testing ground Archives

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

PUBG creator’s take on a metaverse is radically different from Roblox or Fortnite: “Everyone’s doing it the wrong way”

Prologue is a new survival game from PlayerUnknown Productions that utilizes advanced machine learning technology to create expansive maps. It is the first of three initiatives aimed at developing a broader metaverse concept called Artemis. Brendan Greene, the creator of PUBG, envisions Prologue as a community-driven experience and a testing ground for features that will contribute to Artemis. He aims to create a 3D internet where millions can share ideas and create content, contrasting with existing models that limit user experiences. Greene discussed the challenges of creating a viable metaverse, referencing limitations in current server infrastructure. Prologue's game world is generated using a machine learning agent and Unreal Engine, while another project, Preface, demonstrates the potential for creating environments on players' devices without server reliance. Greene emphasizes that Artemis will be open-source, allowing various experiences across platforms, and he projects it will take about a decade to fully realize. Prologue will remain in early access for about a year, with continued support expected after its official launch.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

Android Privacy Feels Different in 2026, and the Pixel Beta Update Explains Why

In 2026, the latest Pixel beta update for Android significantly improves user privacy management by integrating privacy features into the system's behavior rather than presenting them as tasks. Users now experience fewer prompts for permissions, with notifications appearing only when necessary and in clearer language. This update enhances predictability and reduces uncertainty about background activities, fostering trust in the technology. The changes aim to make privacy feel like an inherent aspect of the Android experience, rather than a feature that requires active management. The update reflects a maturation of Android, emphasizing calmness, consistency, and respect for user attention. It serves as a testing ground for future Android features, impacting users even beyond those with Pixel devices.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft says AI agents are “risky”, but it’s moving ahead with the plan on Windows 11

Microsoft is integrating AI agents into Windows 11, despite acknowledging risks such as hallucinations, unpredictable behavior, and vulnerabilities to cyber threats like Cross Prompt Injection (XPIA). The company plans to transform every Windows 11 PC into an AI-powered machine by introducing features like Copilot Voice, Copilot Vision, and Copilot Actions. The Windows 11 taskbar will feature a new "Ask Copilot" interface for users to interact with AI agents. These agents will operate under separate accounts with limited permissions, controlled folder access, and tamper-evident logs, but still have access to personal folders like Documents and Downloads. The Agent Workspace is a key feature that allows AI agents to perform tasks in a controlled environment, separate from the user's session. Agents can interact with applications and execute multi-step tasks while being monitored. Microsoft employs the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to regulate agent interactions with applications, ensuring security and proper permissions. Despite concerns over privacy and security, Microsoft believes that integrating AI is essential for keeping Windows competitive. The company has faced backlash over previous features like Recall, which raised privacy issues, and must work to rebuild trust with users. The experimental AI features are currently optional, and Microsoft aims to demonstrate their value to encourage acceptance.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

PowerToys will finally fix Windows 11’s multi-monitor headache — better brightness controls are on the way

PowerToys is introducing a new feature called "PowerDisplay" that will allow users to manage brightness and settings across multiple monitors via a shortcut in the system tray. Niels Laute, a Microsoft program manager, hinted at this feature on X. The PowerToys utility's code is currently under review to eliminate bugs, and it has previously inspired improvements in Windows 11, such as the enhanced window snapping functionality through the FancyZones utility.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

You can play Escape From Tarkov’s answer to Call of Duty and CS2 for free right now, but you don’t have long

Escape From Tarkov: Arena has launched its first season, offering players a free experience of Battlestate's multiplayer arena shooter, which includes traditional elimination modes and a bomb defusal mode called BlastGang. The game is available for free for a limited time until October 27. An update in late September increased the maximum number of each class on a team from two to three and improved animations for actions like grenade throwing. Players can download the game from the official site and receive a 15% discount on the game and its bundle with Tarkov PvE through the Epic Games Store.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Windows 11 updates break localhost (127.0.0.1) HTTP/2 connections

