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Telegram’s ad business: How the messaging app makes money
AppWizard
June 23, 2026

Telegram’s ad business: How the messaging app makes money

Telegram has established an advertising model that focuses on monetizing public channels, selling ads based on channel topics rather than user identity. Revenue generated from ads is split evenly between Telegram and the channel owner, with no data-mining or behavioral targeting involved. The primary ad format is Sponsored Messages, which appear in public channels with at least 1,000 subscribers and consist of a text block and optional call-to-action button. Advertisers can purchase these ads through a self-serve portal without demographic targeting, ensuring no personal data is used for placements. Public channels are treated as independent units, with 50% of ad revenue going to channel owners, paid in Toncoin. Telegram's ad system has become more accessible by lowering minimum spend requirements. In addition to Sponsored Messages, Telegram is developing Mini Apps funded by its in-app currency, Stars. Regulatory scrutiny has increased, with various countries imposing bans or restrictions on Telegram for reasons related to content moderation and compliance, such as a temporary ban in India in June 2026 due to exam fraud investigations.
Minecraft Update 3.40/1.050 Released on June 19
AppWizard
June 20, 2026

Minecraft Update 3.40/1.050 Released on June 19

Mojang has released a hotfix for Minecraft, designated as update 3.40/1.050 for console players, to address various issues following the Chaos Cubed update. The hotfix does not include a changelog, but players have reported several issues it aims to fix, including: - Pillagers and piglins maintain their loaded crossbow pose during their death animation. - Misalignment of the cursor position when opening the inventory. - Killing endermen, bees, and wolves in creative mode triggers their rage state upon death. - Incorrect textures for pillagers and blazes. - Performance issues on the PS5 version. - Fluctuating volume of goat horns based on the player's vertical view. - Breakage of old experimental sulfur cube tops. - Black stripes visible on water from a distance. - Transparent layer of sulfur cubes visible through certain blocks. - Problems with the image preview gallery in the profile menu. - Visual glitch in the menu background after logging out of a server. - Crashes on Nintendo Switch during world loading. - Delays in quick and precise inputs. - Reversion of the Japanese font from Noto Sans. - Unexpected distortion of textures within Minecraft. - Mouse functionality ceasing while in-game. - Mutton not appearing in the “new recipe unlocked” screen. - Chaos Cubed notification disabling wireless controller input. - Two Torch Clocks have stopped functioning.
5 Surprisingly Useful Android Apps That Aren't On The Play Store
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

5 Surprisingly Useful Android Apps That Aren’t On The Play Store

Google's sideloading process allows users to access applications beyond the Play Store, including open-source and free apps. Five notable apps highlighted are: - WriteOn: A minimalist note-taking app that supports checklists, numbered lists, images, an in-app calendar, and a calculator. It features a Scratchpad for temporary notes and allows exporting notes as TXT files. It also includes a Flashcards feature for studying. - Fridgey: An open-source app for managing fridge and pantry inventory, allowing users to catalog food items by freshness and expiration. Users can input item details and adjust quantities as items are consumed. - PrivacyFlip: An app that enhances privacy control for Android users, enabling toggling of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other features even when the device is locked. It includes a battery-saving feature and requires a straightforward setup process. - Timety: A productivity app that combines a to-do list, habit tracker, and focus timer. Users can categorize tasks, set priorities, and create subtasks. It features customizable habit tracking and a Pomodoro timer for maintaining focus. - Lune: An offline music player that supports Hi-Fi audio, allowing users to organize songs by various criteria and create customizable playlists. It includes equalizer adjustments and playback controls from notifications. These apps were selected for their open-source nature and utility in productivity and entertainment, with a focus on those that have received updates in the past year.
Even a fantasy game like Skyrim won't let me be a trillionaire
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

