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We tested Advanced Shader Delivery on the RX 9070 XT in six games — up to 95% improvement in load times and 33 percent faster 1% Low FPS
AppWizard
May 25, 2026

We tested Advanced Shader Delivery on the RX 9070 XT in six games — up to 95% improvement in load times and 33 percent faster 1% Low FPS

Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) significantly reduces load times and improves frame rates in games. In tests across six titles, loading times improved by up to 95%, and certain games showed enhancements in 1% low FPS metrics. ASD allows precompiled shaders to be included with game downloads, preventing shader compilation stutter. Forza Horizon 6 saw load times decrease from 48 seconds to 2 seconds (96% improvement), while The Outer Worlds 2's load time dropped from nearly three minutes to 9 seconds (95% reduction). Ninja Gaiden 4 experienced smoother gameplay with ASD enabled, despite no pre-compilation step. Avowed's load time improved by 78%, reducing the wait by over two minutes. Hogwarts Legacy had a 56% reduction in load time, while Silent Hill f did not benefit from ASD in terms of load times but still faced shader compilation stutters.
Windows 11 brings back taskbar positioning and resizing, but longtime users will notice key differences
Winsage
May 24, 2026

Windows 11 brings back taskbar positioning and resizing, but longtime users will notice key differences

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to the Taskbar in Windows 11 with the latest preview build (26300.8493) from the Experimental channel for version 25H2. Users can now reposition the Taskbar to any edge of the screen—top, bottom, left, or right. The Taskbar can also be resized, allowing users to reduce its height and button size without needing a system restart. The option to change the Taskbar position is available under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, and resizing options are found in the same section. However, the implementation lacks the intuitive drag-and-drop functionality present in Windows 10, requiring users to navigate through settings for adjustments. Additionally, when the Taskbar is vertical, the year is shown in an abbreviated format, and seconds are omitted from the time display. The auto-hide feature has some issues, and the tablet-optimized Taskbar is limited to the bottom position.
Windows in Transition: From Tool to Entry Point into the Microsoft Ecosystem
Winsage
May 24, 2026

Windows in Transition: From Tool to Entry Point into the Microsoft Ecosystem

Windows 7 was launched in 2009 and was known for its reliability and user-friendly interface. Windows 8, released in October 2012, marked a significant shift in Microsoft's approach by prioritizing touch control and eliminating the classic Start menu, which alienated desktop users. Windows 7 introduced features like Libraries and Windows Media Center, many of which were removed or obscured in later versions. Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020. Windows 10, launched in July 2015, reintroduced the Start menu and offered a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users. Windows 11 was launched on October 5, 2021, with stricter hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, which excluded many existing PCs from upgrading. The evolution of Windows reflects a trend towards integrating Microsoft services and subscription models, diminishing user autonomy. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pressuring users to transition to Windows 11 or consider alternatives.
I’ve used the new Google Health app for a week, and I hate it
AppWizard
May 24, 2026

I’ve used the new Google Health app for a week, and I hate it

User feedback on the new Google Health app revealed mixed sentiments: 28% praised it as "gorgeous and so useful," 26% found it visually appealing but cumbersome, 10% appreciated its functionality but disliked the aesthetic, 20% expressed indifference, and 16% had not transitioned from Fitbit. The app's design features lengthy text explanations from the Google Health Coach that overshadow vital statistics, diminishing usability. The Fitness and Sleep tabs also exhibit design flaws, with excessive scrolling and text before essential metrics. Users cannot easily move tiles or customize the home screen, limiting visibility for health data. Suggested improvements include presenting metrics and graphs upfront, allowing tile customization, resizing the home screen tile section, prioritizing workouts in the Fitness tab, and displaying sleep statistics before interpretations in the Sleep tab.
Gemini Live redesign now works with more ‘Connected Apps’ on Android
AppWizard
May 23, 2026

