Development Archives

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Robin Hood

A group of hackers has released a toolkit that claims to permanently unlock nearly all versions of Windows from Windows 7 to the latest iterations and Microsoft Office from 2013 to 2024. They justify their actions by positioning themselves as a "Robin Hood" of the digital realm, advocating against the commercialization of software piracy. They recommend using LibreOffice as an ethical alternative to Microsoft’s offerings.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

PlayStation games on PC is “almost like printing money”, says former exec Shuhei Yoshida

Shuhei Yoshida, a former PlayStation executive, discussed the financial benefits of porting PlayStation-exclusive titles to PC, describing it as "almost like printing money." He expressed a desire to transition first-party games to PC earlier but noted that the previous business model did not support this vision. Porting games allows Sony to reach a broader audience, particularly in regions with low console ownership, and is cost-effective compared to creating original titles. Yoshida emphasized the importance of tapping into emerging markets like China, where the PC gaming landscape is strong. Since 2020, Sony has gradually transitioned its exclusive titles to PC, with recent releases including Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and the upcoming The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. The release of Helldivers 2 was noted as a significant success for Sony. Yoshida also mentioned future plans for live service games, including insights on Naughty Dog's The Last of Us Online.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Hackers release TSforge exploit that «forever» activates Windows and Office

A hacker group called Massgrave has developed a method named TSforge Activation that permanently activates most Microsoft products and bypasses the digital rights management (DRM) system. This method allows updates for Windows 10 beyond its official end of support in October 2025. The group previously launched the Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) project in 2024, claiming to dismantle Microsoft’s DRM protections. The TSforge method works by replacing activation data files with counterfeit data, tricking the Software Protection Platform (SPP) into accepting fraudulent product keys. TSforge currently enables activation for Windows 7 and later versions, including Windows Server (2008 R2 – 2025), and Office 2013-2024 on Windows 8 and later. It also unlocks commercial features like Extended Security Updates for Windows 7-10. Despite being aware of these activators, Microsoft has not taken significant action against them. The MAS project is open-source and hosted on GitHub. The hackers argue that their tool could be used as an alternative activation method in urgent situations.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

The Windows 11 Snipping Tool is about to get a killer new feature

Microsoft is adding an advanced optical character recognition (OCR) feature to the Snipping Tool, improving text extraction from images. This feature was discovered by PhantomOfEarth during Windows beta testing and will allow users to extract text with just a couple of clicks, eliminating the need for preliminary screenshots. The Snipping Tool is pre-installed on all Windows 11 devices, making the OCR functionality readily accessible without additional downloads.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Ex-President of SIE Pushed Sony To Port First-Party Games To PC

Sony is considering expanding its PlayStation-exclusive titles to the PC platform, influenced by Shuhei Yoshida, the former President of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Yoshida argues that releasing games on PC can maximize revenue by reaching new audiences, particularly in regions like China where console gaming is less popular. He highlights that porting games to PC is less expensive than developing new titles, providing a significant financial incentive. However, he acknowledges that PC versions typically release a few years after their console counterparts, which may concern existing PlayStation owners.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon app store for Android to discontinue operations this year

Amazon will close its Android app store on August 20, 2025. Developers can submit updates for existing apps until the closure but cannot introduce new applications. The app store will remain functional on Amazon's Fire tablets and Fire TV. In Japan, in-app purchases will be discontinued, and users are advised to seek alternative marketplaces. Amazon will also end its Amazon Coins program, refunding any unused Coins by the closure date, with the last purchase opportunity on February 20, 2025. Additionally, Amazon's app store support for Windows devices will cease on March 5, 2025.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Minecraft 25w08a snapshot patch notes: New spawn eggs, wolf sounds, and more – The Times of India

Mojang Studios has released the Minecraft 25w08a update snapshot, which includes retextured spawn eggs in creative mode, making them visually distinct and easier to identify. The update also introduces unique sounds for wolves, with each wolf having its own audio personality categorized into seven types. Additionally, a new plant block called leaf litter has been added for testing, featuring color variations based on biomes.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Minecraft x Dungeons & Dragons – Official A New Quest DLC Trailer

Minecraft has released a collaboration with Dungeons & Dragons called "A New Quest DLC," featuring characters Katra and Vaer in the Forgotten Realms. Players can explore iconic locations like Icewind Dale and engage in various quests. The combat system allows for spellcasting and strategic encounters. Character customization is available, enabling players to choose their class and upgrade stats. Additionally, players can obtain a free Dragon Mask from the Dressing Room, enhancing character aesthetics.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Check out a Trailer for ‘Minecraft: The Manga’

Minecraft: The Manga, Vol. 1, published by VIZ Media, features a young adventurer named Nico who faces challenges in a world filled with zombies, including a unique speaking zombie. A free preview of the manga is available for fans.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Survival MMO Dune: Awakening launches in May and I am way more excited about it than I thought I’d be

Funcom has announced that Dune: Awakening will be released on May 20 for PC. The game is a survival MMO set in an alternate timeline of Arrakis, where players take on the role of a minion sent by the Bene Gesserit to find the Fremen and awaken the sleeper. Players will establish a base, fend off scavengers, and explore dungeons for resources. The gameplay includes exploration and combat, as well as building and customizing homes. As players progress, they will engage in the political dynamics of the Dune universe, navigating the Landsraad and aligning with various factions.