channels Archives

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft Releases a Record Seven Windows 11 Insider Builds

Microsoft's Windows Insider program has released seven Insider builds across all Channels, including two builds on the Beta and Release Preview Channels and three builds for the new Experimental Channel. The updates focus on the Experimental (25H2), Beta (25H2), and Release Preview (25H2) Channels. The new 26H1 builds mainly feature elements from the 25H2 builds and are intended for new ARM-based PCs. Key features include: - A less disruptive Windows Update experience requiring only one monthly restart. - Improved Windows Search capabilities for better typo handling. - A new screen tint accessibility feature to reduce eye strain. - Quieter Widgets that do not open on hover and have a smaller memory footprint. - Magnifier tool enhancements with preset zoom increments and direct input options. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements for better compatibility with select devices. - Voice Access and Voice Typing now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Customizable right-click settings for touchpads. The Release Preview Channel is testing an optional update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, set for release in late June.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Facebook, Instagram and Messenger suffer widespread outage

Users globally experienced significant disruptions on Facebook, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger on Friday, with over 80,000 reports related to Facebook logged by approximately 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time, as per Downdetector. The issues affected all three platforms, indicating a broader disruption within Meta's ecosystem. The specific cause of the disruption is unclear, and Meta has acknowledged the situation, with a representative stating they are working on resolving the issues.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Facebook, Instagram and Facebook Messenger face massive outage reports

A significant disruption has affected Meta's social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger, with over 100,000 users reporting issues. Users are experiencing problems such as being unable to send messages or switch accounts on Instagram and automatic logouts from Facebook. Many have turned to alternative platforms like X and Threads to express their frustrations. As of Friday morning, Meta has not provided an official statement regarding the outages, which are being felt globally.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Meta says ‘We’re working on it’ as Facebook suffers global outage

Facebook and Messenger are experiencing a global outage, affecting users' access worldwide. Reports of functionality issues began increasing at 2 PM on June 12, with users receiving messages indicating that the pages are unavailable. Instagram and WhatsApp remain operational. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone acknowledged the issue, stating they are working to resolve it. Meta's status page indicates 'high disruptions' for Facebook Ads Manager, Messenger API for Instagram, Messenger Platform, and WhatsApp Business Platform, while other business products show no known issues.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Release Candidate 2

The second release candidate for Minecraft: Java Edition has been launched, fixing critical issues from the previous version. The following bugs were addressed: 1. MC-308731: A setup causing survival players to become softlocked with a sulfur cube has been fixed. 2. Respawn mechanics have been improved, particularly for players experiencing delays when respawning at the height limit. Users can access the update by enabling snapshots in the Minecraft Launcher. It is recommended to back up data or run these versions in a separate folder to avoid potential world corruption. The cross-platform server jar is also available for download. Users are encouraged to report any bugs or feedback through the designated channels.

Tech Optimizer

June 12, 2026

Fake verification pages are stealing Steam accounts from players

Online gamers are being warned about a scam targeting Steam accounts through counterfeit FACEIT verification pages that look authentic. These fraudulent sites feature official branding and functional links, tricking users into entering their passwords. The scam is particularly aimed at FACEIT players, as it exploits the connection between FACEIT and Steam, where players link their accounts. The scam starts with a website mimicking an official FACEIT page, claiming to offer free identity verification. Scammers use lookalike URLs, such as faceit-discord.com and faceit-clubs-verify.com, to deceive users. The site may display subtle errors, like conflicting copyright dates, and encourages users to click a “Sign in through Steam” button, which leads to a fake login window designed to steal user credentials. To protect against this scam, users should verify the website address, be cautious of blurry QR codes, treat urgent messages as suspicious, navigate directly to official sites, and consider using tools like Malwarebytes Browser Guard. If users have already entered their details, they should change their Steam password, enable Steam Guard, and check for unauthorized activity. The scam's effectiveness lies in its convincing presentation and the use of Browser-in-the-Browser attacks, which manipulate the perceived address bar.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Going All in for Global Football Fans Across Meta Apps

This summer, a major football tournament will take place in North America, with collaborations between Meta and creators, athletes, and teams to enhance fan experiences. Key features include: - Threads: Real-time discussions, live chats with notable hosts, a dedicated football community, real-time match scores, team flair, stickers, custom emojis, media highlights, and game reminders. - Instagram: Enhanced search for tournament-related content, AI-powered voice effects in DMs. - Facebook: Football mode with themed reactions, the "Wear It" feature for virtual jerseys, and exclusive tournament-themed stickers. - Messenger: Live updates for real-time match highlights in group chats, limited-edition football pitch backgrounds, and animated stickers. - WhatsApp: Integration of the official match ball emoji, football-themed calling effects, a football sticker pack, and a dedicated football directory for match-day updates. Meta is also implementing measures to protect athletes and fans from negative interactions during the tournament.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

Nightmare Eclipse drops claimed BitLocker bypass for Microsoft Windows

Nightmare Eclipse has released a new zero-day vulnerability exploit called GreatXML, which allows unrestricted access to BitLocker volumes on Windows systems that have previously run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan. This discovery was made in four hours and adds to Nightmare Eclipse's total of eight zero-day vulnerabilities. Microsoft is investigating the claims related to another exploit, RoguePlanet, but has not commented on GreatXML or provided a patch timeline. Nightmare Eclipse, rumored to be a former Microsoft employee, has faced backlash from the security community for previous disclosures and has vowed to continue releasing vulnerabilities. Security expert Will Dormann has raised concerns about the practicality of the GreatXML exploit, noting that it requires administrative access and questioning the accuracy of the instructions provided by Nightmare.

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2026

Avast One: Security and privacy suite under the microscope

Avast One is the flagship consumer security suite from Avast (Gen Digital), combining antivirus, firewall, VPN, and privacy utilities into a single subscription for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It offers four primary areas: device security, online privacy, identity protection, and performance tools. Device security includes real-time antivirus, Web Shield, Mail Shield, and Ransomware Shield. The online privacy component features a full VPN service with bank-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. Identity protection includes data breach monitoring and, in some markets, credit monitoring. Performance tools assist with disk cleanup and system optimization. Avast One has three plan tiers: Avast One Essential (free), Avast One Individual (paid, supports multiple devices), and Avast One Family (paid, supports up to 30 devices). Pricing varies based on promotions, with Avast One Individual typically around per year and Avast One Family ranging from to 0 per year. The suite can be downloaded directly from Avast's website, with installers available for various platforms. Avast One includes automatic updates and is designed to operate lightly on modern hardware, with options to minimize system impact during scans. Customer support includes self-help documentation, community forums, and direct support for paying customers. Avast One aims to appeal to both non-technical users and power users, providing a user-friendly interface while allowing for advanced configurations. The product is positioned as a comprehensive solution for households looking to secure multiple devices with a single subscription.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Pre-Release 6

Today marks the release of the 26.2 Pre-Release 6 for Minecraft, which allows players to respawn as spectators in a hardcore world without needing to disable the spectatorsgeneratechunks game rule. The Pre-Releases are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and users can install it by launching the Minecraft Launcher and activating snapshots in the "Installations" tab. It is advised to back up data or run these versions in a separate folder due to potential world corruption.