Signal Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Qualcomm triples Windows on Arm OEM design wins since May

Qualcomm's CEO Cristiano R. Amon announced a significant increase in design wins for the Snapdragon X Plus eight-core platform, rising from 20 to 58 in six months. This reflects growing interest among OEMs in Arm-based Windows laptops. However, Qualcomm faces challenges in converting these design wins into consumer sales due to compatibility issues and performance concerns. Intel and AMD continue to dominate the market with hundreds of design wins annually. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus platform offers AI capabilities, 5G connectivity, and improved battery life, but software compatibility remains a challenge. In Q4 2024, Qualcomm reported revenue of .2 billion, a 19% year-on-year increase, and a net income of .92 billion, a 96% rise. Over the fiscal year, revenue increased 9% to .9 billion, and net profit surged 40% to .14 billion.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Uninstall these 12 Android apps that record your conversations

Twelve malicious Android applications have been identified that can take control of devices to record audio and perform other harmful activities. These apps include: 1. Rafaqat 2. Privee Talk 3. MeetMe 4. Let’s Chat 5. Quick Chat 6. Chit Chat 7. YohooTalk 8. TikTalk 9. Hello Cha 10. Nidus 11. GlowChat 12. Wave Chat The first six were available on the Google Play Store and were downloaded over 1,400 times before removal. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately and remain cautious about downloading unfamiliar applications or clicking on suspicious links.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Take-Two has sold Private Division

Take-Two Interactive has divested its indie publishing label, Private Division, as part of a strategic refocus on larger-scale projects. The sale price and new ownership details are undisclosed, but CEO Strauss Zelnick indicated that more information will be revealed soon. The decision aligns with Take-Two's commitment to its core and mobile businesses, aiming to create sequels to established franchises and develop new intellectual properties. The projects handled by Private Division were deemed too small to fit with Take-Two's ambitions. Private Division was established in December 2017 and has supported independent developers successfully.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

The StarCraft Games Have Officially Joined PC Game Pass

StarCraft: Remastered and StarCraft II: Campaign Collection are now available on PC Game Pass. The original StarCraft was released on March 31, 1998, and became a cornerstone of the real-time strategy genre. The remastered version was released by Blizzard in 2017. The announcement was made via the official StarCraft Twitter account and Xbox Wire. Currently, these games are exclusively available on PC Game Pass, marking a significant step in the integration of Activision Blizzard titles into Xbox’s services.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

When these 9 problems happen, I know it’s to reinstall Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 may experience performance issues that indicate a need for reinstallation. Key indicators include: 1. Significant performance drops due to accumulated applications, storage issues, or malware. 2. Frequent crashes and freezes that persist despite troubleshooting. 3. Regular system errors suggesting instability. 4. Corrupted system files identified by tools like System File Checker (SFC) or DISM. 5. New hardware installations that require a clean installation for optimal compatibility. 6. Startup issues that do not improve with disabling startup programs. 7. Malware infections that may necessitate a complete reinstallation. 8. System instability after major changes like new drivers or modifications. 9. Failed troubleshooting attempts that consume more time than productive use of the system. Reinstallation methods include: - Using Windows Update to reinstall while preserving files, settings, and applications. - Resetting the PC to keep files while removing apps and settings. - Removing everything for a clean installation, requiring restoration of files and reinstallation of applications. For severe issues, creating a bootable USB may be necessary.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Microsoft is building a new Outlook People app for Windows 11 (Microsoft 365 Companion?)

A new web wrapper application, tentatively named Microsoft 365 Companion or People, is being developed for Windows 11 users, based on Microsoft Edge. This application may signal the return of the People app from Windows 10, reimagined as a web-based tool integrated with Outlook.com. The original People app consolidated various accounts into a single interface for contact management and was integrated into the Windows 10 taskbar. With the transition to Windows 11, Microsoft discontinued support for the People app, directing users to manage contacts through Mail and Calendar apps. The new People app is currently in development and may initially cater to Microsoft 365 customers with work or school accounts, allowing access to contacts stored in Outlook. Preliminary tests show it features a Microsoft 365 icon, a sign-in option, and facilitates quick communication and event scheduling. The app supports calls via Microsoft Teams or Skype and allows users to view shared files. It is lightweight, under 2MB, but lacks a comprehensive feature set. There is a toggle option for a “Whole life” experience, which may enable support for personal accounts. Microsoft needs to enhance the new Outlook, as the current version does not match the feature richness of the classic Outlook or native applications.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft offers security extension on Windows 10 after October 2025, but it’ll cost you

Microsoft has announced an additional year of security support for Windows 10 through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, available to all users until October 14, 2026, for a fee. This marks a departure from traditional free updates and is aimed at individuals and organizations that have not transitioned to Windows 11.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

New WhatsApp button will let users of other apps text you – but there’s a catch

A new WhatsApp update will introduce a button for third-party applications, allowing users to receive messages from apps like Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and iMessage directly in WhatsApp. This feature will be found in the Settings menu, enabling users to control cross-platform messaging and organize incoming messages into a separate inbox. However, WhatsApp does not guarantee the same security and privacy for these messages as it does for its native communications. Currently under development, this feature will be limited to users in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, which requires interoperability among messaging applications. Participation in this feature will be optional, addressing concerns about potential spam and scams.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Nightingale firm Inflexion lays off staff

Inflexion Games has laid off at least 22 employees as part of a restructuring effort due to broader trends affecting the gaming industry. The company stated that the decision was made to ensure long-term sustainability. Nightingale, the studio's fantasy survival game, has not met expected commercial success since its Early Access launch in February, receiving Mixed reviews on Steam, although recent feedback has improved to Very Positive. Inflexion Games, founded in 2018 and acquired by Tencent, is committed to assisting affected employees during this transition.

AppWizard

October 28, 2024

Finally, a dungeon crawler with what I’ve been missing in so many other fantasy adventures: common sense

Monomyth's initial hour features unobtrusive tutorial pop-ups and encourages exploration through straightforward commands, allowing players to interact with the environment in unconventional ways, such as attacking or burning locked doors. The game does not impose invisible barriers, promoting a mindset similar to classic titles like Ultima Underworld. Players can engage in stealth, extinguish light sources, or use creative combat strategies. The design fosters a sense of ownership over the journey, making choices feel personal. Monomyth is currently available in early access on Steam and is noted for its refreshing approach to the RPG genre.