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Statistically, your PC probably doesn't come close to the recommended RAM requirement for this third-person shooter's upcoming playtest
AppWizard
August 5, 2026

Statistically, your PC probably doesn’t come close to the recommended RAM requirement for this third-person shooter’s upcoming playtest

Cinder City is an open-world cinematic third-person shooter set in a dystopian near-future Seoul. The game's Steam page initially listed a requirement of 64GB of RAM, which was later corrected to a minimum of 32GB. A pre-alpha playtest is scheduled for August 14-16, available only to participants in the United States who are at least 16 years old and agree to a non-disclosure agreement. The publisher, NC, has indicated that final system requirements may be adjusted as optimization progresses. Additional playtests will be available in the future for a broader audience.
Microsoft denies Windows 11 secretly spies on you every 15 minutes
Winsage
August 5, 2026

Microsoft denies Windows 11 secretly spies on you every 15 minutes

Scott Hanselman, deputy technical director at Microsoft, explained that a service within the Windows diagnostic system collects local performance data to help users identify PC slowdowns. This data remains on the user's device unless the user opts to share it with Microsoft. Hanselman acknowledged that the service's description is unclear and that Microsoft plans to revise it based on user feedback. Concerns about data collection have been raised by Windows users, particularly regarding services like Recall, which faced backlash despite its local data storage promise. Microsoft is reconsidering its data collection approach in light of these concerns.
Windows Insiders have one week to update their PCs before test builds start expiring
Winsage
August 5, 2026

Windows Insiders have one week to update their PCs before test builds start expiring

Windows Insiders are advised to update their PCs to the latest build within the week due to a renewed flight certificate that expires on August 11, 2026. This update is necessary for all Insider channels, including Experimental and Beta. The latest Insider build includes a renewed flight certificate to ensure devices remain on supported builds and continue receiving updates. A chart outlines the minimum builds required for various channels, with specific builds available by July 31, 2026. Failure to update will result in a warning message about the build's expiration, and automatic updates will stop once the certificate expires. Users should check Settings > Windows Update to install the latest build.
Microsoft never learns, IT admins rage as a new OneDrive app invades Windows 11 and keeps coming back when you remove it
Winsage
August 4, 2026

Microsoft never learns, IT admins rage as a new OneDrive app invades Windows 11 and keeps coming back when you remove it

Microsoft has begun silently installing the "OneDrive Photos" app on Windows PCs, including enterprise systems managed via Microsoft Intune, without prior notification. IT professionals have expressed significant frustration over this unexpected addition, noting that the app is incompatible with Entra accounts and cannot be removed without uninstalling OneDrive entirely. The app functions as a web-based gallery feature, indexing and displaying photos stored on local machines, but its necessity is questioned due to the existing Microsoft Photos app. OneDrive Photos is linked to the OneDrive sync client, making it impossible to uninstall independently. Users have reported that the app appears in Windows Search results with an 'Uninstall' option but does not show up in the Installed apps page, leading to confusion. A script has been developed to remove the shortcut, but it often reappears due to its connection with the OneDrive sync client. Discussions with Microsoft suggest that the rollout may have been unintended, with an apology expected soon.
Microsoft finally realized Windows 11 is too annoying. Can it be fixed?
Winsage
August 4, 2026

Microsoft finally realized Windows 11 is too annoying. Can it be fixed?

Pavan Davuluri, head of Microsoft Windows, communicated with the Windows Insider community about planned enhancements to address user grievances, including better control over updates, a focus on performance and reliability, and a more measured approach to artificial intelligence. This acknowledgment of past lapses in responsiveness reflects a shift towards prioritizing user experience over monetization strategies that have cluttered the platform with advertisements and subscription nudges. In a recent progress report, Davuluri noted ongoing improvements, such as enhanced memory efficiency and faster boot times, although some claims lacked quantifiable benchmarks. Key updates include streamlined search, quieter widgets, improved user control over the Start menu and taskbar, and less disruptive updates. The emphasis on core functionalities indicates a departure from previous strategies that prioritized flashy features, with a commitment to integrating AI only where it enhances user experience. The challenge remains for Microsoft to maintain this focus on refining core functionalities without introducing new annoyances.
Google is introducing mandatory identity verification for Android app developers
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

Google is introducing mandatory identity verification for Android app developers

Google will require mandatory identity verification for all developers creating applications for the Android platform, affecting those from countries under U.S. sanctions, such as Russia, Iran, Cuba, and North Korea, who will be excluded from the verification system and may not distribute their apps internationally. The new regulations apply to developers of apps for Android 7 and later versions.
Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop
AppWizard
August 4, 2026

Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, particularly for Chrome Unboxed, which offers a membership for an ad-free experience and exclusive access to a private Discord. The author expresses frustration with the limitations of Android apps on ChromeOS, specifically citing issues with PUBG Mobile's performance on Chromebooks. The introduction of Googlebook, particularly the Lenovo Googlebook ‘Sapphire’ detachable tablet, is highlighted as a potential solution, featuring an architecture built on native Android, which promises improved app compatibility, native input mapping, direct hardware acceleration, and seamless Play Store integration. The author envisions an ideal tablet experience that combines the functionality of a desktop Chrome browser with robust Android applications.
Windows 11 Runs Perfectly With 8GB Of RAM And Other Amusing Musings By Microsoft
Winsage
August 4, 2026

Windows 11 Runs Perfectly With 8GB Of RAM And Other Amusing Musings By Microsoft

Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President for Windows and Devices, criticized LG for including non-Microsoft pop-up ads on Windows machines and discussed upcoming enhancements for Windows 11. Notably, promotional content will be removed from local search results, a change that raises questions about its classification as an improvement. Many updates to Windows 11 have focused on removing unwanted features rather than introducing new ones, particularly in applications like Notepad and Paint. Davuluri also mentioned improvements in memory efficiency and latency but did not provide a timeline for these changes. The focus on optimizing memory management is seen as a response to declining PC sales due to high RAM and SSD prices, prompting Microsoft to reassess RAM requirements for Windows 11.
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