streamlined experience

AppWizard
July 26, 2025
The PC market share for game sales is expanding, prompting Microsoft to consider integrating PC storefronts into the next Xbox. Valve may enter the console market, leveraging its expertise in digital distribution. A potential Valve console could be inspired by the Steam Deck, offering standardized hardware and compatibility with various games. This console could consolidate PC, PlayStation, and Xbox games, providing access to indie titles and making PC gaming more accessible for casual gamers. While Valve's success with Steam raises questions about the necessity of a dedicated console, the company has shown interest in exploring new hardware opportunities, as evidenced by its successful VR headset and handheld gaming device.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Microsoft has introduced enhancements to Windows 11's recovery capabilities, including a new restart screen that replaces the Black Screen of Death, reducing crash downtime to approximately two seconds. The Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) tool automatically resolves issues with unresponsive devices without manual IT intervention. The updated interface improves readability and retains essential technical details for troubleshooting. QMR will be available for all Windows 11 version 24H2 devices, enabled by default for Home users, while IT administrators can activate it for Pro and Enterprise systems. Additionally, antivirus software will now run in user mode to improve system stability.
Winsage
July 21, 2025
Microsoft is developing a "shared audio" feature for Windows 11 that will allow users to play sound through multiple devices simultaneously. This feature aims to simplify the process of outputting audio from two devices, which has previously been complicated. Currently, it is under development and may enable users to control audio output for two devices directly from the volume controls on the taskbar. The feature is expected to be available in the Beta and Dev branches of Windows 11.
AppWizard
July 14, 2025
Google is introducing "featured notebooks" in NotebookLM for desktop users, in partnership with publications like the Atlantic and the Economist. These notebooks provide in-depth advice and analysis, including contributions from Eric Topol and Yellowstone National Park. They are publicly accessible, allowing users to read or generate Audio Overviews. The update, announced on July 14, enhances the app's ability to curate high-quality sources for complex topics. Notable collaborations include public notebooks such as "How to Build a Life" and "The World Ahead 2025." Users can engage with AI for clarification and access AI-generated summaries. The rollout also includes various publicly available notebooks, such as longevity advice from Eric Topol and a science enthusiast’s guide to Yellowstone National Park. The feature builds on the "Public Notebooks" introduced in June, allowing users to compile and share notebooks for collaborative interaction. Discover Sources helps users find credible references by autonomously gathering pertinent information based on user-described topics.
AppWizard
July 11, 2025
The remaster of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 successfully captures the essence of the original game, providing a familiar mix of satisfaction and frustration. However, the remake of Pro Skater 4 does not evoke the same excitement, as much of its content feels recycled and the gameplay has been altered with a strict two-minute time limit on levels, which changes the dynamics and diminishes the experience. While players can extend the time limit to 60 minutes, the alteration of original objectives to fit a two-minute format is seen as a missed opportunity. The changes seem to cater more to newcomers rather than long-time fans, leading to a divide and a loss of the nostalgic appeal that characterized the remakes of the first two titles.
Winsage
July 9, 2025
The Windows Recovery Environment is undergoing a transformation to improve usability and efficiency. Key changes include a redesign of the black screen of death to provide a more informative experience, the upcoming introduction of a protected print mode to enhance security, and the automatic encryption of storage on new PCs to protect user data from unauthorized access.
AppWizard
July 7, 2025
The transition from Android TV to Google TV has led to mixed reactions from users, primarily due to the increase in sponsored content and ads, which can be frustrating for those who have invested in hardware. Unlike Apple TV 4K, which is ad-free, Google TV users can utilize a third-party launcher, such as Projectivy Launcher, to eliminate ads and enhance their viewing experience. Projectivy Launcher is customizable, allowing users to reorder apps, hide unused ones, and create personalized categories. It offers features like adjustable icon sizes, dynamic wallpapers, and the ability to sideload APKs. It also includes parental controls and is free to use, with some premium features available for a one-time payment. Google TV provides an "App-only" mode to reduce clutter, but Projectivy is considered a better option for a streamlined experience.
AppWizard
July 7, 2025
Steam is a leading online gaming storefront that offers a user-friendly interface, seasonal deals, and the ability to connect with friends while streaming games. The author began using Steam in 2011, purchasing titles like the Stronghold Collection, Terraria, and Skyrim, and has accumulated over 5,000 hours of gameplay across more than 300 games. Initially, the author primarily used Windows for gaming due to compatibility issues with Linux, but the introduction of Proton has allowed access to most of their Steam library on Linux. Valve, the company behind Steam, has developed iconic games like Portal and DOTA 2, supported indie developers, and contributed to gaming technology advancements. The launch of the Steam Deck has further enhanced Linux gaming support.
AppWizard
July 3, 2025
63% of respondents in a recent poll prefer Google’s Pixel UI over Samsung’s One UI, which received 37% support. Users favor Google’s camera app for its intuitive design and image processing capabilities, finding it easier for everyday photography compared to Samsung’s more complex camera app. Google’s Pixel UI is appreciated for its simplicity, offering a single app for each function, while Samsung’s devices often come with multiple pre-loaded applications, leading to a cluttered interface. Users find Samsung’s One UI settings overwhelming, whereas Pixel UI provides a clean layout for quick adjustments. Unique features like Now Playing and Call Screen on Pixel devices enhance user experience, and Google’s speed in rolling out software updates is faster and more reliable than Samsung’s, contributing to user trust in the Pixel ecosystem.
Winsage
July 2, 2025
Windows 11's Notepad app has received an update that introduces new formatting capabilities, making it more similar to the retired WordPad. Users are receiving this update through the Microsoft Store for the stable version of Windows 11. Reactions to the update are mixed; some users appreciate the enhancements, while others feel that Notepad is becoming bloated with unnecessary features. Microsoft has included a toggle feature that allows users to disable the new formatting options, enabling them to revert to the traditional Notepad experience.
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