alternative ways Archives

BetaBeacon

December 13, 2025

Fortnite Returns to Android on Google Play Store, Apple Loses Appeal Against Epic

Fortnite has returned to the Google Play Store in the US after a legal battle with Epic Games and Google. Android users in the US can now easily download the game, while players outside the country still need to find alternative ways to access it. Google recently settled with Epic Games, while Apple has made changes to its policies following a court ruling. Epic Games CEO, Tim Sweeney, sees these legal developments as a step towards fair competition in the mobile payment industry.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Microsoft clamping down on Windows 11 local account setup — latest Insider build removes ‘local-only commands,’ skipping Microsoft account sign-in will crash setup process

The Out of Box Experience (OOBE) for new Windows installations has changed, making it harder for users to bypass signing into a Microsoft account. Microsoft has removed "local-only commands" that allowed users to circumvent online sign-ins, requiring a continuous internet connection to complete the setup. The removal of the start ms cxh:local command and the earlier disabling of the "bypassnro" method means users must log into their Microsoft accounts to proceed. These changes apply only to direct installations, not managed devices. While some technically inclined users may still find ways to bypass the requirement, concerns about privacy and ease of use have been raised. Critics suggest these changes may be part of a strategy to promote Microsoft 365 and OneDrive services during the setup process.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

The Best Private Messaging Apps for 2025

Privacy and security are distinct concepts; privacy concerns identifiable information, while security relates to data vulnerability. Protecting privacy is essential due to the interest of companies in harvesting data. Reliable messaging apps use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to secure messages, with varying implementations. Apps like Briar and Session operate on decentralized networks and prioritize user privacy, while Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp have different levels of security features. Signal and WhatsApp provide E2EE for personal chats, but Telegram only offers it for "Secret Chats." Business accounts on WhatsApp lack encryption. Signal is a nonprofit that does not sell user data, while Telegram operates for profit and has faced criticism for privacy enforcement. Briar and Session allow anonymous communication without personal data. Law enforcement can access messages through various methods, but apps like Signal and Telegram are resistant to inquiries. WhatsApp is the most widely used app, while Telegram and WhatsApp offer more social features but come with risks. All three services support voice and video calling, with varying reliability. Signal is highlighted as the best option due to its strong encryption and commitment to user privacy.

Winsage

September 21, 2025

Windows 10 Upgrade Guide: How to delay, avoid or survive the switch to Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing to provide new patches and security updates. Users can enroll in the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates program to receive critical security updates for an additional year, until October 2026, for a fee. Alternatively, users can redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for a free year of updates or use the Windows Backup App to qualify for the free updates. Upgrading to Windows 11 is free if the PC meets the system requirements. Users whose PCs do not qualify for Windows 11 may consider replacing their device or exploring other operating systems like macOS, ChromeOS, or Linux. Nearly half of all Windows PCs globally still run Windows 10, highlighting the potential security risks of remaining on an unsupported operating system.

AppWizard

February 22, 2025

How to Get Honeycomb in Minecraft? | Esports News – The Times of India

Honeycomb is sourced from beehives and bee nests in Minecraft and is used in crafting items such as candles, honeycomb blocks, beehives, and waxed copper. Bee nests can be found in various biomes, with the following probabilities: Meadow (100%), Plains and Sunflower Plains (5%), Flower Forest (3%), and Forest and Birch Forest (0.2%). To harvest Honeycomb, players need shears and optionally a campfire to calm the bees. The steps include placing a campfire beneath the nest, waiting for the honey level to reach 5, and then using shears to collect 3 Honeycombs. Players can also craft a beehive using 3 Honeycomb and 6 Wooden Planks or trade with farmer villagers for Honeycomb. Honeycomb can be used to create beehives, candles, waxed copper, and honeycomb blocks.

AppWizard

November 23, 2024

This humanities professor wants students to study video games. He explains why in this Q&A

Humanities professors Michael Call and Brian Croxall at BYU have launched a video gaming initiative that combines technology and the humanities. Every Monday at 4:00 p.m., students attend a lecture on a selected video game, followed by gameplay throughout the week. The initiative began with games like Stardew Valley and Minecraft and aims to explore various games and their cultural significance. Croxall emphasizes the artistic value of video games, comparing them to traditional forms of art. Call highlights the historical connection between 17th-century French society and gaming, noting the lack of academic discussion around video games on campus. The series provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among faculty. Call points out the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of gaming, while also cautioning against excessive gaming. He encourages mindfulness and moderation in gaming habits. Call also shares a personal connection to Star Wars Battlefront 2, illustrating the emotional impact of video games.

AppWizard

July 4, 2024

62% of Chinese PC games consumers spending more this year

Chinese PC gamers are spending more money in 2024, with 62% of spending gamers investing more than in 2023. Steam remains the dominant platform in China, with 80% of premium gamers using the international version. Niko Partners' CEO, Lisa Hanson, sees growth potential in player spending in the PC gaming sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Chinese market for effective marketing and monetization strategies.

AppWizard

July 3, 2024

Niko Partners: 62% of China PC players spending more on games than last year

- Almost two thirds of PC gamers in China have spent more on games than any other platform in 2024 - Steam remained the top PC distribution platform in China - 44% of those surveyed watch video game and esports livestreams - 45% of respondents discovered video games by watching short form content - The mini game segment in mobile gaming has seen major growth, with approximately 650 million players

AppWizard

July 2, 2024

How to Easily Install Android Apps on Your Windows 11 PC

- The best way to install Android apps on Windows 11 is through the Amazon App Store. - Microsoft will soon remove support for this feature, so users should use it while it is still available. - Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 will be discontinued on March 5, 2025, but apps already installed can still be used. - Google Play Store is not available on Windows 11, but it can be installed using a third-party tool called PowerShell Windows Toolbox. - Sideloading Android apps on Windows 11 is an alternative method, but it comes with risks such as varying performance and exposure to malicious software.

AppWizard

June 12, 2024

Android Users Experience Google Weather App Outage

An outage of the Google Weather app on Android impacted users, causing inaccessibility and malfunctions starting around 5 p.m. PT. The issue affected various Android devices, including Pixel and Samsung models. Despite the outage, services like the Google Clock app, Google Search, Wear OS Weather app, Google Assistant, and Nest Hub devices continued to provide weather information.