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Lone game dev builds an explorable cyberpunk city almost entirely out of ASCII characters
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Lone game dev builds an explorable cyberpunk city almost entirely out of ASCII characters

A solo developer from Grow Now! Games has created a walkable ASCII cyberpunk city prototype that operates from a single HTML file using a custom ray-casting engine. The prototype features an increased resolution of 180 x 80 ASCII characters, allowing for easier navigation. Players can explore buildings with interiors and multiple floors. The prototype is available on the developer's Ko-Fi page, and future expansions may include a dialogue system.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Don’t tell Nintendo, but I turned GTA 5 into Pokémon Go using a mod

In the modding community, there is an ongoing effort to transform Grand Theft Auto 5 into a version similar to GTA 6. Players have noted that vehicles traveling at supersonic speeds can severely impact anything in their path. The game's protagonists—Franklin, Michael, and Trevor—often appear to navigate Los Santos in solitude, prompting the desire to introduce companions into their adventures. A creative concept called Pokémon Go GTA Edition reimagines Los Santos as a hunting ground for Pokémon, featuring characters like Geodudes, Charmanders, and Pikachu. In this mod, only Trevor seems capable of hunting Pokémon, leading to encounters where he captures a Geodude and a Squirtle, while a Charmander escapes after a brief skirmish.
Beyond These Stars Arrives Oct 15 on PC Game Pass With Full 1.0 Launch
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Beyond These Stars Arrives Oct 15 on PC Game Pass With Full 1.0 Launch

Hooded Horse and Balancing Monkey Games will release Beyond These Stars on October 15, 2026. The game is a city-building and colony management title set on the back of a sentient Space Whale named Kewa. It will be available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store, with day-one access for PC Game Pass subscribers. Beyond These Stars serves as a sequel to Before We Leave and features players guiding a civilization called the Peeps while managing resources and Kewa's well-being. The game emphasizes ecological mutualism, where Kewa's happiness affects gameplay. Players will navigate a complex production system and can explore a procedurally generated Galaxy Map with various star systems. The game has received positive feedback from critics and will launch as a complete 1.0 title, bypassing Early Access. The minimum system requirements include a Windows 10 (64-bit) PC with an Intel Core i3-6300 or AMD FX-9370, 8 GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 750 or AMD Radeon R9 380. A free demo is currently available on Steam.
2 Steam top sellers, 2 simultaneous betas, 2 very different shooters: It's Wardogs & Modern Warfare weekend
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

2 Steam top sellers, 2 simultaneous betas, 2 very different shooters: It’s Wardogs & Modern Warfare weekend

Two highly-anticipated military first-person shooter titles, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Wardogs, are offering beta access to pre-order customers. Call of Duty is currently leading sales on Steam, while Wardogs has over one million wishlists and is gaining popularity. Wardogs features a short time-to-kill mechanic, expansive maps, and aims to balance realism with accessibility. The game is designed to attract fans of mainstream shooters and battle royales. The pre-order price is set, and players are encouraged to request refunds if the beta does not meet expectations. Over 87,000 participants are currently facing server issues due to high interest.
New Windows 11 build brings automatic PDF previews to File Explorer for Insiders
Winsage
August 21, 2026

New Windows 11 build brings automatic PDF previews to File Explorer for Insiders

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview builds 26340.9233 (26H2) and 28120.2760 (26H1), featuring enhancements such as automatic PDF preview support in File Explorer and in-app purchase capabilities for WinUI 3 applications in the Microsoft Store. The 26H1 build addresses a bug causing the mouse cursor to be invisible in some applications but has a known compatibility issue that may prevent some users from launching PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. The AutoPlay dialog has been revamped with WinUI, supporting dark mode and improved responsiveness. A new accessibility setting allows apps to open maximized by default, enhancing usability for screen readers and magnification tools. Users can manage camera, microphone, and location permissions for individual desktop applications, providing more control over privacy. File Explorer now supports automatic previews for PDF and non-HTML files, and the Microsoft Store update allows in-app purchases for packaged WinUI 3 apps. Bug fixes include resolving taskbar animation issues and ensuring visibility of the mouse cursor.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
August 21, 2026

Microsoft Issues Three New Windows Builds to Windows Insider Program

Microsoft has announced that users in the Windows Insider Program enrolled in the Beta, Experimental, or Experimental (26H1) channel should update their systems. The latest Experimental build resolves the issue of an empty Feature Flags list for Insiders in the Experimental channel. Notable features in the new builds include a modernized Autoplay experience with a new dialog built with WinUI, supporting Light and Dark modes, text scaling, and seamless notifications. Additionally, a new accessibility setting ensures that all applications open in a maximized state, found under Accessibility > Visual effects in the Settings app.
Google made the My Pixel app actually match your Pixel 11's color
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Google made the My Pixel app actually match your Pixel 11’s color

