visual enhancements

Winsage
July 21, 2025
Windows 11 is introducing updates to its taskbar in build 26120.4733, featuring a new animation that activates when users hover over open applications. This includes a “fly up” animation that displays a thumbnail reflecting the actual size of the app window, which adjusts dynamically for smaller windows. Additionally, a size-adjusting animation will activate when hovering between thumbnails of varying dimensions. Windows 11 will also introduce a "shared audio" feature, allowing users to connect and play music through multiple audio devices simultaneously via Quick Settings, compatible with Bluetooth devices supporting version 4.0 or higher. These updates are currently being tested in preview builds.
AppWizard
July 11, 2025
XREAL Games unveiled new gameplay footage for Zero Caliber 2 during the UploadVR Summer Showcase and announced a projected release window for its PC VR version on Steam, set for Q3 2025. The game, initially launched on Quest, is being adapted for PC VR with enhancements including advanced enemy AI, improved ragdoll physics, dynamic shadows, enhanced explosion and weapon effects, refined environments and lighting, and smoother vehicle animations. Several missions are being rebuilt, and character models are receiving further refinement. Additionally, Zero Caliber 1 is targeting a Q3 2025 launch on PlayStation VR2, with plans for Zero Caliber 2 on the same platform contingent on the performance of Zero Caliber VR. Currently, Zero Caliber 2 is available on Quest.
AppWizard
July 5, 2025
Bandai Namco announced that the Next-Gen Update for the PC version of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will be released on July 17, 2023. This update is a free upgrade for existing owners and includes visual enhancements such as improved lighting, vegetation, water effects, and higher-quality textures. The game originally launched on PC in 2020 and was well-received for its performance, with minimal stuttering and proper keyboard and mouse support. The update brings the PC version in line with enhancements previously made for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in January 2023.
Winsage
July 2, 2025
Windows 11 provides several adjustments to enhance gaming performance, including: 1. Enable Game Mode: Prioritizes gaming processes. 2. Disable Memory Integrity: Can improve performance during gaming. 3. Disable Virtual Machine Platform: Turns off virtualization for better performance. 4. Change Power Mode: Set to "High Performance" for maximum resource allocation. 5. Enable Auto HDR: Enhances visuals for HDR-capable displays. 6. Enable Automatic Super Resolution: Upscales games using AI for better frame rates and image quality. 7. Change Game Default GPU: Set a specific GPU for individual games. 8. Install Games on Secondary Drive: Improves loading times, especially with SSDs. 9. Optimization for Windowed Games: Reduces input latency for windowed mode games. 10. Change Refresh Rate: Adjust to the highest available for smoother gameplay. 11. Disable Apps at Startup: Frees up system resources by minimizing startup applications. 12. Free Up Storage Space: Enhances system speed and gaming performance. 13. Install System Updates: Resolves performance issues and improves compatibility. 14. Update Graphic Drivers: Ensures optimal performance in games. 15. Debloat Setup: Uninstall unnecessary applications to free up resources. 16. Enable GPU Scheduling: Reduces latency by offloading tasks from the CPU. 17. Use DirectStorage: Allows faster asset loading from NVMe SSDs. 18. Enable Variable Refresh Rate: Synchronizes refresh rate with frame rate to reduce screen tearing. 19. Change Settings in Games: Adjust in-game settings for optimal performance. 20. Reset Your Computer: Restores system to optimal performance if issues persist.
AppWizard
July 2, 2025
Google is implementing its Material 3 Expressive design language across various Android applications, including Gmail and the stand-alone Chat app. The latest update for the Chat app (version 2025.06.15.771788943.Release) features interface modifications that enhance background colors for better visual contrast. The stand-alone Chat app differs from Gmail's Chat interface by lacking thin dividers between entries. The updates are being rolled out gradually, with not all users receiving the new design at the same time.
AppWizard
July 2, 2025
The Vibrant Visuals upgrade is Mojang Studios' first effort to enhance Minecraft's graphics, introducing features similar to community-created shaders and texture packs. It aims to refresh the game's visual appeal while keeping its signature aesthetic, incorporating richer lighting, realistic volumetric fog, and other enhancements. The new shaders are activated by default and exclusive to the Bedrock Edition, creating a more immersive atmosphere with improved lighting and reflections. However, the upgrade has some inconsistencies, including lighting and shadow glitches, and can only be toggled from the main menu, unlike the Java Edition. On the Xbox Series X, gameplay runs smoothly at 60FPS, while the Series S requires "favor performance" mode for stability. The upgrade shows Mojang's commitment to modernizing Minecraft's aesthetics while addressing minor issues could enhance the experience for players.
AppWizard
July 1, 2025
Google's Personal Safety app is undergoing visual enhancements in its latest version (2025.06.12.772866699.3-release), aligning with Material 3 Expressive design. Updates include bold headers, white boxes for information fields, redesigned toggles showing an “X” or tick for status, and a new pill-shaped green button for adding contacts. A three-dot button for each contact allows for easier removal and reordering, although removal may be slightly more complex. These design changes are currently exclusive to Android 16 QPR1, which is also updating its Safety and Emergency section.
AppWizard
June 28, 2025
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 will receive an enhanced edition on August 12, featuring improved graphics, including a new "very high" graphics setting. The update will reintroduce the Dark Rot mechanic from the first game, which grows with each death and can lead to losing all progress if it reaches Senua's head. The enhanced edition will be Steam Deck Verified and will include improvements to the photo mode and developer commentary. Critics have noted concerns about the game's focus on gameplay mechanics and Senua's character feeling disconnected from the story.
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