freedom Archives

BetaBeacon

April 14, 2026

Another Elder Scrolls Game Set To Be Unplayable Later This Year

Google Play changes may render Daggerfall Unity Android unplayable. Google announced it will phase out sideloading apps from unverified developers on Android devices, encouraging the use of the Google Play store. This move has attracted criticism from developers and users. Daggerfall Unity Android cannot be published on the Google Play Store due to copyright reasons and cannot be emulated via a Rom. The game may become unplayable on mobile unless Google clarifies if sideloading apps will still be allowed.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

These custom Linux lock screens styled after Minecraft, NieR Automata, and Genshin Impact are single-handedly eroding my loyalty to Windows

A Redditor named Darkkal44 has created a collection of visually striking Linux lock screens inspired by video games, available on GitHub. The sentiment towards Linux is becoming more favorable among gamers, particularly with the introduction of a new Proton Experimental build that simplifies playing classic Capcom titles. A distribution called Bazzite is highlighted for its user-friendliness and features like ScopeBuddy for HDR gaming. Customization options, including a Windows 7-style lock screen called Qylock, are appealing for users considering a switch from Windows to Linux. Despite the growing appeal, some users remain hesitant to fully transition from Windows.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Microsoft is finally letting you delay Windows updates to a day you actually want

Microsoft is testing a new calendar-based pause feature for Windows updates that allows users to select specific dates for their updates, moving beyond fixed presets. This feature is currently in a preview build and was discovered by a member of the Windows Insider community. While details on how long users can delay updates are limited, the new interface aims to enhance user control over update schedules.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

‘Single-player Tarkov’ Road to Vostok’s solo dev admits its huge popularity is “running away from me,” but he has a plan

Antti Leinonen, a Finnish soldier turned solo developer, launched his survival shooter game, Road to Vostok, which sold around 140,000 copies and has over 25,000 daily active users five days post-launch. He faces challenges managing player feedback, with over 11,000 unread emails, and plans to hire additional support next month. Leinonen is pleased with the game's launch performance and believes it debuted in a solid state for early access. He intends to take a break for personal recovery before implementing hotfixes and enhancing the game, including improvements to enemy AI and new features.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

This ‘highly realistic’ city-builder could be the first real competition Cities: Skylines has seen in over a decade

City Masterplan is a newly unveiled metropolis simulator that offers expansive environmental canvases measuring 24x24 km, allowing players to design urban landscapes in various architectural styles. The game features a visual aesthetic similar to Cities: Skylines 2, with realistic skies, dynamic lighting, and immersive weather conditions. It is built on the Unreal Engine, which may present performance challenges. As Cities: Skylines approaches its twelfth anniversary, there is a demand for a fresh city-building experience, with City Masterplan potentially revitalizing the genre. There is no official release date, but speculation suggests a launch not before 2027.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

France to Ditch Microsoft Windows as Europe’s War on American Tech Rages On

France has announced its intention to transition some of its government systems from Windows to Linux to reduce reliance on American technology. The initial phase will involve machines used by the Interministerial Directorate for Digital Affairs (DINUM), although a timeline for the transition has not been established. French Minister David Amiel stated that this move is part of a broader effort to regain control of digital sovereignty. Earlier this year, France banned public officials from using American videoconferencing platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, and Teams. The European Commission is drafting legislation to promote tech sovereignty, but there are concerns about the security implications of moving away from American technology. Transitioning to Linux will require French government employees to adapt to open-source software, potentially replacing Microsoft Office 365 with alternatives like LibreOffice.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

French government says au revoir Windows, bienvenue Linux

France announced its intention to migrate its workstations from Microsoft Windows to the open-source Linux operating system as part of a broader initiative across Europe aimed at achieving digital sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign technology. The French government also plans to replace its videoconferencing tools with the domestically developed Visio and migrate its health data to a new platform by the end of 2026. European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, have emphasized the importance of maintaining digital sovereignty despite pressures from the Trump administration, which has criticized European regulations on American tech companies. Christian Kroll, CEO of Ecosia, and Giorgos Verdi, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, have highlighted the need for Europe to assert its independence and strengthen its innovation landscape to avoid external pressures.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Kazakhstan Considers National Messaging App Aitu for Insurance Companies – The Times Of Central Asia

Kazakhstan’s Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market is considering the domestic messaging platform Aitu for communication between insurance companies, non-bank financial institutions, and their clients. The regulator has encouraged market participants to assess Aitu as a communication tool aimed at enhancing personal data protection. Concerns have been raised about Aitu’s user base, functionality, integration costs, and the absence of clear regulatory guidelines for handling personal and financial data. The adoption of Aitu is not mandatory but is seen as a potential secure communication channel. Aitu’s infrastructure supports high data protection due to localized servers in Kazakhstan, which reduces risks of cross-border data issues. The platform features end-to-end encryption and biometric identification through Aitu Passport, aiming to enhance user verification and minimize phishing and identity theft risks. The agency noted that open APIs and business dashboards could allow financial institutions to integrate with Aitu cost-effectively. Additionally, government agencies and quasi-state companies have been encouraged to use Aitu for official communications.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Windows 11 Taskbar Finally Movable? What You Need to Know!

Microsoft is enhancing the user experience for Windows 11 by reintroducing customizable features for the taskbar, allowing users to reposition it to the top, left, or right sides of their screens and adjust its size. This functionality was available in Windows 10 but removed in Windows 11. The company is also testing a new Command Palette Dock feature for easier access to utilities. Microsoft aims to roll out these taskbar customization features as early as summer and has indicated that 2026 will be significant for addressing user feedback and improving Windows 11.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Stellaris is finally adding a major feature its director has wanted “for a long time”

The upcoming Stellaris 4.4 update, named 'Pegasus,' will introduce a new feature called 'Join War,' allowing players to engage in ongoing conflicts and seek allies during wars. Players will need to negotiate with the war leader to exit a conflict, with dynamics varying based on the war's status. Abandoning allies may lead to negative consequences. The current test patch for version 4.3.4 'Cetus' is available on the open beta branch, with the full release scheduled for April 16.