unease Archives

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Eldritch Katamari-like In Full Bloom has me fattening up an all-devouring blob creature, and it’s eerily therapeutic

Entithy is a small, Play-Doh-like sphere created by Obleak Games, characterized by its cuteness and insatiable appetite. The game "In Full Bloom" combines Tamagotchi-style nurturing with Katamari-esque consumption, where players care for Entithy and guide its growth. The game features a darker thematic approach with a soundscape that evokes unease, and an art style inspired by Tim Burton. Players start with Entithy in a sandpit, feeding it various items like bugs and decayed food to help it grow. As players progress, Entithy evolves, developing teeth and the ability to consume more substantial food. The demo concludes before fully exploring Entithy’s potential, leaving players curious about its future growth. The demo is available on Steam, with a full release expected in 2026.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Console and PC players trade hope and despair while they await Crimson Desert, as first PS5 Pro footage looks promising but Steam suddenly warns of Denuvo DRM

Crimson Desert is generating mixed reactions in the gaming community, particularly among PS5 and Xbox players who are cautious following the Cyberpunk 2077 launch. Recent console footage has showcased impressive visuals, and Digital Foundry has released a favorable analysis of the PS5 Pro version, highlighting three visual modes: Performance (upscaled 1080p at 60fps), Balanced (upscaled 1440p at 40fps), and Quality (native 4K at 30fps). However, PC gamers are concerned about the inclusion of Denuvo Anti-tamper technology, which has led to discontent on Steam and within the PC gaming subreddit due to its potential impact on performance. Despite these concerns, some industry experts have praised the game, with Richard Linneman calling it "one of the most impressive open-world experiences" and another reviewer describing it as an "overstuffed toybox" with entertainment value but lacking cohesion.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

After decades with Linux, I tried to use Windows 11 – and found 9 glaring issues

Jack Wallen transitioned from Linux to Windows 11 for a week and encountered several frustrations: 1. Creating a local account was cumbersome compared to Linux. 2. Google passkeys did not work without enabling the "Hello" service. 3. The Mailbird email client demanded payment after installation, locking him out of other applications. 4. The natural scrolling feature reverted to its default setting despite attempts to disable it. 5. Advertisements appeared within the Windows 11 interface. 6. The default save location for files was OneDrive, which he had not logged into. 7. Windows 11 used excessive resources, causing his laptop to run hot. 8. Virus and Threat Protection settings were not enabled by default. 9. The laptop screen failed to enter hibernation or turn off automatically, risking battery drain.

Winsage

March 7, 2026

New Windows 12 Rumors Were Immediately Debunked

Recent discussions about a potential subscription-based, AI-centric operating system from Microsoft have caused concern among Windows users, particularly with rumors of Windows 12's imminent arrival. Brad Chacos from PCWorld clarified that the original German article fueling these rumors lacked credible sources, leading to misinformation. Microsoft has confirmed its commitment to Windows 11, as shown in its Windows Roadmap, which focuses on refining the current OS rather than introducing Windows 12 soon. The article incorrectly claimed that Windows 12 would have an AI-driven modular architecture linked to Microsoft's CorePC initiative, which may have been abandoned. Additionally, data from the February 2026 Steam Hardware Survey indicated a 12% increase in Windows 10 users and a 10% decrease in Windows 11 users, suggesting challenges in managing two operating systems and complicating the introduction of a third.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

With developer verification, Google’s Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android’s open legacy

The F-Droid team published an open letter to Google, supported by 35 organizations, expressing concerns about Google's changes to the Android ecosystem. Many Android users rely on Google for app installations, facing challenges when trying to use alternative app stores or open-source apps without verification. Some developers are shifting to progressive web apps instead of Android. Alternatives to Google's verification system include non-certified Android devices and privacy-focused ROMs like LineageOS or GrapheneOS, but these options come with security vulnerabilities and installation difficulties for most users. Telecom companies impose restrictions on devices to ensure they work on their networks, leading to a reliance on stock software and security updates from Google and manufacturers.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Is Microsoft really spying on you with Windows telemetry?

