AppWizard
February 22, 2026
TNT in Minecraft Bedrock is crafted using five units of sand and four units of gunpowder, arranged in a cross shape in the crafting grid. It can be activated through various methods, resulting in significant explosions. Custom TNT allows players to create unique explosions using command blocks, redstone mechanics, and innovative designs like TNT cannons and traps. Advanced techniques include mastering redstone circuits, TNT duplication, and utilizing data packs for further customization. Safety measures are essential when testing custom TNT, including using a controlled environment, protective gear, and regular backups of the game world. Common issues include TNT not exploding, unexpected explosion effects, and lag, which can be resolved by checking redstone circuits, adjusting parameters, and limiting the number of TNT blocks used.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
Minecraft has revealed a new survival-mode strategy that enhances resource gathering, mob management, and the early-game experience. This strategy involves a combination of existing game mechanics, allowing players to improve efficiency in resource farming while reducing damage taken. It conserves tools and enables faster acquisition of essential materials without cheats or mods. The trick has gained popularity within the community, leading to tutorials and discussions about its potential impact on gameplay, including faster early-game progression, reduced risk during mob encounters, improved tool durability, and adjustments in multiplayer server strategies. It is not considered a glitch, works on all platforms, and there are no indications that it will be removed in future updates.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
In January 2026, the top eShop downloads in Europe for the Nintendo Switch 2 were: 1. Minecraft 2. Nintendo Switch Sports 3. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade 4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition 5. Donkey Kong Bananza 6. Super Mario Party Jamboree 7. Pokemon Legends Z:A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition 8. Super Mario Bros. Wonder 9. Stardew Valley 10. Animal Crossing: New Horizons 11. Grid Legends 12. Suika Game Planet 13. Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 14. Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV 15. Mario Kart World For the original Nintendo Switch, the top downloads were: 1. Minecraft 2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 3. Nintendo Switch Sports 4. Stardew Valley 5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons 6. Pokemon Legends: Z-A 7. Super Mario Party Jamboree 8. Among Us 9. Hollow Knight: Silksong 10. Hollow Knight 11. Super Mario Bros. Wonder 12. Wobbly Life 13. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe 14. Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 15. It Takes Two
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
The convention atmosphere is lively, filled with diverse cosplayers from various entertainment realms, including film, anime, television, and video games. The column "Character Select" in PC Gamer highlights the artistry of the cosplay community, featuring remarkable creations and insights into gaming culture. The author shares a memorable interaction with cosplayers from the game "Cult of the Lamb." Cosplay is particularly popular for "Genshin Impact," with a wide range of characters inspiring attendees, including a cosplayer dressed as a Primogem. "League of Legends" also has a significant presence, with characters like KDA, Jinx, and Miss Fortune being popular, especially after the Netflix adaptation "Arcane." The author expresses curiosity about other fanbases or games that may deserve attention at future conventions.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
Google successfully prevented the publication of over 1.75 million policy-violating applications in 2025 and banned more than 80,000 developer accounts identified as harmful. The company blocked over 255,000 apps from accessing sensitive user information and prevented 160 million spam ratings and reviews. Google integrated generative AI systems into its review process to enhance detection of malicious patterns. The European Commission is investigating Google's consumer safety practices in the Play Store, particularly regarding financial scams. Independent researchers found 20 Android apps on the Play Store designed to steal cryptocurrency.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
Wild Hearts, developed by Koei Tecmo's Omega Force and published by EA, was released in February 2023 but faced performance issues that affected its reception, earning a score of 7/10. The game features innovative mechanics, including a unique weapon system and the Karakuri system, which allows players to summon structures for strategic gameplay. It showcases captivating creature designs, merging animal traits with nature. As of July 2025, it was released on the Nintendo Switch 2, but performance issues persisted, with only 55% positive ratings on Steam. The game is available through EA Play, Game Pass, and frequent sales, often up to 90% off.
