Article Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2026

Connecting .NET Lambda to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL via RDS Proxy

Many organizations are modernizing legacy .NET applications while reducing database costs and enhancing scalability, particularly during migrations to AWS Lambda and transitions from SQL Server to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition. The process involves connecting Lambda functions to Aurora PostgreSQL using Amazon RDS Proxy, with AWS Secrets Manager managing secure credential storage. The architecture includes a .NET Lambda function interfacing with Aurora PostgreSQL via RDS Proxy, which provides connection pooling to minimize database connection overhead. The solution requires a CloudFormation template to provision resources such as a VPC with private subnets, an Aurora PostgreSQL cluster, RDS Proxy, and Secrets Manager. The RDS Proxy is configured with parameters including PostgreSQL engine family, idle client connection timeout, and Secrets Manager secret. A Windows EC2 instance is provisioned, and access is facilitated through AWS Systems Manager Fleet Manager. The solution includes creating a sample table named "employee" in the database and a new .NET Lambda project that utilizes Npgsql for database connections. The Lambda function is deployed using the AWS CLI, and testing involves invoking the function and retrieving logs from Amazon CloudWatch. Finally, resources created during the process should be deleted to prevent ongoing charges.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Minecraft guide: Your compendium for crafting

The next Minecraft update is called Chaos Cubed, which will introduce the Sulfur Caves biome featuring unique cinnabar and sulfur blocks, as well as steamy lakes. Players will also encounter the Sulfur Cube mob, which absorbs properties from surrounding blocks. The article includes information about Minecraft seeds, skins, mods, commands, texture packs, and shaders, as well as guides on how to get started, find rare resources, and tame various creatures such as Happy Ghasts, Nautilus, camels, horses, Copper Golems, Allays, and villagers. It also mentions crafting recipes for harnesses, saddles, and nametags.

BetaBeacon

April 14, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Skel and Defense, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, more

