delay Archives

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Steel Seed has been delayed to April 22nd, gets PC requirements

Steel Seed, a stealth-action adventure game developed by ESDigital Games and Storm in a Teacup, has been postponed from April 10th to April 22nd to allow for additional game optimization. Ilia Svanidze, Head of Marketing at ESDigital Games, stated that the delay is necessary to ensure a polished experience across all platforms due to technical hurdles encountered during platform certification tests. The game will utilize Unreal Engine 5, and the minimum PC requirements are as follows: - OS: Windows 10 - Processor: Intel i7-3770K 3.50GHz or AMD equivalent - Memory: 16 GB RAM - Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1070 / Intel ARC 580 / AMD equivalent - DirectX: Version 12 - Storage: 50 GB available space - VR Support: No Recommended requirements include: - OS: Windows 10 - Processor: Intel Core i7 6700K, 4.00 GHz or AMD equivalent - Memory: 16 GB RAM - Graphics: Nvidia RTX 2070 / Intel ARC 770 / AMD RX 5700XT - DirectX: Version 12 - Storage: 50 GB available space - VR Support: No Details on targeted resolution, framerate, and graphical settings have not yet been disclosed.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5160 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5160 (KB5053654) has been released for the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 23H2. Windows 11, version 24H2 is also available as an optional upgrade for Insiders in the Beta Channel. New features include: - A speech recap feature in Narrator that allows users to track and reference spoken content, with a history of the last 500 strings spoken. Users can access this feature using keyboard shortcuts. - Copilot on Windows can now be launched with Win + C, and users can customize their Copilot key. It includes a press-to-talk feature for voice interaction. - The Windows share window has been enhanced to allow quick editing options for images, including cropping and applying filters. - A new FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page to provide users with quick answers about their PC. Fixes include resolving delays in app icons appearing in the Start menu and updating the logic for desktop app icons to enhance visibility. Known issues include a flashing context menu in the Start menu and a crash issue with Narrator that can be resolved by restarting the PC. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2 through an enablement package, and features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft kills the iconic Blue Screen of Death. It looks like this now

Microsoft is redesigning the "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD) in Windows 11 24H2, changing it from a blue screen to a black display. For Windows Insiders, the error screen will appear in green. The new design removes the sad smiley face and QR code, replacing the text with "Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart," and uses "device" instead of "PC." The specific error code and reason for the crash will be in smaller text at the bottom. This redesign has been in development since the early stages of Windows 11, but its motivation is speculative. The new error screen's public debut date is unclear, though it may be introduced in an upcoming Patch Tuesday.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

Quiet Wear OS 5.1 QoL update brings app icons to Pixel Watch tiles

The Wear OS 5.1 update for Pixel Watch users enhances app visibility by adding a small circular app icon to the top of each tile. This update, part of the March feature drop and based on Android 15, was initially rolled out for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled Pixel Watches and later made available for LTE-capable devices, including Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3. It includes features like the FDA-approved Loss of Pulse safety function, menstrual cycle tracking, and improved step tracking. However, the update has caused issues such as delayed notifications and battery performance problems, prompting user frustrations and temporary solutions like restarting or factory resetting watches. Google has acknowledged these problems affecting a small subset of users.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Windows Users at Risk: New Zero-Day Exploit Steals Passwords Without Interaction

A newly uncovered zero-day vulnerability in Windows allows hackers to steal NTLM credentials simply by previewing a malicious file, affecting multiple Windows versions, including Windows 7 and Windows 11 v24H2. Microsoft has not yet issued a patch for this vulnerability, leaving millions of users exposed. The flaw was reported by security researcher Mitja Kolsek from ACROS Security, who noted that stolen credentials could lead to unauthorized access to networks. ACROS Security has created a temporary micro-patch available through its 0patch platform, which users are encouraged to implement. Additionally, a separate zero-day vulnerability identified in Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers allows attackers to bypass sandbox protection with a click on a malicious link, primarily targeting media organizations and government agencies in Russia. Users are advised to install the 0patch fix, avoid interacting with unfamiliar files, and update their browsers to protect against these threats.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Looking back at Windows Longhorn

Retired Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer discussed the Windows Longhorn project, which aimed to succeed Windows XP but faced significant challenges. Longhorn was envisioned to overhaul the user experience and introduce features like WinFS for content-based file searching. However, the simultaneous development of many new features led to a fragile and bloated codebase, making it difficult to use in daily operations. A 2002 memo from Bill Gates prioritizing security diverted resources from Longhorn, further complicating development. Ultimately, in August 2004, Microsoft scrapped the existing Longhorn codebase in favor of the Windows Server 2003 SP1 codebase, integrating select Longhorn features. The project resulted in Windows Vista, which retained some Longhorn features while discarding others. Plummer reflected on the mixed legacy of Longhorn, acknowledging its failures and the lessons learned that shaped Microsoft's future practices.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans

On March 15, news emerged about U.S. military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, which had been hinted at through discussions in a Signal group involving senior officials, including the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State. The group, titled “Houthi PC small group,” discussed operational details of the strikes, raising concerns about the appropriateness of using an encrypted messaging app for sensitive military discussions. On March 14, participants debated the risks and benefits of the action, including its impact on global trade and oil prices. Just before the strikes, a message outlined the operational plan, leading to celebratory reactions after the attacks began. A National Security Council spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the group and acknowledged a journalist's unintended inclusion. Legal experts noted that discussing classified information on Signal could violate the Espionage Act and federal records laws, raising issues about the credibility of U.S. national security communications.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Lilbits: AI-enhanced search for Windows PCs and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Recent advancements in laptop technology have introduced high-performance neural processing units from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, enabling on-device artificial intelligence applications. Microsoft initially planned to launch its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs but delayed it due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is now testing a new AI-enhanced search function that allows users to search for files, settings, or documents by description. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out Local Semantic Search to Windows Insiders with Intel or AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs, which allows searching by description in File Explorer, Windows Search, or Settings, and can be disabled for certain folders.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Get Rid of These 12 Android Apps That Secretly Record Your Conversations

Security researchers have identified malicious Android applications that invade user privacy by recording audio, intercepting messages, and stealing sensitive data without user consent. A cybersecurity firm, ESET, uncovered a cyber espionage operation that infiltrated Android devices through the Google Play Store and alternative app sources, initially involving six apps on the Play Store with over 1,400 downloads each before their removal. These deceptive apps, which masquerade as messaging services, embed malware capable of tracking user locations and harvesting personal information. Hackers employ tactics like “romance baiting” to trick users into downloading infected apps, such as those containing VajraSpy malware. Experts categorize these malicious apps into three groups: fake messaging apps that steal data, apps exploiting Android’s accessibility features, and a fake news app that harvests user data. A list of twelve flagged apps includes Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat, which should be removed immediately. To protect against spyware apps, users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, run security scans, and stay informed about cybersecurity updates. Caution is recommended when downloading apps, including verifying developers, checking reviews, and avoiding third-party app stores.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Chromebooks will soon have Google’s powerful NotebookLM installed by default

Google will preinstall NotebookLM, its AI-driven note-taking application, on Chromebooks following a code update that adds it to the list of preinstalled applications in Chrome OS. NotebookLM, powered by Google's Gemini AI model, can summarize, analyze, and respond to various content types, making it useful for students and researchers. Users can access NotebookLM via notebooklm.google.com and will have it available in the app drawer on Chromebooks. There are questions about whether this will apply to existing Chromebook models or only new ones. Users can also install the NotebookLM web app on PCs through Google Chrome by visiting the website and following installation prompts. Android users can add it to their home screens from the Chrome context menu.