community response Archives

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Android TV users hit with SmartTube security disaster after rogue update

SmartTube, a YouTube client for Android TV, experienced a security breach where an attacker infiltrated the developer's signing keys, allowing the distribution of a compromised update that included a malicious library, libalphasdk.so. Google Play Protect issued warnings about the suspicious build, leading users to discover a hidden file that maintained remote communication channels. Users are advised to change Google Account passwords, conduct antivirus checks, and implement stricter firewall rules. The developer, Yuliskov, plans to address the vulnerabilities and release a new version through the F-Droid store.

Tech Optimizer

December 3, 2025

SereneDB lands $2.1M to fuse search, analytics and Postgres into one engine

Berlin-based startup SereneDB has completed its Pre-Seed funding round, raising .1 million from venture funds Entourage and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). The company aims to improve traditional search and analytics tools, which struggle with dynamic datasets. SereneDB integrates live data and analysis within a single system, combining a search engine with OLAP execution under PostgreSQL for real-time data ingestion and updates. The platform allows for rapid retrieval of complex results and supports insightful queries from both human users and AI agents. CEO Alexander Malandin and CTO Andrey Abramov lead the company, drawing on their extensive experience in IT and database design. They aim to create a unified engine that integrates search and database functionalities, addressing the limitations of existing enterprise search technologies. The initial response from the developer community has been positive, with interest in SereneDB's capabilities, particularly among startups and existing search users. The funding will help expand the team and support open-source development.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Diablo 4 challenger confirms paid DLC classes are coming, and its Steam reviews have taken a massive hit

Eleventh Hour Games (EHG) is set to release Last Epoch's first major expansion, Orobyss, for free to existing players in late August or early September 2026. New players will need to purchase an updated base game bundle. The expansion will follow Seasons 4 and 5, with Season 4 introducing a new seasonal mechanic and several updates. EHG has announced the introduction of paid downloadable content (DLC) in the form of 'Paradox Classes,' which has led to backlash from the community due to concerns about balance and monetization. CEO Judd Cobler explained that the decision to monetize classes was driven by the lack of profitability from the first three seasons and the need for alternative revenue streams. The game's Steam review ratings have shifted from 'Mostly Positive' to 'Mixed' due to community dissatisfaction. EHG has also been acquired by Krafton, raising concerns about potential changes in monetization strategies.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

Escape from Tarkov director says the launch week’s wobbles were ‘actual stress testing not only of our servers but also our mind and nerves’

On November 15, Escape From Tarkov launched on Steam after an eight-year beta phase, leading to login issues due to high demand. Developer Battlestate Games acknowledged player frustration and faced review bombing. Nikita Buyanov, COO of Battlestate, commented on the stressful week but noted player enjoyment. Despite initial challenges, the community remains enthusiastic, sharing experiences on social media with playful tags. The focus is now on stabilizing the server experience for players.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google Eases New Android Rules To Allow Sideloading of Apps on Google TV

Google has adjusted its identity verification plan for Android developers distributing apps outside the Play Store in response to developer community concerns. A new installation process is being created for experienced users who sideload apps from unverified developers, addressing fears that the original policy would limit sideloading capabilities. Initially, the policy required developers to provide personal information, which faced backlash from privacy advocates and open-source communities. Despite this, Google is moving forward with the verification system, launching an early access portal for developers on November 12, 2025. The new installation workflow will include multiple warnings and safeguards for users installing unverified software. Additionally, a lighter verification tier will be available for students and hobbyist developers, allowing them to bypass full identity requirements while limiting app distribution. The verification system aims to combat scam apps by linking developer accounts to real-world identities. The rollout of the new verification system will begin regionally in 2026 and expand globally in 2027. This policy shift coincides with a settlement between Google and Epic Games to reduce developer fees and support third-party app stores, pending judicial approval.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

Watch out, Minecraft’s new lava-proof horse armor has a serious design flaw, and you can probably guess what it is

Mojang announced the release of Netherite Horse Armor in the Mounts of Mayhem update, which is supposed to be lava-proof. However, a player discovered that when the armor is thrown into lava, it does not return to the player's inventory, indicating a flaw. This issue has been confirmed to be specific to the Java version of the game, while Bedrock players are not affected. A bug report has been submitted, but the timeline for a fix is uncertain.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted patch brings back the dynamic audio so many players were missing from the original game

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted was released in October as a remastered version of the original game, featuring enhanced visuals but receiving mixed reviews, particularly due to the removal of the dynamic soundtrack. The original game's composer, Laura Shigihara, expressed disappointment over this change. Replanted received a sub-50% rating on Steam, contrasting with the "overwhelmingly positive" feedback for the Game of the Year Edition. A patch (1.3.0) was released to restore the dynamic audio, resulting in a positive community response, although players still raised concerns about achievements, lack of online co-op, and other glitches. EA is preparing a 1.4.0 patch to introduce new features and address ongoing issues. The patch will allow controller users to collect sun by squeezing a trigger and fix various bugs and gameplay problems.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

Minecraft Bedrock players push back on the new pause menu after 1.21.120

The update to Minecraft Bedrock, version 1.21.120, has caused significant player dissatisfaction, particularly due to the redesign of the pause menu. The "Browse Add-ons!" button has been moved to a prominent position previously occupied by the essential Settings button, leading players to express frustration over prioritizing monetization over user experience. A Reddit thread on the issue has received over 5,700 upvotes, with comments criticizing the accessibility of the add-on storefront compared to fundamental game settings. The marketplace button does not direct players to their active Realms, further aggravating the situation. Players have noted that the pause screen has become cluttered with monetization elements over time, and many feel that the latest changes have crossed a line. Unlike Java Edition players, Bedrock players cannot modify their experience in response to these changes, leading some to abandon the game. Discussions and complaints about the update are widespread across various platforms, with players awaiting a response from Mojang.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Minecraft Story Mode : 10 Years of Nostalgia

In the mid-2010s, Minecraft Story Mode became a cultural phenomenon, featuring a narrative-driven game with the character Jesse, whose gender could be chosen. Season One consists of eight episodes divided into two arcs, where Jesse and friends confront the "Wither Storm" and seek the "Order of the Stone," ultimately becoming the "New Order of the Stone." Season Two includes five episodes where Jesse is chosen by the "Admin" and must escape imprisonment while the Admin causes chaos. Despite its acclaim, Telltale Games faced bankruptcy in 2018, halting any continuation of the series, and digital sales have ceased. Criticism has been directed at the game's pacing and the balance between narrative and gameplay. A fan-driven remake is in progress as the series approaches its 10th anniversary.

AppWizard

October 10, 2025

Binding of Isaac dev rejects writing “safe” things, creates a strategy game where you can give cats cancer

Designer and artist Edmund McMillen has announced his new project, Mewgenics, a randomly generated turn-based strategy game featuring cats and elements of breeding simulation. The game has been in development for six years and is inspired by McMillen's experiences with real cats and the implications of breeding practices. It includes gameplay mechanics influenced by neurodiversity, such as traits like ADHD and autism affecting cat abilities. Mewgenics features a complex system with thousands of potential combinations for players. The game is set to release on February 10, 2026, on Steam.