digital content Archives

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Itch.io pulls NSFW games after payment processor pressure

Itch.io has decided to remove all adult NSFW titles in response to pressure from payment providers and a campaign by the anti-porn group Collective Shout. The platform is conducting a comprehensive content audit to ensure compliance with payment provider requirements. Founder Leaf Corcoran emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust payment processing system for creators and acknowledged the abrupt nature of the changes, apologizing for the lack of advance notice. Similarly, Valve has introduced new guidelines regarding content on Steam, influenced by the same campaign.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Microsoft Stops Selling Movies, TV Shows Across All Digital Platforms

Microsoft Corp. has exited the transactional video-on-demand (TVOD) sector after nearly two decades. Users will still have access to their owned digital content on Windows and Xbox devices. The company launched the “Zune Video Marketplace” in 2006, which evolved into Xbox Video in 2012 and was rebranded as the Microsoft Movies & TV Store in 2015. The platform generated approximately billion in revenue through 2024. This decision follows the departure of Dametra Johnson-Marletti, who was a key figure in Microsoft's digital gaming sales division.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

Microsoft abruptly stops selling and renting movies and TV shows on Xbox and Windows devices

As of July 18, Microsoft has ceased the sale and rental of TV shows and movies on Xbox and Windows platforms. Customers can still access their previously purchased content on these devices, and Microsoft encourages users to explore third-party entertainment applications for viewing needs. Microsoft began offering TV shows and movies in 2006 through Xbox Live. Additionally, the company has initiated layoffs within its gaming division, affecting over 9,000 employees.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

12 years after Xbox One’s ‘all-in-one’ vision, Microsoft will no longer sell films or TV shows

Microsoft has announced the cessation of sales for digital films and television shows on its Xbox and PC platforms, effective July 18. No refunds will be issued for previously purchased content, but customers can still redownload their existing shows and movies through the Movies & TV app. The company no longer offers new entertainment content for purchase on Microsoft.com, Microsoft Store on Windows, and the Microsoft Store on Xbox. This decision marks a departure from its previous strategy of positioning the Xbox One as a multimedia hub. Microsoft is encouraging users to explore third-party streaming services available on the Microsoft Store. Additionally, Microsoft recently announced layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees, and there have been cancellations of several gaming projects and changes in leadership at various studios.

Winsage

July 19, 2025

Microsoft shuts down Movies & TV digital storefront on Xbox and Windows

Microsoft will discontinue its Movies & TV digital storefront on Xbox consoles and Windows devices on July 18, 2025, ending the ability to purchase new movies and TV shows through the Microsoft Store. Users will still have access to previously purchased content via the Movies & TV application on their devices. The closure will affect new entertainment content acquisitions on Microsoft.com and the Microsoft Store on Windows and Xbox, but users can continue to enjoy their existing digital libraries. The refund policy for movies and TV shows will remain unchanged, with purchases being ineligible for refunds. Content portability options are available through Movies Anywhere for U.S. residents, but direct migration to alternative services is largely unavailable. Third-party entertainment services will continue to be available on Microsoft's platforms for new content purchases. The Movies & TV storefront has been operational since 2015, evolving from earlier services. Microsoft will maintain server infrastructure for existing content libraries and provide ongoing support for previously purchased content. Content licensing agreements will dictate the availability of purchased titles.

TrendTechie

July 1, 2025

Благодаря платформе Google западные потребители могут качать

A new method for downloading torrent files using Google Colab has been developed to avoid notifications from internet service providers and copyright infringement penalties. This method uses the aria2 utility to mask the user's IP address by executing scripts in Google Colaboratory, which runs aria2 on a Google-hosted virtual machine. Users can download files via magnet links while their IP address remains hidden, displaying the Google server's IP instead. Downloaded files are stored in Google Drive for later access, enhancing privacy and simplifying file retrieval.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Google Play Store’s new swipe gesture is here to save you from accidental buys

Google has introduced a "Slide to buy" feature in the Play Store version 46.5.19-31, replacing the previous one-tap purchase method. This new feature requires users to engage with a pill-shaped button that involves a drag motion, complete with animated arrows and bounce effects to confirm purchases. It is designed to reduce accidental purchases and is available across all categories, including apps, books, movies, and Google TV. Users must now swipe sideways to confirm their intent before proceeding to password or fingerprint verification. This update aims to enhance the user experience by making the purchasing process more intentional and less stressful.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

Pocket app is going away, so you should export your data now

Pocket will cease operations on July 8, 2025, and will enter export-only mode until October 8, 2025, after which all data will be permanently deleted. No new premium subscriptions will be accepted, and existing subscribers will receive automatic cancellations and refunds before the shutdown date. Pocket was acquired by Mozilla in 2017 and has introduced various features since then.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Digital Content Observatory Warns of Rising Blackmail via Instant Messaging Apps

The Digital Content Observatory has reported a significant increase in digital blackmail cases linked to instant messaging applications, driven by the rise in their use across various age groups and a lack of awareness about associated risks. Blackmail schemes often start with fake accounts that engage users and escalate to threats demanding compliance under the risk of exposing personal information. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram are favored for these activities due to their private nature and encryption challenges. The Observatory emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, especially among younger users, advising caution in sharing personal information and encouraging the reporting of blackmail attempts. They highlight the need for improved digital literacy as a preventive measure against unsafe digital practices.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Human Fall Flat, Quest of Wizard, Sun Origin, more

A selection of top-tier Android games and applications, including Human Fall Flat, Quest of Wizard, and Sun Origin Post Apocalypse, are available at discounted prices. Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7 has a price drop, and the Galaxy Watch 7 is available at a 0 discount. Customers purchasing the Galaxy Watch Ultra will receive a complimentary pair of Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.