strategy Archives

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Co-Op Hack-and-Slash Game GODBREAKERS Announced for PS5 and PC

Thunderful Games and its subsidiary To The Sky are developing a four-player cooperative hack-and-slash action game titled GODBREAKERS, set to launch in 2025 on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game features fast-paced combat, allowing players to absorb enemy powers and utilize them against foes. It includes multi-phase boss fights, customizable builds with unique Archetypes, and six distinct biomes filled with challenges. Players can engage in one to four-player online cooperative play, with gameplay designed for strategic depth and dynamic encounters. The narrative explores a world where AI has led to humanity's demise, and players must reignite the final spark of mankind. A reveal trailer showcasing the gameplay has been released.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Windows 10’s Legacy? It’s Complicated (Premium)

Microsoft unveiled Windows 10 ten years ago, marking a significant milestone in its desktop computing platform. The operating system has been both celebrated and scrutinized for its contributions and shortcomings, with some critics noting a decline in user experience termed "enshittification." Issues with Windows 10 can be traced back to its predecessor, Windows 8, which faced criticism for its "touch-first" design and the introduction of advertising in universal in-box applications. Concerns were raised about the implications of monetizing the platform, particularly with the low upgrade price leading to ads. Under CEO Satya Nadella, who took over in early 2014, Microsoft adopted a more aggressive monetization strategy, which became evident in Windows 10 and its successor, Windows 11. By 2017, the use of advertising and related tactics had escalated, raising questions about user trust and satisfaction.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera files complaint against Microsoft’s tricks to make you use Edge

Opera has filed a complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, accusing the company of using "manipulative design tactics" to dominate the browser market and hinder competition. Opera's general counsel, Aaron McParlan, stated that Microsoft creates barriers for other browsers, such as excluding them from preinstallation opportunities and complicating the download process. The complaint highlights Microsoft's practices of overriding users' default browser preferences and using Windows features to promote Edge. Opera seeks remedies to allow PC manufacturers to preload alternative browsers and stop blocking downloads. Additionally, the complaint criticizes Microsoft's requirement for OEMs to deliver devices in S mode to receive rebates on Windows OS licenses. This action is part of Opera's broader strategy to challenge Microsoft's practices globally, including an appeal to EU courts regarding the classification of Edge under the Digital Markets Act. Opera has a history of raising concerns about Microsoft's browser practices, including a 2007 antitrust complaint that led to the creation of a browser ballot screen.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Grounded 2, even in early access, is one of the best survival games I’ve ever played

Grounded 2, developed by Obsidian in collaboration with Eidos Montreal, launched in early access on July 29. The game features a vast first area comparable in size to the original game, but it has performance issues, with limited graphics settings and frame rate challenges even on high-end systems. The game retains a colorful cartoon aesthetic while improving lighting and textures. New mechanics include the ability to befriend bugs that serve as mounts and allies, enhancing exploration and combat dynamics. The introduction of the Omni-Tool simplifies resource gathering. Grounded 2 encourages exploration and adventure, with quests from human characters and a mysterious hacker element. The combat system has evolved with new mechanics and a variety of new creatures, while familiar foes have revamped designs. Despite some bugs during gameplay, the overall experience is enjoyable.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Windows 10 turns ten years old today

Microsoft released Windows 10 on July 29, 2015, as a response to dissatisfaction with Windows 8. The operating system replaced the touch-centric design of Windows 8 with a more traditional desktop experience and began to surpass Windows 7 in popularity between spring 2017 and early 2018. By the end of 2021, over 80 percent of Windows computers were running Windows 10, aided by free upgrade offers. Jerry Nixon, a senior developer at Microsoft, referred to Windows 10 as the "last Windows," a sentiment echoed in the Windows Internals manual. However, Windows 11 was announced on June 24, 2021, and officially released on October 5, 2021. Despite free upgrades from Windows 10, Windows 11 has struggled to gain popularity due to its lack of groundbreaking features and stringent system requirements. As of now, Windows 10 remains installed on over half of all Windows PCs and laptops. General support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive security updates.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Windows 10 turns 10: No compatibility chaos

