independence Archives

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Sony’s live-service transition “not entirely going smoothly”

Sony Interactive Entertainment's CEO and CFO, Lin Tao, discussed challenges in the company's live-service gaming strategy, acknowledging difficulties in transitioning to a service-oriented portfolio. This includes the cancellation of the game Concord shortly after its release and the postponement of Bungie's title, Marathon, along with several other shelved projects. Tao noted that live-service games were almost non-existent for PlayStation Studios five years ago, but now contribute significantly to sales and profit through titles like Helldivers 2, MLB, Gran Turismo 7, and Destiny 2. The live-service ratio for Q1 was approximately 40 percent, with projections for the full year estimating between 20 to 30 percent. He recognized ongoing issues that need addressing to improve the introduction of live service content. Regarding Marathon, Tao mentioned it was delayed from its original September release due to an unsatisfactory alpha test, with an optimistic aim for completion by March 2026, though no official launch date has been set. He also discussed Bungie's integration into PlayStation Studios, indicating a shift from its initial independent operation towards becoming more integrated into the studio's structure.

TrendTechie

August 3, 2025

NEPLP заблокировал доступ к одному из самых популярных российских торрент-трекеров

The National Electronic Media Council (NEPLP) has restricted access to the Russian torrent tracker kinozal.tv and added it to its list of restricted domains, along with ThePirateBay.org. This action follows a previous decision in late July to block access to ten websites that disseminate Russian propaganda, which were deemed to contradict Latvia's national security interests. These websites were reported to promote biased information regarding the war in Ukraine and could negatively impact Latvian society and its support for Ukraine. Additionally, two specific websites were identified as platforms for recruiting Russian servicemen for military operations in Ukraine.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

The Chinese Room completes management buyout

The Chinese Room has transitioned to independence following a management buyout (MBO) and has severed ties with Sumo Digital, facilitated by venture capital firm Hiro Capital. The studio has undergone restructuring, resulting in layoffs, and currently employs 55 developers. Studio director Ed Daly confirmed that several roles were made redundant during this process. The studio is focusing on developing original intellectual properties as well as working with partner IPs, including projects like Still Wakes the Deep and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. Additionally, John McCormack has been promoted to studio creative director, and Ross Manton has been promoted to production director.

AppWizard

July 20, 2025

Russian officials ordered to use spy-linked Max messaging app by September

Russian officials are being directed to adopt a messaging application overseen by the Russian Federation's secret services, as mandated by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. The deadline for this transition is September 1st. The government is particularly targeting foreign messaging applications like WhatsApp for potential bans due to national security concerns. A new messaging application named Max, developed by VK, has been introduced, designed for centralized digital tracking and raising privacy concerns. Max has extensive access to device features and sends data to servers linked to VK, which is connected to the Russian secret services. The government aims to impose further restrictions on software from countries classified as "unfriendly."

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Telegram Begins Legal Process to Open Office in Russia

The developer of the Telegram messaging app has begun the legal process to establish a representative office in Russia, nearly four years after a law requiring foreign tech companies to have a physical presence in the country was enacted. Telegram Messenger, Inc. is in the approval process for office registration with Roskomnadzor, though the application date is undisclosed. Previously, Telegram has taken minimal steps to comply with Russian localization laws. The platform remains popular in Russia, attracting a varied user base. Speculation exists about the timing of this move, especially with new regulations mandating that personal devices sold in Russia come pre-installed with a state-sponsored messenger, which is expected to be filled by a new app called Max. Roskomnadzor has not confirmed Telegram's plans and has directed inquiries to the company. Telegram has not publicly commented on the office registration.

BetaBeacon

July 13, 2025

Bullet Heavens: auto-shooters, reverse bullet hells, and games like Vampire Survivors

- Vampire Survivors is a game that has taken the gaming world by storm, with Xbox's Phil Spencer confessing his obsession with it. - Picayune Dreams is a surreal space shooter that offers a unique twist on the genre with toggleable auto-shooter elements and boss battles that descend into bullet hell. - Brotato offers a fun and lighthearted take on the auto-shooter genre with tightly controlled arenas and a focus on quick, nimble gameplay.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey’s New Private Messenger App Doesn’t Need an Internet Connection

Jack Dorsey has launched a beta project called Bitchat, a private messaging app that uses mesh networks and Bluetooth technology to facilitate communication without internet connectivity. Bitchat allows direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity and features automatic message relay to extend its range. The app prioritizes user privacy by not requiring phone numbers or permanent identifiers and ensures end-to-end encryption. Dorsey emphasizes the app's independence from traditional internet infrastructure, making it resilient to outages and censorship. The project is still in its early stages, and its technical robustness remains to be evaluated.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Chat Without Wi-Fi: Meet Bitchat

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, introduced Bitchat, a messaging system using Bluetooth technology for offline, encrypted communication. Bitchat allows peer-to-peer messaging between nearby devices, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy mesh to facilitate short-range interactions. Messages can be transmitted securely within a range of approximately 30 meters, forming temporary mesh hubs for message relaying. The application features end-to-end encryption, password-protected group rooms, emergency wipes for quick message deletion, and independence from traditional identifiers like phone numbers. Bitchat offers a viable alternative to cloud-dependent apps in situations with limited connectivity.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

I built a PiKVM to control my PC remotely, and it’s a game-changer

The PiKVM project allows users to control a desktop or server remotely using a Raspberry Pi 4B and an HDMI-CSI bridge adapter, providing comprehensive keyboard, video, and mouse control even during reboots. It offers browser-based access to the PC's screen in real-time, enabling actions like force shutdowns, BIOS access, and operating system reinstallation, independent of the host system's operating system. The setup captures HDMI output and simulates USB input, functioning in scenarios like BIOS or crash screens. Essential components for building a PiKVM include a Raspberry Pi 4B, an HDMI-to-CSI bridge adapter, a microSD card, USB cables, an official power supply, and the latest PiKVM OS image. The setup process involves writing the OS image to the SD card, connecting the hardware, and accessing the web interface for remote control. PiKVM is beneficial for tasks such as troubleshooting boot sequences, configuring BIOS settings, and monitoring system status without physical interaction.

Winsage

June 30, 2025

Lifetime access to the full MS Office Suite is just $40

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is available for a one-time payment of .97, originally priced at 9.99, allowing installation on a single Windows PC. The lifetime license includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and a free version of Teams. This offer does not involve cloud services or recurring charges and is available until July 15.