Windows 10 was released in 2015 and faced criticism for its telemetry feature, which some viewed as a surveillance tool. In 2017, the Dutch Data Protection Authority found Microsoft's telemetry settings non-compliant with local privacy laws, leading to changes by Microsoft. Telemetry, termed diagnostic data by Microsoft, is essential for device reliability and security, with a baseline level of data collection set to "Required." Users can opt to limit data collection to this level. The Optional category of diagnostic data may include device settings and browsing history, raising privacy concerns. Microsoft introduced the Diagnostic Data Viewer in 2018 to enhance transparency, allowing users to inspect the telemetry data sent to them. As of now, Microsoft has over a billion monthly active Windows 11 users.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Hide from Meta’s spyglasses with this new Android app

An innovative Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, alerts users about nearby smart glasses using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The app detects manufacturer identifiers associated with smart eyewear, including Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, and notifies users when such glasses are in proximity. However, it may produce false positives due to other Bluetooth devices from the same manufacturer. The app's launch coincides with growing concerns about non-consensual recording, highlighted by incidents like a viral altercation on a New York subway involving smart glasses. Meta has stated that their glasses have an LED light that indicates when recording is occurring, but this indicator can be disabled. Legal experts warn that while video recording in public is generally allowed, collecting biometric data raises privacy concerns, and various state laws may require consent for audio recordings. Recent courtroom incidents have also underscored the contentious nature of wearable technology.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Gearbox finally wakes up with the first big Borderlands 4 update of the year and a roadmap, yet I’m still worried for its future

Gearbox announced a significant update for Borderlands 4 set for 2026, which includes enhanced loot drops in Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode, a rework of Harlowe's Zero-Point action skill, and the addition of a photo mode. The update integrates the Inertia augment into Harlowe's skill, boosts slam damage and status effects, and generates mini projectiles with successful attacks. Boss-related loot drops will increase with UVHM tiers, and a new setting to disable mouse smoothing has been added. A free update will introduce ultra-rare Pearlescent gear, and the first major story DLC, "Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned," is anticipated. Future content will include a second raid boss, a takedown, and three additional Bounty Packs. Gearbox aims to improve performance and stability while addressing character viability. Concerns remain about the game's future and the effectiveness of limited-time events.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Cutesy Stardew-like life sim with millions of players just hit Steam, but the PC version is a letdown and it’s awful news for Steam Deck

Heartopia, a life simulation game, has gained over five million players on mobile but has struggled to resonate with the Steam audience after its PC release. The game launched on Steam with vague announcements about its availability and received nearly 1,000 reviews shortly after, though feedback has been mixed. Players feel the PC version seems like an afterthought, with issues related to control schemes and the absence of controller support. The development team is engaging with the community but has provided generic responses regarding improvements. Despite these challenges, 69% of Steam reviews are positive, with players appreciating the game's charm, although frustrations about camera controls persist. Heartopia is available for free on Steam.

Winsage

January 8, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 AI Integration Draws Backlash on Performance, Privacy Woes

Microsoft's integration of artificial intelligence into Windows 11 has led to significant user dissatisfaction, with reports of sluggish performance, software bloating, and increased hardware strain. Users have experienced issues such as longer boot times, higher memory usage, and frequent glitches, particularly with features like Copilot, which disrupt multitasking. Outage trackers indicate surges in complaints about Microsoft Copilot, highlighting reliability issues. Concerns have also been raised about AI agents exhibiting hallucinations and security vulnerabilities, with users reporting risks of data leaks. Microsoft's claim that 30% of new Windows code is AI-generated has been met with skepticism due to persistent bugs. Hardware partners, such as Dell, have noted consumer disinterest in AI PCs, reflecting broader market hesitance. Privacy concerns have emerged regarding AI scanning user data, and internal reliance on AI for coding has led to notable errors. Security experts warn that deep AI integration could introduce new attack vectors. User feedback mechanisms have been criticized for slow responses, and there is a general call for AI tools that enhance rather than hinder user experience. Microsoft has adjusted its internal goals due to low demand for AI products, signaling a potential shift towards more user-centric updates.