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AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Android Sideloading in 2026: Which Apps Are Worth Installing Outside the Play Store

VidMate apk is a widely used application that operates outside the Play Store and continues to do so into 2026. Sideloading is the process of installing an Android app from a source other than the Google Play Store, using the APK file format. Android supports sideloading, allowing users to enable installations from unknown sources in their device settings. As of 2026, Google requires developers distributing apps outside the Play Store to register, verify their identity with a government-issued ID, and pay a one-time fee. This policy aims to enhance security without eliminating sideloading. Enforcement began in select countries in September 2026 and will continue globally through 2027. Concerns have been raised about the potential barriers this creates for independent developers. In 2026, apps from developers with official websites and established histories are considered safer, while those from anonymous sources carry increased risks. Notable categories of sideloaded apps include video downloaders like VidMate, open-source YouTube clients like NewPipe, ad-blocking browsers, and privacy-focused tools. To install sideloaded apps safely, users should enable the option to install from unknown sources in their device settings and download from official developer websites or trusted repositories like APKMirror, F-Droid, or GitHub. Users should avoid sites that do not identify the app's creator or host unverified uploads.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

METABORA GAMES Launches ‘Puzzle & Guardians’ as a LINE MINI App in Japan

On June 8, 2026, METABORA GAMES launched 'Puzzle & Guardians', a collaborative game with Baligames, available as a MINI App on LINE Messenger. The game combines casual three-match puzzle battles and RPG elements, allowing players to collect Guardians and participate in 1v1 PvP duels and dungeon explorations for BORA token rewards. It is accessible to over 100 million LINE users without additional downloads, enhancing user experience. 'Puzzle & Guardians' is integrated with BORA DEEPS, offering customized missions and rewards usable across various BORA DEEPS features. METABORA GAMES plans to expand localized content for the Japanese market and host events to increase the utility of the BORA token.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

This RTS is one of “history’s most beloved PC games” – now only $5 on Steam

Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is a digital distribution platform that offers a vast library of games and user-friendly features. It fosters a vibrant community through forums, reviews, and user-generated content, supported by regular updates and seasonal sales. Recent enhancements include Steam Deck compatibility for portable gaming, improved social features for easier connection among users, and personalized game recommendations based on user preferences. Additionally, Steam supports indie developers with tools and resources to reach a global audience, diversifying the gaming landscape.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

5 apps you should use instead of NotebookLM

NotebookLM is a leading AI research assistant and note-taking application, but there are several alternatives available. In a recent poll, user preferences for alternatives were as follows: OpenNotebook (31%), Obsidian (19%), Recall AI (6%), Notion (0%), Atlas (0%), and 44% preferred NotebookLM. Notion allows users to create a knowledge database and excels in managing interconnected databases, while NotebookLM focuses on analyzing research and generating audio summaries. Obsidian offers a customizable knowledge management system with a knowledge graph for organizing ideas. Recall AI serves as a self-organizing knowledge database that summarizes information into searchable cards and includes a quiz-making feature. Atlas is tailored for academic research, emphasizing accurate source citations and creating visual data representations. OpenNotebook mirrors NotebookLM's functionalities, allowing users to upload sources for AI-generated responses and offers audio summaries, but requires local or online hosting and technical proficiency.

Tech Optimizer

June 8, 2026

What Is OneLaunch.exe? Pros, Cons, and How to Remove It

OneLaunch is a software application that creates a personalized dock and desktop environment on Windows computers, often pre-installed or bundled with other software. It has received mixed reviews, with concerns about system slowdowns and its legitimacy. OneLaunch.exe is a background process supporting the OneLaunch application, which provides quick access to applications and updates but can consume system resources. The OneLaunch browser, installed alongside the main application, can alter browser settings and redirect searches, potentially leading to unwanted advertisements. While OneLaunch is not classified as traditional malware, it is often categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) due to its bundled installation and ability to modify system settings. It can monitor browsing habits and share data with third-party advertisers. Users report intrusive behavior, such as altering default browser settings, and it can negatively impact system performance. To remove OneLaunch, users should end the running process, uninstall the application, delete leftover folders, remove startup entries, and reset browser settings. OneLaunch may reappear due to accidental reinstallations, active browser extensions, lingering scheduled tasks, or hidden companion programs. Preventative measures include downloading from official sources, reading installation screens carefully, keeping systems updated, and performing regular system checks.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Everything Revealed During The PC Gaming Show 2026

