dating Archives

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Car Icons Are Disappearing From Google Maps in Android Auto (but You Might Be Able to Fix It)

Android Auto users are experiencing an issue where car icons are disappearing from the navigation interface in Google Maps. This problem began six days ago, coinciding with the release of Android Auto version 16.1, although some users have reported similar issues with version 15.9. The bug tends to occur when users switch to another app in fullscreen mode and then return to Google Maps. A temporary fix involves force quitting Google Maps, but the issue recurs. Community-sourced solutions include updating or downgrading Android Auto, changing to the default car icon, and avoiding leaving the Google Maps app. If these solutions fail, users may consider alternative navigation apps like Waze, Sygic GPS, or TomTom, which do not exhibit this bug.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

UK-based founders accused of sharing app data with Iranian authorities

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani lead TS Information Technology, a UK branch of the Iranian firm Towse’e Saman Information Technology, known for developing Gap Messenger, a domestic alternative to Telegram. The company is registered in West Sussex, UK. Gap Messenger claims to be encrypted and not share user data with third parties, but Iranian digital rights researchers have raised concerns about its involvement in state surveillance, supported by leaked emails from Iran’s attorney general's office from 2022. Mahdi Anjidani, the CEO, has publicly supported government regulation of foreign messaging apps and has identified himself as a proponent of the Islamic Revolution. Gap Messenger operates within Iran's state-controlled internet, often during internet shutdowns linked to protests. The Anjidani brothers' business operations suggest a close alignment with Iranian authorities, as domestic messaging platforms typically require significant political backing to operate.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Square Enix RPG Free for a Limited Time

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is currently available for free to select users through Prime Gaming, requiring an Amazon Prime subscription. The offer is limited to PC users and will be available until February 2. The game, released a decade ago, is the fourth installment in the Deus Ex series and typically retails for .99. It has a Metacritic score of 83 and players can expect to spend around 30 hours to complete the main storyline or about 50 hours for full exploration.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Earth Must Die in this adventure game boasting a Dispatch-like voice cast of British comedy superheroes, and it releases later this month

Earth Must Die, a comedic adventure game from Size Five Games, is set to launch on January 27. Players will assume the role of Vvalek Lizardtongue, an alien heir facing robotic Terranoids in his kingdom. The game features modern animation and a voice cast that includes Ben Starr, Alex Horne, Matthew Holness, Tamsin Greig, and Joel Fry as Vvalek. A demo is available on Steam for early access.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Faces Backlash as Slowest OS in 25 Years, Benchmarks Show

Microsoft's Windows 11, launched in 2021, has been criticized for significant performance issues, making it potentially the least performant version of Windows in over two decades. Independent benchmarks reveal that Windows 11 is slower than its predecessors in areas such as boot times, application launches, and overall system responsiveness. Users with high-end hardware, including 13th-generation Intel Core processors, have reported noticeable slowdowns compared to Windows 10. Performance assessments indicate that Windows 11 struggles in various categories, including file operations, multitasking, and gaming, with longer boot speeds reminiscent of older systems. Gamers have experienced stuttering and frame rate drops, and Microsoft has acknowledged these issues in updates since 2022. The operating system is criticized for being a "resource hog," with preloaded features consuming resources even when idle. Users have reported lagging File Explorer and freezing processes, leading some to consider alternative operating systems. IT departments have noted increased support tickets related to performance issues, prompting some to delay upgrades from Windows 10. Microsoft has offered optimization advice, but critics argue these are temporary fixes for deeper architectural problems. The performance issues have implications for software developers and hardware manufacturers, increasing development costs and complicating hardware optimizations. Analysts warn that without prompt action, Microsoft's market dominance could be at risk, as users advocate for a leaner, faster Windows.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Steam Reveals Most Played PC VR Games of 2025

