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AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Apple set to restrict apps by age in Australia

Adults in Australia will soon face new age verification requirements when downloading applications, similar to changes being implemented in Brazil, Singapore, and two U.S. states—Louisiana and Utah. Users will need to confirm their age through payment methods or by declaring an age range. This could restrict younger users from accessing apps even with parental consent if there is a mismatch in age verification. Apps like Discord and Meta’s Messenger have age ratings of 18+, preventing younger users from downloading them. Reddit is also classified for users 18 and over, despite potential eligibility for those aged 16 and older. The flexibility and implications of these age verification changes remain uncertain as further clarification is expected.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Hide from Meta’s spyglasses with this new Android app

An innovative Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, alerts users about nearby smart glasses using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The app detects manufacturer identifiers associated with smart eyewear, including Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, and notifies users when such glasses are in proximity. However, it may produce false positives due to other Bluetooth devices from the same manufacturer. The app's launch coincides with growing concerns about non-consensual recording, highlighted by incidents like a viral altercation on a New York subway involving smart glasses. Meta has stated that their glasses have an LED light that indicates when recording is occurring, but this indicator can be disabled. Legal experts warn that while video recording in public is generally allowed, collecting biometric data raises privacy concerns, and various state laws may require consent for audio recordings. Recent courtroom incidents have also underscored the contentious nature of wearable technology.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

My new indie darling is this crafting game stuffed with hand-sculpted creatures made by a husband and wife dev team

OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast is a sandbox crafting game where players assume the role of an Astor, a critter living on a legged whale called a Terrabeast. Players can chop down trees to craft materials, build a cottage, cultivate a garden, and befriend various creatures. The demo lasts five in-game days, taking about 90 minutes to complete, and is set in a single biome. The game features hand-crafted assets and intuitive controls. It emphasizes environmental choices that affect the game's fauna. OddFauna is scheduled for early access in spring 2026, with a demo available during the Steam Next Fest until March 2.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Let Gemini handle your multi-step daily tasks on Android.

Gemini is launching a new beta automation feature in its app for users of the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S26 series, initially available in the U.S. and Korea. Users can activate this feature by long-pressing the power button to assist with multi-step tasks like booking rides or reordering meals. The feature emphasizes safety and privacy, allowing users to control, monitor, and secure their data during automation. It will initially support select applications in the food, grocery, and rideshare sectors.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Best Android game and app deals for Galaxy 26 pre-order day: Agent A, Down in Bermuda, more

Pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 series, including the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, have started. Customers can save up to 0, receive off accessories, and get complimentary Galaxy Buds. Notable discounted Android games include "Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise" and "Down in Bermuda." Additional offers include free credit towards accessories, up to 0 in trade-in value primarily for the S26 Ultra, and up to 0 off Galaxy S26 devices. More details are available on Samsung's official site.

TrendTechie

February 25, 2026

Трейлер Три богатыря и свет клином (2025)

"Настоящее КИНО" is an online magazine dedicated to cinema, established on March 13, 2000, and led by chief editor Александр Голубчиков and editorial leader Сергей Горбачев. It is registered with the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media, holding certificate PI No. 77-18412 since September 27, 2004. Reprinting materials requires prior permission from the editorial team, with an active hyperlink to Filmz.ru and proper attribution. The views in personal blogs may not reflect the magazine's editorial stance.

BetaBeacon

February 25, 2026

Ball x Pit Goes Mobile: Release Date, Platforms and What to Expect

- Ball x Pit is now available on mobile as a standalone download optimized for touch controls. - The mobile version maintains the core gameplay elements of fast reflex-based gameplay, arena-style survival mechanics, and incremental progression. - The mobile version includes UI adjustments and minor balance changes for touch responsiveness. - The design of Ball x Pit aligns well with mobile platforms due to its quick gameplay cycles and reflex-driven mechanics. - Expanding to mobile could lead to potential adjustments in content roadmap, such as seasonal events or mobile-exclusive cosmetics. - The mobile version offers a practical way for players to enjoy arcade survival loops in shorter sessions.

