strategic direction Archives

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Windows 11’s File Explorer will soon unzip files faster

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Preview Build 27818 to Insiders on the Canary Channel, optimizing the extraction process for zipped files in File Explorer. The update improves performance when unzipping large archives with many small files. Additionally, the update removes the "suggested actions" feature for clipboard items, which was related to Skype, as Microsoft plans to retire Skype on May 5.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Warner Bros. is closing Monolith, Player First Games, and WB San Diego, and has cancelled its Wonder Woman game

Warner Bros. Games has announced the closure of several studios, including Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB San Diego, following the resignation of David Haddad, the chief of Warner Bros. Games for 12 years. The closures include the cancellation of the Wonder Woman game, which was first unveiled in 2021. Player First Games, known for Multiversus, has left its team with a sense of loss, as expressed by game director Tony Huynh. Monolith Productions, recognized for titles like Blood and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, has also shut down. Warner Bros. Games is facing financial difficulties, including a 0 million loss from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and a 0 million writedown due to Multiversus' underperformance. CEO JB Perrette aims for the company to return to profitability by 2025, acknowledging it will take two to three years to rebuild. Rocksteady is reportedly developing a new single-player Batman game, which could signify a positive direction for the company.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Get ready to say goodbye to one of the biggest Android app stores in the world!

As of August 20, 2025, support for the Amazon Appstore on third-party Android devices will end. Applications downloaded from the Amazon Appstore may stop functioning on non-Amazon devices, but users of Fire tablets and Fire TV products will remain unaffected. The Amazon Coins program will be discontinued across all marketplaces. Developers can update existing apps for six months, but the option to submit new titles for Android devices has been removed. Amazon cites an effort to streamline services as the reason for these changes, indicating the Appstore may not have gained sufficient traction among Android users.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.

AppWizard

October 27, 2024

Larian Publishing Director Criticizes Ubisoft’s ‘Broken Strategy’ For Releasing Games on PC –

Larian Studios' Publishing Director, Michael Douse, criticized Ubisoft's decision to disband the development team for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, calling it a sign of a "broken strategy" that favors subscription models over traditional game sales. He expressed concerns that the industry's shift towards subscription-based access undermines game ownership and creates instability for developers, potentially leading to job insecurity. Douse warned that while subscription services offer immediate access to many titles, they may harm the long-term sustainability of game development.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

Innovative AR Laptop Cancelled to Make way for Microsoft Windows AR Software – XR Today

Sightful has shifted its strategic focus from developing the ‘Spacetop’ AR laptop to creating AR software for Windows, aiming to integrate augmented reality with advanced AI capabilities like Microsoft's Copilot. The company will refund deposits for the Spacetop G1 laptop, which was priced at ,900, as development has been paused. The new software will initially support specific models of Xreal AR display glasses and will launch in early 2025, with no plans for compatibility with other AR glasses. CEO Tamir Berliner noted that the decision was influenced by Microsoft's announcements regarding AI integration in computers. Microsoft is also focusing on software solutions, having discontinued the HoloLens 2 and laid off 20 employees at Sightful as part of a strategic shift to prioritize AR software development.

BetaBeacon

October 1, 2024

Shiboshi Rush: Shiba Inu’s Latest Game Hits Android Devices

Shiba Inu has released a new hyper-casual game called Shiboshi Rush, where players assemble an army of Shiboshis to defeat the "Shadowcat forces" by strategically placing troops and using multiplier gates. The game is currently available on the Android Google Play Store and is in the testing phase.

AppWizard

September 23, 2024

FX week in review: NAGA in Telegram, Revolut CFDs app, TopFX BizDev head, 26 Degrees Cyprus CEO leaves

The NAGA Group AG launched the "NAGA Everything Trading" app, the first fully integrated trading app on the Telegram Messenger platform, allowing traders to access financial markets directly through Telegram. Revolut is entering the CFDs trading market with its new offering, Revolut Invest, managed by its licensed subsidiary in Lithuania. TopFX appointed Kyriakos Karamanis as head of Business Development, marking the second senior hire in two weeks. Riana Chaili departed from her role as CEO of 26 Degrees Cyprus/EMEA. Finalto reported a 7% decline in revenues but significant profits, Cor Prime secured million in funding for crypto prime brokerage, Leverate launched TextPilot for broker platform customization, and ATFX opened a new office in Sydney for institutional clients.

AppWizard

August 19, 2024

Kakao scales down noncore affiliates to focus on messenger app, AI

Kakao has reduced its number of affiliates from 144 to 123 over the past year, divesting from noncore assets, including sectors like beauty reservations and golf rental services. The company has removed Wyatt, the operator of Kakao Hair Shop, from its affiliate roster after divesting a 38.9 percent stake in May. Kakao VX has also withdrawn from segments such as golf equipment, healthcare platforms, and non-fungible tokens to focus on the Kakao Friends Golf brand. Other divested affiliates include Awins, Beacon Holdings, and Xtriple. CEO Chung Shin-a stated that KakaoTalk and AI are the core drivers of future growth. The company faces regulatory scrutiny following the indictment of founder Kim Beom-su for stock manipulation and concerns regarding Kakao Pay leaking customer information to Alipay.

Winsage

August 9, 2024

Microsoft plans new mixed-reality VR headset to rival Apple Vision Pro — may run Windows apps via the cloud

Microsoft has entered into an agreement with Samsung to procure "hundreds of thousands" of micro-OLED displays for a new mixed reality headset focused on content consumption, particularly gaming and movies. This headset aims to target consumers rather than enterprises, diverging from the HoloLens line. The development follows the cancellation of a third-generation HoloLens and the discontinuation of the Windows Mixed Reality platform. Recent patent filings suggest a design similar to the Apple Vision Pro, featuring OLED displays and passthrough cameras. Microsoft is also developing a cloud-based solution, codenamed “Williams Bay,” which will allow mixed reality headsets to run full Windows desktop applications and enable developers to enhance these applications with 3D extensions. The launch timeline for the headset is unclear, with suggestions it may not be ready until 2026.