Microsoft showcased new tools and hardware for Windows development at the Build conference, including the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box for AI-driven solutions. The company is refining first-party applications under the Windows K2 initiative but has not prioritized the Widgets panel, which remains a concern for users despite minor improvements. Microsoft is assembling a team of app developers to enhance the Windows 11 app ecosystem, and the Microsoft Store has improved significantly with a larger library of applications. However, the Widgets panel continues to be overlooked in the modernization efforts.
The Google Play Store has launched a Personal Safety app that provides tools for emergency situations, including safety check-ins, medical information input, automatic location sharing with emergency contacts, and car crash detection for select devices. The Emergency SOS feature allows users to create shortcuts for quick access to emergency actions, such as calling services and recording video footage. Crisis Alerts notify users of nearby dangers, while Earthquake Alerts provide information on seismic activity. The Emergency Location Service (ELS) enables precise location sharing with emergency responders during calls or texts to emergency numbers.
Google has upgraded NotebookLM to enhance its capabilities beyond simple document summarization, making the research process more efficient and reliable. The new features include:
- NotebookLM can now automatically search the web and recommend sources, reducing manual reference gathering.
- A cloud-based system allows NotebookLM to perform background tasks and generate various file types, including PDFs, spreadsheets, charts, images, and presentations.
- The advanced Gemini 3.5 and Antigravity models improve the accuracy of responses and the handling of complex projects.
- The tool previously relied on user-uploaded files for information but now offers more precise responses without placing the burden of reference collection on users.
- Some features are currently available to Google AI Ultra subscribers and Workspace customers, with broader access expected soon.
Google implemented new restrictions on the installation of applications from sources outside the Play Store. A poll by Android Authority found that 43% of 3,661 respondents regularly sideload applications, while just over a third reported doing so a few times. About 20% claimed they had never installed apps from outside the Play Store.
Microsoft is set to enhance the user experience for Windows 11 by allowing users to disable web search results during local searches. This feature will be available in the settings menu under Privacy & Security > Search, with a new toggle under "Show suggested search results." Additionally, users will have the option to disable Microsoft Store suggestions in the Windows 11 search feature. Currently, turning off web results requires manual adjustments in the Windows registry, but the upcoming update aims to simplify this process. The exact rollout date for this update has not been announced.
An independent developer has released an open-source application called Noop for Whoop bands, allowing users to access their Whoop data without a subscription fee. The app is available for free on Android and macOS and is compatible with Whoop 4.0, 5.0, and MG bands. Users need to sideload the app on Android devices, with installation instructions provided on GitHub. The app offers a cloud-free experience, appealing to those looking to avoid ongoing costs associated with Whoop subscriptions. Feedback on Reddit has been positive, although some users have requested help with installation. The developer has created algorithms to interpret raw data from Whoop devices, but it is uncertain how Whoop will respond to this app. Noop is part of a trend of alternative fitness applications, including Goose and Whoof.
Max Payne Mobile has received a significant update on the Play Store that resolves long-standing compatibility issues affecting newer Android devices, which had caused frequent crashes since February 2025. Players are now able to enjoy the game without interruptions. The game is priced at .99 and does not include in-app purchases, distinguishing it from other Rockstar titles. The update has revitalized player interest and satisfaction, allowing both new and returning fans to experience the game on modern devices.
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 and the PC Gaming Show 2026 featured several announcements, including:
- A remaster of Thief: The Dark Project by Nightdive Studios, set to release in Winter 2026.
- Empulse, inspired by Titanfall, with early access on June 24, 2026.
- A trailer for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide highlighting the Skitarii class, with a playtest sign-up available on Steam.
- An exclusive trailer for Control Resonant, available for wishlist on Steam, with a demo ahead of its release on September 24, 2026.
- Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions launching in early access on June 11, 2026.
- Cassette Beasts 2002, an open-world RPG where players can collect and fuse monsters.
- Planet Zoo 2 gameplay reveal trailer scheduled for October 13, 2026.
- Arkheron, an isometric battle royale, with a developer interview emphasizing teamwork.
- Rivage, a sci-fi puzzle game releasing on August 13, 2026, with a demo available.
- El Paso, Elsewhere 2, a third-person shooter with over 20 handcrafted levels.
- Beast of Reincarnation, launching on August 4, 2026, from Game Freak.
- Terrinoth: Heroes of Descent, available now, transitioning from board game to PC.
- Armatus, a roguelite shooter set in a burning Paris, with a release window in Winter 2026.
