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OpenTTD asks people to please stop being mad at Atari for forcing the game off Steam: 'OpenTTD as a project retains its full independence,' and you can still get it for free
AppWizard
March 21, 2026

OpenTTD asks people to please stop being mad at Atari for forcing the game off Steam: ‘OpenTTD as a project retains its full independence,’ and you can still get it for free

The OpenTTD team issued a cautionary note about changes to their open-source remake of Transport Tycoon Deluxe due to the revival of the original game by Atari as a commercial offering. As a result, OpenTTD was removed from Steam and GOG, leading to dissatisfaction within the gaming community. The new Transport Tycoon Deluxe currently has a "mostly negative" rating on Steam. A compromise was reached allowing OpenTTD to remain free on its official website while limiting its availability on storefronts to those who purchase the new game. Atari has agreed to contribute to the maintenance of OpenTTD’s server infrastructure. Community reactions are mixed, with some players expressing gratitude for the update and others criticizing the move as greedy. The original Transport Tycoon Deluxe is available for purchase on Steam or GOG, while OpenTTD can still be accessed for free at openttd.org.
Microsoft is adding image and AI text support to Notepad in Windows 11
Winsage
March 17, 2026

Microsoft is adding image and AI text support to Notepad in Windows 11

Microsoft is modernizing its Notepad application for Windows 11 by introducing new features, including support for image integration and AI-driven text tools. The image integration will allow users to add images to their documents via a new toolbar button. Notepad will also include AI features such as Write, Rewrite, and Summarise, available through a cloud-based system or on-device using the PC's Neural Processing Unit. The image insertion feature will be enabled by default but can be disabled in settings. Concerns have been raised about the potential security vulnerabilities associated with these enhancements, including a recently disclosed high-severity vulnerability in Notepad.
You Can Play Original Xbox Games On Your Android Phone - Here's How
BetaBeacon
March 15, 2026

You Can Play Original Xbox Games On Your Android Phone – Here’s How

To play original Xbox games with X1 BOX, you need to set it up by downloading necessary files such as MCPX Boot ROM image, Xbox's BIOS, a pre-formatted Xbox hard drive image, and XISO game ROMs. Emulators like X1 BOX are legal, but obtaining ROMs from games you don't own is illegal. It is recommended to legally source all ROM files to avoid legal issues.
Взломанная Crimson Desert появится на торрентах в день релиза
TrendTechie
March 12, 2026

Взломанная Crimson Desert появится на торрентах в день релиза

Crimson Desert, developed by Pearl Abyss, will use a minimalist anti-piracy approach by relying on basic tools from the Steam platform and not implementing Denuvo protection. This decision may allow third-party groups to easily bypass these measures upon the game's release. The gaming industry has seen vulnerabilities in anti-piracy systems, as demonstrated by the launch of Resident Evil Requiem, which was pirated within 24 hours using a new method to bypass Denuvo. A free version of Crimson Desert will be available on March 20, but its financial success will depend on factors like game quality and technical optimization, as players often prefer to buy legitimate copies for a better experience.
Free vs. Paid Antivirus: Is Paying for Protection Really Worth It?
Tech Optimizer
March 12, 2026

Free vs. Paid Antivirus: Is Paying for Protection Really Worth It?

Antivirus companies often offer free protection to build brand awareness, but many restrict their free versions to non-commercial use. Examples include Avast One Basic, AVG AntiVirus Free, Avira Free Security, and Panda Free Antivirus. Free antivirus software typically comes with limited tech support, with direct assistance reserved for paying customers. Key features may be missing in free versions, such as the ability to redirect users from dangerous websites or real-time protection. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a built-in option that activates when no other antivirus is present but can be cumbersome and has limited protection against malicious URLs outside the Edge browser. Avast One Basic and AVG AntiVirus Free are recognized as top free options, but leading commercial products like Norton AntiVirus Plus and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus consistently outperform them. Both Norton and Bitdefender offer enhanced features beyond basic antivirus capabilities. While free antivirus can be effective, paid solutions provide greater protection and peace of mind.
Original Xbox games on Android are the funniest technical miracle of 2026
BetaBeacon
March 11, 2026

Original Xbox games on Android are the funniest technical miracle of 2026

Xemu, an original Xbox emulator, has been adapted for Android by developers who forked the project. There are two versions available, one paid on the Google Play Store and another free version on GitHub. Performance on Android is currently inconsistent, with some games running better than others.
4 Free Antivirus Programs Consumer Reports Rates Better Than Windows Defender
Tech Optimizer
March 11, 2026

4 Free Antivirus Programs Consumer Reports Rates Better Than Windows Defender

The global cybersecurity market is projected to grow from nearly billion in 2025 to over billion by 2033, according to Grand View Research. Consumer Reports has ranked various antivirus products to assist consumers in selecting the right solutions. In the Free Anti-Malware Programs category, AVG Antivirus FREE ranked fourth, offering superior overall protection compared to Microsoft Defender, which placed sixth. AVG's free version is ad-supported and noted for its comprehensive protection against threats, including adware. Avast Free Antivirus and AVG scored similarly, but both feature intrusive advertisements. Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows ranked second, providing a more intuitive user experience with basic ransomware protection. Avira Free Security Suite topped the rankings, offering a full suite of security features and options for additional subscription models.
Best Secure and Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026
AppWizard
March 2, 2026

Best Secure and Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026

Your text messages and calls can be intercepted by hackers, corporations, and government entities, putting your private information at risk. Corporations may use your messages for targeted advertising or sell your data, while hackers may exploit it for identity theft or fraud. Governments may monitor communications under the guise of national security. Secure messaging apps are essential to protect your communications, as many default options expose sensitive information through metadata or lack proper security. Signal is recognized as the most secure messaging app, offering end-to-end encryption, being open-source, and free of charge, though it requires a phone number for registration. Threema allows complete anonymity without data collection but has no free version. Telegram, while popular, has security concerns as not all communications are end-to-end encrypted by default. WhatsApp and Keybase are discouraged due to ownership issues affecting privacy. Characteristics to look for in a secure messaging app include end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, and minimal user data collection.
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