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2024

How mathematicians use Minecraft to calculate pi
AppWizard
May 25, 2026

How mathematicians use Minecraft to calculate pi

Mathematicians Molly Lynch and Michael Weselcouch developed a method to approximate the value of pi (π) within the game Minecraft using a probabilistic darts technique. They constructed a circular structure with a radius of 11 blocks surrounded by a square and introduced random events using slimes, which move randomly. By counting the number of slimes killed within the circle compared to the total number killed, they calculated an approximation of π. During their test, they killed 619 slimes, with 508 inside the circular area, yielding an approximation of π ≈ 3.283. They noted that increasing the size of the square and the number of slimes could improve accuracy.
Microsoft Copilot Returns as a Sidebar in Windows 11
Winsage
May 25, 2026

Microsoft Copilot Returns as a Sidebar in Windows 11

Microsoft is updating the Copilot AI integration within Windows 11, reintroducing it as a sidebar application similar to its original design from 2024. Users can dock Copilot on either side of the screen, which adjusts the user interface to accommodate it. The redesigned Copilot integrates more seamlessly with desktop elements. Microsoft has provided two methods for users to remove the Copilot application: one involves editing the Windows Registry to create a key that instructs Windows to remove Copilot, while the other uses a group policy setting applicable only if Copilot was not user-installed.
Microsoft's new Copilot turns into a Windows 11 sidebar that pushes your apps aside to make room
Winsage
May 24, 2026

Microsoft’s new Copilot turns into a Windows 11 sidebar that pushes your apps aside to make room

Microsoft is integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, into Windows 11 with a new docking feature that allows it to coexist with other applications. Users can access a drop-down menu in the title bar for "snapping" options, enabling Copilot to dock on the left or right side of the screen. The interface adjusts automatically to accommodate the docked Copilot, which can occupy space alongside other applications. Copilot has undergone several redesigns and is now packaged as an Edge-based wrapper, although the reasons for this bundling are unclear.
LEGO Minecraft Steve's Desert Expedtion 21251 Review
AppWizard
May 24, 2026

LEGO Minecraft Steve’s Desert Expedtion 21251 Review

LEGO Minecraft set Steve’s Desert Expedition (set number 21251) was released in 2024 and consists of 75 pieces, aimed at ages six and above. The set features Steve building a temporary dwelling in a desert and defending it from a Phantom. It includes a new version of the Steve minifigure with a dark azure shirt and a medium lavender enchanted axe, which is exclusive to four sets. The set also introduces a baby camel, designed with a 1X1 tan tile for its nose and constructed from two 1X2 tan bricks. The Phantom, a character in Minecraft since 2017, has a build that allows for dynamic flying poses. Steve's campsite is built on a tan plate, includes a small water source, a cactus, and a crafting table, though the campfire design could be improved for realism.
Gemini Live redesign now works with more ‘Connected Apps’ on Android
AppWizard
May 23, 2026

Gemini Live redesign now works with more ‘Connected Apps’ on Android

Gemini Live on Android has expanded its integration capabilities, allowing access to a wider range of first- and third-party "Connected Apps." The update introduces a new floating interface that integrates Gemini Live into the text chat experience. Previously, it connected only with Google services and select third-party alternatives. The first-party app list now includes services such as Home, Hotels, Flights, Workspace, Image generation, Shopping, Utilities, YouTube, YouTube Music, and Spotify. The Utilities section introduces timers and alarms, but the ability to send Messages via Gemini Live is still forthcoming.
Microsoft Dismantles Fox Tempest: Ransomware Groups Paid Up to $9,500 to Fake Windows Software Signatures
Winsage
May 22, 2026

Microsoft Dismantles Fox Tempest: Ransomware Groups Paid Up to $9,500 to Fake Windows Software Signatures

Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit has filed a lawsuit against Fox Tempest, a criminal enterprise selling fraudulently signed malware to ransomware groups, affecting hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure in ten countries. The lawsuit was filed on May 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Fox Tempest created a portal at signspace[.]cloud, offering a user-friendly interface for uploading malicious files and generating over 580 fraudulent Microsoft accounts to bypass identity verification. The group provided pre-configured virtual machines for customers to upload malicious payloads in exchange for signed binaries. Fox Tempest's operations were linked to a ransomware attack chain involving a counterfeit Microsoft Teams installer that deployed the Rhysida ransomware. This ransomware strain has caused significant breaches, including an October 2023 attack on the British Library, which resulted in a data exfiltration of about 600GB and recovery costs of £6 to £7 million, and a September 2024 attack on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a ransom demand of .8 million. Microsoft's civil litigation approach allowed for a quicker legal process, leading to the seizure of the signspace[.]cloud domain and the suspension of around 1,000 Fox Tempest accounts. Despite these actions, Fox Tempest has begun shifting to alternative code-signing services, highlighting the evolving nature of cybercrime and the need for users to verify software through independent channels. The confirmed targets of Fox Tempest included organizations in the United States, France, India, China, Brazil, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.
Riot Games Says It 'Would Not and Cannot' Use Vanguard Anti-Cheat to Brick PCs After Rumors Spread
AppWizard
May 22, 2026

Riot Games Says It ‘Would Not and Cannot’ Use Vanguard Anti-Cheat to Brick PCs After Rumors Spread

Riot Games has clarified that its Vanguard anti-cheat system does not have the capability to damage players' PCs or disable their devices. The company stated that the "paperweights" referenced in a social media post were cheat devices that had been rendered ineffective by updates to the Vanguard system, which enforces security features on accounts using Direct Memory Access (DMA) cheating devices. While cheaters may experience hardware faults when using these cheats, this is a consequence of their actions, and only those using DMA-based cheats would encounter issues. Riot Games reassured players that their PCs would not be "bricked" due to Vanguard's operations.
Valorant's new Vanguard update seems to be bricking cheaters' PCs. Riot's response? "Congrats on your $6k paperweights"
AppWizard
May 22, 2026

Valorant’s new Vanguard update seems to be bricking cheaters’ PCs. Riot’s response? “Congrats on your $6k paperweights”

Riot Games' Vanguard anti-cheat system, introduced with Valorant and later integrated into League of Legends in 2024, operates at a kernel level, raising concerns about potential damage to players' PCs. Issues arose when streamer Nick 'LS' De Cesare experienced computer problems after a Vanguard update. The latest version of Vanguard reportedly made some cheaters' computers inoperable, requiring a complete operating system reinstall. Players must have Vanguard installed to access Riot's games, and the system now blocks most DMA firmware, which is used to mask cheats. Vanguard can activate even without Valorant installed, and if it detects DMA firmware, the only solution is a Windows reinstall. Riot Games acknowledged the complaints humorously, highlighting the frustrations of affected users. The kernel-level operation of Vanguard raises concerns about the risk of damaging personal computers due to misidentification, and legal discussions about its implications are ongoing. Players who do not want to use Vanguard cannot access Riot's games.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
May 21, 2026

CVE-2024-55638: Highly Critical Drupal Core Vulnerability Threatens PostgreSQL Sites with Remote Code Execution (RCE)

A critical vulnerability, CVE-2024-55638, has been identified in Drupal Core, affecting installations using PostgreSQL as their backend database. This vulnerability involves PHP Object Injection, which can lead to full Remote Code Execution (RCE) when combined with another deserialization flaw. It cannot be exploited independently but increases the risk for Drupal installations that use third-party modules or custom code that improperly employs the unserialize() function. The affected versions include Drupal Core 7.x prior to 7.102, 8.0.0 and above prior to 10.2.11, and 10.3.0 prior to 10.3.9, with patched versions being 7.102, 10.2.11, and 10.3.9. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for sites using PostgreSQL, and organizations are urged to upgrade to the patched versions and audit their code for unsafe unserialize() usage. Currently, there are no confirmed reports of exploitation in the wild, but the risk remains high due to insecure deserialization bugs in third-party modules. The EPSS score for this vulnerability is 9.93%, indicating a significant likelihood of exploitation in the near future.
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