cross-platform Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

WhatsApp and iMessage competitor: Elon Musk announces new Vchat messenger

Elon Musk has introduced XChat, a secure messaging service aimed at transforming X (formerly Twitter) into a comprehensive communication platform. XChat focuses on privacy, file sharing, and cross-platform calling, competing with established messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram. It is developed using Rust and features Bitcoin-style encryption and end-to-end encryption to ensure message confidentiality. Currently in beta testing, XChat will be rolled out to more users soon, although no official launch date has been set. This service is part of Musk's vision to create a "super app" that combines social networking, digital payments, media sharing, and private communication, similar to WeChat. Analysts believe XChat could significantly influence the development of Web3 applications and challenge traditional messaging platforms to innovate in security and functionality.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Torchlight 3 studio Echtra Games, acquired by Zynga in 2021 to help it move into PC and console gaming, is being closed without doing that

Zynga has announced the closure of Echtra Games, the studio behind Torchlight 3, ending development on future titles and reducing roles at the studio. This decision is part of a broader realignment of the company's resources and priorities. Echtra was acquired by Zynga shortly after the release of Torchlight 3, which received mixed reviews. The closure follows the shutdown of NaturalMotion's Star Wars: Hunters and reflects a trend within the gaming industry of companies reassessing their portfolios. Additionally, Take-Two Interactive, Zynga's parent company, has faced a workforce reduction of approximately 5% and sold its Private Division publishing division. The share price of Take-Two fluctuated after the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, now set for a May 26, 2026 release on consoles.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

‘The Witcher 3’ Is Finally Bringing The Best Part Of PC Gaming To PS5 And Xbox Series X/S

CD Projekt Red is celebrating the tenth anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with various initiatives, including an anniversary trailer, concerts, and developer discussions. An update scheduled for 2025 will enhance modding capabilities for The Witcher 3 on consoles, allowing PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players to use mods previously available only to PC players. Console users will need a mod.io account to access these mods, while PC players can use other platforms like Nexus Mods. All mods must be approved by CD Projekt Red, and while simpler mods will work without the developer’s mod kit, those requiring code alterations will need it. Mod creation will remain exclusive to PC. The update aims to increase engagement among console players, who have previously had limited modding experiences.

Tech Optimizer

May 24, 2025

Arms Cyber Expands Ransomware Protection to macOS Devices

Apple devices, previously considered largely immune to cyber threats, are experiencing a rise in ransomware attacks targeting macOS, as reported by cybersecurity firm Black Fog. This shift is attributed to the increasing popularity of Apple devices and evolving ransomware tactics. Notable ransomware incidents include EvilQuest and MacRansom, with new threats like NotLockBit and FrigidStealer emerging. In response, Arms Cyber has begun offering ransomware protection for macOS, becoming the first firm to provide comprehensive protection across Windows, Linux, and macOS. Their solutions include real-time file entropy analysis, Steal Archival technology for rapid recovery, and Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) to thwart attacks. The growing use of Mac devices in critical sectors highlights the need for enhanced security measures, as attackers see opportunities in less protected systems. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are also being equipped with these protections to strengthen defenses against ransomware.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Luminar Photo Editor Comes To Android And ChromeOS

Skylum has launched Luminar: Photo Editor, an AI-driven photo editing application for Android and ChromeOS devices, in collaboration with Google. The app is compatible with various Android devices, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, and Chromebooks, featuring a user interface that adapts to different screen sizes. Luminar includes signature tools such as Enhance AI, Structure AI, Relight AI, Atmosphere AI, Sky AI, Skin AI, and Body AI, along with essential editing tools like exposure adjustments and a filter collection. The app is designed for quick and accessible edits, suitable for beginners. It is available on Google Play with three pricing options: a monthly plan for .99/€3.99, a yearly plan for .99/€23.99 (with a 7-day free trial), and a lifetime license for .99/€47.99. This marks the first official availability of Luminar on Android.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Several Ubisoft games can now be purchased in the Xbox PC app, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Watch Dogs 2

Ubisoft has announced that several of its game franchises, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, are now available for purchase on the Xbox PC app. Previously, players could only access Ubisoft games through PC Game Pass without the option to buy them outright. The Xbox Play Anywhere feature does not allow cross-access between the Xbox PC app and Xbox Series X|S console. Players must link their Xbox and Ubisoft accounts to use Ubisoft Connect for these games. The launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows includes a "Stream Your Own Game" feature via Xbox Cloud Gaming for console version purchasers.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft makes another pitch for React Native in confusing world of Windows desktop development

Microsoft is advocating for the use of React Native to simplify Windows desktop development, promoting it as a viable solution for building native applications. React Native, originally developed by Facebook, allows code written in JavaScript to be rendered natively on iOS and Android, and Microsoft aims to extend these benefits to Windows. The company is addressing developer confusion by providing guidance and resources for integrating React Native into Windows development. Microsoft is also investing in enhancing React Native's capabilities for Windows, including performance improvements and library expansions, to attract and retain developers.

AppWizard

May 11, 2025

Scrutinizing the security of messaging apps continues.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the White House are facing scrutiny over security vulnerabilities in their messaging application. Hacktivists breached GlobalX, the airline handling U.S. deportation flights, exposing sensitive flight manifests. The FBI warned about threats exploiting outdated routers. Pearson confirmed a cyberattack compromising customer data. Research shows cybercriminals are using Windows Remote Management (WinRM) for lateral movements in Active Directory environments. A new email attack campaign is delivering a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) via malicious PDF invoices. A zero-day vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver allows remote code execution, affecting multiple sectors. An Indiana health system reported a data breach affecting nearly 263,000 individuals.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

Huawei’s HarmonyOS Takes On Windows 11 with Enhanced UI and Performance — But Deprived of App Sideloading & Backward Compatibility

Huawei has introduced HarmonyOS Next, its latest operating system for consumer laptops, designed exclusively for modern laptop models and lacking backward compatibility with older devices. The OS features AI-driven functionality through Celia, Huawei's AI assistant, and comes pre-installed with essential applications like WPS Office. Visually, it resembles Apple's macOS, including a software shortcut bar at the bottom of the screen. HarmonyOS Next restricts sideloading applications, requiring users to access software through Huawei's native "App Gallery," a strategy aimed at reducing reliance on Western software among Chinese consumers.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Props for the honesty: Tim Sweeney says the reason ‘people characterize the Epic Games launcher as clunky’ is—wait for it—’because the Epic Games launcher is clunky’

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, described the Epic Games Store launcher as "clunky" and acknowledged that many users find it slow and cumbersome compared to Steam. The Epic launcher received a score of 41% in a recent evaluation, ranking behind competitors like the Microsoft Store and EA, and significantly trailing Steam and GOG Galaxy. Performance issues vary based on a user's proximity to a content delivery network and the size of their game library, with slower internet connections exacerbating loading frustrations. Sweeney believes the Epic launcher should incorporate convenient features from Steam while maintaining its unique advantages. He emphasized the importance of connecting players across platforms and criticized Valve for not allowing cross-platform functionality with Steamworks. Sweeney also addressed negative backlash against developers using Epic Online Services, citing harassment related to crossplay features. Users seeking alternatives to the Epic launcher can consider GOG Galaxy or Heroic, which are noted for better functionality.