initiative Archives

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

One of the first ever American videogame magazines is now available online for free

The Video Game History Foundation has digitized the magazine Computer Entertainer, originally published from 1982 to 1990, and made it accessible to the public under a Creative Commons 4.0 attribution license. Computer Entertainer is notable for surviving the 1983-84 video game industry crash, providing reviews and insights during that period. It features American reviews of iconic games such as The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Super Mario Bros. The entire collection can be accessed at gamehistory.org/computerentertainer.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Windows 10 will die this fall — here’s how to survive

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, but users will not lose access to their systems immediately. Microsoft is launching an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to receive critical security updates until October 13, 2026, for a fee. Individual users can also access these updates for free by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or by backing up their data using the Windows Backup app and storing it on OneDrive. To upgrade to Windows 11, users should check their PC's compatibility with the PC Health Check app and back up their files before proceeding with the upgrade through the Windows Update app. If a PC does not meet the upgrade requirements, users may need to consider purchasing a new device.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Microsoft ‘rationalizes’ Windows Search settings in latest Windows 11 build

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 for users in the Canary channel, focusing on enhancements to Windows Search functionality. The update consolidates Windows Search settings into a single page under Settings > Privacy & security > Search, featuring a modern visual layout for easier navigation. This build primarily serves as a maintenance release, addressing various system issues, including a fix for File Explorer crashes and input method malfunctions. However, known issues persist, such as potential loss of Windows Hello PIN for users transitioning from other channels, display problems during upgrades, and remote desktop limitations. Investigations are also ongoing regarding non-functional widgets after the upgrade.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

McDonald’s sales improved last quarter, thanks to Minecraft

McDonald’s reported a 2.5% increase in U.S. same-store sales in the second quarter, the highest growth rate since late 2023, driven by the Minecraft Movie Meal promotion. This promotion also contributed to a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales. In the quarter ending June 30, McDonald’s system sales increased by 6%, with revenues of .8 billion and net income rising 11% to .3 billion, or .14 per share. The Minecraft Movie promotion included a Happy Meal for children and an adult meal option featuring either a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac, along with collectible items. McDonald’s has also introduced value offerings like the McValue Menu and new menu items such as McCrispy Strips to attract customers. The MyMcDonald’s Rewards loyalty program generated billion in sales over the past year, with 0 million in the last quarter. CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted the significance of technology investments in enhancing the customer experience.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

Wrexham University gamers build Wrexham Eisteddfod on Minecraft

A team from Wrexham University has created a block-by-block replica of the 2025 National Eisteddfod in Minecraft to provide an immersive experience for those unable to attend the festival. The project, which took about three weeks to develop, has attracted 50 to 60 participants from Wales, England, and Ireland since its launch. Players can explore a virtual village featuring performance stages and craft stalls, and contribute their own designs. The National Eisteddfod is Europe's largest cultural festival, and the developers aim to promote the Welsh language in a playful environment. The server will remain active for another month, encouraging creativity from players of all ages. Minecraft, the best-selling computer game of all time, has been utilized for this project due to its accessibility and popularity.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Amazon Prime Gaming’s 12 ‘free’ games for August include Civilization 3

Amazon Prime Gaming is offering free games for August 2025, including: - Available Now: - Sid Meier’s Civilization 3 Complete (GOG) - Thief: Definitive Edition (GOG) - The Academy: The First Riddle (Amazon Games App) - August 14: - Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective (Amazon Games App) - Silver Box Classics (GOG) - August 28: - Heroes of Loot 2 (GOG) - Fantasy Empires (GOG) - City Legends: The Ghost of Misty Hill Collector’s Edition (Legacy Games) Players can also access July's offerings, which include: - Marvel’s Midnight Suns - Amnesia: The Dark Descent - Saints Row IV: Re-Elected - Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Epic Games and Prime Gaming are giving away free big-name titles: See 5 PC games up for grabs

Epic Games Store and Amazon Prime Gaming are collaborating to offer free titles this week, featuring a total value of approximately 0. Epic Games is providing two titles: Road Redemption, a motorcycle racing game available until August 14, and 112 Operator, an emergency dispatcher simulation. Amazon Prime Gaming is offering three titles: Sid Meier’s Civilization III: Complete, Thief: Definitive Edition, and The Academy: The First Riddle.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Decentralizing Trust — An Interview with the Team Behind Session Messenger

Session is a decentralized messaging platform that prioritizes user anonymity and metadata resistance. It operates on a network of community-operated servers, eliminating central authority and personal identifiers such as phone numbers or emails for account creation. This design minimizes risks of data breaches and unauthorized tracking. Session does not collect user metadata, which distinguishes it from other messaging apps that may expose user insights through metadata. Users are assigned randomly generated cryptographic keys instead of traditional identifiers, ensuring secure messaging. Messages are routed via a protocol called Onion Requests, which strips metadata during transmission. The platform is open-source, benefiting from community contributions, and aims to enhance user privacy by employing anonymous routing. Recent developments include a migration to the Session Network for improved accessibility and security, and a move to Switzerland for better data protection. Session is introducing a Pro tier to enhance user experience while maintaining free access for all. The platform emphasizes the importance of transparency and robust design in communication tools.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

A Linux terminal app for native Android development? Here’s why I’m bullish

Google is developing a new Linux terminal app for Android that allows developers to build applications directly on their devices using a Debian image within a virtual machine. This app will provide access to essential tools like Android Studio, although currently, Android Studio does not support ARM-based CPUs, which poses a challenge. Additionally, the Android Canary build includes support for Linux GUI applications, enabling users to run graphical applications such as Chromium, GIMP, and LibreOffice on devices like the Pixel 8 Pro. This initiative may contribute to merging Android and ChromeOS for a unified development platform. The release date is not specified, but Pixel devices are expected to be the first to receive the update.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

MumuPlayer Android Emulator version 5.0 out now

Disney is merging its streaming platforms, Disney+ and Hulu, into a single application in select markets, starting with the United States after initial implementation in the Philippines. Subscribers will have a unified Disney+ app that includes Hulu's content library while maintaining separate subscription plans for both services. Hulu will continue as a standalone brand, and Disney plans to rebrand its Star service to Hulu in certain territories. Existing subscribers in regions with the combined app will retain their Disney+ subscription and access to a variety of content from both platforms.