Winsage

February 25, 2026

Now Available: De-Enshittify Windows 11

The book "De-Enshittify Windows 11" is available for purchase on Leanpub, priced at .99 and up. It is a work in progress, offering insights on improving the Windows 11 experience. Thurrott Premium members will receive a complimentary copy upon completion. Preliminary chapters can be accessed on Thurrott.com. The book includes chapters on topics such as installing Windows 11, enhancing privacy and security, and improving Microsoft applications. The current draft is under 100 pages, with the final version expected to be around 150 pages. It will be available in PDF and EPUB formats on Leanpub and will also be published on Amazon Kindle once finalized.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Proton beam therapy comes to Minecraft to help children prepare for cancer treatment at The Christie

Young cancer patients can now explore a virtual representation of the proton beam therapy centre at The Christie in Manchester through Minecraft, marking the first instance of a working NHS health facility recreated in the game. This initiative, developed by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Microsoft with input from clinical specialists, aims to familiarize children with the therapy environment to reduce anxiety before treatment. The virtual centre includes key areas such as reception, waiting areas, imaging rooms, and play preparation rooms, and features interactive elements like functioning MRI machines and hidden rooms. The Minecraft environment is scaled up to five times the actual centre for easier navigation. The project was primarily developed by Microsoft volunteers and has received positive feedback from young patients like 10-year-old Ramatulaye, who found it helpful in understanding the hospital layout.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Rumor: Microsoft Adding Subs For World Of Warcraft, Minecraft, Fallout, ETC To Game Pass

Microsoft is considering integrating various game subscriptions into its Game Pass service, potentially enhancing its appeal. Subscriptions mentioned include World of Warcraft, Minecraft Realms, Fallout First, and The Elder Scrolls. There are also possibilities for seasonal premium tiers for franchises like Call of Duty and Overwatch. Microsoft is evaluating which subscriptions would best complement Game Pass and how they would fit into the existing tier structure.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Minecraft enjoyers, this spectacular-looking voxel game from a solo dev should probably be on your radar

Lay of the Land is set to be released on April 8 on Steam. The game features vibrant visuals created through procedural techniques, a Creative Mode for unrestricted building, and a survival mode that requires resource gathering. Players can manipulate terrain with various tools and engage in combat using magical abilities. The game is developed by a single developer known as 'Tooley1998' or Southern Cross Interactive. Pricing details have not been announced, but players can wishlist the game for updates.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

This Guy Built One Piece’s Marineford In Minecraft…In Hardcore

A YouTuber named stan616 spent nearly 80 days recreating Marineford from One Piece in Minecraft's Hardcore mode, using over 1,187,773 blocks. Unlike Creative mode, Hardcore mode requires players to mine, harvest, and craft every block, facing threats from aggressive mobs that can lead to complete loss of progress upon death. To aid his project, stan616 used schematics to design blueprints in Creative mode, which were then exported into Hardcore mode. He documented his journey in a 90-minute video, highlighting the risks and challenges he encountered. The completed build is available for purchase on his Patreon for .00.

BetaBeacon

February 25, 2026

Android User Transforms Their Experience by Uncovering a Game-Changing Notification Feature

- The feature called Notification history allows devices to keep a log of all alerts received. - Users can retrieve missed alerts even after clearing them away with Notification history activated. - The system maintains a chronological order of notifications. - Users can enable Notification history by navigating to Settings, selecting Notifications, and choosing Notification history to toggle it on. - Notification history can help users customize their notifications for a more tailored experience. - Activating Notification history can alleviate the fear of losing important information.

Winsage

February 25, 2026

Microsoft Releases February Optional Updates for Windows 11

Microsoft has released optional February updates for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, which include several enhancements: - A network speed test tool accessible from the taskbar for measuring Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections. - Enhanced camera settings with new pan and tilt options for supported cameras. - A built-in version of the System Monitor (Sysmon) tool, available as an optional feature. - Improvements to Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows 11 Arm64 devices. - A new automatic recovery tool for Windows 11 Professional devices not domain-joined. - Support for .webp images as desktop backgrounds. - Introduction of new emojis in the Emoji 16.0 release. - BitLocker improvements to prevent devices from becoming unresponsive after entering a recovery key. Additionally, Microsoft has shared release notes for an upcoming optional update for Windows 11 version 26H1, which is currently only available to Insiders on the Canary Channel and is expected to debut on new devices with advanced silicon.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Capcom confirms console and PC launch times for Resident Evil Requiem — and you can preload the game right now