Gemini Live redesign now works with more ‘Connected Apps’ on Android

Gemini Live on Android has expanded its integration capabilities, allowing access to a wider range of first- and third-party "Connected Apps." The update introduces a new floating interface that integrates Gemini Live into the text chat experience. Previously, it connected only with Google services and select third-party alternatives. The first-party app list now includes services such as Home, Hotels, Flights, Workspace, Image generation, Shopping, Utilities, YouTube, YouTube Music, and Spotify. The Utilities section introduces timers and alarms, but the ability to send Messages via Gemini Live is still forthcoming.
I tested Windows 11’s return of taskbar positioning and resizing, and it’s not the classic Windows 10 experience
Winsage
May 23, 2026

I tested Windows 11’s return of taskbar positioning and resizing, and it’s not the classic Windows 10 experience

The Taskbar in Windows 11 will receive enhancements allowing users to reposition and resize it, similar to features in Windows 10. The latest build, 26300.8493, enables placement of the Taskbar at any screen edge—top, bottom, left, or right. The interface will adapt to the Taskbar's position, with the Start menu and Search opening downward when docked at the top. In a vertical layout, the year will be abbreviated, and seconds will not be displayed. Users can ungroup app labels using the "Never combine" option when the Taskbar is on the left or right. The new "Taskbar position" setting is found under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar in the "Taskbar behaviors" section.
Microsoft solves case of vanishing Windows 11 desktop — fix is rolling out for blank desktop, taskbar freezes and other flakiness
Winsage
May 23, 2026

Microsoft solves case of vanishing Windows 11 desktop — fix is rolling out for blank desktop, taskbar freezes and other flakiness

Windows 11 has been experiencing interface issues, including a freezing taskbar, unresponsive File Explorer, and blank desktops, which Microsoft has categorized as 'general reliability' issues. To address these concerns, Microsoft is rolling out the May update for Windows 11, which began distribution last week. This update aims to enhance the reliability of components like explorer.exe, taskbar menus, and Task View interactions. Users may experience improvements in performance, particularly during sign-in processes and when managing items in File Explorer's Quick Access. The update is also being tested for the upcoming 26H1 version for Arm-based Snapdragon devices. Despite the positive changes, some users remain cautious about potential new glitches.
'Off the wishlist it comes': 007 First Light fans are requesting refunds after learning about Denuvo DRM addition ahead of launch
AppWizard
May 22, 2026

‘Off the wishlist it comes’: 007 First Light fans are requesting refunds after learning about Denuvo DRM addition ahead of launch

IO Interactive has decided to implement Denuvo Digital Rights Management (DRM) into the game 007 First Light just days before its launch, leading to significant discontent among potential players who have expressed their frustrations on Steam and initiated refund requests. Players criticize Denuvo for its impact on game performance and restrictions on PC users, with many stating they will not purchase the game at launch as a result. Denuvo has faced scrutiny for its effectiveness, as many games have been cracked despite its use. The likelihood of IO Interactive reversing its decision to include Denuvo seems low, reflecting a trend among game publishers prioritizing anti-piracy measures over consumer satisfaction.
InPVP acquires Feather Client, rebrands as Dawn
AppWizard
May 22, 2026

InPVP acquires Feather Client, rebrands as Dawn

InPVP has acquired Feather Client, a third-party Minecraft launcher, focusing on its in-game technology rather than the launcher itself. The acquisition was announced by InPVP owner Mohamed “PizzaMC” Weheba at the UGCon conference in Las Vegas. Feather Client’s parent company, Silentstack, will launch a new launcher called Dawn. Weheba clarified that the acquisition involves a sale of assets without taking on previous liabilities. The acquisition follows allegations of ad fraud against Feather Client. Weheba plans to reduce reliance on ad monetization and focus on direct-to-consumer revenue streams, including the sale of cosmetics and in-game items. He aims to enhance user experience with features like a profanity filter for voice chat and plans to collaborate with the competitive Minecraft organization MCPVP for tournaments. Aditude, Feather's former ad tech provider, has resumed its partnership with Dawn, expressing confidence in Weheba's leadership and the new direction of the project.
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