NewApp Digest
search bot

departure

Centre's SIM binding directive on app-based messaging platforms 'unconstitutional': Tech industry body BIF
AppWizard
February 28, 2026

Centre’s SIM binding directive on app-based messaging platforms ‘unconstitutional’: Tech industry body BIF

The Broadband India Forum (BIF) has expressed legal concerns about the government's SIM binding mandate, stating it is "ultra vires the parent legislation" and "unconstitutional," based on a senior counsel's opinion. This opinion critiques the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025, claiming they exceed the authority of the Telecommunications Act of 2023. The government's directive requires app-based communication services to maintain a link to a user's active SIM card, which BIF argues violates principles of due process and proportionality. BIF also highlights that the introduction of Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs) alters the scope of telecom regulation improperly, potentially leading to legal conflicts with existing laws like the Information Technology Act. BIF concludes that the amendment rules represent an impermissible expansion of delegated authority under the Telecom Act, advocating for adherence to the statutory framework. The government's directive, aimed at addressing cyber security concerns, would change how users access messaging services in India.
Devs behind GoldenEye, Perfect Dark and TimeSplitters are done with big shooters after getting burned by Embracer, so their next game is a Balatro-like twist on Scrabble—and you can try the demo now
AppWizard
February 25, 2026

Devs behind GoldenEye, Perfect Dark and TimeSplitters are done with big shooters after getting burned by Embracer, so their next game is a Balatro-like twist on Scrabble—and you can try the demo now

Steve Ellis and David Doak, co-founders of Free Radical Design, are developing a roguelike interpretation of Scrabble titled Beyond Words. This project marks a departure from their previous work on first-person shooters, including the TimeSplitters series and Star Wars: Battlefront 3. Following the closure of Free Radical by Embracer in 2023, Ellis described the experience as "soul-crushing," leading him to prefer smaller team environments for game development. Both Ellis and Doak expressed a desire to work in more intimate settings, which influenced their collaboration on Beyond Words, initially a weekend project that gained traction among various prototypes they explored.
Minecraft players recreate Brunei landmarks for National Day
AppWizard
February 25, 2026

Minecraft players recreate Brunei landmarks for National Day

On February 25, 2026, players of Planet Brunei Reborn (PBR), the longest-running Minecraft server in Brunei Darussalam, participated in a digital homage to the nation’s National Day by reconstructing significant Bruneian landmarks. This initiative began in mid-January and aimed to blend creativity with personal storytelling. Players received in-game currency and ranks as appreciation for their contributions. Notable creations included the Menara Cendera Kenangan, crafted by player Danialhandsome, and Brunei International Airport, recreated by Sub7PewDiePie12 and his team. Since its relaunch in 2022, PBR has attracted over 2,000 registered players and hosts regular community events, serving as a cultural hub for celebrating Brunei’s heritage.
Google Replacing Android's Weather App with Something Boring
AppWizard
February 24, 2026

Google Replacing Android’s Weather App with Something Boring

Google is phasing out the full-screen weather report feature in the Pixel Weather app for Android devices, replacing it with standard web search results. Users will now be redirected to a Google search results page when accessing the Weather shortcut, moving away from the previous comprehensive interface that included detailed forecasts and metrics. This change has been gradually implemented over several months, and users have received notifications about the transition. The new interface condenses weather predictions into a single card format and removes the “View all details” button, integrating weather information into Google Search. However, the Pixel Weather experience remains unchanged for Pixel device users.
Steam Next Fest has the perfect game demo for Disco Elysium fans, but it's not ZA/UM's successor
AppWizard
February 23, 2026

Steam Next Fest has the perfect game demo for Disco Elysium fans, but it’s not ZA/UM’s successor

The author reflects on their gaming journey, noting a significant shift after experiencing Disco Elysium. They find that Citizen Sleeper is the closest game to evoke similar engagement, despite its different gameplay. The upcoming February 2026 Steam Next Fest will showcase two games of interest: Zero Parades, a successor to Disco Elysium, and Esoteric Ebb, which combines Disco Elysium-like mechanics with a Dungeons and Dragons aesthetic. Zero Parades promises a narrative of espionage, while Esoteric Ebb features a reimagined Thought Cabinet using D&D attributes. The author expresses excitement for both titles and encourages fans of Disco Elysium to explore these upcoming games.
New Xbox boss Asha Sharma promises not to flood its games with "soulless AI slop"
AppWizard
February 21, 2026

New Xbox boss Asha Sharma promises not to flood its games with “soulless AI slop”

Asha Sharma has been appointed as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming following Phil Spencer's departure. Concerns have arisen regarding her potential reliance on generative AI in game development, but Sharma has stated her focus will not be on "chasing short-term efficiency" and emphasized the importance of preserving Xbox's unique essence. She aims to avoid "soulless AI slop" and believes in the value of human-crafted games. Sharma's background includes experience at Meta and Instacart, and she has previously expressed optimism about AI's potential in various fields. She envisions a return to Xbox's "renegade spirit," promoting a culture of questioning norms while maintaining effective elements. Matt Booty has been promoted to Chief Content Officer and reassured that there are no planned organizational changes for Xbox studios.
Minecraft is facing a major transformation. Developers say it's inevitable.
AppWizard
February 20, 2026

Minecraft is facing a major transformation. Developers say it’s inevitable.

Mojang is transitioning Minecraft Java Edition from the OpenGL framework to the Vulkan API, with a gradual rollout starting with snapshot versions and a stable release expected in summer 2026. This change is driven by the outdated nature of OpenGL and Apple's discontinuation of support for it on new macOS devices. Vulkan offers native support for Windows and Linux, and compatibility with macOS, aiming to improve stability across all platforms. The transition will introduce graphical enhancements previously exclusive to the Bedrock version, although average players may not notice significant changes unless using mods. Modders will need to adapt their creations to the new architecture, and Mojang will provide support for them during this migration. The updates will only affect Java Edition, leaving the Bedrock version unchanged.
Windows 11 finally hits right note: MIDI 2.0 support arrives
Winsage
February 18, 2026

Windows 11 finally hits right note: MIDI 2.0 support arrives

Microsoft has introduced MIDI 2.0 support for Windows 11, allowing multiple applications to access the same MIDI device and port simultaneously, and enabling users to customize MIDI port names. MIDI 2.0, which includes updates for device discovery and fallback capabilities, was first introduced in 2020. The update maintains backwards compatibility with MIDI 1.0 and includes a new USB MIDI 2.0 class driver, usbmidi2.sys, while retaining the legacy usbaudio.sys driver. The enhancements promise faster connection speeds and two-way communication, improving the music production experience.
Search