archive Archives

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

14 Open-Source Android Apps for Privacy & Control

Users are increasingly seeking control over their digital privacy, leading to the rise of open-source Android applications that provide ad-free experiences and offline functionalities. A selection of 14 vetted applications includes: - Essentials: Unlocks system-level customization without rooting, allowing tweaks like custom notifications and app management. - PhotoU: Uses swipe-based sorting to organize photo galleries offline, enhancing user control over images. - PDF ToolKit: Manages PDF documents locally, enabling merging, splitting, and password protection without cloud uploads. - DNSNet: Acts as a local VPN to block malicious sites and ads before they load, enhancing browsing privacy. - Traffic Light: Monitors network usage in real-time, helping users identify data-draining apps. - CareSleep: Provides offline soundscapes for focus, free from ads and subscriptions. - Weather Master: Customizes weather displays with themes and layouts while respecting user privacy. - Block Ads: Filters ads system-wide without disrupting essential apps through smart split routing. - Nora: A privacy-focused browser that optimizes social media use while blocking trackers. - AB Download Manager: Enhances large file downloads through multi-threading and scheduling. - PixelPlayer: A local music player that adapts to wallpaper and operates ad-free. - MPV EX Video Player: Delivers high-quality video playback without ads, utilizing gesture controls. - CaptureCap: A lightweight screen recorder that captures internal audio without rooting. - Deep De-Noiser: Uses offline AI to remove background noise from recordings, ensuring clear audio quality.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Bloodborne ported to PC – the game runs without an emulator

An individual known as deadinside28 has created a native port of Bloodborne for Linux, diverging from traditional emulators by running the game's original x86-64 code natively. The port replaces PlayStation 4 system libraries with a streamlined runtime and uses a renderer that translates operations to Vulkan, incorporating AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution technology. The project is currently classified as “experimental, playable,” allowing players to launch the game, load saved progress, and navigate key locations, although it is still a work in progress. The source code is available on GitHub, but players must provide their own Bloodborne dump (CUSA03173, v1.09). The minimum hardware requirements include an Intel Core i5-9400 processor and an AMD RX580 graphics card.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Launched in 2020, Minecraft’s Uncensored Library held around 300 books; RSF continues adding censored journalism

The Uncensored Library is a digital archive created by Reporters Without Borders and BlockWorks within Minecraft to combat censorship by providing access to banned journal articles. It features approximately 300 books across twelve wings, representing countries with restricted information. The library is accessible through a dedicated Minecraft server or by downloading it for Windows and Mac users. The selection of countries and articles is based on Google Analytics and the Press Freedom Index, with contributions from journalists. The library continues to grow, with recent updates adding new content from various countries, including the United States, Egypt, Belarus, and Russia. Since its launch in 2020, it has attracted over one million visitors and its books have been read ten million times.

Winsage

October 3, 2026

Windows 11 Spotted Keeping Thumbnails of Deleted Photos

Windows 11 uses a thumbnail caching mechanism to store previews of images in specific databases located in %LocalAppData%MicrosoftWindowsExplorer, such as thumbcache32.db and thumbcache1024.db. When a user deletes an image, the corresponding thumbnail may remain in the cache, as deletion does not automatically remove it from the thumbnail database. The cache retains only reduced versions of images, not the original files, which is significant in digital forensics where thumbnails can provide insights even when original files are missing. Users can manage their thumbnail cache using the cleanmgr tool to clear saved thumbnails or disable thumbnail caching through the Local Group Policy Editor or File Explorer settings.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

