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Microsoft's wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024
Winsage
December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.
The best Windows PowerToys tool is about to get a whole lot better
Winsage
December 27, 2024

The best Windows PowerToys tool is about to get a whole lot better

Microsoft announced that its PowerToys Run tool will undergo significant transformation in 2025, introducing new extensions for enhanced functionality and customization. Kayla Cinnamon shared a teaser trailer on Christmas Day, indicating the potential for third-party developers to create custom extensions. While a specific release date has not been provided, there is notable anticipation for the upcoming features and improvements.
30 Amazing PC Games of All Time
AppWizard
December 27, 2024

30 Amazing PC Games of All Time

PC gaming has evolved significantly, with advancements in hardware leading to cinematic visuals and a broader understanding of gaming. Certain genres, like computer role-playing games and strategy titles, continue to thrive. "Sons of the Forest" is highlighted as a notable title, encouraging players to experience the original game to appreciate its sequel. The game features innovative tools, such as solar-powered golf karts and hang-gliders, a variety of firearms and melee weapons, AI helpers, and a revamped building system. While the narrative isn't the main focus, the game offers a wide range of engaging activities, showcasing the exploration, survival, and creativity that define PC gaming.
10 Minecraft updates fans would like in future
AppWizard
December 25, 2024

10 Minecraft updates fans would like in future

Minecraft players have expressed various desires for future updates on the game's subreddit, with a thread initiated by user Mammoth-Warthog6340 serving as a platform for these discussions. Key suggestions include: 1. Enhancements to ambiance with additional effects and sounds, such as particle effects and softer rain sounds. 2. A rework of older mobs for more fluid animations and realistic portrayals. 3. Introduction of new village variants in jungle and swamp biomes, along with new trade rules for villagers. 4. A redstone update featuring sticky redstone, resmeltable copper ingots, and new minecart mechanics. 5. An update for The End dimension, including biome overhauls, ambient sounds, and new ore types. 6. A dedicated optimization update to improve performance across devices. 7. Incorporation of mobs that lost past Mob Votes, like the moo bloom and Iceologer. 8. A seasons update to introduce varying weather conditions. 9. Addition of new tree types, such as peach and mango trees, for enhanced building options. 10. A comprehensive environment update to introduce new animals and biomes, aiming for a more vibrant ecosystem.
If 2024 proves anything, it's that mainstream success hasn't made PC gaming any less weird—and thank God for that
AppWizard
December 25, 2024

If 2024 proves anything, it’s that mainstream success hasn’t made PC gaming any less weird—and thank God for that

PC gaming has transitioned from a niche hobby to a significant competitor against consoles, highlighted by the success of titles like Baldur's Gate 3. The Steam wishlist charts showcase a diverse range of games, including janky survival games, indie debuts, and obscure titles that gain unexpected popularity. Notable games this year include a survival game with 25 million players, a poker roguelike, and Stalker 2. Discussions around Game of the Year awards featured unconventional games, reflecting the eclectic nature of PC gaming. Despite the rise of console-first releases on PC, the platform continues to embrace a variety of genres and interests, maintaining its unique identity and charm.
Steam's Best of the Year highlights the top-selling and most-played games of 2024
AppWizard
December 24, 2024

Steam’s Best of the Year highlights the top-selling and most-played games of 2024

Steam's annual Best of The Year feature for 2024 showcases top-selling games organized into categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Platinum category includes standout releases such as Space Marine 2, Helldivers 2, Black Myth: Wukong, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Elden Ring, and Baldur's Gate 3. Free-to-play titles like Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, and Destiny 2 also contribute to this group. Cyberpunk 2077 has made a comeback in the Gold category with a Very Positive rating. The Silver group features Dragon's Dogma 2, Diablo IV, and Stalker 2, which sold a million units within two days of its launch. The Bronze category includes budget-friendly titles like Balatro, Silent Hill 2, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and No Man's Sky. Every game from last year's Platinum category is present in 2024, except for Starfield. Steam tracks peak concurrent players, with titles like Black Myth, Elden Ring, and Path of Exile 2 reaching 450,000 or more players. Popular Steam Deck games include Balatro, Dave the Diver, and Hades, while new releases like Manor Lords and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero are in the Platinum section.
Google Keep May Become a System App in Android 16
AppWizard
December 21, 2024

Google Keep May Become a System App in Android 16

Google Keep is transitioning into a system app on Android 16 devices, as seen in the Android 16 Developer Preview 2, where it is listed as a pre-installed application that cannot be uninstalled without root access. This change positions Google Keep alongside essential system applications like Phone, Contacts, and the Google Play Store. The app recently gained compatibility with Google Tasks, indicating a renewed focus on enhancing its functionality within the Android ecosystem. Future updates are expected to further integrate Google Keep as a key productivity tool on the platform.
Google Keep might become an essential Android app
AppWizard
December 20, 2024

Google Keep might become an essential Android app

Google Keep may soon be classified as a core system app in the Android ecosystem, as indicated in the Android 16 Developer Preview 2. This change means that users upgrading to this version will find Google Keep integrated into their devices and it will become uninstallable without root access. Earlier this year, Google integrated Keep with its Tasks feature, streamlining note and reminder management. The promotion of Keep to a system app suggests a renewed commitment to its development and potential introduction of advanced features. Users can expect quicker updates, enhanced performance, and innovative features, but those who do not wish to use Google Keep will be unable to remove it without rooting their devices.
Android 16 may promote this Google app to a core app that cannot be uninstalled
AppWizard
December 20, 2024

Android 16 may promote this Google app to a core app that cannot be uninstalled

Google Keep is set to become a system app in Android 16's Developer Preview 2, meaning it will no longer be uninstallable, although users can disable it. This change aligns with Google's plans to introduce a new lock screen notes feature. As a system app, Google Keep will be integrated more deeply into the Android ecosystem, alongside other core applications. The anticipated lock screen note-taking feature is expected to debut with Android 15, allowing users to take notes without unlocking their devices.
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