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Windows 11's built-in apps are getting quiet but welcome improvements
Winsage
June 27, 2026

Windows 11’s built-in apps are getting quiet but welcome improvements

Microsoft has released a preview version of its upcoming Windows update for members of the Windows Insider Program, enhancing several pre-installed applications including Calculator, Camera, Clock, Media Player, Notepad, Paint, Photos, and Sound Recorder. Key updates include: - Calculator: Improved accuracy in square root calculations, high-contrast readability for settings, right-to-left language support, and a fix for startup issues. - Sound Recorder: Added Bluetooth microphone support, a streamlined interface, immediate access to features, disabled WAV file tags, a smoother deletion process, and a resolved memory leak issue. - Additional features: AI-generated image watermarks in Photos, a zoom slider in Camera, customizable subtitles in Media Player, and a new option to delay alarms by 15 minutes in Clock.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s built-in apps are getting quiet but welcome improvements

Microsoft has released a preview version of an upcoming Windows update for members of the Windows Insider Program, enhancing several pre-installed applications including Calculator, Camera, Clock, Media Player, Notepad, Paint, Photos, and Sound Recorder. The Calculator update includes improved accuracy for square root calculations, better readability in high-contrast designs, right-to-left language support for Arabic and Hebrew, and a fix for startup issues. The Sound Recorder enhancements feature an accurate live waveform display for Bluetooth recordings, a streamlined interface, immediate access to the "Highlight" button, disabled tags for WAV recordings, a smoother deletion process for multiple recordings, and a fix for a memory leak issue. Additional features include watermarks for AI-generated images in the Photos app, a zoom slider in the Camera app, customizable subtitles in Media Player, and a 15-minute delay option for alarms in the Clock app.
China-Linked SprySOCKS Backdoor Expands to Windows with Driver-Based Stealth
Winsage
June 16, 2026

China-Linked SprySOCKS Backdoor Expands to Windows with Driver-Based Stealth

Cybersecurity researchers have identified two new Windows variants of the SprySOCKS backdoor, named WINDRV and WINPLUS, which were previously thought to be exclusive to Linux systems. Both variants feature hard-coded command-and-control configurations and can communicate via TCP, UDP, and WebSocket protocols. They support over 30 commands for operations such as system information collection and file management. WINDRV employs kernel drivers for stealth, obscuring network connections and allowing TCP traffic diversion. SprySOCKS was first documented by Trend Micro in September 2023, linked to the Chinese state-sponsored threat actor Earth Lusca, also known as FishMonger. The Windows variants belong to version 1.8 of SprySOCKS and utilize a kernel driver named RawWNPF for enhanced stealth. The attack chain begins with an initial access method that drops a batch script, leading to the installation of the backdoor. Evidence suggests these variants may have been used in attacks against government organizations in Honduras, Taiwan, Thailand, and Pakistan between 2023 and 2024. The WINPLUS variant was first detected in July 2024 in Pakistan. There are indications of a potential UEFI bootkit involvement exploiting CVE-2023-24932, a vulnerability in the Windows Boot Manager.
Spore devs say the evolution game's previews were more ambitious than what they were actually making, and they 'built a fantasy in people's minds that was unachievable'
AppWizard
June 14, 2026

Spore devs say the evolution game’s previews were more ambitious than what they were actually making, and they ‘built a fantasy in people’s minds that was unachievable’

Spore was initially envisioned as an expansive simulation game that allowed players to evolve from a unicellular organism to a spacefaring alien, but the final product turned out to be a collection of sci-fi minigames with a cartoonish character creation engine. The game's creator, Will Wright, introduced concepts like "procedural verbs" for evolving societies, but many of these ideas were not fully realized in the final version. Features such as an aquatic stage were cut from the game, which has led to ongoing interest and documentation by fans. Despite mixed reviews, Spore has influenced contemporary games, including the roguelike Everything Is Crab.
Marketplace Content: June 2026
AppWizard
June 8, 2026