Android app price drops include One More Button for , Hexologic - Sudoku Puzzle Game for , Toska - Turqoise icon pack for free, ToscaLine - Turqoise Icon Pack for free, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom for , RPG Gale of Windoria for , RPG Ruinverse for , SRPG Eldgear for , Skel and Defense for [openai_gpt model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Today’s highlight Android app price drops: One More Button (Reg. ) Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game (Reg. ) Toska – Turqoise icon pack FREE (Reg. ) ToscaLine – Turqoise Icon Pack FREE (Reg. ) Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom (Reg. ) [Premium] RPG Gale of Windoria (Reg. ) RPG Ruinverse (Reg. ) SRPG Eldgear (Reg. ) Skel and Defense [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Reg. $1+/FREE+ Your afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Skel and Defense, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, SRPG Eldgear, Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game, and more. The Android hardware deals are on fire this week with up to $300 off Pixel 10 devices and an additional $50 off the base Pixel 10 ($250 off in total), a new Amazon low on Pixel 10a, and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at a giant $470 off today. All of the apps await below. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: One More Button $1 (Reg. $3) Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game $1 (Reg. $3) Toska – Turqoise icon pack FREE (Reg. $1) ToscaLine – Turqoise Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom $3 (Reg. $8) [Premium] RPG Gale of Windoria $2 (Reg. $8) RPG Ruinverse $1 (Reg. $9) SRPG Eldgear $2 (Reg. $8) Skel and Defense $0.50 (Reg. $2.50) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) More highlight Android app price drops still live: Galaxy Vanguard I – Premium $2 (Reg. $3) The Fall 2 : Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) The Fall 1: Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) No More Buttons $1 (Reg. $2) Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro FREE (Reg. $0.50) SciFi Survivor Premium FREE (Reg. $0.50) Sniper 2d Fantasy $0.25 (Reg. $0.50) King of Defense Premium FREE (Reg. $3) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) Avalar: Shadow War Premium FREE (Reg. $1) Empire of the Gods $1 (Reg. $3) Defenchick: tower defense $0.50 (Reg. $1) Paign – RPG $1.50 (Reg. $3) King of Defense 2: TD Premium FREE (Reg. $2) The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D $1.50 (Reg. $3) Last Survivor: Survival Pro FREE (Reg. $1) Hero of the Kingdom II $1.50 (Reg. $8.50) Hexaring – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) OTO – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Color Line – Vibrant Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Red Yellow – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Garis Light – Lines Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Zamrud Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Toys — experts digging up all the latest technology and lifestyle deals, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Toys on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out the best Apple deals, our daily podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].50 (Reg. .50) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. ) More highlight Android app price drops still live: Galaxy Vanguard I – Premium (Reg. ) The Fall 2 : Zombie Survival [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Reg. $1+/FREE+ Your afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Skel and Defense, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, SRPG Eldgear, Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game, and more. The Android hardware deals are on fire this week with up to $300 off Pixel 10 devices and an additional $50 off the base Pixel 10 ($250 off in total), a new Amazon low on Pixel 10a, and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at a giant $470 off today. All of the apps await below. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: One More Button $1 (Reg. $3) Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game $1 (Reg. $3) Toska – Turqoise icon pack FREE (Reg. $1) ToscaLine – Turqoise Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom $3 (Reg. $8) [Premium] RPG Gale of Windoria $2 (Reg. $8) RPG Ruinverse $1 (Reg. $9) SRPG Eldgear $2 (Reg. $8) Skel and Defense $0.50 (Reg. $2.50) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) More highlight Android app price drops still live: Galaxy Vanguard I – Premium $2 (Reg. $3) The Fall 2 : Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) The Fall 1: Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) No More Buttons $1 (Reg. $2) Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro FREE (Reg. $0.50) SciFi Survivor Premium FREE (Reg. $0.50) Sniper 2d Fantasy $0.25 (Reg. $0.50) King of Defense Premium FREE (Reg. $3) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) Avalar: Shadow War Premium FREE (Reg. $1) Empire of the Gods $1 (Reg. $3) Defenchick: tower defense $0.50 (Reg. $1) Paign – RPG $1.50 (Reg. $3) King of Defense 2: TD Premium FREE (Reg. $2) The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D $1.50 (Reg. $3) Last Survivor: Survival Pro FREE (Reg. $1) Hero of the Kingdom II $1.50 (Reg. $8.50) Hexaring – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) OTO – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Color Line – Vibrant Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Red Yellow – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Garis Light – Lines Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Zamrud Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Toys — experts digging up all the latest technology and lifestyle deals, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Toys on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out the best Apple deals, our daily podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].50 (Reg. ) The Fall 1: Zombie Survival [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Reg. $1+/FREE+ Your afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Skel and Defense, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, SRPG Eldgear, Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game, and more. The Android hardware deals are on fire this week with up to $300 off Pixel 10 devices and an additional $50 off the base Pixel 10 ($250 off in total), a new Amazon low on Pixel 10a, and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at a giant $470 off today. All of the apps await below. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: One More Button $1 (Reg. $3) Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game $1 (Reg. $3) Toska – Turqoise icon pack FREE (Reg. $1) ToscaLine – Turqoise Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom $3 (Reg. $8) [Premium] RPG Gale of Windoria $2 (Reg. $8) RPG Ruinverse $1 (Reg. $9) SRPG Eldgear $2 (Reg. $8) Skel and Defense $0.50 (Reg. $2.50) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) More highlight Android app price drops still live: Galaxy Vanguard I – Premium $2 (Reg. $3) The Fall 2 : Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) The Fall 1: Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) No More Buttons $1 (Reg. $2) Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro FREE (Reg. $0.50) SciFi Survivor Premium FREE (Reg. $0.50) Sniper 2d Fantasy $0.25 (Reg. $0.50) King of Defense Premium FREE (Reg. $3) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) Avalar: Shadow War Premium FREE (Reg. $1) Empire of the Gods $1 (Reg. $3) Defenchick: tower defense $0.50 (Reg. $1) Paign – RPG $1.50 (Reg. $3) King of Defense 2: TD Premium FREE (Reg. $2) The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D $1.50 (Reg. $3) Last Survivor: Survival Pro FREE (Reg. $1) Hero of the Kingdom II $1.50 (Reg. $8.50) Hexaring – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) OTO – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Color Line – Vibrant Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Red Yellow – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Garis Light – Lines Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Zamrud Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Toys — experts digging up all the latest technology and lifestyle deals, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Toys on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out the best Apple deals, our daily podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].50 (Reg. ) No More Buttons (Reg. ) Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro FREE (Reg. [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Reg. $1+/FREE+ Your afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Skel and Defense, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, SRPG Eldgear, Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game, and more. The Android hardware deals are on fire this week with up to $300 off Pixel 10 devices and an additional $50 off the base Pixel 10 ($250 off in total), a new Amazon low on Pixel 10a, and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at a giant $470 off today. All of the apps await below. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: One More Button $1 (Reg. $3) Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game $1 (Reg. $3) Toska – Turqoise icon pack FREE (Reg. $1) ToscaLine – Turqoise Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom $3 (Reg. $8) [Premium] RPG Gale of Windoria $2 (Reg. $8) RPG Ruinverse $1 (Reg. $9) SRPG Eldgear $2 (Reg. $8) Skel and Defense $0.50 (Reg. $2.50) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) More highlight Android app price drops still live: Galaxy Vanguard I – Premium $2 (Reg. $3) The Fall 2 : Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) The Fall 1: Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) No More Buttons $1 (Reg. $2) Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro FREE (Reg. $0.50) SciFi Survivor Premium FREE (Reg. $0.50) Sniper 2d Fantasy $0.25 (Reg. $0.50) King of Defense Premium FREE (Reg. $3) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) Avalar: Shadow War Premium FREE (Reg. $1) Empire of the Gods $1 (Reg. $3) Defenchick: tower defense $0.50 (Reg. $1) Paign – RPG $1.50 (Reg. $3) King of Defense 2: TD Premium FREE (Reg. $2) The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D $1.50 (Reg. $3) Last Survivor: Survival Pro FREE (Reg. $1) Hero of the Kingdom II $1.50 (Reg. $8.50) Hexaring – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) OTO – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Color Line – Vibrant Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Red Yellow – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Garis Light – Lines Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Zamrud Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Toys — experts digging up all the latest technology and lifestyle deals, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Toys on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out the best Apple deals, our daily podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].50) SciFi Survivor Premium FREE (Reg. [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Reg. $1+/FREE+ Your afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Skel and Defense, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, SRPG Eldgear, Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game, and more. The Android hardware deals are on fire this week with up to $300 off Pixel 10 devices and an additional $50 off the base Pixel 10 ($250 off in total), a new Amazon low on Pixel 10a, and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at a giant $470 off today. All of the apps await below. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: One More Button $1 (Reg. $3) Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game $1 (Reg. $3) Toska – Turqoise icon pack FREE (Reg. $1) ToscaLine – Turqoise Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom $3 (Reg. $8) [Premium] RPG Gale of Windoria $2 (Reg. $8) RPG Ruinverse $1 (Reg. $9) SRPG Eldgear $2 (Reg. $8) Skel and Defense $0.50 (Reg. $2.50) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) More highlight Android app price drops still live: Galaxy Vanguard I – Premium $2 (Reg. $3) The Fall 2 : Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) The Fall 1: Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) No More Buttons $1 (Reg. $2) Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro FREE (Reg. $0.50) SciFi Survivor Premium FREE (Reg. $0.50) Sniper 2d Fantasy $0.25 (Reg. $0.50) King of Defense Premium FREE (Reg. $3) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) Avalar: Shadow War Premium FREE (Reg. $1) Empire of the Gods $1 (Reg. $3) Defenchick: tower defense $0.50 (Reg. $1) Paign – RPG $1.50 (Reg. $3) King of Defense 2: TD Premium FREE (Reg. $2) The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D $1.50 (Reg. $3) Last Survivor: Survival Pro FREE (Reg. $1) Hero of the Kingdom II $1.50 (Reg. $8.50) Hexaring – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) OTO – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Color Line – Vibrant Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Red Yellow – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Garis Light – Lines Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Zamrud Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Toys — experts digging up all the latest technology and lifestyle deals, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Toys on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out the best Apple deals, our daily podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].50) Sniper 2d Fantasy [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Reg. $1+/FREE+ Your afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Skel and Defense, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, SRPG Eldgear, Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game, and more. The Android hardware deals are on fire this week with up to $300 off Pixel 10 devices and an additional $50 off the base Pixel 10 ($250 off in total), a new Amazon low on Pixel 10a, and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at a giant $470 off today. All of the apps await below. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: One More Button $1 (Reg. $3) Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game $1 (Reg. $3) Toska – Turqoise icon pack FREE (Reg. $1) ToscaLine – Turqoise Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom $3 (Reg. $8) [Premium] RPG Gale of Windoria $2 (Reg. $8) RPG Ruinverse $1 (Reg. $9) SRPG Eldgear $2 (Reg. $8) Skel and Defense $0.50 (Reg. $2.50) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) More highlight Android app price drops still live: Galaxy Vanguard I – Premium $2 (Reg. $3) The Fall 2 : Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) The Fall 1: Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) No More Buttons $1 (Reg. $2) Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro FREE (Reg. $0.50) SciFi Survivor Premium FREE (Reg. $0.50) Sniper 2d Fantasy $0.25 (Reg. $0.50) King of Defense Premium FREE (Reg. $3) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) Avalar: Shadow War Premium FREE (Reg. $1) Empire of the Gods $1 (Reg. $3) Defenchick: tower defense $0.50 (Reg. $1) Paign – RPG $1.50 (Reg. $3) King of Defense 2: TD Premium FREE (Reg. $2) The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D $1.50 (Reg. $3) Last Survivor: Survival Pro FREE (Reg. $1) Hero of the Kingdom II $1.50 (Reg. $8.50) Hexaring – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) OTO – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Color Line – Vibrant Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Red Yellow – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Garis Light – Lines Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Zamrud Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Toys — experts digging up all the latest technology and lifestyle deals, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Toys on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out the best Apple deals, our daily podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].25 (Reg. [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Reg. $1+/FREE+ Your afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Skel and Defense, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, SRPG Eldgear, Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game, and more. The Android hardware deals are on fire this week with up to $300 off Pixel 10 devices and an additional $50 off the base Pixel 10 ($250 off in total), a new Amazon low on Pixel 10a, and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at a giant $470 off today. All of the apps await below. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: One More Button $1 (Reg. $3) Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game $1 (Reg. $3) Toska – Turqoise icon pack FREE (Reg. $1) ToscaLine – Turqoise Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom $3 (Reg. $8) [Premium] RPG Gale of Windoria $2 (Reg. $8) RPG Ruinverse $1 (Reg. $9) SRPG Eldgear $2 (Reg. $8) Skel and Defense $0.50 (Reg. $2.50) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) More highlight Android app price drops still live: Galaxy Vanguard I – Premium $2 (Reg. $3) The Fall 2 : Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) The Fall 1: Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) No More Buttons $1 (Reg. $2) Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro FREE (Reg. $0.50) SciFi Survivor Premium FREE (Reg. $0.50) Sniper 2d Fantasy $0.25 (Reg. $0.50) King of Defense Premium FREE (Reg. $3) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) Avalar: Shadow War Premium FREE (Reg. $1) Empire of the Gods $1 (Reg. $3) Defenchick: tower defense $0.50 (Reg. $1) Paign – RPG $1.50 (Reg. $3) King of Defense 2: TD Premium FREE (Reg. $2) The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D $1.50 (Reg. $3) Last Survivor: Survival Pro FREE (Reg. $1) Hero of the Kingdom II $1.50 (Reg. $8.50) Hexaring – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) OTO – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Color Line – Vibrant Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Red Yellow – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Garis Light – Lines Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Zamrud Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Toys — experts digging up all the latest technology and lifestyle deals, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Toys on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out the best Apple deals, our daily podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].50) King of Defense Premium FREE (Reg. ) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. ) Avalar: Shadow War Premium FREE (Reg. ) Empire of the Gods (Reg. ) Defenchick: tower defense [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Reg. $1+/FREE+ Your afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Skel and Defense, Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom, SRPG Eldgear, Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game, and more. The Android hardware deals are on fire this week with up to $300 off Pixel 10 devices and an additional $50 off the base Pixel 10 ($250 off in total), a new Amazon low on Pixel 10a, and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at a giant $470 off today. All of the apps await below. Today’s highlight Android app price drops: One More Button $1 (Reg. $3) Hexologic – Sudoku Puzzle Game $1 (Reg. $3) Toska – Turqoise icon pack FREE (Reg. $1) ToscaLine – Turqoise Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom $3 (Reg. $8) [Premium] RPG Gale of Windoria $2 (Reg. $8) RPG Ruinverse $1 (Reg. $9) SRPG Eldgear $2 (Reg. $8) Skel and Defense $0.50 (Reg. $2.50) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) More highlight Android app price drops still live: Galaxy Vanguard I – Premium $2 (Reg. $3) The Fall 2 : Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) The Fall 1: Zombie Survival $0.50 (Reg. $1) No More Buttons $1 (Reg. $2) Space Survival: Mars RPG Pro FREE (Reg. $0.50) SciFi Survivor Premium FREE (Reg. $0.50) Sniper 2d Fantasy $0.25 (Reg. $0.50) King of Defense Premium FREE (Reg. $3) Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD FREE (Reg. $2) Avalar: Shadow War Premium FREE (Reg. $1) Empire of the Gods $1 (Reg. $3) Defenchick: tower defense $0.50 (Reg. $1) Paign – RPG $1.50 (Reg. $3) King of Defense 2: TD Premium FREE (Reg. $2) The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D $1.50 (Reg. $3) Last Survivor: Survival Pro FREE (Reg. $1) Hero of the Kingdom II $1.50 (Reg. $8.50) Hexaring – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) OTO – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Color Line – Vibrant Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Red Yellow – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Garis Light – Lines Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1.50) Zamrud Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. $1) FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Toys — experts digging up all the latest technology and lifestyle deals, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Toys on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out the best Apple deals, our daily podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].50 (Reg. ) Paign – RPG .50 (Reg. ) King of Defense 2: TD Premium FREE (Reg. ) The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D .50 (Reg. ) Last Survivor: Survival Pro FREE (Reg. ) Hero of the Kingdom II .50 (Reg. .50) Hexaring – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. .50) OTO – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. .50) Color Line – Vibrant Icon Pack FREE (Reg. .50) Red Yellow – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. .50) Garis Light – Lines Icon Pack FREE (Reg. .50) Zamrud Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. ) Turqoise – Icon Pack FREE (Reg. )" max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].50, and Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD for free.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

