February Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Amazon is shutting down its Android app store next week

The Amazon App Store on Android devices will close on August 20, marking a shift in Amazon's strategy to focus on its own products like Fire Tablets and Fire TV. The decision, announced in February, comes as Amazon has determined that the incentive to maintain the service for Android users has diminished, given that most interactions with the app store are from its proprietary devices. The app store, available in over 200 countries, provided a platform for various applications but will soon be discontinued, along with Amazon Coins, which will also be refunded by the closure date.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

This so-called Android ‘antivirus’ is just a front for spyware

LunaSpy is an Android spyware that has been circulating since February 2025, primarily infiltrating devices through messaging platforms like Telegram. It disguises itself as a legitimate antivirus or banking protection app, tricking users into granting extensive permissions by initiating a fake virus scan and presenting false notifications of threats. Once installed, LunaSpy can steal passwords from browsers and messaging apps, record audio and video, access text messages, track geographical location, and execute commands on the device. The spyware also contains dormant code that may allow it to steal photos in future updates. Data collected by LunaSpy is sent to attackers via around 150 servers. Users are advised against downloading APKs from links shared through messaging apps and should uninstall any unfamiliar antivirus applications that request extensive access to their devices.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds PC performance will continue to get updates beyond winter as Capcom ‘proceeds with caution’

The director of Monster Hunter Wilds, Yuya Tokuda, announced that performance updates are planned for winter and beyond due to ongoing issues reported by players since the game's launch in February. The forthcoming version 1.021 update will address performance challenges, with Title Update 2 released on June 30 fixing shader compilation bugs, reducing the impact of anti-cheat measures by 90%, implementing support for DLSS4 and FSR4, and improving texture loading processes. Title Update 3 is expected by the end of September to enhance NPCs and Seikret mounts. Concerns about CPU strain during gameplay were acknowledged, particularly for players with unstable CPUs, and adjustments will be made cautiously in the fourth title update. GPU load reduction will also be approached carefully. Critics, including Digital Foundry's Alex Battaglia, have expressed significant concerns about the game's performance.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

A bruised Capcom escapes “Overwhelmingly Negative” Steam hell as Monster Hunter Wilds’ recent user reviews climb to 20% positive

Monster Hunter Wilds has improved its Steam rating from "Overwhelmingly Negative" to "Mostly Negative" after receiving recent feedback. Despite several patches released by Capcom since February to address performance issues on the PC version, many challenges remain, including black screens during cutscenes. Recent reviews indicate a mix of opinions, with some players expressing a desire for a more stable gaming experience. The game has received a few positive reviews, surpassing the 20% mark, with players noting its potential for extensive gameplay if performance issues are resolved. There is hope that future updates will further improve the game's reception.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Rod Fergusson is leaving Blizzard

Rod Fergusson, the general manager of the Diablo franchise, has announced his departure from Blizzard Entertainment. He joined Blizzard in February 2020 after over 15 years with the Gears of War franchise. Fergusson expressed fulfillment in his time at Blizzard, having driven the Diablo franchise forward with four major launches. Xbox head Phil Spencer acknowledged Fergusson's contributions to the franchise. The future leadership of the Diablo franchise at Blizzard remains uncertain.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Why Windows switched seasons for letters and numbers

Microsoft has shifted from whimsical naming conventions for Windows 10 releases, such as "Spring" and "Fall," to more straightforward designations like H1 and H2 due to global applicability concerns. This change was influenced by feedback highlighting Northern Hemisphere bias in naming. The new alphanumeric system aims for clearer communication, although it may not appeal as much to marketing. Additionally, Microsoft announced a change in its update strategy in February 2021, moving from two major feature updates per year to one update in the latter half of the year. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 is expected to be released in September or October.