Steam's list of the most played PC VR games for 2025 features only one new title, "VR Secretary: Ailey Edition," which is an early access dating sim and has received a silver rating. The top-ranked games include: Platinum: - No Man’s Sky (2016) - Beat Saber (2019) - Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades (2016) - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR (2018) - Phasmophobia (2020) - Gorilla Tag (2023) - Blade & Sorcery (2024) - Ark: Survival Evolved (2017) - Vtol VR (2017) - VRChat (2017) - Half-Life: Alyx (2020) - Assetto Corsa (2014) Gold: - BONELAB (2022) - The Forest (2018) - Hard Bullet (2020) - Superhot VR (2017) - War Thunder (2013) - Pavlov (2024) - BONEWORKS (2019) - Google Earth VR (2016) - Euro Truck Simulator (2012) - Blood Trail (2019) - Rec Room (2021) - Half-Life 2: VR Mod (2022) Silver: - Automobilista 2 (2020) - DCS (2013) - Assetto Corsa Competizione (2019) - Arizona Sunshine II (2023) - Ghosts of Tabor (2023) - Bigscreen (2016) - The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners (2020) - The Lab (2016) - Contractors Showdown: ExfilZone (2024) - Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted (2019) - Subnautica (2018) - Metro Awakening (2024) - Into the Radius 2 (2024) - Fallout 4 VR (2017) - Tactical Assault VR (2023) - Elite Dangerous (2015) - Into the Radius (2020) - Propagation VR (2020) - Job Simulator (2016) - VR Secretary: Ailey Edition (2025) - DiRT Rally 2.0 (2019) - Hitman World of Assassination (2022) - VTOL VR Mod Loader (2024) - Contractors (2018) - Arizona Sunshine Remake (2024) - BeamNG.drive (2015) The report indicates a trend of established games maintaining popularity, with a growing community of PC VR users and an increase in monthly connected headsets on Steam. The anticipated Steam Frame may influence future PC VR game adoption.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Five new Steam games you probably missed (January 12, 2026)

Steam releases approximately a dozen new games daily, creating a challenging environment for gamers to find hidden gems. - Oddcore - Release: January 7 - Developer: Oddcorp - Features: A wave-based sci-fi shoot 'em up with customizable mechs and a nostalgic '90s aesthetic. - Dungeon Antiqua 2 - Release: January 8 - Developers: Shiromofu Factory - Features: A sequel to an 8-bit JRPG dungeon crawler with top-down exploration and turn-based combat. - Dreadmyst - Release: January 10 - Developer: dreadmyst.com - Features: A free fantasy MMO with no monetization, offering isometric gameplay and four character classes. - Blood Money: Lethal Eden - Release: January 10 - Developer: Jade Flame - Features: An FMV thriller about a catfishing scheme, receiving positive early reviews.

BetaBeacon

January 8, 2026

How to Secure an Epic Win for Consumer Choice on Android Phones

Epic Games won a lawsuit against Google in late 2023, resulting in a jury siding with Epic on all claims made against Google. As a result, Google was required to allow third-party app stores on the Google Play Store, stop paying handset manufacturers to preference the Play Store, allow developers to link users to third-party payment systems, and share a list of its apps with third-party stores. This victory has led to increased competition and choice for Americans on Android phones.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Millennium Whisper and the case for ethical, on-device AI in games

A recent survey by Google Cloud found that 90% of game developers are exploring generative AI. Millennium Whisper, a dating sim by Parable Studios, is the first game on Steam to run a large language model entirely on-device, avoiding cloud-based inference. This approach allows for unique in-game conversations and addresses ethical data usage, as actors retain ownership of their data and receive royalties. The game uses actor-led role-play sessions for character behavior, ensuring high-quality data. Running AI locally enhances energy efficiency and sustainability, contrasting with traditional server-based models that incur ongoing costs. Millennium Whisper received grant funding from Innovate UK and is currently in Early Access. Ambrose Robinson, the founder of Parable Studios, emphasizes the importance of energy savings and the sustainability of their AI approach.

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

Steam has quietly become the best place to buy videogame soundtracks—even for games that were never released on PC

The text discusses the evolution of video game music and highlights various soundtracks available for gamers. It mentions that accessing game soundtracks has become easier with platforms like Steam, where Capcom offers over 100 albums, including titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Street Fighter 6. The release of Overture included an updated soundtrack with 51 new tracks at no extra cost. Virtua Fighter 5's soundtrack features 531 tracks for £30, providing a comprehensive history of 3D fighting games. A modern reimagining of the Chinese RPG You Cheng Huan Jian Lu has made its soundtrack available at a low price, while Clair Obscur’s award-winning soundtrack is set to release on CD next February as an eight-disc set, with a DRM-free Steam version available at half the price, including new remixes and tracks.