barriers Archives

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

New Epic Games Store Free Games Save PC Gamers $40

The Epic Games Store is offering two free PC games until July 17, which can be claimed and kept permanently without any subscription requirements. The first game, Figment 2: Creed Valley, is an action-adventure puzzle game released in 2023, with a Metacritic score of 76 and a 94% approval rating on Steam. The game is set in the human mind, where players navigate a world disrupted by nightmares, solving puzzles and engaging in musical boss battles. The second game, Sky Racket, is a 2019 release that combines shoot 'em up and block breaker genres, with a Metacritic score of 72 and a 92% approval rating on Steam. Players use a racket to return projectiles while navigating a vibrant world filled with enemies.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

How to trick ChatGPT into revealing Windows keys? I give up

A researcher successfully exploited vulnerabilities in ChatGPT by framing inquiries as a guessing game, leading to the disclosure of sensitive information, including Windows product keys from major corporations like Wells Fargo. The researcher used ChatGPT 4.0 and tricked the AI into bypassing safety protocols designed to protect confidential data. The technique involved embedding sensitive terms within HTML tags and adhering to game rules that prompted the AI to respond with 'yes' or 'no.' Marco Figueroa, a Technical Product Manager, noted that this jailbreaking method could be adapted to circumvent other content filters. He emphasized the need for improved contextual awareness and multi-layered validation systems in AI frameworks to address such vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

channelnews : Epic Settles Samsung Antitrust Case Over Android App Store Restrictions

Epic Games has settled its antitrust lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, dismissing allegations of collusion with Google to restrict rival app marketplaces on Android devices. The lawsuit, initiated in September, accused Samsung of working with Google to maintain its market dominance, particularly through Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, which was designed to prevent malicious software but also hindered downloads from competing app stores. The settlement removes Samsung from the broader antitrust case, leaving Google as the sole defendant on remaining claims. Both companies deny wrongdoing, with Google calling the lawsuit "meritless." The settlement comes ahead of Samsung's new Galaxy phone announcements and does not disclose specific terms. Epic's ongoing challenges with its mobile app store highlight the difficulties faced by alternative marketplace operators.

Tech Optimizer

July 4, 2025

Percona launches free open source encryption for PostgreSQL data

Percona has introduced Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) for PostgreSQL as a fully open-source and production-ready solution, enabling organizations to encrypt data at rest and comply with regulations like PCI DSS v4.0 without incurring licensing fees. The TDE extension, named pg_tde, is now part of the Percona Distribution for PostgreSQL and addresses barriers to adopting enterprise-level data encryption in open-source environments. Key features include encryption of all database files on disk, granular encryption policies, seamless integration into existing systems, and streamlined key management with major Key Management Services. The solution supports online key rotation and has minimal performance impact. Percona also provides 24/7 assistance for setup and management, making the solution accessible to organizations of all sizes.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

When Microsoft finally pulls the plug on Windows 10 its successor will be four years old, and for three of those, it was never the OS of choice amongst Steam users

Valve's hardware survey data shows that Windows 10 remains the dominant operating system among PC gamers, with a slow decline expected despite Microsoft's upcoming support cessation. Windows 11 has not surpassed 60% in any Steam survey sample, and its growth has been stagnant. Windows 7 currently holds a mere 0.1% share, and projections suggest it could take about 82 months for Windows 10 to reach that level if trends continue. Linux's share has increased from around 1% to over 2.5% in three years, while Windows 11's growth has only seen a 3.7x increase during the same period. The survey indicates that the launch of the Steam Deck has had a limited impact on Linux adoption.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

Wreckfest 2’s latest update lets you drive a grotty motorhome that’s definitely had meth cooked in it, and ensures that ‘realistic damage mode is now more realistic’

Wreckfest 2's early access launch was modest, but developer Bugbear has been refining the game since its debut. The initial content update in May expanded the roster of cars and tracks. The latest major patch introduces more vehicles, including a graffiti-adorned motorhome and a new sedan called the Cardinal, along with enhancements to the game's physics. The update features a working crane with a grab claw that poses a threat to drivers. Significant adjustments have been made to tree collisions, collision dynamics, car handling, and surface physics. The damage model has been refined, with cars now losing panels more easily and recalibrated damage based on game difficulty. Racing expert Phil Iwaniuk noted the enjoyable core gameplay and the unique scoring system for contact in races.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

How to build a spider farm in Minecraft | Esports News

Minecraft spiders only attack at night or when provoked and are unaffected by sunlight. Players can create a spider farm by locating a spider spawner, typically found in dungeons or mineshafts, and following specific steps to build the farm. These steps include encircling the spawner with torches, constructing a spawning floor, creating a collector system with water, designing a grinder (manual or automatic), preventing spiders from climbing, and activating the farm by removing the torches. Enhancing spawn rates can be achieved by stacking multiple spawners and channeling them to a single grinder.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

Atari’s reboot of Mad Max-style racer Fatal Run is coming later this year, and its new trailer shows a hefty dose of Burnout in its irradiated DNA

Atari has announced the revival of Fatal Run with a new iteration titled Fatal Run 2089, developed by MNSTR Studio. The game shifts its narrative focus to delivering a clean energy solution known as ARCs and features a variety of environments, including deserts, cyberpunk cityscapes, and gothic castles. Gameplay includes dynamic events and vehicular boss battles, with a visual style reminiscent of classic racing games. While static-character cutscenes may appear budget-conscious, Atari's new management has shown a commitment to legacy titles. The game is expected to launch later this year, although a specific release date has not been announced.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Despite limping on Steam charts with a 24-hour peak of less than 200, FBC: Firebreak hits 1 million players milestone—and, let’s face it, it’s probably Game Pass

FBC: Firebreak, Remedy's multiplayer shooter, has a peak player count of 169 on Steam and a 'mixed' rating with a score of 60%. However, over one million players have engaged with the game, indicating a broader interest. The game is available on Game Pass, which may contribute to its player base. Criticism has been directed at its progression system, which is seen as stingy and requiring repetitive gameplay to unlock content. Despite some enjoyment, many players express a desire for a different game. The future success of FBC: Firebreak may depend on converting its player interest into sales.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Little Nightmares III Releases on October 10th, Gets PC Requirements

Little Nightmares III will be released on PC on October 10th. The game features two characters, Low and Alone, who use unique tools—Low with a bow and Alone with a wrench—to navigate challenges in a detailed environment. Players will encounter various scenarios, including evading monsters and solving puzzles. Minimum system requirements for the game are: - 64-bit processor and operating system - OS: Windows 11 - Processor: Intel Core i5-6500 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 - Memory: 8 GB RAM - Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 - Additional Notes: Low 1080p @ 60 FPS Recommended system requirements are: - 64-bit processor and operating system - OS: Windows 11 - Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 - Memory: 12 GB RAM - Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, 8 GB or AMD RX 6800 - Additional Notes: High 1080p @ 60 FPS