creation Archives

AppWizard

October 23, 2026

A new Fallout 4 mod adds an entire town, but more importantly, it lets you join a gang

A newly launched mod for Fallout 4 introduces a settlement named Detour, located atop an overpass near Bedford Station. This mod features a vibrant town with engaging quests and over a dozen characters voiced by real actors. Players can join a group called Maud's Muggers for a criminal quest that leads to a satisfying conclusion. The mod also adds a new member to the Detour Degens, expanding the group to four distinct personalities. The Detour mod is available for download and was created without AI involvement, highlighting the creativity of the modding community.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Meta lets ordinary Android apps on Quest open extra windows without becoming VR apps

Meta has introduced a VR Layout SDK for Quest users, allowing Android applications to open additional windows alongside their main interface without requiring a transition to the Spatial SDK. The VR Layout SDK is compatible with apps developed using Jetpack Compose or React Native, but does not support the creation of 3D objects or alterations to the user's environment. Meta advises developers to use a primary window and no more than two significant spatial windows, with a solid background and consistent size. Additionally, Meta has released a VR UI Set SDK for Jetpack Compose, providing design tools that ensure usability. Users can interact with apps using gaze and pinch controls, and gaze data is not shared with applications. The specific apps utilizing these features have not yet been announced.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

The next Mass Effect would have had ‘a level of autonomy and choice that no other game has been able to match’, according to BioWare veteran

Tony de Waal, a former cinematic supervisor at BioWare, revealed that around 50 individuals were working on the now-canceled Mass Effect 4 before the studio's closure. He believed the team was close to creating a game with unprecedented player autonomy and choice. De Waal also discussed the challenges faced while developing Dragon Age: The Veilguard using EA and DICE's Frostbite engine, describing the effort as "herculean" and highlighting the complexity of managing variable player characters across cinematics. BioWare's closure is part of a larger restructuring at Electronic Arts, resulting in over 400 layoffs as the company shifts focus toward live service shooters and sports games. De Waal expressed disappointment over the cancellation and emphasized the dedication of the remaining developers. He is currently seeking new opportunities in the gaming industry.

Tech Optimizer

October 21, 2026

Kaspersky research exposes gaps in Gen Z’s everyday cybersecurity habits

Recent research by Kaspersky surveyed 7,200 Generation Z respondents globally, revealing that 52% have faced cyber attacks on their devices or accounts. Specifically, 17% reported compromised social media accounts, and 12% lost access to gaming accounts. Despite being the most digitally engaged generation, with 67% using smartphones for internet access and 57% spending more time online than offline, only 27% use antivirus software, and 28% regularly back up important data. Kaspersky highlights a gap between digital familiarity and security expertise, urging the adoption of cybersecurity practices in daily routines.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows and Xbox teams reportedly clashed over OS experience for gaming, as next-gen Xbox Helix console slips into 2028

Microsoft plans to introduce new gaming hardware, starting with a handheld device expected in 2027 and a full-fledged console slated for 2028. The handheld device's details are unclear, and it may be developed in collaboration with a third-party manufacturer. The upcoming console is anticipated to be a first-party offering running on a specialized version of Windows. Development kits for these devices are expected to be available in early 2027.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Minecraft to Murder: Where is Lewis Daynes now, after killing Breck Bednar? How he lured teens on gaming sites

Breck Bednar was a 14-year-old boy from Caterham, Surrey, who was murdered in February 2014 by Lewis Daynes, an older teenager he met on a gaming forum. Daynes, using the alias 'EagleOneSix,' groomed Breck over 13 months, isolating him from family and convincing him to travel to his flat in Grays, Essex, under the pretense of discussing a fictional software business. On February 17, 2014, after Breck arrived, Daynes stabbed him and later confessed to the crime. In November 2014, Daynes pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. As of October 2026, he remains incarcerated and will not be eligible for parole until he has served his minimum term. The case raised concerns about the dangers of online relationships, leading to the creation of an educational film, Breck’s Last Game, in collaboration with Breck's mother, Lorin LaFave.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Windows 98 SE users get a Thunderbolt 4 driver, thanks to AI assistance — vibe-coded xHCI98 driver works in Microsoft OSes up to Windows 7