Capcom has announced that Resident Evil Requiem will be released globally on February 27, 2026. Pre-orders are available, and players can preload the game on their preferred platforms. Game director Koshi Nakanishi praised the performance of Resident Evil Requiem on the Nintendo Switch 2, stating that the game runs smoothly on the console, leading the team to proceed with its development for the system.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

3 future Android features you can give yourself today

Circle to Search is a tool that streamlines the text selection process, allowing users to select any text effortlessly. The Pixel Overview interface includes a built-in text selection tool for added convenience. Google Lens can extract information from messages and capture text from visual sources, enhancing text selection efficiency. AutoSync automatically backs up downloads to Google Drive, providing data security without manual intervention. The Pixel Search features an upgraded, customizable search bar that allows users to tailor their search experience.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

14 essential Android apps I install and update through Obtainium

Obtanium is an app that allows users to install, update, and manage apps from various platforms like F-Droid, GitHub, and the vivo Store. Breezy Weather is a weather app designed for Google Pixel users, providing comprehensive weather details and integrating with the Pixel Launcher. Nobook is a wrapper for Facebook Lite that offers ad-blocking features and customization options for a streamlined experience. Forkyz aggregates crossword puzzles from various sources, providing entertainment for crossword enthusiasts. Suntimes is an older app that tracks daylight hours, useful for planning outdoor activities. Canta helps users remove unwanted system-level applications, allowing for device decluttering. Shizuku grants system-level access to other applications, enhancing their functionality, particularly for power users. Kvaesitso is a launcher with infinite vertical scrolling and extensive widget support, offering customization options. Tubular is a lightweight alternative to the stock YouTube app, blocking sponsor segments and reintegrating the dislike counter. Aurora Store allows users to access Play Store apps without needing a Google account, appealing to privacy-conscious users. ColorBlendr enables users to customize their device's theme colors for a personalized look. Fennec is a privacy-focused browser based on Mozilla Firefox, eliminating trackers and supporting add-ons. SmartSpacer enhances the At A Glance widget by overlaying information from third-party apps. Exodus provides insights into installed apps, revealing trackers and permissions for privacy-conscious users. OSS Document Scanner is an open-source app that combines OCR capabilities with visual editing features for document management.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Death Stranding 2 was my Game of the Year for 2025, and it’s coming to PC with a major discount, too

The author expresses strong emotional reactions while playing Death Stranding 2, describing it as their personal Game of the Year after experiencing it on PS5. The game features Sam Porter Bridges, who is drawn back into action to connect chiral network terminals in Mexico after a tragedy. Players navigate diverse terrains and can unlock new vehicles and upgrades. The gameplay shifts towards a more action-oriented style, introducing weapons and the ability to capture BTs. The narrative is emotionally compelling, blending bizarre and poignant moments. The game is available for pre-order at Fanatical for .49 / £59.49, with a 15% discount using the code FANATICAL15. The author looks forward to experiencing the PC version and its graphics.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Ex Sanguis is the most stylish XCOM-style roguelike I’ve ever played

Ex Sanguis is a turn-based strategy game showcased during Steam Next Fest, featuring a grid-based system similar to XCOM. Players control a team of soldiers called Stillae, utilizing Action Points (AP) and unique abilities to execute commands. The game has a narrative centered around saving a dying planet and is noted for its stylish execution and visually striking aesthetic, characterized by a blood-themed color palette. It incorporates robust gameplay mechanics, including destructible environments, roguelike elements, and RPG-style builds. Ex Sanguis is set to launch in early access soon, and players can wishlist it and explore the demo on Steam.

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2026

Effective ways to prevent the download of malicious code

Malware is malicious software designed to disrupt normal system operations, often infiltrating devices through activities like web browsing or opening documents. In 2023, SonicWall Capture Labs reported over 6 billion malware attacks, an 11% increase from the previous year. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, ransomware, fileless malware, and bots. Malware spreads through email attachments, phishing links, compromised websites, fake apps, and removable media. Its effects can include performance issues, data theft, and financial damage. Signs of malware presence include sluggish performance, unexpected crashes, and unauthorized changes. Recommended actions if malware is suspected include disconnecting the device, running a malware scan, and changing passwords. Preventative measures include using security software, practicing safe browsing, keeping software updated, and building security awareness.