- Dave The Diver: In The Jungle DLC launching on June 18, 2026.
- Total War: Warhammer 40,000, promising a grand strategy experience.
- Valheim 1.0 launching on September 9, 2026.
- Highlights of Exodus showcasing combat and exploration features.
- Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy, the latest installment in the horror series, with a gameplay trailer.
This year's Xbox Showcase featured several highlights, including Marcus in casual attire, a preview of the new Gears of War installment titled E-Day, and the introduction of Clockwork Revolution, a steampunk RPG. Vivarium, a life simulation game with Ghibli-like aesthetics, also garnered attention. However, there was disappointment regarding the Halo franchise, particularly with the new Campaign Evolved, which includes Operation Meteorite—three missions set before the main story. While gameplay remains enjoyable, concerns about innovation within the Halo series were noted amidst the showcase's overall excitement and advancements in gaming.
The Coalition has introduced the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition, which includes the Xbox Series X Premium Edition of the game and various collectible items. Pre-orders are open, with the Collector’s Edition launching on October 1, 2026, and the global release of Gears of War: E-Day on October 6, 2026. Key features of the Collector’s Edition include a 15-inch collectible statue of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, a SteelBook with artwork by Luke Preece, replica COG tags, a photograph of the characters, a premium art print of the Feral Wretch, and a thank-you note from the development team. The package also offers early access to the game, a weapon pack, customization packs, and in-game currency. The Collector’s Edition will be available for Xbox Series X and Steam, with limited quantities for pre-order.
The Summer Game Fest featured a new installment of Duskers and glimpses of a Fumito Ueda game. The following PC games were released or are in early access:
- Atre: Dominance Wars - A turn-based fantasy kingdom builder available in early access, featuring four factions and a campaign.
- Rakeo - A puzzle-platformer where players collect cookies in a 2D environment.
- NBA The Run - A 3v3 street basketball game with vibrant visuals and humorous camera work.
- Meccha Chameleon - A multiplayer hide-and-seek game focused on camouflage.
- SAND: Raiders of Sophie - A PvPvE looting game involving warmechs.
- 33 Immortals - A cooperative roguelike from the developers of Spiritfarer.
- SpaceCraft - An early access game about exploring and transforming planets into a trading empire.
- Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions - An early access spin-off of Astroneer for teams of cosmonauts.
- Don't Let It Starve - A game about crafting bento boxes for a creature.
The Treehouse will focus on interviews and impressions from the Summer Game Fest, with no further announcements allowed.
The Into the Abyss update for Grounded 2 will launch on August 11, introducing a new area within Brookhollow Park—the pond. Players will explore both the surface and depths of the water, encountering new locations, challenges, and mysteries. New diving suits will enhance underwater capabilities, and players will meet familiar creatures like koi fish and diving bell spiders, along with new threats. The Toe-biter Buggy, an amphibious vehicle, will assist in navigating the pond's terrain. Grounded 2 is available in Game Preview for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, and in Early Access on Steam and PlayStation 5. Players can also access it through Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. The game features survival, crafting, exploration, and allows players to hatch and ride insect companions.
Microsoft has rolled out new Defender patches for Windows 11 ISOs, aligning with its commitment to security updates. Updates for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's endpoint detection and response (EDR) will no longer be included with monthly Windows security updates or Patch Tuesdays; they will now be delivered via Microsoft Update. This change aims to allow faster deployment of EDR enhancements independently of the operating system's update cycle. The rollout for Windows 10 began in late May 2026, with plans to extend support to Windows 11 and other versions by fall 2026. EDR updates will be delivered using KB5005292, contingent on prerequisite updates. Systems must run Sense version 10.8798.25857.1000 or later and have specific Windows updates installed to qualify for the new delivery method. Organizations should align their update policies with this new approach before the broader rollout. In case of significant issues, the EDR update can be reverted using a specific command. Further details are available in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center under message ID MC1381119.