This fake Windows 11 24H2 update looks perfect, until it avoids antivirus and steals your passwords

Cybercriminals are using sophisticated tactics to deceive users, particularly with a counterfeit website posing as a legitimate Windows 11 update. This site operates under the domain microsoft-update[.]support and is designed to trick individuals into downloading malware that compromises sensitive information. The site is written in French and mimics a genuine cumulative update for Windows 11, version 24H2, featuring a convincing KB article number and a blue download button. The malware is packaged as a Windows update using the WiX Toolset 4.0.0.5512 and is labeled "WindowsUpdate 1.0.0.msi," with properties that suggest it is from Microsoft. At the time of analysis, VirusTotal showed no detections for the malware, which conceals its harmful code within an Electron shell, making it difficult to identify. Users are advised to download updates directly through the Windows Settings app or from Microsoft's official support hub.

BetaBeacon

April 13, 2026

Pixel X Racer: Retro-Style Drag Racing Arcade Game Debuts on iOS and Android

Pixel X Racer is a new mobile arcade racing game with retro pixel graphics and deep car customization options. It offers players the chance to build their ultimate pixel car garage and compete in various game modes, including real-time multiplayer. The game has received positive feedback and promises future updates with more content.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Windows 11 is finally removing the 32GB FAT32 capacity limit

