Apps & Games news for Desktop Page 124

28 Aug 2024

Windows 11 Update Expected to Boost AMD Zen 5 Gaming Performance

AMD's Zen 5 architecture shows a 16% IPC gain over Zen 4, but gaming performance has lagged. AMD attributes this to testing in admin mode. The upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update is expected to enhance gaming performance for Zen 5 processors, with positive reviews for Ryzen 9600X, 9700X, 9900X, and 9950X.

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28 Aug 2024

Windows 11 Update Boosts AMD Ryzen CPU Performance by Up to 35%

AMD's Ryzen 9000 CPUs faced a rocky launch, but a Windows 11 update (24H2) has boosted performance. The Ryzen 7 9700X saw an 11% average gaming improvement, with up to 35% in some titles. Older Ryzen models also benefited. The update is exclusive to AMD, with public release expected by October.

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28 Aug 2024

Microsoft Enhances Windows 11 with KB5041587 Update, Fixes File Explorer Bugs

Microsoft has released the KB5041587 preview update for Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2, enhancing sharing capabilities and fixing File Explorer issues. Users can now share content with Android devices via the Link to Windows app. The update is available through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.

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28 Aug 2024

SafeBreach Labs Identifies Emerging Threats in Latest Hacker's Playbook

SafeBreach's Hacker’s Playbook identifies emerging threats, including Windows Downdate and Quick Share vulnerabilities, enabling customers to simulate advanced attacks. New threats like MagicRAT and Hesperbot are also covered. SafeBreach offers a complimentary ransomware assessment, RansomwareRx.

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28 Aug 2024

Intego Discounts Mac Antivirus Software to $19.99 Annually for Limited Time

Intego is promoting its Mac antivirus software at $19.99 per year, reduced from $49.99. The software includes real-time malware protection, a web shield, parental controls, and automatic updates. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This limited-time offer aims to attract new customers.

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28 Aug 2024

4MLinux 46.0 Launches with Enhanced Performance for Older Hardware

4MLinux 46.0, a lightweight operating system, offers enhanced efficiency and performance on older hardware. It features faster boot times and application launches than Windows 11, and includes a suite of applications like LibreOffice, GIMP, and Firefox. New updates support various media formats and programming languages.

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28 Aug 2024

AMD's Ryzen 9000 and 7000 CPUs Gain Performance Boost in Windows 11 Update

AMD has introduced branch prediction optimizations for Ryzen 9000 "Zen 5" and Ryzen 7000 CPUs in Windows 11 23H2 via update "KB5041587." Initially exclusive to Windows 11 24H2, these optimizations offer notable gaming performance gains and are available in the "Optional Updates" section.

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28 Aug 2024

AMD Branch Prediction Optimizations Backported to Windows 11 23H2 Update

AMD has confirmed that branch prediction optimizations, aimed at boosting performance, have been backported to the Windows 11 23H2 update (KB5041587). The performance uplift is expected to be similar to the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update, currently in Release Preview. Further testing is needed.

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28 Aug 2024

AMD Ryzen 9000 Series Sees Mixed Reviews Amid Windows 11 Update Adjustments

AMD's Ryzen 9000 series processors have received mixed reviews, partly due to performance issues linked to Windows 11 24H2. AMD and Microsoft have backported scheduler enhancements to Windows 11 23H2, improving performance for Ryzen 5000, 7000, and 9000 CPUs with the KB5041587 update.

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27 Aug 2024

GOG Offers Tropico 4 Free for Limited Time During Back to School Sale

Tropico 4 is free on GOG until August 29, with its Complete DLC Pack at half price. GOG's Back to School sale offers over 5,800 games, including 80% off titles like Alien: Isolation Collection and Gris. The sale runs until September 10.

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27 Aug 2024

Square Enix to Release Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on PC

Square Enix will release Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince for PC via Steam on September 11, 2023. Originally launched on Nintendo Switch, the PC version includes all downloadable content but excludes the "Online Battles" mode. Players can create teams from over 500 monsters.

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27 Aug 2024

Core Keeper Launches 1.0 Version with New Features and Steam Discount

Core Keeper has launched its 1.0 version after an extensive early access period. The update includes a new biome, bosses, and character classes. Available on PC Game Pass and at a 20% discount on Steam for ten days. Early access worlds are incompatible with new features; new worlds are recommended.

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27 Aug 2024

AMD Ryzen CPUs to Gain Performance Boost with Windows 11 24H2 Update

AMD will enhance Ryzen CPU performance with the 24H2 Windows 11 update, boosting Ryzen 9000 series and older models. Tests show a 10% increase for Ryzen 7 7700X and 11% for Ryzen 7 9700X at 1080p. The update, releasing late September, also improves Ryzen 7800X3D and Ryzen 9 7950X performance.

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27 Aug 2024

New Tool Windows Downdate Enables Downgrade Attacks on Windows Systems

SafeBreach's Alon Leviev has unveiled Windows Downdate, an open-source tool enabling downgrade attacks on Windows systems. It exploits vulnerabilities CVE-2024-21302 and CVE-2024-38202, allowing malicious actors to revert updates and exploit patched vulnerabilities. Microsoft advises protective measures.

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27 Aug 2024

Windows 11 Beta Adds Category View and Lock Screen Media Controls

A new "category" view in Windows 11 beta Build 22635.4082 organizes applications into groups like "entertainment" and "music." This feature is not fully customizable and requires specialized tools to activate. The beta also adds media controls on the lock screen for easier media management.

