third-party publishers Archives

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Amazon’s new Fire TV OS streams Android apps on worse hardware for the same price… why?

Amazon introduced the Fire TV Stick Select, featuring the new Vega OS, at its fall hardware event. The device will include a mix of Vega-native applications and clients using Amazon Web Services (AWS) for streaming, with existing Fire TV apps adaptable to the new platform. Developers will have nine months of free app streaming to create native Vega applications. The Fire TV Stick Select is priced similarly to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max but has less powerful hardware, including Wi-Fi 5 and limited HDR support. Concerns exist regarding the user experience, particularly if streaming quality is poor, which could affect Amazon's reputation in the market. The Appstore will indicate cloud notices for non-native apps, but user understanding of this feature may vary.

AppWizard

September 21, 2025

Weekend PC Download Deals for Sept. 19: Steam TGS sales

Major third-party publishers are offering discounts on their game libraries in anticipation of the Tokyo Game Show, including titles from Capcom, Square Enix, and Devolver Digital. Discounts are available on franchises like Assassin's Creed Shadows and the Dragon Ball series. LEGO Voyagers is launching with a significant discount on Gamebillet, while Fanatical has offers on Cronos: The New Dawn and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Humble Bundle has a new bundle featuring games from Remedy Entertainment, and Ubisoft's Autumn Sale is ongoing. Xbox Game Pass users have additional discounts on select titles. Green Man Gaming offers a 15% discount on PC games with the coupon code SEP15. Humble Choice subscribers can access various games for .99 per month, including WWE 2K25 and Destiny 2: Legacy Collection. Ubisoft's Autumn Sale allows savings on purchases of .99 or more with the coupon code AUTUMN.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Xbox App For PC Adds Aggregated Gaming Library in Preview

Microsoft is testing the integration of games from various digital storefronts, including Steam, into its Xbox app for PC, creating a new aggregated library accessible on the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally devices. This feature is available to Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming preview starting today. The library will include titles from platforms like Battle.net, Epic Games Store, and GOG, allowing users to view all installed games in one place. Users must join the PG Gaming Preview via the Xbox Insider Hub to participate in testing. Additionally, the Xbox app for PC will introduce a new section this month for better game discovery, featuring games from Microsoft and third-party publishers on Game Pass.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Predicting the (actually very exciting) future of Xbox hardware

A game analyst predicts that the high-end console market may not support both PlayStation and Xbox, suggesting a possible exit for Xbox. However, the relevance of console exclusives is diminishing as PlayStation expands to platforms like Steam, and Valve allows manufacturers to create consoles based on its operating system. Xbox is likely to increase its device variety, with Microsoft appointing Roanne Sones to lead its hardware ecosystem. Under her leadership, Xbox is expanding beyond traditional consoles, showcasing devices like the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC and mobile controllers. The upcoming CES 2025 will feature discussions on enhancing Windows for gaming handhelds. Both Xbox and PlayStation rely on x86 AMD architecture, and the industry is exploring monetization strategies amid rising costs and stagnant user growth. Microsoft aims to align Xbox more closely with Windows for easier game deployment and potential integration of third-party stores. There is speculation about eliminating the paywall for premium multiplayer gaming in the next generation. Successful execution of this vision is uncertain, as Microsoft must navigate regional marketing and distribution complexities while ensuring a smooth gaming experience and backward compatibility.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Microsoft Store expands to update all Win32 apps, but users remain skeptical

Microsoft is working to enhance the Windows App Store by allowing third-party publishers to manage updates for their Win32 applications directly through the Store. The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27758 introduces support for Win32 applications, enabling users to manage and update these programs without leaving the Store. Users can access updates via the "Downloads" page, but must manually initiate the update process. This centralized update feature is exclusive to applications downloaded from the Microsoft Store, while traditional Win32 software remains unaffected. The update capability provides developers with a new distribution method while retaining control over updates. Additionally, the build addresses various bugs in Windows components, although some compatibility issues with Windows 11 24H2 persist.