unease Archives

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.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

How I Fell Back In Love With Minecraft After 10 Years Away

The author first played Minecraft in 2010 and was captivated by its charm, comparing it to a digital Lego set. Over time, they drifted away from the game due to burnout and political controversies surrounding its creator, Markus “Notch” Persson. The author visited Mojang in March 2011 when Minecraft had sold over a million copies, a figure that has since grown to over 350 million. Persson's demeanor changed after the game's acquisition by Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014 and the emergence of GamerGate, leading to the author's negative feelings towards the game. The Donut SMP server, created by YouTuber DrDonut, peaked at nearly 46,000 players in a single day and features an in-game economy where players can buy and sell resources. The author's son initially sought a Minecraft Realm for his classmates but later requested to join the Donut SMP server after tensions arose in the Realm. The author, initially hesitant, found common ground with their son on the server, leading to collaborative gameplay that involved resource gathering and crafting. They created a secret base and automated systems, learning about supply and demand in the game's market. This experience rekindled the author's joy in Minecraft and strengthened their bond with their son.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin is upset with Microsoft, calls Windows boot process ‘dystopian’ – The Times of India

Vitalik Buterin expressed concerns about Microsoft's requirement for internet connectivity during the installation of Windows, calling the experience “dystopian.” He encountered a barrier while trying to boot into Windows to install Linux, as it required an internet connection to communicate with Microsoft’s servers. This commentary was in response to a post on X that suggested corporations are increasingly eliminating personal computer ownership, which could lead to a societal shift towards radical political ideologies. Buterin's remarks reflect unease regarding the power dynamics between consumers and corporations in the tech industry. In contrast, another user on X, known as ‘iRish,’ argued that most users may not share these concerns and that Microsoft is catering to the majority rather than tech-savvy individuals.

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

The 10 best PC games of 2025

PC gaming is experiencing a surge in popularity due to higher frame rates, ultra-wide monitor compatibility, modding capabilities, and robust backward compatibility. Players can upgrade individual components over time, enhancing long-term value. 1. Hades II - Metacritic score: 94; praised for its fast-paced action, character-driven storytelling, and expressive art. 2. Sektori - Metacritic score: 93; a minimalist PC shooter emphasizing precision and featuring twin-stick mechanics. 3. Blue Prince - Metacritic score: 92; combines puzzles and roguelike exploration with a unique structure. 4. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Metacritic score: 91; an RPG with surreal fantasy elements and turn-based combat. 5. Hollow Knight: Silksong - Metacritic score: 90; focuses on agile gameplay and features a vertically expansive world. 6. Split Fiction - Metacritic score: 90; an experimental narrative adventure exploring parallel storylines. 7. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Metacritic score: 90; expands the world and character arcs with enhanced PC features. 8. Despelote - Metacritic score: 89; a narrative about soccer and childhood through a reflective lens. 9. The Talos Principle: Reawakened - Metacritic score: 89; refines puzzles and philosophical themes for modern audiences. 10. The Seance of Blake Manor - Metacritic score: 89; a detective horror game focused on atmosphere and environmental storytelling.

AppWizard

December 13, 2025

Many games from The Game Awards are now on sale

Amazon is holding a sale on several acclaimed titles following The Game Awards on December 11th. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which won nine awards including game of the year, is available for .99, its lowest price to date. Silent Hill f, set in 1960s Japan, is priced at .99 for Prime members. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is available for .97, approximately 30% off the regular price. Split Fiction is available for both Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 for .99.

Winsage

December 8, 2025

Script to Nuke AI Features from Windows 11 Goes Viral Amid Privacy Backlash

A script named "RemoveWindowsAI," hosted on GitHub by developer zoicware, allows users to disable or remove AI features in Windows 11, such as Copilot and Recall. It modifies registry keys, removes AppX packages, and installs a custom update package to prevent reinstallation. The tool supports Windows 11 versions starting from 25H2 and includes options for user interaction and backups. Interest in the script increased significantly after a post on X, leading to over 12,000 likes and 300,000 views. The repository has received 938 stars and 25 forks. Microsoft has integrated AI features into Windows 11 but faces user concerns regarding privacy and performance, with some users expressing dissatisfaction over resource consumption and data harvesting.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

‘Systems-driven exploration game’ Kill Joy announced for PC

Developer Over The Moon has announced a new game titled Kill Joy, which is a "systems-driven exploration game" set in a surreal landscape filled with rainbows and unicorns. The game allows players to use foul language as a primary interaction method, inspired by The Outer Wilds, and will be available on PC via Steam, though no release date has been provided. Kill Joy encourages players to explore without guidance, relying on instincts to uncover secrets. Instead of traditional combat, players engage with the world through swearing, eliciting varied emotional responses from creatures. The game features a vibrant dreamscape that hides deeper issues, and players can break illusions tied to entities by making them cry, revealing hidden passages and memories. As players dispel illusions, they collect words, questions, and fragments of meaning to reconstruct their identity through deduction challenges.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Grab a free Steam key for AILA, the new survival horror FPS that’s a perfect warm-up for Resident Evil Requiem

Fireshine Games has released a new horror game titled AILA, a "psy-tech horror adventure" where players assume the role of a game tester accompanied by an AI assistant. The game features nightmarish scenarios, puzzles, and resource management, drawing inspiration from titles like Resident Evil and Amnesia. To celebrate the launch, Fireshine Games is giving away ten Steam keys until December 18, with winners notified via email. AILA is currently available on Steam at a 20% discount, priced at .99 / £19.99 until December 9.

Tech Optimizer

November 26, 2025

Bulgarian Judges Association raises concern over new antivirus software

Judges have opposed the introduction of the Trellix Endpoint Security Power Edition antivirus agent on their computers, citing concerns that it could infringe on personal data protection regulations and compromise judicial autonomy. The Bulgarian Judges Association has requested the immediate suspension of its implementation, expressing unease about its implications for information security. They argue that the antivirus program does not meet five essential EU standards for such software, raising questions about its suitability within the judicial framework.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

As Windows turns 40, Microsoft faces an AI backlash

Microsoft is transforming Windows into an "agentic OS" by integrating advanced AI capabilities, as announced at the Ignite conference. The reception has been mixed, with users expressing concerns similar to those after the release of Windows 8. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri faced criticism on social media regarding the initiative, with users calling for a return to simpler interfaces like Windows 7. Despite acknowledging user pain points, many feel that the focus on AI features overshadows necessary improvements. The integration of AI tools like Copilot has received mixed reviews, with reports of unreliability. CEO Satya Nadella envisions a shift towards AI agents performing tasks, while also emphasizing the need for user control over their experience. Microsoft aims to balance innovation with user preferences, allowing users to opt-in to AI features at their own pace. Recent developments include a hotfix driver from Nvidia for Windows 11 performance issues, the return of a calendar feature to Windows 11, integration of Google's AI models into GitHub Copilot, and enhancements in security and performance for Windows and Office applications.