Google has updated its My Pixel app with the launch of the Pixel 11 series, introducing a color-matching feature for the app's icon that reflects the specific color of the user's Pixel 11 device. The app now adapts its icon color to match devices like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in Olive or Pro XL in Canyon. Additionally, a new search function has been added to help users quickly locate information and features within the app. These updates are currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 series and do not extend to older Pixel models.
New Android Malware Spotted Infecting Cars Via Software Updates
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

New Android Malware Spotted Infecting Cars Via Software Updates

A new strain of Android malware has emerged, targeting automotive head units responsible for infotainment, connectivity, and navigation in vehicles. Discovered by Kaspersky in June, this is the first documented instance of malware affecting car head units, specifically within the firmware updaters of Android-based software developed by DoFun, a Hong Kong company. The malware, disguised as an application called JarService, infiltrates devices without user awareness. It is delivered through a legitimate system application called TWCore, which collects analytics and updates software. The malware aims to convert the head unit into a botnet, equipped with commands to download and execute code and display advertisements, potentially for online ad fraud. Kaspersky notified DoFun, which addressed the vulnerabilities, and noted similarities between this malware and a previous threat called BadBox, which affected various Android devices.
Кто победил: Торрент
TrendTechie
August 21, 2026

Кто победил: Торрент

The friendly match between Torrent and Val de Usho is scheduled for August 15, 2026, at 10:30 AM MSK. It will be live-streamed for free on Euro-Football.ru. Torrent is currently on a losing streak with three consecutive defeats and has not scored in three matches. In contrast, Val de Usho has scored in three consecutive matches. In their previous encounters, Val de Usho has one win against Torrent, which has zero wins and no draws.
Windows 11 is finally getting better privacy controls for cameras and mics
Winsage
August 21, 2026

Windows 11 is finally getting better privacy controls for cameras and mics

Windows users have a singular setting that allows all applications unrestricted access to the camera and microphone, raising privacy concerns. Microsoft has implemented more granular controls for applications sourced from the Microsoft Store, allowing users to customize permissions for those apps. However, applications obtained from other sources do not have these tailored settings, limiting users' options for safeguarding their privacy.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold is changing how I multitask on a foldable with ‘App Handles’ [Gallery]
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Pixel 11 Pro Fold is changing how I multitask on a foldable with ‘App Handles’ [Gallery]

Google has introduced a new multitasking feature called "App Handles" in the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which enhances user experience by providing a dedicated dock for floating windows. Users can drag apps to the bottom-right corner of the display to create floating windows that remain accessible while overlaying other tasks. The feature utilizes an intuitive swipe-up gesture to activate the app, allowing for easy switching between multiple apps stored in the corner. When the display is closed, apps set up as "Handles" turn into "Bubbles" on the cover display, maintaining accessibility. This functionality complements the existing side-by-side multitasking capability and offers a more organized approach to managing applications. There is potential for "App Handles" to be integrated into previous Android generations through future updates.
Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, Little to the Left, Onigo Hunter, more
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, Little to the Left, Onigo Hunter, more

A selection of Android games and apps is on sale, including Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, A Little to the Left: Stars, A Little to the Left: Drawers, RPG Onigo Hunter, Premium-RPG Wizards of Brandel, and Data Defense. The Best Buy 60th Anniversary sale features price drops on select items from Nothing, an all-time low price on Anker’s SmartTrack Google Find Hub wallet card, and a 0 discount on Lenovo’s 2026 IdeaPad 2K touchscreen Copilot+ laptop. Additional Android app price drops include various genres and styles, providing limited-time offers for users.
Redfall developers begged Microsoft to come back and finish its last patch: 'I know we don't work here anymore, but can we please release this?'
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Redfall developers begged Microsoft to come back and finish its last patch: ‘I know we don’t work here anymore, but can we please release this?’