6 of the best new Android apps you need to try this October

In October 2026, several noteworthy Android applications were introduced: - Adobe Premiere: A mobile video editing app from Adobe, designed for shorter formats like YouTube Shorts, featuring speed and transition effects, unlimited tracks for advanced editing, and AI capabilities. Requires Android 13 or newer and a minimum of 5GB RAM. - SongFlip: An app that simplifies music link-sharing by automatically redirecting links to the user's preferred music service, supporting platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. It offers a premium version with a history feature. - Memoria: An offline gallery app that uses AI for contextual search, allowing natural language searches and image retrieval based on reference photos, while prioritizing user privacy by processing data locally. - Rowtine: An app for knitting and crocheting enthusiasts that helps manage projects and patterns, allowing users to import PDF patterns and track progress. - Material Files: An updated Android file manager that introduces enhancements like support for Shizuku, additional storage options, and improved navigation features. - Radio Addict: An internet radio streaming app that allows users to search by country, city, or genre, featuring a stats section to track listening habits. It is free with ads and offers a subscription option to remove them.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft Launches Windows 11 26H2 Update

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 26H2 update, introducing new features not available in the 25H2 version. Key enhancements include a revamped File Explorer with improved summarization and AI tools, an upgraded Windows Search prioritizing file searches, and updates to the Magnifier and Narrator. The update also expands voice command capabilities on the Copilot+ PC and refreshes the Start menu and Taskbar with new customization options. The support cycle for the 26H2 release extends to 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions and 24 months for Home and Pro editions, starting September 29, 2026. Microsoft has been rolling out support and updates since late 2024, with enablement packages allowing users on newer versions to upgrade easily, while older versions will require a full feature update to transition to 26H2.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

WSL containers is now generally available

WSL has introduced a new feature called WSL containers, enabling users to build, run, and deploy Linux containers on Windows. Users can access this feature by executing wsl --update or downloading the latest release from GitHub. Key capabilities include: - WSL containers CLI (PLACEHOLDER8a7e9b6f37799ba2 and PLACEHOLDERcff917ded0a54dfd) for managing Linux containers. - WSL containers API for programmatic execution of Linux containers within Windows applications. New commands and enhancements include: - PLACEHOLDER9a5ce8c0763b7886, PLACEHOLDER3ee1e1334fe287fb, PLACEHOLDER4860ddbd841eef41, PLACEHOLDERe699cb1a0eaadb6e, wslc network disconnect, and support for container health checks. - Integration of Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for security and governance in container workflows. - New settings in Intune for managing WSL container access and registry controls. Community integrations include support for VS Code dev containers and various tools for managing WSL containers. Future plans involve adding wslc compose support and improving core platform capabilities for WSL, including networking and cross-OS file performance.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

The best frog in all of gaming, Touch Me, is now appreciable in all its glory thanks to a FF7 model viewer

Pardall Games has released a collection of 3D models from the 1997 game Final Fantasy 7, including a frog model referred to as "my sweet, sweet boy." Users can interact with nearly every model, including characters and summon animations, in a 3D viewer. The viewer allows for rotation of models and comparison with map screens. A notable model is that of Touch Me, which has been renamed Amphidex in the recent Rebirth remake, and can be transformed into a GIF to showcase its animations.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Stop Uninstalling Your Android Apps When You Need Space

Android 15 has introduced an Archive option that allows users to remove an app from their device while preserving all associated data in the cloud. This feature is useful for seasonal apps that may only be needed at certain times. To use the Archive option, users can go to Settings, find the Apps section, select the app to archive, and choose the Archive option. The app will be removed, and its data will be uploaded to the cloud. Users can restore the app by selecting it again in the Settings app and choosing Restore, which reinstalls the app with all previous settings, though new updates will need to be downloaded. Regular maintenance tasks, such as clearing the app cache, should still be performed for optimal performance.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

19 years later, the shooter The Darkness has been ported to PC

The Darkness has been officially released on PC, marking its first availability on this platform since its original launch in 2007 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The port was developed by portingpete, who adapted the Xbox 360 version for the Windows 64-bit operating system without using emulation. The game features original gameplay mechanics, support for gamepad and mouse controls, comprehensive video settings, and fully functional sound and save systems. Portingpete has also made the source code of the project available on GitHub, but players must provide their own Xbox 360 game files to play.