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27 Aug 2024

Steam Sets New Record with Over 37 Million Concurrent Users

Steam reached a record of 37,266,324 concurrent users, with 12,534,703 actively engaged in gameplay. This is the fourth time this year Steam has broken its own records, driven by popular games like Black Myth: Wukong, which saw a peak of 2,068,291 concurrent players.

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27 Aug 2024

Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Build 22635.4082 with Key Updates and Fixes

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 22635.4082 to Beta Channel Insiders. This update allows users to disable app notification suggestions, moves media controls on the lock screen, and redesigns the Delivery Optimization settings page. It also fixes explorer.exe and Start menu crashes and a memory leak issue.

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27 Aug 2024

Black Myth: Wukong Achieves Overwhelmingly Positive Rating on Steam

Black Myth: Wukong has received an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating on Steam, reflecting strong player engagement. The Simple Map mod, popular in the modding community, has over 30,000 downloads and offers features like fullscreen view and adjustable camera angles, enhancing the gaming experience.

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27 Aug 2024

Epic Games Store and GoG Offer Free Titles Including Callisto Protocol

The Epic Games Store is offering free titles, including Callisto Protocol and Gigantic. Additionally, users with a free GoG account can claim Tropico 4 at no cost. Tropico 4, known for its management simulation gameplay, typically costs £12.99 and is now available DRM-free through GoG.

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27 Aug 2024

Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws Set for August 2024 Release Across Platforms

Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws, an open-world action-adventure game, is set for release on August 30, 2024, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Players follow Kay Vess and her companion Nix through a chaotic world. The game is priced at €69.99 for PS5 and Xbox.

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27 Aug 2024

Microsoft to Host Windows Endpoint Security Summit on September 10, 2024

Microsoft will host the Windows Endpoint Security Ecosystem Summit on September 10, 2024, in Redmond, Washington. Industry leaders, including CrowdStrike, will discuss enhancing infrastructure protection. The summit follows a recent CrowdStrike outage, emphasizing the need for improved security measures.

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27 Aug 2024

Firaxis Games Unveils Civilization VII with New Chapter-Based Gameplay

At Gamescom, Firaxis Games unveiled Civilization VII, featuring a restructured gameplay divided into three chapters. The game aims to enhance player engagement with flexible leader-civilization pairings and improved military mechanics. Set for release in February 2025, it will be narrated by Gwendoline Christie.

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27 Aug 2024

How to Dual-Boot Windows 11 on a Mac Using Boot Camp or Parallels

Dual-booting on a Mac enables users to switch between macOS and Windows 11, offering access to Windows-exclusive applications and gaming. Using Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop, users can install Windows 11 on Intel or Apple M1/M2 Macs, enhancing versatility and productivity.

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27 Aug 2024

Windows Update KB5041585 Causes High CPU Usage and System Slowdowns

KB5041585, a Windows update addressing CVE-2024-38063 and a BitLocker BSOD issue, has introduced high CPU usage, increased temperatures, and system slowdowns. Users report installation failures, Wi-Fi issues, and persistent BSODs. Uninstall attempts fail as the update reinstalls itself.

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27 Aug 2024

Pasokon Retro Celebrates Konami's Hyper Sports Trilogy on MSX Platform

Pasokon Retro explores the early years of Japanese PC gaming, spotlighting Konami's Hyper Sports trilogy for the MSX platform (1984-1985). The games simulate athletic events, offering an engaging experience that tests precision and strategy, capturing the essence of competition in a nostalgic setting.

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27 Aug 2024

Ubisoft to Release Star Wars Outlaws on August 30, 2024

Ubisoft will release the open-world game Star Wars Outlaws on August 30, 2024. Early access for pre-orders of the Gold and Ultimate Editions begins August 26/27. The official launch time is 12 am on August 30, with staggered release times for PC players based on their regions.

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27 Aug 2024

Black Myth: Wukong Hits 2 Million Players, Boosts Tourism and Marketing

Black Myth: Wukong, released on August 20, saw over 2 million concurrent players within 24 hours and sold 10 million copies in three days, generating over $500 million. With 90% of PC players from China or Hong Kong, the game is influencing tourism and marketing strategies.

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27 Aug 2024

Windows 11 Update Boosts Performance for AMD Ryzen 9000 and 7000 CPUs

AMD's Ryzen 9000 "Zen 5" and Ryzen 7000 "Zen 4" CPUs have improved performance after the Windows 11 24H2 update. AMD's tests show a 9% uplift at 1080p for Ryzen 9000 series. Benchmarks reveal double-digit gains in gaming. The update also boosts Intel SKUs.

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27 Aug 2024

Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Build 22635.4082 with Key Enhancements

Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 22635.4082 for Beta Channel participants in the Windows Insider Program. The update, identified as KB5041876, includes enhancements to Lock screen media controls, redesigned Delivery Optimization settings, and various fixes for system stability.

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26 Aug 2024

Microsoft to Introduce Hot-Patching for Windows 11 24H2, Reducing Reboots

Microsoft is considering hot-patching for Windows 11 24H2, aiming to streamline updates without mandatory restarts. This will apply to x86 versions and monthly security updates, reducing reboots. Benefits include reduced disruption, faster updates, enhanced security, and simplified management.

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