anomalies Archives

AppWizard

February 27, 2026

Alan Wake Remastered Update on PC for Version 1.33 Improves Visuals

Remedy Entertainment released a significant patch for Alan Wake Remastered on PC on February 26, introducing several enhancements. Key updates include the addition of HDR, improved DLSS capabilities, and unlocked frame rates ranging from 200 FPS to 240 FPS. Gameplay improvements feature a command to skip the intro, refined camera functionality, and optimized weapon swapping. Visual enhancements include a new optional camera style, upgraded SDR to 10-bit, corrected FOV scaling, and fixes for rendering errors. UI updates consist of a new setting to scale the gameplay UI and resolution of multiple mouse input issues. There are no announcements for similar updates on console versions.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2026

Fake Zoom meeting “update” silently installs surveillance software

A deceptive website, uswebzoomus[.]com/zoom/, poses as a Zoom meeting platform and installs surveillance software on Windows devices without user consent. The software is a covert version of Teramind, a commercial monitoring tool. The site creates a fake Zoom waiting room experience, complete with scripted participants and background audio, to trick users into downloading a malicious file named zoomagentx64s-i(_941afee582cc71135202939296679e229dd7cced) (1).msi. This file is preconfigured to connect to an attacker-controlled Teramind server and operates in stealth mode, leaving minimal traces on the device. The installation process collects information about the device and is designed to evade detection by security tools. If users suspect they have been affected, they are advised not to open the downloaded file, check for its installation, and change passwords from a clean device.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Opinion: Windows 11 isn’t the disaster some claim – and it’s time to say so

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.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game Star Wrath announced for PC

Gaijin Entertainment, in collaboration with Targem Games, is launching a free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game called Star Wrath on PC via Steam in 2026. A closed beta test is currently underway, with invitations being distributed. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where players design ships, engage in battles, gather resources, and explore the solar system. Key features include custom ship building, advanced destruction mechanics, dynamic nebula warfare, unique pilot skills, and realistic spaceflight physics.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

PC Users Can Claim 2 Free Games, Save Over $30

The Epic Games Store is offering two free games until February 26. The first is "Return to Ash," an indie visual novel developed by Serenity Forge, typically priced at .99, which allows players to guide Ashleigh through her afterlife with choices affecting her story. The second game is "STALCRAFT: X Starter Edition," a sci-fi MMO developed by EXBO, usually costing .99, set in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, featuring various gear to enhance gameplay. Both games can be downloaded for free until 8 AM PST / 4 PM GMT on February 26.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

This surprisingly popular Steam MMO is now on the Epic Games Store, with a free starter pack if you’re quick

Stalcraft X, an MMO inspired by post-apocalyptic themes, has launched on the Epic Games Store as a free-to-play game. Players can explore the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, establish home bases, and face dangers from anomalies, creatures, and rival players. A complimentary starter pack, available until February 26, includes weapons, wearables, ammunition, and cosmetic items. The game has a dedicated following on Steam with peak concurrent player counts around 20,000 daily. Additionally, Epic Games is offering the narrative-driven novel Return to Ash for free this week.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

2024 PC Game Now 100% Free for Everyone on Steam

Paragnosia is a new PC game released on October 24, 2024, available for free on Steam for a limited time. It is a horror-themed game where players act as a surveillance operator capturing images of paranormal anomalies. Developed by Sine Coda, the game has over 100 user reviews and a 92% approval rating, earning a “Very Positive” designation. It is priced at .99 and is compatible with the Steam Deck. This is Sine Coda's second game of 2024, following PathBlasters, and it is a strategic release to promote the upcoming sequel, Paragnosia: Museum. User reviews highlight the game's simplicity, replayability, and effective sound design, although there has been some negative feedback regarding AI-generated images.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game Space Wrath announced for PC

Gaijin Entertainment and Targem Games are developing a free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game titled Space Wrath, set to launch on PC via Steam in 2026. Currently, a closed beta test is ongoing, with invites being distributed in waves. The game is set in a universe where Earth has been destroyed, and players, known as Wanderers, navigate a lawless space environment. They can design their own spacecraft, engage in battles against other players, and collect resources through various encounters. Key features include customizable ship building, advanced destruction mechanics, dynamic nebula warfare, unique pilot skills, and realistic spaceflight physics.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update fixes nasty bug that left gamers staring at the dreaded ‘Black Screen of Death’

Windows 11 has encountered a bug causing complete system lock-ups for gamers, identified as the 'Kernel Security Check Failure' error, leading to the Black Screen of Death (BSOD). Microsoft has addressed this issue in the February update, which targets problems related to certain GPU configurations linked to the dxgmms2.sys file. The bug primarily affected Nvidia graphics cards but could impact all brands, including AMD and Intel. The February update also resolves connectivity issues with Wi-Fi networks using WPA3 encryption. Users are encouraged to install the update to mitigate these problems.

Tech Optimizer

February 14, 2026

PostgreSQL on Azure supercharged for AI

Over 80% of developers now incorporate AI tools into their workflows. PostgreSQL is preferred by 78.6% of developers engaged in AI and real-time applications. Microsoft has enhanced its PostgreSQL managed services to meet contemporary developer needs, contributing over 500 commits to the open-source project. The Azure Database for PostgreSQL supports both lift-and-shift and new open-source workloads, while the newly introduced Azure HorizonDB is designed for AI-native workloads. Developers can provision PostgreSQL instances directly from Visual Studio Code, and GitHub Copilot assists in writing and optimizing SQL queries. Azure Database for PostgreSQL facilitates integration with Microsoft Foundry for AI applications and supports high-performance similarity search with DiskANN vector indexing. PostgreSQL 18 is now available on Azure, offering enhanced performance and scalability. Nasdaq has modernized its Boardvantage platform using Azure Database for PostgreSQL and Microsoft Foundry to integrate AI for governance tasks. Azure HorizonDB is a fully managed PostgreSQL-compatible service designed for AI-native workloads, currently in private preview.