Windows 98 SE now has experimental support for USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4 through the xHCI98 v3.0.0.0 driver developed by Yeo Kheng Meng. This driver enables the use of generic USB 3.x, USB4, and Thunderbolt host controllers on legacy operating systems like Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, and 7. It allows connections for USB storage devices, replaces native USB drivers, and supports USB 1.1, 2.0, SuperSpeed devices, UAS storage, and Thunderbolt docks and NVMe enclosures. Meng utilized AI tools for development and primarily tested the driver on Intel hardware, while advising users to be cautious of potential bugs. He also provides guidance on hardware compatibility, installation methods, and updates.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

$35 Gets You Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, down from 9.99, until November 1. This bundle includes Windows 11 Pro, which features security tools like BitLocker and Hyper-V, and Office Professional 2021, which contains applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The software is licensed for installation on a single Windows PC with no recurring subscription fees, contrasting with Microsoft 365 Personal, which costs .99 annually. Digital license keys are delivered promptly for easy setup.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

The best Enshrouded base locations for picturesque vistas or strategic strongholds

In Embervale, notable real estate options include: 1. Fort Kelvin: An expansive abandoned town on the northern border of Springlands, featuring a central square, underground tunnels, and a pre-built tower, ideal for renovation. 2. Pondside Ruins: A charming pond west of Fort Kelvin, favored for building, with an enchanting island in the middle and a pier that can be enhanced. 3. Western Waterfront: A waterfront location close to the Shroud, characterized by uneven terrain, offering a creative building challenge. 4. Mountainside Pond: A flat space near the Hollowed Halls, providing access to a nearby flint mine. 5. Glenwood's End Neighboring Waterfall: A solitary waterfall in Revelwood, appealing despite the dense foliage. 6. Blue Goblet Tavern: A hilltop pre-built tavern for renovation, close to abundant ore and clay resources. 7. Top of the Pillars of Creation: A location for placing a Flame Altar for fast travel, with one pillar suitable for building and the other near copper mines. 8. Shorewatch: A manageable-sized town in the Kindlewastes, featuring a pre-built tower for expansion and enhanced glider jumps. 9. Hermit Lodgings: A quaint lakeside cabin in the Albaneve Summits, offering a serene atmosphere. 10. Riverreach: A large pre-built town in Dragondream Lake, known for its sprawling layout and intricate underground cells, ideal for renovation. 11. Driftwood Wake: A smaller, inviting town across the lake from Riverreach, featuring a waterfall and practical charm for renovation.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and added automatic ransomware backup to its Ultimate plan. The NOD32 engine was updated to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus options due to discrepancies between current product names and older installations. A comprehensive 13-step guide has been developed to facilitate the transition to new antivirus software, addressing potential risks such as performance issues from running multiple engines, improper uninstallation, and loss of license keys. In 2026, ESET introduced features like a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus includes real-time anti-ransomware protection and machine-learning threat detection. Security.org's 2025 report indicated that 84% of users made no changes to their antivirus software over the past year, with many only reconsidering when faced with price increases or product discontinuations. The choice between paid and free antivirus solutions is significant, with 54% of third-party users paying for their software. ESET's Ultimate tier is the only one that includes ransomware backup features. Before switching antivirus products, users should ensure they are running compatible operating systems, have administrator access, document current and new antivirus version numbers, and have a stable internet connection. A PowerShell command can check the current antivirus status. Steps for migration include auditing current antivirus features, choosing a suitable replacement, exporting license keys, and using official removal tools to uninstall the old software. After installation, users should verify real-time protection is active and rebuild exclusions and scan schedules. Common pitfalls during migration include failing to uninstall the old antivirus completely, forgetting to disable tamper protection, and losing exclusion lists. For mobile devices, permissions from the old antivirus must be cleared to avoid conflicts. Advanced users managing multiple devices may benefit from staggering migrations and checking for known vulnerabilities in the antivirus products. A PowerShell script can be created to log the antivirus state before and after migration.