Microsoft has released new test builds for Windows Insiders, specifically Dev Build 26300.8170 and Beta Build 26220.8165, which remove the 32GB limit on FAT32 formatting for external drives. Users can now format external drives up to 2TB using FAT32 through the Command Prompt. This change, which has been anticipated by users, is a shift from the long-standing restriction that required third-party applications or specialized commands for larger drives. The enhancement applies only to the Command Prompt, as the graphical interface remains unchanged, and the 4GB file size limit for individual files on FAT32 drives still applies. This feature is currently available only in preview versions for Windows Insiders, with a broader rollout planned for future standard Windows 11 updates.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

“More secure, reliable, user-friendly”: Microsoft explains why it quietly killed Windows 11’s phone activation option

Microsoft has discontinued the last method for activating Windows 10 or Windows 11 without an Internet connection, specifically the telephone activation option. Users have reported confusion and frustration as the option remained visible in Windows, but attempts to use it led to redirection to online portals. Microsoft has not fully disclosed the reasons for this change, but it aligns with a shift towards digital solutions and emphasizes the importance of Internet connectivity in software management.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Dead or Alive creator was once held at gunpoint by LAPD, says former colleague: ‘It was a real Dead or Alive situation’

Tomonobu Itagaki is known for creating the Dead or Alive series and Ninja Gaiden games. He had a bold approach to game design and famously stated, "Gamers who think that Ninja Gaiden is too hard are losers … just fight your best fight!" His personality was characterized by a flamboyant reputation and a fierce dedication to his work. Following his passing in October 2025, he reflected on his life as a series of battles, stating, "My life has been a series of battles. We stayed winning. I've caused a lot of trouble. I stand by my beliefs and I own them. No regrets." His contributions to gaming continue to inspire players and developers.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds

Recent research by RKS Global found that 22 out of the top 30 Android apps in Russia monitor users' VPN status. Banking apps like T-Bank, Sberbank, VTB, and Alfa-Bank are leading this trend, along with Yandex and VK applications such as Yandex Browser and VKontakte. Online marketplaces including Wildberries, Ozon, MegaMarket, and Samokat also track VPN usage. In total, 18 of the 30 apps transmit VPN status data to their servers, while 24 send lists of installed applications. Yandex Browser uniquely searches for the Tor browser, and Samokat and MegaMarket retrieve lists of installed VPN apps. The Russian Digital Development Ministry has mandated that major internet platforms restrict access for users with VPNs by April 15.

Winsage

April 9, 2026

This fake Windows support website delivers password-stealing malware

A phishing campaign has been identified that uses a counterfeit Microsoft support website, microsoft-update[.]support, to trick users into downloading a malicious Windows update disguised as WindowsUpdate 1.0.0.msi. This file, created on April 4, 2026, appears legitimate but contains malware designed to steal sensitive information. The campaign targets French-speaking users, leveraging recent data breaches in France to create convincing scams. The malware, once executed, installs an Electron application that runs a Python interpreter, which then deploys various data theft tools. It employs two persistence mechanisms: modifying the Windows registry and creating a shortcut in the Startup folder. The malware connects to external sites for reconnaissance and data exfiltration, using domains like datawebsync-lvmv.onrender[.]com and store8.gofile[.]io. The malware's components have evaded detection by antivirus tools, with VirusTotal reporting zero detections for the main executable and its launcher. Users are advised to check their registry, remove suspicious files, change passwords, and run a full system scan if they suspect installation of the malicious update. Safe updating practices include using the built-in Windows update feature and being cautious of phishing attempts. Indicators of compromise include specific file hashes, domains associated with the phishing campaign, and file system artifacts related to the malware's installation.