Windows 10 was launched as a response to the mixed reception of Windows 8, aiming to provide a stable and reliable alternative. It offered improved performance on solid-state drives compared to Windows 7, although it did not achieve the same affection. The development included the Windows Insider program for user feedback, but responsiveness to that feedback was inconsistent. The operating system faced issues, such as the problematic October 2018 Update that deleted user files. Windows 10 Mobile, launched alongside, quickly faded due to lack of interest. The desktop version thrived, aided by a free upgrade offer and hardware compatibility. Privacy concerns arose due to telemetry and data collection practices. Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with the Edge browser, which later adopted the Chromium engine. Despite challenges, Windows 10 maintained a strong presence in the desktop market, proving to be a stabilizing force for Microsoft after Windows 8.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft mysteriously offered a Windows 11 upgrade to this unsupported Windows 10 PC — despite it failing to meet the “non-negotiable” TPM 2.0 requirement

Microsoft launched Windows 11 in 2021, facing criticism for its minimum system requirements and design flaws compared to Windows 10. Windows 11 recently surpassed Windows 10, capturing a 50.88% share of the desktop operating system market. An unusual incident reported by BornCity indicated that Microsoft offered an upgrade to Windows 11 for unsupported hardware, despite its strict requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for security. Microsoft has not changed its requirements and continues to promote Windows 11, especially as support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. Users can enroll in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for a fee or sync settings with a Microsoft Account for an additional year of free updates. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has petitioned Microsoft to reconsider ending support for Windows 10, warning of potential increases in discarded computers, but Microsoft has shown little inclination to reverse its decision or relax Windows 11's hardware requirements.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Windows 10 is now 10 years old.

Windows 10 celebrates its tenth anniversary, having been launched ten years ago and introducing the concept of “Windows as a service.” Microsoft has since released Windows 11 but continues to support the service model. Windows 10 remains popular, and Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 will end in October. Key features of Windows 10 include the introduction of the Start Menu, enhanced security features like Windows Hello and BitLocker, and regular updates. Windows 11 features a new interface for productivity, integration of Microsoft Teams, and support for running Android apps natively.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Windows 10 is 10 years old today — let’s look back at 10 controversial and defining moments in its history

On July 29, 2015, Microsoft unveiled Windows 10, integrating the live tile interface with the classic Start menu and focusing on the desktop experience. It was developed with public collaboration through the Windows Insider Program. Microsoft offered a free upgrade to Windows 7 and 8 users for one year, which was later extended until 2023, resulting in 100 million devices running Windows 10 within two months of its launch. The "Get Windows 10" app aggressively promoted the upgrade, leading to user backlash and its eventual removal. Windows 10 faced criticism for extensive data collection practices, with no option for complete telemetry disablement. It introduced "Windows as a Service" with a biannual update schedule, though it faced issues, including data loss in the October 2018 Update. The OneCore project aimed to create a universal Windows core for various devices but ultimately faltered. The dark mode feature had inconsistencies, and Windows 10 Mobile struggled in the smartphone market, leading to its discontinuation in 2017. The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) faced adoption challenges, and the Fluent Design System delivered minimal updates. The My People feature was disabled by default due to poor adoption rates. Windows 10 played a crucial role in shaping the current Windows landscape and laid the groundwork for future developments.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Windows 10 will soon slam shut for millions of ageing PCs

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, creating operational and financial challenges for users in the Middle East, particularly businesses. Windows 10 is widely used in the region, with Saudi Arabia at 53%, Oman at 57%, Egypt at 66%, and the UAE at 43%. Organizations that have invested in Windows 10 may face compliance and security risks due to the lack of critical updates post-deadline. Transitioning to Windows 11 can be a lengthy process for companies, requiring updates or replacements for millions of devices. Microsoft offers an extended security updates (ESU) service for a fee, which provides limited updates for up to three years but does not cover all vulnerabilities. The ESU program is intended to encourage organizations to adopt Windows 11, but rising costs may make it an unviable long-term solution for some. Businesses must carefully consider the costs of upgrading versus the risks of remaining on an unsupported operating system.