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Minecraft Expands Experiences Ahead of Licensing Expo
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

Minecraft Expands Experiences Ahead of Licensing Expo

Minecraft has over 200 global partners across various sectors, including apparel, food, collectibles, and creative play, as it approaches Licensing Expo 2026. Recent collaborations include an apparel line with Cool Shirtz, a partnership with Adidas, and a global fashion collection with OppoSuits. New product categories include Actimel products in Europe, Sticki Rolls, STEM-focused activity kits from Horizon Group USA, and a plush collaboration with Ty. The brand is expanding into location-based entertainment with the upcoming Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail and a themed land, Minecraft World, set to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027. A sequel to A Minecraft Movie is in development with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, along with a new animated series for Netflix. Minecraft will be present at Licensing Expo at booth No. J98-J103.
Google expands Android Binary Transparency to counter supply chain attacks
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

Google expands Android Binary Transparency to counter supply chain attacks

Supply chain attacks targeting mobile software have increased due to the reliance on smartphones for essential functions. In response, Google has launched an enhanced Binary Transparency program for Android, which includes a public ledger that records cryptographic entries for production applications. This program initially covers two software layers: Google Applications and Mainline Modules. For Pixel device owners, it complements the Pixel System Image Transparency feature introduced in 2023, allowing users to verify the authenticity of system images and Google applications. The program aims to address the gap in software trust by distinguishing between digital signatures, which confirm the identity of the binary's creator, and binary transparency, which indicates the intent for public release. If a Google-signed application released after May 1, 2026, is not listed in the ledger, it means Google did not authorize it as production software. Verification tools are available on GitHub for assessing software against the ledger. Google employs "defense-in-depth" protocols to mitigate insider risks, ensuring that no single individual can publish a binary without triggering cryptographic verification. The ledger acts as a public record to deter unauthorized modifications. Google is also working to extend Binary Transparency to third-party developers to enhance the security of the global software supply chain.
Microsoft enables Hotpatching by default: Windows updates without restarts become a reality
Winsage
May 6, 2026

Microsoft enables Hotpatching by default: Windows updates without restarts become a reality

Beginning in May 2026, Microsoft will introduce Hotpatching as a default feature for compatible systems, allowing security updates to be applied without requiring a restart. Hotpatching updates code directly in the memory of running processes, enabling selective updates without interrupting the entire system. It does not replace monthly security updates but alters their activation process on eligible systems, categorized as security updates within the monthly B releases. Eligible systems must be running Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer and possess suitable licenses such as Enterprise, Education, Microsoft 365, or Windows 365. Management of these updates will be facilitated through Windows Autopatch or Microsoft Intune. Microsoft will continue to utilize baseline updates that require a restart, which will alternate with Hotpatch months. Hotpatching aims to reduce the frequency of restarts tied to security updates, particularly benefiting environments where uptime is critical. However, planned restarts will still be necessary, and robust telemetry and maintenance practices will be needed to ensure smooth operation.
May 2026 Looks Like a Massive Month for the Now Cheaper Xbox Game Pass
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

May 2026 Looks Like a Massive Month for the Now Cheaper Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft has announced the Xbox Game Pass lineup for May 2026, featuring several notable titles. The highlight is Forza Horizon 6, releasing on May 19, available on Game Pass from day one for subscribers. Other significant games include Mixtape on May 7, Subnautica 2 on May 14, Outbound on May 11, and Call of the Elder Gods on May 12. The complete lineup includes: - Ben 10 Power Trip (May 6) - Descenders Next (Game Preview) (May 6) - Wheel World (May 6) - Wildgate (May 6) - Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (May 6) - Mixtape (May 7) - Outbound (May 11) - Black Jacket (May 12) - Call of the Elder Gods (May 12) - Elite Dangerous (May 12) - DOOM: The Dark Ages (May 14) - Subnautica 2 (May 14) - Forza Horizon 6 (May 19) Titles leaving Game Pass on May 15 include: - Galacticare - Go Mecha Ball - Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo - Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship - Planet of Lana
'The team has weathered a lot': Subnautica 2 design lead says the community kept the dev team going 'when it was at its hardest'
AppWizard
May 6, 2026

