system Archives

AppWizard

October 23, 2026

Half-Life 3 re-re-re-confirmed: A Valve dev just said ‘HLX’ out loud

The gaming community is buzzing about "HLX," a rumored codename for a potential new installment in the Half-Life franchise, which surfaced in a recent update for Counter-Strike 2. This update included data resembling "HLVR," the internal name for Half-Life: Alyx. Valve's composer, Mike Morasky, referenced HLX during a panel at GameSoundCon, mentioning it has its own version of Valve's HDR system. His comment prompted a reaction from fellow panelist David Feise, suggesting that the topic may not have been meant for public discussion. PC Gamer's editor, Tyler Wilde, believes Valve is working on a new Half-Life title, though it may not be Half-Life 3, and he hinted that an announcement could be forthcoming.

Winsage

October 23, 2026

A hidden Windows 11 menu could make moving the taskbar so much easier

Microsoft has restricted the ability to move the taskbar in Windows 11, a feature that was available in Windows 10. A hidden menu discovered in a preview version of Windows 11 (Build 26340.9750) may allow users to reposition the taskbar by accessing 'Taskbar settings' through a right-click. This menu is not currently available to the general public, and its access method remains undisclosed. Users can only move the taskbar to four predetermined positions: bottom, top, right, or left edge of the screen. The timeline for a public rollout of this feature is uncertain.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Meta lets ordinary Android apps on Quest open extra windows without becoming VR apps

Meta has introduced a VR Layout SDK for Quest users, allowing Android applications to open additional windows alongside their main interface without requiring a transition to the Spatial SDK. The VR Layout SDK is compatible with apps developed using Jetpack Compose or React Native, but does not support the creation of 3D objects or alterations to the user's environment. Meta advises developers to use a primary window and no more than two significant spatial windows, with a solid background and consistent size. Additionally, Meta has released a VR UI Set SDK for Jetpack Compose, providing design tools that ensure usability. Users can interact with apps using gaze and pinch controls, and gaze data is not shared with applications. The specific apps utilizing these features have not yet been announced.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Google Chrome will let you know if a website ‘doesn’t seem right’ with these updates

Google has introduced updates to its Chrome browser to enhance user safety while browsing. Key updates include alerts for suspicious websites and full-screen warnings for known dangerous sites. The new warning system identifies potentially harmful websites exhibiting deceptive patterns associated with attempts to steal personal data. Additionally, Google's AI technology, Gemini, now provides scam warnings for various threats, including scams and spam. Users can override alerts if they believe a site is safe.

Tech Optimizer

October 22, 2026

Run a Virus Scan on Windows 11: 12 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which many users overlook. Manual virus scans are important due to evolving cyber threats, and a tutorial exists for conducting a full scan in 12 steps, taking about 45 minutes for setup. Users should confirm that Microsoft Defender is active and can automate scans with a script. Fake antivirus alerts can appear as browser notifications, and users should not follow their instructions. If a fake alert occurs, users should close it and run a quick scan through Windows Security. Common pitfalls in virus scanning include running multiple antivirus programs, scanning with outdated definitions, and initiating scans from pop-ups. Advanced security strategies include using Windows Sandbox and monitoring startup items. Regular scans are recommended, with a quick scan weekly and a full scan monthly. Microsoft Defender may be sufficient for many users, but additional protection may be necessary if other tools frequently identify missed threats. In case of a confirmed infection, users should disconnect from the network, change passwords, and report the incident.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival review

A new single-player action horror game inspired by Clive Barker's Hellraiser is set to launch on October 8, 2026, developed and published by Saber Interactive, priced at approximately £35. The game does not feature multiplayer options but is playable on the Steam Deck. Players battle zombies in a cabin, experiencing a frustrating cycle of resource depletion and predictable enemy behavior. Combat mechanics are unsatisfying, with lackluster dismemberment and tedious encounters. The game includes a genesis configuration box for limited telekinetic abilities, but traditional firearms dominate gameplay. The horror elements fail to deliver genuine scares, and the presence of the cenobite Chatterer does not create urgency. The visual design is impressive, but the overall experience lacks innovation and engaging gameplay. Puzzles provide some satisfaction, but the game struggles to compete with other titles in the action horror genre.

Winsage

October 22, 2026

Canada doesn’t have to rely on Microsoft Windows

Canada is prioritizing digital sovereignty in sectors like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications, but has not focused on the operating systems for government computers. This reliance on foreign software raises concerns about security and control. Developing a Canadian operating system could enhance digital autonomy, supported by factors such as technical expertise in the tech sector, government funding, and collaborative efforts among various entities.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Holy crap, they’re making Serious Sam: The Third Encounter

Croteam and Devolver Digital have announced that Serious Sam: The Third Encounter is in early development, marking the seventh mainline entry in the Serious Sam series. The timeline of Serious Sam games includes: Serious Sam: The First Encounter (2001), Serious Sam: The Second Encounter (2002), Serious Sam 2 (2005), Serious Sam 3: BFE (2011), Serious Sam 4 (2020), and Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem (2022). Serious Sam: Shatterverse received mixed reviews due to bugs and gameplay issues, while Serious Sam 4 also disappointed some fans. Croteam has indicated that it may take time before Serious Sam: The Third Encounter is released.

Winsage

October 22, 2026

Microsoft says it’s optimizing Windows 11 for 8GB PCs, so I tested 26H2 on an 8GB laptop

Following the Windows 11 26H2 update, users with 8GB PCs reported a significant reduction in RAM usage. One user noted a decrease from 5GB to 3.3GB after a restart, while tests on a virtual machine showed RAM usage drop from 4.1GB to between 2.8GB and 3.2GB. Microsoft has optimized RAM usage for 8GB PCs, aiming for improvements through 2026, with anecdotal evidence suggesting a reduction of 1GB to 2GB in boot RAM usage. Specific improvements include Windows now retaining up to 2GB more active data in memory and allowing Widgets to load only when accessed, freeing over 200MB for other tasks. The separation of Widgets from the Discover feed has also contributed to reduced RAM usage.

Winsage

October 22, 2026

Windows 11 cuts back some AI features — but that’s overshadowed by a Microsoft exec admitting the design team is using… AI

Microsoft is streamlining some Copilot features in Windows 11 by removing certain options from the right-click context menu. Users can still access Copilot features through the 'Ask Copilot' icon. Diego Baca, Microsoft's Vice President of Design for Windows, mentioned that AI has accelerated the design team's workflow, allowing designers to contribute to code fixes, which has received mixed reactions online. Critics have expressed skepticism about Microsoft's coding practices and raised concerns about software reliability, linking these issues to the introduction of AI. The dissatisfaction appears to stem from ongoing problems with Windows 11's bug testing and update reliability rather than the use of AI itself.