badge Archives

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck

Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

Google warns all Android users to delete ‘fake apps’ as urgent advice issued

Android users are warned about fraudulent VPN applications that pose significant security threats by installing malware on devices and compromising personal and banking information. These malicious apps mimic reputable VPNs and use enticing advertisements to lure users. Once installed, they can introduce various forms of malware, including trojans and remote access tools, leading to severe consequences such as unauthorized access to personal accounts and financial loss. Cybercriminals employ sophisticated tactics, including professional advertising and AI-generated content, to create an illusion of legitimacy. Google advises users to download VPN services only from trusted sources, look for the verified VPN badge on the Google Play Store, and be cautious of free VPN services that may collect excessive data or contain malware.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Dead by Daylight’s tenth anniversary celebrations include a $250 collector’s set and a huge in-person party

Behavior Interactive is hosting an in-person event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Dead by Daylight on June 14, 2026, in Montreal's Old Port. The event will include developer panels, exclusive reveals, meet-and-greets, hands-on gaming stations, and a mini-expo. A Year 10 Anniversary Broadcast will provide insights into the game's future. A limited edition DBD Collector's Set is available for pre-order, featuring a statue, a lifesize flashlight replica, collectible pins, art cards, and a crafted artbook, priced at 9.99 / £185.99.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

‘Minecraft’ & ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Filmmakers Board Tim Blake Nelson & Mireille Enos Pic ‘On The End’

Filmmaking duo Jared and Jerusha Hess will serve as executive producers for Ari Selinger’s feature film debut, On The End, which stars Tim Blake Nelson and Mireille Enos. The film won Best Narrative Feature and Best Actress for Enos at the Rome International Film Festival. It tells the story of Tom, a mechanic from Montauk, who faces challenges from the town of East Hampton while developing a relationship with Freckles, another outcast. The film is produced by Wise Child Studios and Red Barn Films, with Submarine Entertainment handling sales. The cast includes James Badge Dale, Lois Smith, Anna Chlumsky, Desmin Borges, Matthew Maher, Glenn Fleshler, Michelle Hurd, and Sawyer Spielberg. On The End premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has been showcased at the Hamptons International Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, and Newport Beach Film Festival, receiving positive reviews.

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2025 winners

The Microsoft Store Awards recognized exceptional applications that enhance user experiences within the Windows ecosystem. AI Assistants category: - Winner: Perplexity by Perplexity AI - Features native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search, and deep desktop integration for rapid research. - Winner: ChatGPT by OpenAI - Provides instant answers, direct image and file uploads, and enterprise-level privacy controls. Business category: - Winner: Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator by Moon Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. - Streamlines finance tasks with customizable templates and real-time payment tracking. Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category: - Winner: Manus by Manus AI - Automates complex tasks within a secure sandbox and allows users to guide ongoing actions. Creativity category: - Winner: n-Track Studio by n-Track S.r.I. - Transforms devices into recording studios with support for unlimited tracks and advanced effects. Developer Tools category: - Winner: ngrok by ngrok - Facilitates secure tunneling and remote access with automatic updates and compatibility with Windows Defender. Education category: - Winner: Scratch 3 by Scratch Foundation - Empowers students in computational thinking through engaging projects and block coding. Game category: - Winner: Castle Craft by Clever Apps Pte Ltd - Offers an immersive gaming experience with dynamic resource merging and family-friendly design. Music category: - Winner: Moises Live by Moises Systems, Inc - Leverages real-time AI audio separation technology for remixing and practice. Productivity category: - Winner: Notion by Notion Labs Inc - Consolidates tasks and notes into a searchable workspace with automation features. Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Android users warned to delete these fake apps after Google alarm

Android users are facing a threat from counterfeit VPN applications that disguise themselves as privacy-enhancing tools but contain malware capable of compromising personal information and security. These fake VPNs mimic reputable brands and use misleading advertisements to appear legitimate. Once installed, they can steal passwords, messages, and financial data, and may even lock devices with ransomware. Google advises users to download VPNs only from trusted sources, look for verification badges, review app permissions, be cautious of free offers, research developers, and avoid scare tactics in marketing. Legitimate VPNs should not request access to personal contacts or photos and should only require network-related permissions.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Battlefield 6 player hits max rank with ‘death trap’ jeep everybody hates, and it only cost his sanity: ‘It’s a bad vehicle’

The Light Ground Transport (LGT) jeep in Battlefield 6 is often criticized as a "coffin on wheels" due to its lack of armor, making passengers vulnerable. Despite its agility and mounted machine gun, players frequently avoid using it. A player named Renegade_Soviet achieved the "Gold Standard" skin for the LGT by reaching rank 50 with the vehicle, which is considered a rare accomplishment. He employed a strategy of positioning the jeep in narrow alleyways to ambush enemies, earning 2,500 to 3,000 XP per game over a month. Renegade found the journey to rank 50 challenging and opted to play in normal Conquest and Escalation modes for better rewards. He sought the achievement for personal pride, noting that the mastery badge is distinctive compared to more common badges. Renegade acknowledged the LGT's shortcomings and suggested that even minor improvements, like a shield for the machine gun, could enhance its effectiveness. He used the jeep mainly in a stationary position to avoid becoming an easy target. Discussions among players include hopes for improvements to the LGT or the introduction of new vehicles.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

2025 Steam Awards nominations are open, and I wonder if Valve’s wonky personalized suggestions will affect the results—you’ll know they did if Bongo Cat gets nominated in the ‘story-rich’ category

The gaming community is currently participating in the nomination process for the 2025 Steam Awards, which has been shifted to coincide with the inaugural Black Friday Sale instead of the traditional Steam Autumn Sale. The nomination interface allows players to select from eligible games they played in 2025 and includes a list of popular and recommended games. Some users have expressed confusion over the eligibility criteria for certain categories, such as "Best Game You Suck At" and "Best Soundtrack Award." Players can write in any game released in 2025 or earlier for the "Labor of Love" category. The "Sit Back and Relax" category features titles that reflect laid-back gaming experiences. Nominations are open until December 1, and participants will earn a "Steam Awards Nomination Committee" badge. Voting on finalists will begin during the Steam Winter Sale on December 14, with winners announced on January 3.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Mercari: Buy and Sell App For Android

Mercari is a marketplace app with a rating of 4.7 stars and over 10 million users, facilitating the buying and selling of various items. Key features include quick item listing, instant payment options for sellers, promotional tools for visibility, and secure transactions with a rating and review system. Buyers can explore categories such as fashion, collectibles, electronics, kids' items, and luxury goods, with flexible payment options available. The app uses Mercari Prepaid Labels for streamlined shipping and offers international shopping from Japan.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Starting March 1, Google will warn and ‘label’ Android apps that … – The Times of India

Google is updating its Play Store to improve smartphone battery efficiency by addressing apps that prevent devices from entering Sleep mode. This initiative, developed with Samsung, targets "excessive partial wake locks," which keep the CPU active in the background. Apps will be flagged if their user sessions exceed 5% of excessive wake locks over a 28-day period. Starting March 1, 2026, apps maintaining a non-exempt wake lock for over two hours in 24 hours will face penalties, including potential removal from recommendation lists and warning badges on their listings. Google aims to help users identify apps that may cause battery drain. A beta rollout began in April 2025, and Google has provided tools for developers to monitor wake lock usage and battery consumption.