‘The team has weathered a lot’: Subnautica 2 design lead says the community kept the dev team going ‘when it was at its hardest’

Subnautica 2 is set to launch into early access on May 14. The development team has faced challenges due to a legal battle between publisher Krafton and the founders of developer Unknown Worlds. Team member Gallegos acknowledged the difficulties of working during this period, although he did not provide specifics about the lawsuits. The developers remain committed to delivering an engaging undersea survival experience.
Open Source Tamper-Proof Database Adds Immutable Audit Logging and Expands PostgreSQL Compatibility
Tech Optimizer
May 5, 2026

Open Source Tamper-Proof Database Adds Immutable Audit Logging and Expands PostgreSQL Compatibility

Codenotary has released immudb 1.11, an open-source database that enhances immutable audit logging and compatibility with PostgreSQL. This version features integrated audit logging that captures database activities in a tamper-proof manner, eliminating the need for external logging systems. It allows organizations to create unalterable audit trails, streamline compliance processes, and maintain a reliable history of data interactions. Immudb 1.11 is compatible with existing PostgreSQL code, enabling seamless integration with various applications and tools. The database is particularly beneficial for sectors requiring trust and accountability, such as finance, software development, cybersecurity, regulated industries, AI systems, and supply chain management. Immudb has over 50 million downloads and supports a zero-trust approach to data management. The open-source version is available on GitHub.
New Kaiju Game Beastlink for PC and Console Announced
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

New Kaiju Game Beastlink for PC and Console Announced

Beastlink is a multiplayer game where players can embody both monster hunters and kaiju in expansive sandbox environments using Grove Street's SuperDestruction physics system. The game features four kaiju: Horned Lizard, Bull Shark, Vampire Bat, and Mandrill, each with unique abilities. Players engage in vehicular combat and navigate urban landscapes with 250,000 destructible objects, aiming to gather resources to Link with dormant kaiju. Early access begins this summer on console and PC, with closed beta weekends starting on May 8. Grove Street Games, established in 2007, is the developer behind Beastlink, known for titles like the Ark series and Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.
Surprise: The studio making Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is full of former BioWare devs
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Surprise: The studio making Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is full of former BioWare devs

LucasFilm Games announced a new title, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, at The Game Awards 2025, described as a "spiritual successor" to the Knights of the Old Republic series. Casey Hudson, former project director of KotOR and Mass Effect, is the CEO and game director at Arcanaut Studios, which he co-founded after leaving BioWare. The development team includes former BioWare employees, such as Chris Bain, the CFO, and Ryan Hoyle, the CTO. The studio's team also features talent from companies like Microsoft, Epic, Remedy, The Coalition, and ZeniMax. The game's artistic direction includes sci-fi visuals that align with the Old Republic aesthetic. Fate of the Old Republic will introduce new characters and a fresh storyline, not serving as a direct sequel to previous games. Arcanaut Studios was established in 2025.
Valorant's latest patch brings heartbreaking Sage lore update, and the rework rumors are looking more likely
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Valorant’s latest patch brings heartbreaking Sage lore update, and the rework rumors are looking more likely

Sage from Valorant is experiencing side effects from her powers that are turning her into crystal. In Patch 12.08, a voicemail to Brimstone reveals her frustration with being told to take a break during a crisis. There are rumors of a potential rework for Sage, especially following Deadlock's comments about her losing her revive ability. Sage's struggles have been highlighted in various updates, including a music video where she loses control of her abilities and a recent update showing crystallization spreading to her neck and face. Despite her challenges, she remains a popular choice among players, with a 28.47% pick rate overall, though this decreases at higher competitive levels.
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