controversy Archives

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal will block Microsoft Recall from snooping on your texts

Encrypted messaging platform Signal is enhancing its Windows application with a feature called Screen Security, which prevents screenshots of messages while the app is in use. The application is flagged as protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), ensuring that DRM content cannot be recorded in screenshots on Windows devices. Screen Security is activated by default but can be disabled by users if needed. Signal hopes that AI developers will consider the implications of their innovations more thoughtfully. The Recall feature in Windows 11, which allows users to record everything displayed on their screens, has faced privacy and security concerns, and skepticism remains about its readiness for widespread adoption.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Minecraft inspired NFL 2025 schedule release removed due to licensing and tasteless joke

The Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts used Minecraft to unveil their 2025 NFL matchups. The Colts' video was taken down due to a licensing conflict with Microsoft, which owns Minecraft. The Colts included a crude joke about Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and an insensitive clip, leading to their apology for exceeding rights with Microsoft. Hill's agent stated that Hill found humor in the situation. The Chargers' video properly credited Microsoft, raising questions about the Colts' adherence to licensing agreements.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

‘We are doing our best to resolve most of it’: Stellar Blade’s PC release will be restricted in 130 countries as the devs fight to have it lifted

The PC release of Stellar Blade in June is facing region-lock issues affecting players in 130 countries, with six countries—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, and Vietnam—having no price point listed. PlayStation Network (PSN) requirements have been controversial, with developers stating that PSN connection is optional, despite past titles facing restrictions leading to negative reviews. The disparity in game pricing across regions has led to exploitation by key resellers. Shift Up, the developer of Stellar Blade, is actively discussing the region lock issue with the publisher to resolve it.

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2025

A spoof antivirus makes Windows Defender disable security scans

A researcher known as es3n1n explored Windows security mechanisms to bypass antivirus software validation checks in the Windows Security Center (WSC). He used tools like dnSpy and Process Monitor to analyze how legitimate antivirus solutions register with WSC. He confirmed that WSC validates the signatures of processes calling its APIs. Previously, es3n1n faced controversy when his project, no-defender, was removed from GitHub due to a DMCA takedown request from a software vendor.

AppWizard

May 18, 2025

EA is reportedly cracking down on a Sims 4 mod. What it changes has fans furious

The Sims 4, developed by Electronic Arts, has maintained its popularity for over ten years, supported by a dedicated fan base and compatibility with modern hardware. The game recently released the Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack in March, allowing players to start their own small businesses. The community has also created numerous fan-made mods, some of which enhance gameplay, while others have sparked controversy, such as a mod aimed at removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) elements. This led to backlash and accusations of censorship when EA requested the mod's removal. Additionally, the conversation about diversity in video games has grown, with criticism directed at Sweet Baby Inc., a consulting firm, for its influence on narrative choices in games like Alan Wake 2 and God of War Ragnarok, resulting in organized boycotts against games associated with the firm.

TrendTechie

May 17, 2025

Скачать «Белоснежку» с Рэйчел Зеглер и Галь Гадот на торрентах в HD

The latest Disney remake of Snow White has been quickly uploaded to torrent sites following its digital release. Directed by Marc Webb, the film stars Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, Andrew Burnap in the leading male role, and Rachel Zegler as Snow White. It received a disappointing reception upon its theatrical release at the end of March, becoming one of the lowest-rated films in Disney's history.

TrendTechie

May 17, 2025

Minecraft фильм: дата выхода на стриминговых площадках и слива на торренты

Warner Bros. announced that the digital release of the Minecraft film will be on May 13, 45 days after its theatrical debut. The film has grossed 0 million at the box office, making it the top-grossing film of 2025 so far, despite low ratings. Director Jared Hess mentioned that discussions for a potential sequel are underway due to the vast universe of the game.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Stellar Blade devs seem as confused as everyone else as the action-RPG’s PC port gets region locked in over 100 countries despite no PSN requirements: “May I ask where you live?”

Stellar Blade will be available on PC without requiring a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, but it is subject to region-locking limitations affecting over 100 countries, making it inaccessible to many potential players. This has led to frustration among users, as demonstrated by a tweet from a disappointed player. Shift Up, the game's developer, is engaging with users on Twitter to understand the situation better. While Sony has moved away from enforcing PSN requirements for its PC games, the region-locking issue persists in several recent releases, including The Last of Us 2 Remastered and Marvel's Spider-Man 2.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Tyreek Hill breaks silence over controversial Colts Minecraft schedule video

The Indianapolis Colts released their 2024 schedule through a Minecraft-themed video, which included a scene featuring a pixelated dolphin in a Tyreek Hill jersey being intercepted by a Coast Guard boat. This was interpreted by many as a reference to Hill's past legal issues, leading to negative backlash. The Colts deleted the video and apologized to both Hill and Microsoft for exceeding their licensing rights. They later released a more cautious backup video. Hill humorously responded on social media, suggesting the Colts should have kept the original video up. The incident highlights the need for NFL teams to balance creativity with sensitivity in their content.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Chargers’ NFL schedule release Minecraft video dominates while Colts delete their own

The Los Angeles Chargers released a nearly five-minute-long schedule release video that playfully roasted their 2025 opponents using the game Minecraft, having secured permission from Microsoft. In contrast, the Indianapolis Colts deleted their schedule release video after it included an inappropriate clip and exceeded rights granted by Microsoft, leading to an apology to both Microsoft and Tyreek Hill.