Redfall, developed by Arkane Austin, was met with widespread criticism, leading PC Gamer to label it as "the first Arkane game we don't like." Following its release, Microsoft announced plans to shut down Arkane Austin a year later. Studio director Harvey Smith acknowledged that while corporate pressures played a role, the studio was also drawn to the games-as-a-service trend, which influenced the game's design. Despite initial enthusiasm for incorporating new mechanics, Smith later expressed regret that Redfall did not meet expectations and pondered whether future updates could have improved it.
Cyberleek's still at it: Another GTA 6 leak shows 2 full minutes of high speed driving, surprisingly few crashes
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

Cyberleek’s still at it: Another GTA 6 leak shows 2 full minutes of high speed driving, surprisingly few crashes

Cyberleek has released a new gameplay snippet from Grand Theft Auto 6 for the fourth consecutive day. The latest video, titled "hypercar.mp4," features protagonist Jason in a carjacking scene in Vice City. The two-minute clip shows Jason having the option to perform an aggressive extraction of the driver, which may attract attention. It also confirms earlier leaks about visual identification mechanics related to the stolen vehicle and Jason's wanted level. The footage highlights advanced lighting technology, showcasing realistic reflections from the hypercar's headlights. Additionally, the video promotes Cyberleek's cryptocurrency initiative, with a message linking market capitalization to the frequency of leaks. Take-Two has reportedly lost approximately .8 billion in market capitalization this week due to a decline in share price.
PS5, Xbox, and PC AAA launch to shutdown after less than 1 year as mass community outrage ensues
AppWizard
August 21, 2026

PS5, Xbox, and PC AAA launch to shutdown after less than 1 year as mass community outrage ensues

Riot Games announced that support for its game 2XKO will conclude in December 2026, although servers will remain operational. A final update will introduce two new champions and address existing bugs, with refunds for any purchases made. The decision has sparked backlash from the community, with criticisms aimed at the company's focus on immediate profitability and a history of discontinuing projects. 2XKO joins other canceled titles like Hytale and 'Project F'. The upcoming MMORPG set in the League of Legends universe is scheduled for release in 2028 after being rebooted in 2024, but concerns about its potential fate persist.
Best Android Apps And Games To Download In 2027: A Complete Guide For Android Users
BetaBeacon
August 21, 2026

Best Android Apps And Games To Download In 2027: A Complete Guide For Android Users

Android is used across a wide range of devices, encouraging developers to create applications for various use cases. Android users can find apps for messaging, video editing, photography, productivity, music, navigation, fitness, education, file management, streaming, social networking, and mobile gaming. Modern phones can run games with console-like graphics, multiplayer systems, cloud synchronization, controller support, and large open worlds. Users can download APK files outside Google Play for various reasons, such as version availability and geographic restrictions. A reliable APK download website should provide detailed information about the application before installation. Users should verify the application name, package name, version, Android compatibility, and permissions before installing an APK. XAPK files package the APK with additional resources required by larger applications or games. Android security is becoming stricter, with more protections around application permissions, background activity, storage access, outdated applications, and unknown installation sources. Access to previous app versions can be useful in case updates introduce issues. Android applications are becoming more powerful, performing tasks that previously required computers, thanks to hardware improvements such as powerful processors, large memory, high-refresh-rate displays, fast storage, and capable GPUs.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
August 21, 2026

Microsoft Defender Driver Can Be Weaponized to Disable EDR and AV From Windows Kernel

Recent findings from Check Point Research indicate that Microsoft Defender’s Boot-Time Removal (BTR.sys) driver can be exploited to perform kernel-level file and registry operations, potentially allowing attackers to bypass endpoint security measures. The driver, which is part of Microsoft Defender’s MpEngine.dll, operates under a randomly generated filename and service name, using an Alternate Data Stream for its configuration. It can execute privileged operations from Ring 0 due to its ability to run during a "golden window" before user-mode security components are initialized. The driver is not a conventional vulnerability but rather a trusted Microsoft component that can be weaponized. Researchers developed a proof-of-concept tool called BTR_CLI to construct valid transactions for the driver. Although no real-world exploitation was reported, the methodology highlights the need for proactive detection strategies. Key indicators of concern include suspicious deployment contexts, rapid creation and deletion of logs, and unusual activities related to the driver. Organizations are advised to monitor for these activities and maintain strict control over driver privileges.
That April Windows update you skipped? Hackers are exploiting it now
Winsage
August 21, 2026

That April Windows update you skipped? Hackers are exploiting it now

Timely updates are crucial for home users to protect personal data and device integrity. Organizations should assess systems for vulnerabilities, especially those accessible via the internet. CVE-2026-33824 is a critical vulnerability in the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) service extensions within Windows, caused by a “double-free” error, allowing code execution. It affects various versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server, and is included in the CISA KEV catalog. Users are urged to install the April Windows updates immediately. CVE-2026-55040 is a critical vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint that allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass a key security feature, with a CVSS score of 9.1. It affects SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016, SharePoint Server 2019, and the Subscription Edition, with fixed builds already available.
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