Tech Optimizer
February 22, 2026
Security researchers have identified a new Android Trojan named PromptSpy that uses generative AI technology to enhance its persistence on compromised devices. Discovered by ESET researchers, PromptSpy leverages Google's Gemini AI model to analyze infected device screens and generate tailored instructions for embedding itself within recent apps lists. It includes a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) module that allows attackers full remote control over the device, enabling activities such as viewing the screen, performing actions remotely, capturing lock screen data, blocking uninstallation attempts, gathering device information, taking screenshots, and recording screen activity as video. The malware communicates with command-and-control servers using AES encryption and exploits Android Accessibility Services, making it difficult to remove. PromptSpy is distributed through a dedicated website and is financially motivated, adapting to various Android interfaces and operating system versions. ESET's analysis indicates that the malware is regionally targeted, with a focus on Argentina, and may have been developed in a Chinese-speaking environment. The same threat actor is believed to be responsible for both VNCSpy and PromptSpy.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
Early access for Hytale is progressing well, with updates focusing on user experience and quality-of-life improvements. Simon Collins-Laflamme, founder of Hypixel, warns that some new features, like infinite water, are temporary solutions to current gameplay frustrations. He emphasizes that while these features provide immediate relief, they may not be permanent as the game evolves. Collins-Laflamme assures players that the gameplay experience will significantly change over the next year, with a focus on addressing pain points and aligning enhancements with the long-term vision for the game. He acknowledges player frustrations with existing mechanics and states that temporary quality-of-life changes will be communicated clearly, with the intention of replacing them with more engaging gameplay elements as the game matures.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
Stellar Blade, released on PC in June, has received positive reviews and is currently available at a 30% discount on Fanatical. The game features engaging combat mechanics where players control Eve, a warrior fighting alien creatures on a post-apocalyptic Earth. The combat system combines elements of soulslike games and Devil May Cry. However, the narrative is considered weak, with characters lacking depth and the storyline described as "serviceable" but unremarkable. The game includes a 25-hour campaign with collectibles and impressive boss battles. The Standard Edition is priced at .99 / £41.99, while the Complete Edition, which includes additional DLC and cosmetics, is available for .99 / £55.99. This discount offer is valid until February 23, 2026.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
Steam Next Fest is approaching, and several developers have released demos ahead of schedule. - Fate Trigger by Saroasis Studios features hero-based tactical shooting with three maps, ten heroes, and four game modes. - Romestead by Three Friends allows players to rebuild a post-apocalyptic Rome overrun by zombies, including two biomes, 15 dungeons, three bosses, and an eight-player co-op mode. - The Witch’s Bakery by Silver Lining Interactive is an adventure and puzzle game where players run a bakery in Paris, offering one to two hours of gameplay in the first chapter. - 1348 Ex Voto by Dear Villagers is set in Medieval Italy, following a knight's quest to rescue a loved one, with a demo showcasing the game's opening chapters and combat mechanics. - Denshattack by Fireshine Games is a fast-paced arcade game featuring a gravity-defying train, with the demo including the first three levels. - Witchspire by Envar Games is a survival-crafting adventure allowing players to reach level 7 and choose from two familiars and coven options, playable solo or in co-op mode. - John Carpenter's Toxic Commando by Focus Entertainment is a cooperative shooter with two demo levels, featuring character selection and combat mechanics.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
Google blocked approximately 1.75 million dangerous or policy-violating apps from reaching users in 2025 and shut down over 80,000 developer accounts associated with fraud, malware, and repeated policy violations. Play Protect identified millions of risky apps installed from external sources, and it scans apps in real-time, even after installation. Key reasons for app rejections include malware behavior, financial fraud, misuse of permissions, and deceptive advertisements. The crackdown results in safer app downloads, reduced risk of data theft, improved privacy enforcement, and lower exposure to counterfeit applications.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
The One Block Challenge in Minecraft begins with players on a single block of grass in the void, where they gather resources, build shelters, and aim to defeat the Ender Dragon. Each time the block is broken, a new one appears, providing various materials and creatures. Players transition through different biomes, each with unique opportunities and challenges. IIJAZZGHOST is a notable player who demonstrates effective strategies, such as resource management, building farms, and creating cobblestone generators. Essential tips for the challenge include efficient resource gathering, establishing shelter and food sources, planning base expansion, and adapting to new biomes. The One Block Challenge has evolved with community contributions, introducing different block types, customized biomes, and mods, enhancing gameplay and fostering a vibrant community.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
Vampire’s Fall 2 is a free-to-play 2D dark fantasy RPG developed by Early Morning Studio, launched on Steam. It is a sequel to Vampire’s Fall: Origins, set hundreds of years later and designed to be accessible for newcomers. The original game is priced at £9.99, while the sequel includes microtransactions and pay-to-win elements. The PC version offers enhanced graphics and audio, a tailored user interface, and is free of ads or paywalls. The game features turn-based combat, nine weapon types, and four skill trees, allowing for customizable combat styles. Players can explore an open world, engage in PvP mode, and have reported an 85% 'Very Positive' review rating.
