Users of Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1 have reported an issue with the emoji panel where a message states that the "GIF service is not available" due to the discontinuation of the Tenor service on June 30, 2026. Microsoft confirmed that this issue occurs for users who have not installed the latest optional update that transitions from Tenor to GIPHY. To continue using GIFs in the emoji panel, users must install the latest Windows update; otherwise, they will encounter the error message. The transition to GIPHY was included in the June 23 preview update for the relevant versions.
Microsoft has released the optional Windows 11 June update, KB5095093, which improves the performance of File Explorer by addressing launch speed and overall functionality. The update includes a redesign of the Home tab for better file indexing, new quick actions for file management, improved responsiveness when mounting disk images, and enhanced address bar functionality. This update will become mandatory by July 2026.
Hardbit's Grand Outlaws: RP Life Online is set to launch globally on Android and iOS in late summer 2026 after an extensive eight-month beta testing period focused on player engagement and technical performance.
South Korea's antitrust regulator, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), has formally accused Google of abusing its dominant position in the Android app market. The allegations involve a program called the Games/Google Velocity Program (GVP), which reportedly pressured game developers to favor the Google Play store over competitors. The KFTC claims Google's actions have affected approximately 14.16 trillion won in revenue and could lead to fines of up to 6% of that amount. The program, operational since July 2019, provided financial support to developers in exchange for favorable terms on Google Play. The KFTC has categorized these actions as an abuse of market dominance and an unfair exclusive dealing practice. Google has eight weeks to respond to the allegations before a final ruling is made. This case is part of a larger global scrutiny of Google's influence in app distribution, with similar issues arising in India and the European Union.
Meccha Chameleon, launched on June 9, has sold over 10 million copies within three weeks, developed by two Japanese indie developers, Lemorion and Haganeiro, in a rapid two-month timeline. The developers utilized a strategy of creating a basic mockup and reusing assets from previous projects to streamline their process. The game has received significant sales, particularly in Western markets, with 20,712 English reviews out of 36,810 on Steam. This success has likely allowed the developers to benefit from a reduced revenue cut from Valve, earning them potentially "life-changing" income. If sales continue at the current pace, they could retroactively claim a day rate of approximately million for their work. Meccha Chameleon has also been well-received for its engaging gameplay, earning a score of 82%.
A leak has revealed details about the Galaxy Glasses manager app, which will serve as the main hub for managing Samsung's upcoming smart glasses. The app will assist users in pairing the glasses, installing updates, and adjusting settings. It will feature menu options such as Camera, AI assistants, Read notifications aloud, Advanced features, Accessibility, and Find my glasses, with additional settings accessible only when connected to the glasses. Users can also automatically import photos and videos taken with the eyewear.
The leak also describes intuitive buttons and gestures for user interaction with the Galaxy Glasses. Users can swipe to navigate music tracks and adjust volume, tap to pause or resume media playback, and use a button on the arm to capture photos or record videos. The glasses will have two LED lights to indicate recording status.
Captured images and videos will be available in the Now Bar for previewing and reframing, with functionality expected to extend to the Galaxy Watch. Additionally, a Galaxy Glasses Controller app is in development for Galaxy Watches, and the upcoming Galaxy Ring will support gesture controls for enhanced user experience with the smart glasses.
The Godot Foundation has decided to implement new guidelines to prohibit AI-authored code, pull requests from AI agents, and AI-generated text in communications between contributors. This decision follows concerns about the increasing number of AI-generated contributions, which have made code review more challenging for maintainers. The Foundation aims to reduce the burden on maintainers and ensure that all contributions come from accountable humans. The new policies will explicitly reject AI-authored code and advise contributors to use AI assistance only for minor tasks while requiring disclosure of its use. Machine translations of human-authored text will still be allowed. The Foundation plans to adopt a cautious approach to AI tools and will re-evaluate its policies as the situation evolves.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has declared private Minecraft servers illegal, equating them to a "black market" for video games and considering them a form of piracy. The ESA is pursuing legal action against the owners of these private servers. However, Microsoft and Mojang Studios, the creators of Minecraft, do not fully share the ESA's perspective, as many fan-driven projects have thrived in a more lenient environment. Microsoft has not officially commented on the ESA's statements regarding private servers.
Josh Sawyer, Obsidian's design director, discussed the impact of artistic inspiration on game design, emphasizing how video games evoke emotions and provoke thought through player experiences. In the game Pentiment, the design team aimed for players to confront difficult choices with significant consequences, fostering deep engagement with the narrative. Sawyer noted that while inventory systems in Pillars of Eternity may disrupt immersion, they shift cognitive focus, allowing players to evaluate items. He draws inspiration from various sources, including classical theater, musicals, visual art, and moral dilemmas in Greek plays, highlighting the importance of symbolism and emotional connections in game design.
