stolen data is stored in hidden folders, encrypted using AES-256-GCM, and packaged into hidden ZIP archives before being uploaded. Warning signs of infection include a website requiring a meeting PIN for download, unexpected password prompts, and unfamiliar apps requesting Full Disk Access. Users are advised to download apps from verified sources, avoid overriding security warnings, pause before entering passwords, review app permissions, install security updates, use antivirus software, and act quickly if they installed Werkbit Setup.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved early adopters were unable to play the game on Steam as it kept forcing them to look at the art book instead

On the early access launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved on Steam, players faced an issue where they were repeatedly opening the art book instead of accessing the game. A member of the Halo team addressed the problem on Discord within forty minutes, stating that a Steam Client restart would resolve the issue. A workaround suggested on Reddit involved uninstalling the art book through Steam properties. The art book is a standalone application featuring artwork, a game manual, a short story, and a musical score, but it overshadowed the game at launch. Additionally, players needed to link their Microsoft accounts to access the game, which was complicated by server issues on launch day. Performance tips include avoiding Ultra graphical settings for better performance and disabling motion blur for improved clarity.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

I replaced my old Android Auto sideloading method with this, and it’s so much easier

The process of sideloading apps for Android Auto can be complex due to varying permissions by device and app. Users often face issues with platforms like Android Auto Apps Download (AAAD), which may go offline. Some beneficial sideloaded apps include AABrowser for internet browsing and CarStream for watching YouTube. A new sideloading method allows users to bypass AAAD, ensuring app icons appear in the vehicle's infotainment system. This method was effective on a Pixel 10 Pro running Android 17 without being rooted, but results may vary on other devices. To enable this method, users must activate Developer Mode on their Android device and Android Auto. It is important to install apps from reputable sources, such as GitHub, as recent updates to Android Auto may remove sideloaded apps that circumvent restrictions. After enabling the Unknown Sources option in Android Auto's developer settings, users can install apps like AABrowser, which then appears in the Android Auto launcher and the vehicle's infotainment system.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Samsung may finally let you set screen zoom levels on a per-app basis

Samsung has unveiled its latest foldable devices: the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Within the firmware of the Fold 8 Ultra, code suggests a new feature called "App screen zoom," which would allow users to set different screen zoom levels for individual applications. This feature is not yet visible in the device's display settings, as it is not operating on retail firmware. There is potential for this functionality to be available when the devices reach consumers next month and possibly extend to Samsung's broader lineup and the Android ecosystem. An APK teardown indicates this feature is a predictive tool based on preliminary code, with no guarantee of public release.

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2026

Red Magic Astra 2 Android Tablet Runs Cyberpunk 2077 Without Cloud Streaming

The Red Magic Astra 2 tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, up to 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. It features a 9-inch 2.4K OLED display with a 185 Hz refresh rate and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. The tablet includes a liquid cooling system to manage heat buildup during intensive use. It can emulate PC games locally, supports external peripherals, and offers customization options for a complete gaming experience. The tablet excels in delivering high-performance gaming but may experience thermal throttling during extended sessions.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

Microsoft intervenes after LG gets caught installing McAfee adware onto Windows 11 PCs via their monitors

LG monitors were found to automatically install adware when connected to Windows PCs, leading to intrusive popups promoting applications like McAfee. In response to user backlash, Microsoft intervened and confirmed that LG has agreed to stop displaying McAfee ads in monitor popups. The adware was installed through a monitor app that downloaded automatically with the monitor connection, which previously included advertising popups. It is currently unclear if LG will permanently eliminate these ads.