The PC Gaming Show 2026 featured over 60 new game announcements in a two-hour event. Key titles include: - Wielders of the Essence: Launching on November 5, demo available on Steam. - Warhammer 40,000: Darktide – Skitarii Class: Debuting on June 23, wishlist on Steam. - Spellsided: Unique RPG with a demo on Steam. - Star Trek: Outposts Unknown: Demo available on Steam. - Hack '95: Demo available on Steam. - Company of Heroes: Definitive Edition: Wishlist on Steam. - Red Kiss: Wishlist on Steam. - Arcane Eats: Demo available on Steam. - Serious Sam: Shatterverse: Sign up for playtest on Steam. - Control Resonant: Pre-orders available for September 24 release on Steam. - Sated: Wishlist on Steam. - Gone Feral: Wishlist and sign up for playtest on Steam. - Abiotic Factor – Entropic Break DLC: Coming this autumn, wishlist on Steam. - There Are No Ghosts at the Grand: Demo available on Steam. - Ssarseeker: Astroneer Expeditions: Early access begins June 11, wishlist on Steam. - Virtue and a Sledgehammer: Demo available on Steam. - Happy Bastards: Combat demo available on Steam. - Another Door: Demo available on Steam. - AfterQuest: Wishlist on Steam. - SlashZero: Wishlist and sign up for playtest on Steam. - Cassette Beasts 2002: Wishlist on Steam. - VOID/BREAKER: Major update available on Steam. - 2 Fights 2 Tight Spaces: Available now on Steam. - Stronghold 4: Demo available on June 23, wishlist on Steam. - Wind Runners: Demo available on Steam. - Wardens of Avalon: Sign up for playtest on Steam. - Planet Zoo 2: Pre-orders available on Steam. - Empulse: Early access on June 24, available during Steam Next Feast on June 15. - Arkheron: Sign up for playtest on the game's website. - ReVamp: Sign up for playtest via the trailer's QR code. - Wardogs: Wishlist on Steam and sign up for playtests via the trailer's QR code. - Shroom and Gloom: New demo available. - Maximum Thunderness: Coming later this year, wishlist on Steam. - Rivage: Demo available. - Time Strike: Wishlist on Steam. - Signet City: Wishlist on Steam. - Mr. Magpie's Harmless Card Game: Available now on Steam. - Ascenders: Beyond the Peak: Demo available on Steam. - Outward 2: Beta available now. - Thief: The Dark Project Remastered: Remastering classic stealth game. - Exo Rally Championship: Off-road racing game. - Duskers 2.0: Available on Steam. - El Paso, Elsewhere 2: Wishlist on Steam. - Beast of Reincarnation: Launching on August 3, pre-order on Steam. - Terrinoth: Heroes of Descent: Available now on Steam. - To Kill a God: Demo available now. - Pipes.exe: Wishlist on Steam. - Sunset Summit: Available now on Steam. - Clowntown: Available for wishlist on Steam. - Armatus: Launching this winter, wishlist on Steam. - Dave The Diver – In the Jungle DLC: Wishlist on Steam. - Carcass Clad: Wishlist on Steam. - Total War: Warhammer 40,000: Beta opportunities to be announced. - About Fishing: Demo available on Steam. - Vampire: The Masquerade – Eternal Whispers: Emphasizes meaningful choices. - Valheim 1.0: Launching on September 9, 2026, download on Steam now. - P.O.N.: Wishlist on Steam. - Locator: The Search for Abigail Lidari: Wishlist on Steam. - Exodus: Features combat and exploration. - Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy: Third installment in the horror series. - Into the Wind: Wishlist on Steam.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Wardens of Avalon is knightly ARPG with an intriguing touch of… wait, city repair?

An individual has drawn inspiration for home decor from a goblet of blood to enhance the ambiance of a flat and make a memorable impression during social gatherings. The Wardens of Avalon, a game that combines action and restoration, was recently unveiled at the PC Gaming Show. Players will engage in slaying monsters and revitalizing the ruins of Tristram. Steam is offering playtests for those interested in experiencing the game before its official release.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Edition of the Windows 11 Field Guide!

The Windows 11 Field Guide has been rebranded as the Windows 11 Field Guide 2026 edition, covering all supported versions of Windows 11 (24H2, 25H2, and 26H1) and highlighting new and existing features. The guide will evolve throughout 2026, with updates requiring considerable effort and likely unfolding over several editions. Outdated content has been removed, including chapters on Mail, Calendar, Microsoft 365, Movies & TV, and the Microsoft Store. Chapters have been consolidated for clarity, with three upgrade chapters merged into one and four installation chapters also consolidated. New chapters have been added on Microsoft Paint, Notepad, Quick Machine Recovery, and account security basics. Existing chapters, such as those on Desktop and Passkeys, are being revised. The focus has shifted from assisting users transitioning from Windows 10 to supporting the over one billion Windows 11 users, with all "Where did it go?" sections eliminated. Visuals have been refined to optimize file sizes, and a new companion book, De-Enshittify Windows 11, has been created. Future editions will be year-based rather than version-based, with free updates for existing owners through the release of Windows 11 version 26H2 in late 2026. Thurrott Premium members will have complimentary access to the 2026 edition.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Minecraft is Officially the Best-Selling Video Game of All-Time

The video game industry surpasses both Hollywood and the music sector combined in terms of success. Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, with 350 million copies sold. Its closest competitor, Grand Theft Auto V, has sold 225 million copies, while Wii Sports has sold nearly 83 million copies. The significant sales figures highlight the evolution of gaming from a niche pastime to a dominant form of entertainment.

BetaBeacon

June 7, 2026

Dogpile coming to Switch 2, Switch, iOS, and Android; major update now available

- Dogpile, a roguelike deckbuilder game, has received a major update adding new content such as 13 new dogs, two new traits, and a challenge mode. - The game is now available on Switch 2, Switch, iOS, and Android platforms, after initially launching on PC via Steam on December 10, 2025.