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Tech Optimizer

October 16, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and updated its NOD32 engine to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus solutions due to discrepancies between their current software and available offerings, with 84 percent of users making no changes in the previous year. Financial factors influence decisions, with 54 percent of third-party antivirus users opting for paid versions. ESET's new features include a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. The comparison of antivirus options highlights that the best choice depends on individual needs, with ESET's Ultimate tier offering ransomware backup. A comprehensive 13-step process is outlined for safely transitioning between antivirus solutions, emphasizing the importance of proper uninstallation and installation procedures to avoid conflicts and maintain protection.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

‘My idea of a Netflix for games doesn’t work’: Garry’s Mod successor is getting ‘sweeping changes’

Facepunch Studios is implementing changes to its game creation platform, s&box, to improve user experience and address community concerns following criticism after its launch. Creator Garry Newman announced a shift towards a player-centric model, including a 'greenlight type system' for curating user-generated games and enhancing sandbox mode with more NPCs, vehicles, and customization options. The Play Fund pool will now require creators to apply for funding, aiming to improve the quality of games and discourage low-effort content. s&box will transition to a free-to-play model by the end of 2026, with rewards for existing purchasers. The character model "The Citizen" will be retired in favor of generic human avatars, although it will still be available in certain games.

Winsage

October 15, 2026

NVIDIA Freezes Windows 10 GeForce Drivers in October: RTX 40-Series Misses DLSS 5 Support

On October 14, 2026, NVIDIA will release the final GeForce Game Ready Driver for Windows 10, coinciding with the operating system's mainstream end of support. Starting in November 2026, all new Game Ready and Studio Driver releases will only support Windows 11. Approximately 23.56% of Steam gamers were still using Windows 10 as of June 2026. The last Game Ready driver for Windows 10 is version 617.42, released on October 6, 2026. NVIDIA will provide quarterly security updates for Windows 10 GeForce drivers until October 2029, but no new game support or enhancements will be available. Users with RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 series cards will be affected by this transition, while older models like the GTX 900 and GTX 10 series have already reached their support limits. Windows 10 users will miss out on DLSS 5, which is exclusive to RTX 50-series hardware. Microsoft has extended the free consumer Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 to October 12, 2027.

AppWizard

October 15, 2026

Google Play now lets users run private, vibe-coded Android apps

Google has introduced a feature that allows users to run privately created, AI-built Android applications on their smartphones via Google Play without public publication. This enables users to launch their apps using standard Google accounts while keeping them private, as these apps will not appear in Google Play search results or listings. The feature is available to users aged 18 and older in the United States, provided the apps comply with Google Play policies. Users can create apps using Google AI Studio through a process called “vibe coding.” Google plans to allow users to share their AI-built applications with trusted friends in the future and offers the possibility of transitioning popular personal apps into publicly published ones after passing trust and safety reviews. Additionally, Google is developing AI-driven tools to enhance the Google Play experience, including a personalized game recommendation engine called Game Finder, which will be available in English in the U.S. Users can curate game lists, engage in community discussions, and participate in gaming challenges. The Play Store's AI assistant, Ask Play, will receive updates for better app comparisons, and a new age-range feature will help developers create age-appropriate experiences for children.

BetaBeacon

October 15, 2026

Sony never released Bloodborne on PC, but enthusiasts have already ported it to Android

Bloodborne, a cult PS4 exclusive, has been ported to Android smartphones by a developer named ducvd89. The game has been tested on different devices and achieved around 34-35 FPS in Central Yharnam. The developer plans to continue improving the port, which already supports touch controls, gamepads, mods, and frame generation via Lossless Scaling.

Winsage

October 14, 2026

Windows 11 October updates fix zero-day, VPN failures, and black screens

Microsoft released its October 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, addressing 1,413 vulnerabilities, including a critical fix for an exploited Windows Shell vulnerability (CVE-2026-96951) that bypasses Mark of the Web defenses. This update is the last monthly security update for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro users, who must upgrade to a supported version for future security fixes. The update packages KB5127648 and KB5127646 cover versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, and also include fixes for reliability issues such as Explorer.exe startup failures, VPN connection problems, and gaming mouse stuttering. Additionally, the update resolves issues with AC-3 playback, printing failures, and fingerprint sign-in failures after a cold boot. Users are advised to install the updates promptly and restart their systems to complete the process.

BetaBeacon

October 14, 2026

Replaced is Coming to Android on December 8th

Replaced, a retro-futuristic cyberpunk game, is set to be released on Android on December 8th. The game will feature specially developed touch controls and compatibility with gamepads for enhanced gameplay on mobile devices.

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

Modder adds full local co-op to Resident Evil 2 remake on PC

A PC modder has created a mod for Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 remake that introduces local co-op functionality, allowing two players to control their own characters instead of just having a computer-controlled ally. The mod, called Local Couch Co-op, was developed by Shopcreeper01 and offers various character selections, each with unique inventories and HUD elements. It supports both shared-screen and split-screen display modes and requires the Steam version of Resident Evil 2 along with REFramework. The mod is exclusive to PC users. Additionally, it features an experimental mode inspired by Capcom’s upcoming title, Pragmata, where one player manages movement and the other focuses on aiming and shooting.

BetaBeacon

October 13, 2026

REPLACED Heads to Android This December

REPLACED, a cyberpunk 2.5D Sidescrolling indie-hit, is set to be released on Android in December. The game will be part of the Google Play Games Program, allowing players to enjoy it on mobile, tablets, and PC with synced saves across devices. The port to Android was done by Poland-based studio ‘The Knights of U’.

Winsage

October 13, 2026

Forget Sony’s barely existent PS5 exclusives, this developer wants to turn the console into a Windows gaming machine

A developer named Mihawk has successfully run Windows 11 on the PS5 through a project called Mihawk OS, allowing both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows games to operate on a jailbroken PS5. Mihawk has also integrated RetroArch, enabling various emulators to function on the console. Early reports indicate that the game HADES has been seen running in this Windows environment. This development may allow gamers to play titles like Gears of War: E-Day natively on the PS5. However, jailbreaking the console can limit access to PlayStation servers and pose risks to user accounts.