update features Archives

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

After 16 years, The Dark Mod finally has guards as perceptive as in Thief: ‘The days of seeing knocked-out AI in the middle of a bright spotlight get ignored are over’

The Dark Mod, launched in 2009 as a total conversion for Doom 3 and transitioned to a standalone title in 2013, has released its latest update, version 2.13, which includes significant enhancements to gameplay. The update features a comprehensive rework of guard AI, improving their perceptiveness to mirror the original Thief experience. The AI now utilizes a "stochastic sampler model" that allows them to gauge illumination levels effectively, making them more aware of their surroundings. Additionally, the update introduces support for parallax occlusion mapping, enhancing visual detail, particularly in ceiling rendering, along with improved water reflections and volumetric lights. User experience improvements include a refined mission management system with a search filter and updates to the training mission. A fix for the "broken behaviors" of drunk guard AI has also been implemented. The Dark Mod 2.13 is available for download, and fans have access to unofficial content, including the 2023 campaign The Black Parade and the upcoming game Thick as Thieves.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

This big Oreon 10 update might be the push you need to finally leave Microsoft Windows behind

Oreon 10, launched in December, is a potential successor to Microsoft Windows, built on AlmaLinux and designed for a user-friendly experience similar to Windows. The latest update, Oreon 10 (Build 2504), features a newly ported GNOME 48 desktop environment, fixes bugs related to timezone detection and fractional scaling, and includes a refreshed theme for legacy GNOME applications. The update also introduces new packages, a fresh default background, and panel blur for improved aesthetics. Oreon 10 (Build 2504) is available for download with updated ISOs for x86_64 architecture, while arm64 versions are pending.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Windows’ Cortana is back from the dead, and you’re not going to like her new form

Cortana has been reintroduced as Copilot, which allows voice interaction through a hotkey. The Copilot update features voice commands and a microphone icon, aiming to enhance productivity in Windows 11. Users can engage with Copilot by holding the Alt + Spacebar for two seconds and can end the conversation by pressing the Esc key. Unlike Cortana, Copilot does not permit users to adjust system settings via voice commands; instead, it directs users to the Copilot app for interaction.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

Update for Copilot on Windows begins rolling out to Windows Insiders with new features and improvements

The Microsoft Copilot app on Windows is being updated to version 1.25023.101.0 and higher, featuring a redesigned side panel for easier conversation initiation and access to conversation history. Users can ask specific questions about their PC, receiving tailored responses based on their Windows version. Quick access is available via the Alt + Space hotkey or the Copilot Key on compatible PCs. The update is being rolled out gradually through the Microsoft Store to all Insider Channels. Feedback can be submitted through the Feedback Hub or directly within the Copilot app.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

I have good news and bad news about Windows 11 24H2’s new update: it introduces nifty features and fixes… but also includes another ad

Microsoft has released an optional patch for Windows 11 24H2, identified as KB5052093, which includes enhancements and fixes. Notably, the update introduces a referral card for a PC Game Pass subscription within the Settings app for users signed in with a Microsoft account. This advertisement allows users to invite friends and family to try the service for free if they qualify. The update also features the ability to share files directly from a jump list on the taskbar, new functionalities in the Narrator tool for accessibility, simultaneous webcam access for multiple applications, and various bug fixes in File Explorer. The advertisement will become mandatory with the March patch, and will only be visible to Microsoft account users who are PC Game Pass subscribers.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Deadlock gets a massive map overhaul that shrinks its map from four lanes to three: ‘This has a large range of accompanying map-wide changes’

Valve has announced a comprehensive update for its third-person MOBA, Deadlock, which includes a complete overhaul of the game’s map, redesigning it from 4 lanes to 3 lanes. The update features visual upgrades, revamped building layouts, new pathways, neutral camps, air vents, breakable objects, power-up buffs, juke spots, and a mid-boss area. An 'Explore map' feature has been introduced for players to familiarize themselves with movement and navigation mechanics. Additional features include new skybridges, a relocated mid-boss, new jungle camps, and aesthetic enhancements. The update also adds support for DLSS, reworks soul orbs, enhances damage reporting, and introduces “curved ziplines.” Nearly every playable character has received updates, including new animations and voiceover remasters. Access to Deadlock requires an invitation from an existing player.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

New Next-Gen GTA Online Update For PC Release Date Confirmed By Rockstar

Rockstar Games has announced that the next-gen update of GTA V and GTA Online for PC will be released on March 4th. This update will be free for existing owners of GTA V on PC and includes enhancements such as new vehicles, upgraded graphics, ray tracing capabilities, and faster loading times. Players will also be able to transfer their Story Mode and GTA Online progress. The update features new vehicles, including the Coil Cyclone II and Imponte Arbiter GT, and requires specific hardware for optimal performance. Ongoing support for the original version of GTA V and GTA Online will continue, allowing players with lower-spec systems to receive updates.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

GTA 5 on PC is finally getting next-gen console enhancements, and GTA+ subscriptions

On March 4, players of Grand Theft Auto 5 on PC will receive a complimentary update that includes enhancements previously available only on PS5 and Xbox Series. This update features ray tracing, support for AMD FSR1, FSR3, and NVIDIA DLSS 3, faster loading times, higher resolutions and framerates, DualSense controller support, and enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos. Additionally, PC players will gain access to new features in GTA Online, including new vehicles, a Career Progress feature, a revamped Landing Page, and the Ambient Animals side quest. For the first time, PC gamers can purchase GTA+, a premium membership service for GTA Online, which offers exclusive benefits. Take-Two Interactive confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for release in Fall 2025.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Microsoft makes massive MIDI improvements for musicians using Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced the Windows MIDI Services Public Preview with the rollout of Windows 11 build 27788, which includes full support for MIDI 2.0. This update features a new USB MIDI 2.0 Class Driver that is backward compatible with MIDI 1.0, and a Windows MIDI Services App SDK for managing MIDI settings. Key enhancements include: - Full support for the MIDI 2.0 Standard, enabling high-speed data transmission and improved message fidelity. - Faster transports for better timing and reduced jitter. - Multi-client endpoints allowing multiple applications to access each endpoint simultaneously. - Enhanced endpoint and port management for improved organization. - In-service scheduling for managing timestamped messages. - Built-in loopback and app-to-app MIDI for complex routing. - Automatic translation between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0. - Expanded device metadata for enhanced functionality. - Improved notifications for device management. - Backward compatibility with the WinMM MIDI 1.0 API. - An open-source initiative for the MIDI Service and associated tools.