Tech Optimizer

August 6, 2025

Android spyware posing as antivirus

A new Android spyware campaign called LunaSpy has emerged, disguising itself as an antivirus or banking protection application. It spreads through deceptive messenger links and fraudulent channels, tricking users into downloading it. Once installed, LunaSpy mimics a legitimate scanner and fabricates threat detections while secretly monitoring device activities and stealing sensitive data. Since February 2025, it has been spreading through hijacked contact accounts and new Telegram channels. Users are advised to avoid downloading apps from unofficial links, scrutinize messenger invitations, and only install applications from reputable app stores. Employing reliable antivirus software and being cautious with permissions can enhance device security.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Fake Antivirus App Delivers LunaSpy Malware to Android Devices

A cybercrime campaign is targeting Android users with counterfeit antivirus applications that install LunaSpy spyware on devices. This campaign has been active since at least February 2025 and spreads through messaging apps and fake Telegram channels. Cybercriminals use social engineering tactics to trick users into installing the malware by presenting it as legitimate security software. Once installed, the app performs fake scans and generates alarming reports to manipulate users into granting extensive permissions, allowing access to personal data, including passwords and financial details. LunaSpy can steal passwords, record audio and video, access text messages, track locations, and capture screen activity. It communicates with attackers through around 150 domains and IP addresses. Users are advised to avoid unofficial software sources and be cautious with download requests.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Best space flight simulation games, ranked

Several space flight simulation games are set to release or have released recently, appealing to a broad audience. 1. Underspace: - Release date: April 10, 2024 - Platform: PC - Developer: Pastaspace Interactive - Features sandbox gameplay inspired by Freelancer, with ship customization and exploration. 2. Everspace 2: - Release date: April 6, 2023 - Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC - Developer: Rockfish Games - Offers an open-world adventure with a compelling storyline and engaging side missions. 3. Freelancer: - Release date: March 4, 2003 - Platform: PC - Developer: Digital Anvil - Allows players to traverse 48 star systems, engaging in trading, piracy, and bounty hunting. 4. Starfield: - Release date: September 6, 2023 - Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC - Developer: Bethesda Game Studios - Features customizable spacecraft and immersive dogfights. 5. Star Citizen: - Release date: December 23, 2017 - Platform: PC - Developer: Cloud Imperium Games - Known for its ambitious scope and immersive flight simulation experience. 6. Star Wars: Starfighter 1 & 2: - Release dates: February 21, 2001 / March 11, 2002 - Platforms: Xbox, PS2/3, PC - Developers: LucasArts, Blitz Games, Secret Level - Arcade-style space combat games set in the Star Wars universe. 7. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series: - Release dates: December 3, 1998 / November 18, 2001 / October 21, 2003 - Platforms: Nintendo 64, PC / GameCube - Developers: LucasArts, Factor 5 - Celebrated for engaging gameplay and tight controls. 8. No Man's Sky: - Release date: August 12, 2016 - Platforms: Xbox One/Series X/S, PS4/5, Nintendo Switch 1/2, PC - Developer: Hello Games - Offers a vast universe for exploration and various activities, including VR support. 9. Star Wars Squadrons: - Release date: October 2, 2020 - Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC - Developer: Motive - Provides a pure flight simulation experience with engaging controls and VR support. 10. Elite: Dangerous: - Release date: April 2, 2015 - Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC - Developer: Frontier Developments - Known for its realism and immersive gameplay, allowing players to take on various roles in a living galaxy.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

National Lottery website is down for ‘once-in-a-generation’ updates

Users are experiencing difficulties accessing the National Lottery website and app due to a planned closure for significant upgrades, not an outage. As of 11 PM on Saturday, all draw game sales and prize claims in shops across the UK have been paused and are expected to resume late Monday morning. This closure is part of the largest technological upgrade in the National Lottery's 31-year history, anticipated to last approximately 36 hours. Customers will be unable to log into their online accounts, purchase draw tickets, or claim prizes until later today, Monday, August 4. Allwyn is upgrading the National Lottery’s gaming and retail systems to modernize the infrastructure, as the current systems have been in place since 2009. Some in-store terminals may experience delays in coming back online due to the upgrade processes.