Marketplace Content: June 2026

Hourglass Studios has released the Ocean Expansion Add-on 3.0, featuring 84 marine creatures and an underwater vehicle. Tools by Misfits offers gadgets like night vision goggles and jetpacks. TNTgames' Living Dead add-on introduces undead mobs and a miniboss, the Skeleton King. Glowfischdesigns' Combat Utilities enhances combat with enemy health bars and off-hand weapons. SandBlock Studios' Stitched Monsters Add-on presents marionette-like creatures and crafting options. Ascent's Ultimate City Mash-up features a 2,000 by 2,000 urban world with over 30 vehicles. Logdotzip's Biome Weapons [DX] includes over 20 elemental weapons. 5 Frame Studios' Combine Mace allows weapon merging. Lifeboat's RVs offer outdoor exploration options. Dodo Studios' High School Roleplay provides interactive academic experiences. Blocky's Skyblock Lucky Block 2 adds random surprises to the skyblock format. Lifeboat's The Sky is Falling! challenges players with falling blocks. Honeyfrost's Ultimate PvP Texture Pack enhances visuals and user interface. Heropixel Games' Pastel Paradise features pastel-themed environments. 57 Digital's Wardens add-on offers ten unique skins, while ManaLabs' Strawberry Trends provides strawberry-themed skins. CupcakeBrianna's Cozy Cats HD Skin Pack includes ten cat skins. The Marketplace Pass includes 21 new add-ons, skin packs, texture packs, mini-games, and mash-ups.
Dive Into the Depths in Grounded 2's Into the Abyss Update
AppWizard
June 8, 2026

Dive Into the Depths in Grounded 2’s Into the Abyss Update

The Into the Abyss update for Grounded 2 will launch on August 11, introducing a new area within Brookhollow Park—the pond. Players will explore both the surface and depths of the water, encountering new locations, challenges, and mysteries. New diving suits will enhance underwater capabilities, and players will meet familiar creatures like koi fish and diving bell spiders, along with new threats. The Toe-biter Buggy, an amphibious vehicle, will assist in navigating the pond's terrain. Grounded 2 is available in Game Preview for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, and in Early Access on Steam and PlayStation 5. Players can also access it through Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. The game features survival, crafting, exploration, and allows players to hatch and ride insect companions.
I regret to inform you that you almost certainly overlooked a sick as hell shrimp game on Steam last month
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

I regret to inform you that you almost certainly overlooked a sick as hell shrimp game on Steam last month

Shrimp Game: Krill Confirmed debuted on Steam last month as a self-contained demo for an upcoming shrimp-themed game. Players can pilot one of 11 customizable weaponized shrimp forms, equipped with various elemental powers and armaments. The game features a third-person shooter format and has received only 126 reviews since its launch. The install size is less than 2 GB. Players encounter foes like the eurypterid, which requires strategic dodging and offers rewards in the form of "shrimp points" for customization. The game is now available on Steam.
Subnautica 2 promises to add 'one of the most requested' features, but sorry, it's not a knife you can stab fish with
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

Subnautica 2 promises to add ‘one of the most requested’ features, but sorry, it’s not a knife you can stab fish with

Subnautica 2 was launched last month and has received positive feedback from players and critics. The game is currently in its early access phase, with design lead Anthony Gallegos indicating that numerous updates and enhancements are planned. A beloved feature from the original Subnautica will return, while the ability to confront aggressive sea creatures is currently not included. Players can explore mods for alternative combat options with ocean inhabitants. The game is expected to evolve with new content and features.
I absolutely agree with 33% of you when it comes to your choice of freaky Subnautica 2 critters
AppWizard
May 29, 2026

I absolutely agree with 33% of you when it comes to your choice of freaky Subnautica 2 critters

The author has not yet played Subnautica 2 due to a fear of deep water. Colleagues at PC Gamer have reviewed the game positively, with Sean Martin appreciating its episodic structure, Tyler Wilde giving it a favorable review, and Fraser Brown suggesting it could be quieter. A poll conducted revealed that the Periscopic Clowncrab was the most popular creature with 33% of the votes, followed by the Coral Crab at 22%, the Great Jaw at 14%, and BFJ at 12%. The Foureye received 10% of the votes, and the Waxmoon was noted for its striking design. Elie Gould called for recognition of the Water Slug.
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