The expiration date of the original Microsoft Secure Boot KEK certificate is June 24, 2026. Microsoft held a live "Ask Microsoft Anything" session on June 4 to address concerns regarding this deadline. The expiration affects the KEK key, while the DB key remains valid until October. After June 24, Microsoft will not be able to sign new DBX payloads, which are necessary for revoking compromised bootloaders. Devices without the new KEK may miss future revocations, leading to decreased security but will not stop booting immediately. The June Patch Tuesday update is expected to classify most systems as high confidence. IT administrators are advised to use the Intune monitoring report for device status and updates. Devices in a "temporarily paused" status require OEM firmware updates. Administrators should not delay manual rollouts for devices outside the high confidence classification. Secure Boot must be enabled to update certificates, and re-enabling it later can pose risks. Older models may receive high confidence classification faster than newer ones due to statistical requirements. In PXE boot environments, caution is needed when updating bootloaders. The Secure Boot update mechanism is consistent across Windows 10 and 11, and event logs are important diagnostic tools. Key event log entries include 1801, 1802, and 1803, which indicate various device statuses and issues. Microsoft provides resources at aka.ms/GetSecureBoot for further guidance.
Microsoft has integrated Sysmon into Windows 11 through a system update, allowing it to operate in the background and log activities in the Windows Event Log. Indicators of suspicious processes include the absence of icons or descriptions, incorrect parent processes, spelling errors in names, unsigned executable files, packed executables, suspicious DLLs or services, open TCP/IP endpoints, and unusual URLs or character strings. To install Sysmon, users must access the Control Panel, enable Sysmon, and restart their PC. Activation requires running a command in the Command Prompt. Sysmon logs can be viewed in the Event Viewer under Microsoft > Windows > Sysmon > Operational. Users can filter events using an XML configuration file. After analysis, suspicious processes should be scanned with antivirus software, and files can be uploaded to VirusTotal for further examination. Sysmon continuously logs events, while Process Monitor captures snapshots of running processes, and both tools are available for free from Microsoft.
VidMate apk is a widely used application that operates outside the Play Store and continues to do so into 2026. Sideloading is the process of installing an Android app from a source other than the Google Play Store, using the APK file format. Android supports sideloading, allowing users to enable installations from unknown sources in their device settings.
As of 2026, Google requires developers distributing apps outside the Play Store to register, verify their identity with a government-issued ID, and pay a one-time fee. This policy aims to enhance security without eliminating sideloading. Enforcement began in select countries in September 2026 and will continue globally through 2027. Concerns have been raised about the potential barriers this creates for independent developers.
In 2026, apps from developers with official websites and established histories are considered safer, while those from anonymous sources carry increased risks. Notable categories of sideloaded apps include video downloaders like VidMate, open-source YouTube clients like NewPipe, ad-blocking browsers, and privacy-focused tools.
To install sideloaded apps safely, users should enable the option to install from unknown sources in their device settings and download from official developer websites or trusted repositories like APKMirror, F-Droid, or GitHub. Users should avoid sites that do not identify the app's creator or host unverified uploads.
On June 8, 2026, METABORA GAMES launched 'Puzzle & Guardians', a collaborative game with Baligames, available as a MINI App on LINE Messenger. The game combines casual three-match puzzle battles and RPG elements, allowing players to collect Guardians and participate in 1v1 PvP duels and dungeon explorations for BORA token rewards. It is accessible to over 100 million LINE users without additional downloads, enhancing user experience. 'Puzzle & Guardians' is integrated with BORA DEEPS, offering customized missions and rewards usable across various BORA DEEPS features. METABORA GAMES plans to expand localized content for the Japanese market and host events to increase the utility of the BORA token.
A surge in Windows malware campaigns has been identified, with malicious software hidden in pirated PC games and modified installers for popular franchises like Far Cry, Need for Speed, FIFA, and Assassin’s Creed. Over 400,000 devices globally have been affected, with around 30,000 cases in the United States. The malware, known as the "RenEngine loader," is disguised as a legitimate game launcher and infects systems when users download cracked games. It aims to deploy an infostealer called ARC, which can capture sensitive information such as passwords and cryptocurrency wallets, and may also install other harmful payloads like the Rhadamanthys stealer and Async Remote Access Trojan (RAT). Users often remain unaware of their infection until significant damage occurs. Recommendations for safety include avoiding unofficial downloads, using up-to-date anti-malware protection, and regularly updating software.
The developers of the sci-fi horror game Mouthwashing have announced their new project, Carcass Clad, during the PC Gaming Show. The game is now available for wishlisting on Steam, but a release date has not been confirmed. The reveal trailer showcases a dark, decaying cityscape with claustrophobic tank operations and tanks adorned with corpses. The gameplay features weighty physical controls, limited fuel, and scarce ammo, with a narrative hinting at survival challenges in a dangerous world. Mouthwashing received acclaim for its storytelling and mechanics, establishing a fanbase eager for Carcass Clad.