Winsage
February 22, 2026
Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 12, which is expected to feature an AI-native experience with deep integration of Copilot, showcasing capabilities like on-screen comprehension, voice activation, and task automation. The hardware requirements will be elevated, necessitating 16GB of RAM, rapid NVMe storage, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for advanced features. Windows on Arm is gaining momentum, with improvements in app compatibility and battery life, while a modular architecture called CorePC is being developed to facilitate faster updates and enhance security. Licensing for Windows 12 is expected to remain unchanged for consumers, with optional cloud-enhanced services available. The update cadence will increase, allowing for faster feature drops independent of major OS releases, with the Windows Insider Program continuing to test new features. Upon its release, Windows 12 will integrate Copilot, provide a more cohesive OS core, and support both x86 and Arm architectures.
Winsage
February 22, 2026
Microsoft is introducing native image support in its Notepad application as part of its Windows Insider builds, indicated by a new image icon in the toolbar. This feature is expected to enhance Notepad's Markdown capabilities, allowing users to render images in Markdown documents and insert images directly into notes. The changes come after the removal of WordPad from Windows 11, prompting Microsoft to integrate essential features into Notepad to streamline the default app lineup. Notepad has already seen updates like tabs, spell check, and a modernized user interface while maintaining performance. Users can disable formatting and other features to retain the traditional Notepad experience. The updates aim to cater to diverse user needs, including developers and office workers, while simplifying maintenance for enterprises.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
PC Gamer has released a new collection of quizzes focused on gaming trivia, including topics like health bars, currencies, and patch notes. The latest quiz centers on downloadable content (DLC) in PC gaming, featuring 20 questions that require participants to identify games associated with specific DLCs. The quiz starts easy and increases in difficulty, aiming to challenge even experienced gamers. Players can share their results and favorite DLCs after completing the quiz.
AppWizard
February 22, 2026
New Blood has announced that the eighth layer of Hell, titled Fraud, will be introduced to Ultrakill next week, following a minor delay from its original late 2025 release date. The new layer features a Jabu Jabu's Belly-style environment set in a golden desert with remnants of humanity. Players can expect new mechanics and challenges as they explore this layer. After Fraud, the final layer, Treachery, will be unveiled before the game's full 1.0 release. Additionally, New Blood is set to launch a spinoff titled Dungeons of Dusk later this year. Ultrakill is currently available for purchase, with a sale scheduled from February 23 to March 2, coinciding with the launch of Fraud.
Winsage
February 22, 2026
Windows 11 has faced challenges, including a comprehensive list of top issues identified in 2025, but it is not uniquely unstable compared to earlier versions like Windows 95, 98, XP, 7, and 10. Recent headlines have highlighted various problems such as printer malfunctions and performance issues, but these are often exaggerated due to increased visibility. Historically, Windows has experienced similar cycles of instability, and the perception of widespread failure today is amplified by rapid documentation of minor issues. User trust in Windows has eroded, with skepticism about performance stemming from cumulative updates and the personal impact of issues on over a billion users. The focus should shift to improving predictability and transparency regarding updates rather than solely counting bugs. Windows 11's frequency of out-of-band updates is comparable to that of Windows 7 and 10, with improved mechanisms for addressing problems quickly. Gamers continue to adopt Windows 11 due to enhanced CPU scheduling, improved GPU performance, and features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage. Microsoft is committed to further improving the gaming experience. The scale of Windows operations, with over a billion users and multiple concurrent releases, contributes to occasional anomalies. Despite criticisms, most Windows 11 systems operate without significant issues, performing adequately for daily tasks and gaming. Microsoft has announced plans for enhancements, including bug fixes, performance improvements, and security upgrades, indicating that Windows 11 remains a solid choice for users.
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