Even a fantasy game like Skyrim won’t let me be a trillionaire

Elon Musk has been announced as the world's first trillionaire. In gaming, no title has allowed players to reach trillions in virtual currency, with Balatro being one of the few games where a player can accumulate billions. In Skyrim, using the console command player.additem with the item code for gold (0000000f) to add one trillion gold pieces results in the character going into over 2 billion gold in debt due to the game's coding limitations. Skyrim's gold is represented as a 32-bit signed integer, which has a maximum value of 2,147,483,647. Exceeding this value causes the amount to flip from positive to negative.
Minecraft Dungeons 2
AppWizard
June 12, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2

Mojang is developing Minecraft Dungeons 2, a sequel that enhances the original game's mechanics and introduces an interconnected world for exploration. The game features multiplayer cooperative play for up to four players, improved matchmaking, and full cross-platform play at launch. New gameplay elements include a mini-inventory for loadout adjustments, the ability to jump and execute jump attacks, and a guiding line for navigation. Character customization has been expanded, allowing armor categorization by body parts and the introduction of Talismans, which provide passive abilities. The game includes a new Deep Dark biome with visual enhancements and a challenging boss encounter, the Twisted Warden. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to release on September 29th for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Why do mech games rarely let you leave the cockpit? Brigador Killers devs joke that the feature 'added five years of development time'
AppWizard
June 12, 2026

Why do mech games rarely let you leave the cockpit? Brigador Killers devs joke that the feature ‘added five years of development time’

The text discusses the appreciation for mech games that allow players to exit their mechs and explore the world on foot, highlighting the complexity this feature adds to game development. It mentions two titles that incorporate this concept: Psycho Patrol R and Brigador Killers, the latter of which has been in development for a decade. The lead designer, Hugh Monahan, noted that the decision to allow players to get out of the mech added five years to development time. The game features pre-rendered environments and an isometric perspective, but with increased complexity compared to its predecessor. The addition of on-foot gameplay enhances player immersion and clarifies the player's role, while also necessitating new mechanics for interactions, such as picking up weapons and engaging with the environment. Brigador Killers recently received an update with new story content and quality-of-life improvements.
Valve Is Killing Physical Steam Gift Cards, Blaming Scammers
AppWizard
June 11, 2026

Valve Is Killing Physical Steam Gift Cards, Blaming Scammers

Valve has announced the discontinuation of its physical Steam gift card program in retail stores globally due to ongoing issues with scammers exploiting these cards for fraudulent activities. All retail stock is expected to be depleted by the end of 2026. Scammers have been using these cards to siphon funds from victims, often impersonating officials or agencies. Valve has implemented measures to combat these scams but has decided to terminate the retail gift card program. Retailers will sell their remaining inventory but will not restock physical gift cards. Customers can still use existing gift cards on Steam, and digital gift cards will continue to be offered. Consumer protection agencies warn that fraudsters will continue to exploit gift cards from various brands.
Minecraft Dungeons II Is Rebuilding The Structure While Adding So Much More
AppWizard
June 11, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II Is Rebuilding The Structure While Adding So Much More

At the Summer Game Fest, Xbox announced Minecraft Dungeons II, a sequel to the 2021 game. The sequel features a vast interconnected world for exploration, new biomes, and a feature called Guiding Light to assist players in navigating. It supports up to four players in cooperative play with options for couch co-op and online multiplayer, including matchmaking and crossplay. Quality-of-life improvements allow inventory access without pausing and teleportation between players. Combat has evolved with new movement abilities and mechanics, and loot distribution ensures fairness, with each player receiving unique drops. The game will launch on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, and will be available on day one through Xbox Game Pass.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
June 11, 2026

Valve to discontinue physical Steam gift cards by the end of 2026 due to scammers — says nefarious actors continue to exploit them despite years of restrictions

Valve will discontinue the sale of physical Steam gift cards by the end of 2026, with retail stores expected to deplete existing inventory by the end of this year. Current holders of Steam gift cards can still redeem them at any time, following local laws. Users can still purchase and send digital gift cards through the Steam platform. Additionally, Valve is implementing a reservation-based system for its Steam Controller to prevent scalping, restricting reservations to eligible Steam accounts with a solid purchase history.
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