imagery Archives

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Australian Government Demands to Know What Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Steam are Doing to Prevent Grooming, Radicalisation

The Australian Government's eSafety office has requested major gaming platforms, including Roblox, Microsoft, Epic, and Valve, to provide details on their measures to prevent child grooming and extremist content. The eSafety office has issued legally enforceable transparency notices due to concerns that platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Steam may be exploited by predators and extremist groups. Approximately 90% of children aged 8 to 17 in Australia engage with online games, highlighting the need for protective measures. Reports indicate that these platforms have been associated with grooming incidents and extremist themes, including games inspired by the Islamic State and depictions of mass shootings. Non-compliance with the transparency notice could result in penalties of AUD5,000 per day. In response, Roblox has committed to safety initiatives, including AI technology to review content and plans for age-based accounts to enhance user safety.

Tech Optimizer

April 23, 2026

Everywhen issues six checks to spot unsafe websites

Everywhen has released guidelines to help organizations identify unsafe websites and combat online fraud. The guidance includes six checks users can perform before visiting unfamiliar sites: 1. Utilize website safety checker tools like Google Safe Browsing and Norton Safe Web. 2. Verify the site contains standard business information, such as contact details and social media links. 3. Conduct reputation checks by reviewing public feedback for complaints related to fraud or poor service. 4. Evaluate visual and editorial standards for indicators of illegitimacy, such as poor grammar or outdated branding. 5. Maintain updated antivirus software to block malicious downloads and phishing attempts. 6. Adjust browser settings to receive alerts about suspicious websites. The guidance highlights the importance of scrutinizing URLs for unusual spellings or characters and distinguishes between HTTP and HTTPS, noting that the padlock symbol does not guarantee trustworthiness. The initiative aims to protect both consumers and organizations from cyber threats, particularly as fake websites increasingly target personal information and financial transactions.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Steam, Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite risk “becoming onramps to abuse, extremist violence, radicalisation or lifelong harm”, claim Australian government

The Australian government's eSafety commissioner has issued transparency notices to major gaming platforms, including Valve, Epic Games, Microsoft, and the Roblox Corporation, to understand their measures for safeguarding children online. Concerns have been raised about predatory adults targeting children through grooming and extremist narratives in games. Specific instances include Islamic State-inspired games on Roblox, far-right groups using Minecraft for fascist imagery, Fortnite gamifying tragic historical events, and Steam serving as a hub for extreme-right communities. The government is urging these companies to take meaningful steps to prevent abuse and radicalization. Some measures have already been implemented, such as Roblox restricting access to social hangouts and unrated games for users under 13 and introducing selfie-based facial age estimation technology. The companies are expected to provide detailed accounts of their existing and planned measures to combat grooming and extremism.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Google Photos wants to fix your face in one tap, but I’m not sure people want the help

Google Photos has introduced new touch-up tools for Android, including Heal, Smooth, Under eyes, Irises, Teeth, Eyebrows, and Lips, which allow users to make subtle edits while maintaining a natural appearance. These tools require an Android device running version 9.0 or higher with a minimum of 4GB of RAM. The feature is being gradually rolled out globally and is integrated into the existing Google Photos editor, utilizing AI to suggest seamless adjustments.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

The BAFTA Games Awards pulls indie game’s trailer at the last minute, citing “the wellbeing of all guests”

Alyx Jones, founder of Silver Script Games, expressed disappointment after BAFTA withdrew the trailer for her indie adventure game, The Quiet Things, from its showcase due to sensitive content. The game is an autobiographical narrative about a fractured childhood in the South of England, addressing themes of abuse, self-harm, suicide, and sexual assault. Despite revising the trailer to mitigate concerns, Jones was informed there wasn't enough time to add appropriate warnings. BAFTA stated the decision was made to prioritize the wellbeing of guests, as the trailer contained potentially triggering themes. The Quiet Things is scheduled for release on June 4, and a free demo is available on Steam. Jones is seeking community support to increase the game's visibility following the withdrawal of the trailer.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Metro 2039 is “much darker” than its predecessors, but most importantly it’s a statement of intent

Anticipation is high for Metro 2039, the next installment in the Metro series, following the release of Exodus in 2019. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic Russia, specifically around a devastated Saint Basil's Cathedral, and will explore themes of death, tyranny, and political manipulation. Players will assume the role of The Stranger, who must dismantle the authoritarian regime of the Novoreich, led by Hunter. Metro 2039 will feature a fully voiced protagonist, enhancing immersion, and gameplay will include close-quarters shooting and survival horror elements. The game is expected to launch in winter 2026, likely between October and December, and aims to reflect the experiences of its Ukrainian developers amid ongoing conflict.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Dwarf Fortress is coming to Magic: The Gathering and I’m beginning to suspect Wizards of the Coast is targeting me, specifically

Wizards of the Coast announced a collaboration between Magic: The Gathering and Dwarf Fortress as part of the Secret Lair's Back to School superdrop. The Dwarf Fortress x Magic: The Gathering set features unique illustrations, including a trapped dwarf facing a vampiric Ñ and a capital D unleashing dragonfire. One illustration, titled Communal Brewing, depicts dwarves gathering in a dining hall. The card designs utilize ASCII art, reflecting the game's origins. The Secret Lair x Dwarf Fortress: Create New World set will be available for order starting April 27 on the Secret Lair website.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Showing the Windows 10 desktop was the yeast they could do

A bakery in Ontario, Canada, displayed three Windows 10 desktops in a humorous signage mishap. The bakery advertises itself as "Artisan, Fresh, and Healthy," and has a security camera aimed at preventing baguette theft. The presence of Windows 10, despite its criticisms, is seen as more favorable than its successor, Windows 11. The bakery lacks typical enticing imagery, featuring instead the default Windows 10 wallpaper.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Indika forced me to confront some of life’s toughest questions, and I think it’s made me a better person

The author attended an all-girls Catholic high school where they observed a dissonance between the teachings of compassion and the actions of some devout Catholics who bullied peers. This experience led to a questioning of faith, which has diminished over time, although an appreciation for religious imagery remains. The author discusses the indie game Indika, developed by Odd Meter, which explores dark themes of faith and violence within an Eastern Orthodox convent. The gameplay combines puzzle-solving and parkour elements, with nostalgic pixelated segments. Indika's narrative is dark, lacking happy endings or divine intervention, prompting reflection on the nature of suffering and the absence of God in times of hardship. The game illustrates that even pious individuals can harbor darkness and encourages players to embody resilience and compassion in the face of evil.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Hi Microsoft, Windows 11 doesn’t have two Start menus — Copilot is playing you

Microsoft has faced criticism for using AI-generated images in a blog post for the Windows Learning Center, which contained inaccuracies, including the depiction of two Start menus on the Taskbar. The company's rationale for using AI visuals instead of traditional images is unclear. There are reports that Microsoft has banned the use of Copilot for drafting content on Friday afternoons due to concerns about employee fatigue and potential errors. Additionally, Microsoft has committed to improving Windows 11 based on user feedback, reintroducing features like taskbar movement and resizing, and has decided to abandon plans to integrate Copilot into notifications and Settings to reduce "AI bloatware."