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Owner of big gaming platform can't believe how bad Windows 11 is – and hints are dropped about big things for Linux gamers this year
Winsage
January 16, 2026

Owner of big gaming platform can’t believe how bad Windows 11 is – and hints are dropped about big things for Linux gamers this year

Michał Kiciński, the new owner of GOG, expressed surprise at the longevity of Windows, criticizing it as poor-quality software. Maciej Gołębiewski, managing director of GOG, noted the company's strategic shift towards Linux, driven by increasing game compatibility and the success of SteamOS. This pivot is part of a broader industry trend as developers recognize the value of alternative operating systems. GOG plans to embrace Linux more fully by 2026. Meanwhile, Microsoft has focused on integrating AI into Windows 11, which has faced criticism for not addressing foundational issues, particularly in performance and functionality.
Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption
Winsage
January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.
‘1 engineer, 1 month, 1 million lines of code’: Microsoft wants to replace C and C++ code with Rust by 2030 – but a senior engineer insists the company has no plans on using AI to rewrite Windows source code
Winsage
December 24, 2025

‘1 engineer, 1 month, 1 million lines of code’: Microsoft wants to replace C and C++ code with Rust by 2030 – but a senior engineer insists the company has no plans on using AI to rewrite Windows source code

Microsoft plans to phase out C and C++ in favor of Rust by 2030, as announced by Galen Hunt, a Distinguished Engineer at the company. AI will assist in large-scale code modifications, and the foundational infrastructure for this transition is already in place. Microsoft has been integrating Rust into its ecosystem, investing a million dollars in 2022 to establish it as a primary language for engineering systems. Rust-based kernel features have been introduced in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25905. Hunt clarified that the initiative is a research project aimed at facilitating migration between programming languages, not a complete rewrite of Windows in Rust with AI. Other tech companies, like Google, are also adopting Rust for its productivity and efficiency benefits, driven by security concerns related to C and C++. The US National Security Agency has recommended transitioning to memory-safe programming languages, including Rust.
“My goal is to eliminate every line of C and C++ from Microsoft by 2030” — Microsoft bets on AI to finally modernize Windows
Winsage
December 24, 2025

“My goal is to eliminate every line of C and C++ from Microsoft by 2030” — Microsoft bets on AI to finally modernize Windows

Microsoft is planning to replace C and C++ with Rust across its codebases by 2030, as stated by engineer Galen Hunt. The company aims to eliminate every line of C and C++ using artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms, targeting a goal of “1 engineer, 1 month, 1 million lines of code.” Microsoft has developed a code processing infrastructure to support this initiative, which is already operational for various code understanding challenges. In 2023, Microsoft began rewriting parts of the Windows Kernel using Rust due to vulnerabilities associated with C and C++. The new role advertised by Hunt is part of the Future of Scalable Software Engineering group within Microsoft CoreAI, indicating a significant investment in modernizing Microsoft's code for enhanced security and efficiency.
You can't use Facebook Messenger's desktop app anymore
AppWizard
December 16, 2025

You can’t use Facebook Messenger’s desktop app anymore

Meta has officially discontinued the Facebook Messenger desktop application for Mac and Windows. Users are encouraged to transition to the web-based Messenger.com and the main Facebook website. Notifications will inform users of the app's shutdown, providing a 60-day window before access is blocked. The Messenger app for Mac is being deprecated due to its inability to compete with business-oriented alternatives like Zoom and its lack of essential features such as screen sharing. Meta's focus is shifting towards merging Messenger functionalities back into the Facebook app. Despite the app's discontinuation, core features like encrypted messaging and media sharing will continue to be available on the web version.
Minecraft is changing how it handles update version numbers — but what does that mean for us players?
AppWizard
December 3, 2025

Minecraft is changing how it handles update version numbers — but what does that mean for us players?

Since the Tricky Trials update in June 2024, Minecraft has been at version 1.21, as Mojang Studios shifted to more frequent, smaller updates instead of large annual releases. Mojang is revamping its version numbering system to better reflect this new update cadence, with the latest game drop titled "The Copper Age" designated as version 1.21.9 for Java Edition and 1.21.110 for Bedrock Edition. The first snapshot for the upcoming Mounts of Mayhem update will be labeled as 25.4-snapshot-1. The familiar "Minecraft 1.x.x" format will be retired, with the Mounts of Mayhem update scheduled for release on December 9 and the first update of the new year recognized as Minecraft 26.1. Mojang has also pledged to eliminate code obfuscation from Minecraft: Java Edition to enhance the modding experience.
Payday 3 tears up one of its worst systems and replaces it with a shiny new one, and it's a huge step in the right direction
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

Payday 3 tears up one of its worst systems and replaces it with a shiny new one, and it’s a huge step in the right direction

Since its launch in 2023, Payday 3 has faced challenges, with daily player counts on Steam for Payday 2 being approximately 20 times higher than for Payday 3. Starbreeze has canceled a Dungeons & Dragons project to focus on enhancing Payday 3 and has transitioned support for Payday 2 to another studio. The upcoming free update, Skills 2.0, will overhaul the skill system by eliminating the previous buffs (Rush, Edge, and Grit) and introducing a more intuitive structure with six main archetypes: Soldier, Ninja, Mechanic, Hacker, Conman, and Professional, each with three subdivisions. Players will have access to 51 skill points upon reaching Infamy level 150 and an online tool will help plan skill progression. Starbreeze has adjusted weapon damage to maintain balance and introduced various enhancements, including the ability to throw bags at enemies to stagger them and resolving a bug with throwing knives.
OpenAI Tests Ads in ChatGPT Android Beta, Sparking Privacy Fears
AppWizard
December 1, 2025

OpenAI Tests Ads in ChatGPT Android Beta, Sparking Privacy Fears

OpenAI is testing advertising features in the beta version of the ChatGPT Android app, indicating a shift towards monetization to diversify revenue streams amid rising operational costs. Leaked code suggests features like “bazaar content,” “search ad,” and “search ads carousel,” which could integrate ads alongside user interactions. Speculation points to a potential ad rollout as early as 2026. OpenAI has recently hired advertising engineers to support this initiative, which aims to utilize user data from billions of daily prompts for targeted advertising. Concerns about privacy and user trust have emerged, with users worried about the monetization of personal conversations. The advertising strategy positions OpenAI against competitors like Google and Meta, who already monetize through ads. The introduction of shopping research features in ChatGPT may enhance commerce integrations with sponsored recommendations. User reactions have been mixed, with some expressing excitement over new opportunities while others feel betrayed by the potential commercialization of personal data.
Bloodlines 2's disastrous $37 million write-down "lies fully" with Paradox, says its CEO, as the controversial VTM game flops
AppWizard
November 27, 2025

Bloodlines 2’s disastrous $37 million write-down “lies fully” with Paradox, says its CEO, as the controversial VTM game flops

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 has a 56% lifetime rating on Steam and has sold approximately 121,500 copies, generating around million in net revenue. Paradox Interactive will not develop a sequel, Bloodlines 3, and has written down SEK 355 million on the game's development costs. The game has been criticized for lacking a coherent sequel experience, a compelling narrative, and suffering from technical glitches and chaotic combat mechanics. Paradox's CEO acknowledged miscalculations in sales expectations, stating the game is outside their core areas. Despite setbacks, two DLCs, Loose Cannon and The Flower and The Flame, are planned for release in 2026. The World of Darkness franchise has struggled with recent video game adaptations, with few achieving notable success.
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