Microsoft's recent updates for Windows 11, specifically the October update (KB5066835) and September's preview update (KB5065789), have disrupted the functionality of the "localhost" feature, affecting developers and applications reliant on local connections. Users are experiencing connectivity issues, with errors such as "ERRCONNECTIONRESET" and "ERRHTTP2PROTOCOL_ERROR" when attempting to connect to localhost (127.0.0.1). This has impacted applications like Visual Studio, SSMS Entra ID authentication, and the Duo Desktop app, which relies on local web server connections. Potential workarounds include modifying Registry entries to disable the HTTP/2 protocol and installing the latest Microsoft Defender intelligence update, though effectiveness varies. The most reliable solution appears to be uninstalling the problematic updates using the commands: wusa /uninstall /kb:5066835 wusa /uninstall /kb:5065789 After uninstalling these updates and restarting, users report that the loopback interface is restored, allowing HTTP/2 connections to function correctly again.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

The unsung heroes of Android: Remembering 8 legendary apps we’ve lost

- Inbox by Google was a Gmail alternative known for its superior sorting features and visually appealing interface, discontinued in 2019. - Google Play Music was the default music player for Android devices in the early 2010s, replaced by YouTube Music. - Swype Keyboard revolutionized typing on mobile devices with its glide feature and held a Guinness World Record for the fastest typing, discontinued in 2018. - SuperSU was a tool for gaining root access on Android devices, popular among users of custom ROMs, now overshadowed by newer solutions like Magisk. - Titanium Backup allowed comprehensive backups of apps and data for custom ROM users, though it has not been updated in recent years. - MX Player was a user-friendly media player known for its intuitive interface and support for various file formats, which declined in popularity as streaming services grew. - ES File Explorer was a crucial file management tool for early Android users, removed from the Play Store due to security concerns. - Google Plus aimed to integrate social media with other Google services but struggled to compete with more visually driven platforms before its discontinuation.

AppWizard

September 28, 2025

Watch FF14’s Yoshi-P beat the Monster Hunter Wilds Arkveld fight as he confirms when patch 7.35 will launch

At the Tokyo Games Show, Naoki Yoshida and Toshio Murouchi announced details of FF14 patch 7.35, launching on October 7. This patch is the final chapter before the next expansion and introduces a crossover with Monster Hunter, featuring the Guardian Arkveld. Players must reach level 100 and complete the 7.0 Dawntrail MSQ with an average item level of 725 for the trial, which can be attempted in groups of eight or custom parties. The patch includes the new Pilgrim's Traverse deep dungeon, Yok Huy allied society quotes, and the continuation of Hildibrand Adventures. New rewards include gender-neutral armor designs, unique mounts, and various customization options. The Arkveld battle showcased new mechanics, and players can carve Arkveld for additional rewards. Three outfits inspired by Final Fantasy Tactics will be available on September 30, coinciding with the launch of The Ivalice Chronicles.

AppWizard

September 27, 2025

Apple Built a ChatGPT-Like App You’ll—Likely—Never Get to Use

Apple has introduced an internal tool called Veritas, a chatbot application used by employees to aid in the development of Siri's upcoming AI enhancements. Veritas serves as a testing ground for generative AI technology and is not intended for public release. It allows Apple staff to manage conversations, store chats, and engage in dialogues on various topics. The tool supports the internal testing of new technologies for Siri, which is undergoing a significant overhaul codenamed Linwood, aimed at making Siri a more powerful personal assistant. This project has faced delays due to engineering challenges and has resulted in changes to Apple’s AI leadership. The upgraded Siri is expected to debut as early as March, with ongoing negotiations with external partners, including Google. Apple is also planning a redesigned voice assistant and AI-driven web search functionalities for future releases.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Windows Sandbox is a criminally underrated feature

Windows Sandbox is a feature introduced with Windows 10, available exclusively on Pro editions or higher. It functions as a lightweight virtual machine that runs a fresh copy of the current Windows version without personal data or applications. Users can launch it without extensive setup, and it starts with a clean slate each time, ensuring no changes persist after a session. This isolation helps protect the main operating system from potential threats when testing new software. Windows Sandbox shares similarities with Hyper-V but cannot be enabled on the Home edition of Windows. Upgrading from Home to Pro costs approximately 0. It is considered a significant enhancement for users of Windows 11 Pro.