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Samsung Messages shuts down in favor of Google Messages on July 6 [U]
AppWizard
July 3, 2026

Samsung Messages shuts down in favor of Google Messages on July 6 [U]

Samsung has confirmed the closure of its Messages app, which will officially cease operations on July 6. This decision follows the transition to Google Messages as the default texting app on Galaxy devices, starting in 2022. Samsung stopped pre-installing its messaging app on Galaxy phones sold in the U.S. by 2024 and briefly revived it in 2025 before deciding to discontinue it. The closure will primarily affect Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, while older models will still have access to Samsung Messages. Users with Galaxy devices on Android 14 or later will be redirected to Google Messages automatically. A poll indicated that many users are hesitant to switch to Google Messages due to their preference for Samsung's app layout and customization options.
Former Call of Duty frontman launches new studio with a 'Stop Killing Games'-style mission statement: If the game bombs, it goes open source
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

Former Call of Duty frontman launches new studio with a ‘Stop Killing Games’-style mission statement: If the game bombs, it goes open source

Robert Bowling, former strategist of the Call of Duty franchise, has co-founded a new studio called //18.bravo after the closure of his previous venture, Midnight Society, in 2025. The studio aims to foster a collaborative environment by aligning leadership compensation with employee success and introducing a royalty program for employees and profit-sharing with external talents. //18.bravo's debut project will not support live service models, focusing instead on creating a sustainable gaming experience with dedicated servers and optimized peer-to-peer architecture. This approach prioritizes longevity over immediate financial success, addressing gamer concerns about game shutdowns.
'They refuse to offer a meaningful alternative': Game preservation leader agrees that piracy is the only preservation option for a discless future
AppWizard
July 2, 2026

‘They refuse to offer a meaningful alternative’: Game preservation leader agrees that piracy is the only preservation option for a discless future

Sony plans to discontinue the production of physical game discs for the PlayStation 5 by 2028, shifting towards a fully digital licensing model. Frank Cifaldi from the Video Game History Foundation has raised concerns about the preservation of video game history, stating that piracy may become the only means of safeguarding digital works. He criticized the Entertainment Software Association for resisting efforts to create a legal framework for preserving digital content. Cifaldi highlighted that museums and archives are preparing for this digital future, questioning the industry's expectations for cultural institutions as physical media is phased out. The transition to digital ownership has sparked discussions in the gaming community, particularly regarding the lack of backward compatibility in the PlayStation ecosystem and the challenges posed by the closure of digital stores for older consoles. The urgency for solutions to protect video game history is increasing as the industry moves towards a digital-only future.
It's not layoffs, but you can see them from here: Numerous Compulsion Games employees are looking for new jobs
AppWizard
June 25, 2026

It’s not layoffs, but you can see them from here: Numerous Compulsion Games employees are looking for new jobs

Developers at Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, are signaling their intent to seek new job opportunities amid impending layoffs. Many employees have updated their LinkedIn profiles to indicate they are "open to work," and studio leadership has allowed them to explore external job prospects. Reports indicate that at least a dozen employees, out of a workforce of approximately 90, are actively seeking new roles. This trend is occurring alongside broader concerns within the Xbox gaming division, where other studios may also face closures as part of an initiative acknowledging that Microsoft has overextended itself through acquisitions, potentially leading to significant layoffs and canceled projects.
Amidst mounting fears of Xbox closures, Todd Howard says Arkane is 'doing a really, really good job' on Blade
AppWizard
June 23, 2026

Amidst mounting fears of Xbox closures, Todd Howard says Arkane is ‘doing a really, really good job’ on Blade

Arkane Lyon's stability has been questioned following Xbox's recent restructuring, particularly after its absence from the Xbox Games Showcase and concerns about potential studio closures. Todd Howard, head of Bethesda Softworks, provided reassurance about Arkane's progress on Marvel's Blade, stating he saw promising work as recently as May. However, skepticism remains regarding Arkane's long-term viability due to Microsoft's history of project announcements coinciding with studio cuts, such as the closure of Arkane's Austin studio in 2024.
I tested Microsoft PC Manager’s RAM-freeing tool and learned why high memory usage isn’t always a problem
Winsage
June 22, 2026

I tested Microsoft PC Manager’s RAM-freeing tool and learned why high memory usage isn’t always a problem

Users of Windows 11 often report high RAM usage, with figures reaching 70-90 percent, leading to concerns about system performance and the need for memory upgrades. Microsoft has introduced the PC Manager application with a "Boost" option to help free up memory. High memory usage can be normal when Windows 11 caches files, but excessive consumption by poorly optimized applications may indicate a resource issue. The impact of memory usage varies by system; for example, 90 percent usage may be acceptable on a system with 96GB of RAM, while it could be problematic on an 8GB system. Context matters, as high memory usage on high-end machines often represents normal caching, whereas it may signal struggles on lower-end systems. The PC Manager's Boost feature can be useful before resource-intensive tasks but may reinforce misconceptions about high memory usage being inherently negative. Ultimately, performance issues, rather than memory percentage alone, should guide decisions about upgrading RAM.
1 Million Users Donate To Rescue Session Messenger From Shutdown
AppWizard
June 16, 2026

1 Million Users Donate To Rescue Session Messenger From Shutdown

Session, a decentralized encrypted messenger, has over a million monthly users and has secured its future through community donations after facing a funding crisis earlier this year. The Session Technology Foundation had to reduce its paid staff and warned of a potential closure in July due to a significant financial shortfall. However, the community raised sufficient funds to prevent shutdown, allowing development to continue until at least 2027. The majority of contributions came from everyday users passionate about privacy communication. Session operates without requiring phone numbers and uses a decentralized network to enhance privacy. Under the leadership of Jason Rhinelander, the team is focusing on new features like post-quantum encryption. The organization also aims to achieve self-sustainability with a new paid Pro tier. Co-founder Chris McCabe's public appeal for support in March preceded staff layoffs on April 9, and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin previously donated 128 Ether (ETH) to assist the foundation.
Xbox is reportedly closing South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games after bragging about its award-winning developers earlier this year
AppWizard
June 15, 2026

Xbox is reportedly closing South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games after bragging about its award-winning developers earlier this year

Compulsion Games, known for titles like We Happy Few and South of Midnight, may be facing imminent closure as Microsoft’s gaming division undergoes significant layoffs and restructuring. Reports indicate that Compulsion and Double Fine are in negotiations to potentially spin off to avoid shutdown. Employees have expressed concern over job security, with many searching for new opportunities. Compulsion Games, founded in 2009 and based in Montreal, received critical acclaim for its recent title, South of Midnight, which won several awards. Despite previous praise from Xbox executives for the studio's achievements, the future remains uncertain amid corporate changes.
Samsung MAX VPN goes offline today, leaving Android users searching for alternatives
AppWizard
June 15, 2026

Samsung MAX VPN goes offline today, leaving Android users searching for alternatives

Samsung MAX VPN has officially reached its end of life as of June 15, 2026, leaving over 50 million users without its privacy and data-saving features. The app, which was designed to mask IP addresses and compress mobile data, will no longer function as intended unless uninstalled. Users are encouraged to seek third-party VPN alternatives for online security, as the app will remain on devices but will not provide any services. The Google Play Store offers numerous highly rated third-party VPN applications, including free options, and users should review logging policies and server locations to maintain privacy.
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